Best Soft Touch Computer Keyboards

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.The Insider Pick:Because voice recognition software is still prone to embarrassing errors, typing remains the best way to enter information into a computer. If you want the most comfortable and efficient keyboard, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional keyboard is for you. It’s durable with great tactile feedback and has many specialized control keys. If you dislike typing, you’ve probably been waiting … and waiting … and waiting for voice recognition software to finally live up to the hype. But after seeing the voice recognition software turn statements like “call Aunt Sally” into “small ants rally” or “touchdown pass” into “much clown gas,” you realize your keyboard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.Since you’re going to have to live with that keyboard for the foreseeable future, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade. If you’re tired of your keyboard not having a numeric keypad, not providing enough tactile feedback, or not having a J keycap anymore, we have collected a list of some of the best keyboards you can buy.Whether you’re a typist with perfect form — thanks to Miss Jarvis in sixth grade and the thousands of times she emphasized the home position — or you’re a hunt-and-peck typist, having a great keyboard can at least make the job more enjoyable and more comfortable. Types of computer keyboardsWhen purchasing a new keyboard, think about how you’ll use it. Some people just want a new basic keyboard to plug into a desktop computer that doesn’t have so many crumbs inside it that every other keystroke sticks. But others will want a keyboard that can perform a specific function.Gaming: A gaming keyboard will have fast response times, recording multiple keystrokes quickly. They also have pleasing aesthetics and use lighting to enhance the experience, as Tom’s Guide explains. They may offer extra keys you can program for certain gaming needs.Mechanical: A mechanical keyboard is popular, as it has great tactile feedback, while also providing that satisfying “clack” noise that clearly identifies a successful keystroke. If you type fast with a light touch, mechanical keyboards will record those keystrokes well, according to Engadget.Mobile: Keyboards designed to be used with tablets or smartphones will be thinner and smaller than a standard keyboard to make them easier to carry. They may even fold for transport.Music: If you often play music on your computer, having a keyboard that includes special buttons for volume control and track skipping is a smart idea, according to Lifewire.Specialty: Many types of keyboards exist that will perform specific functions, such as for software coding or with certain types of language layouts.Standard: A standard keyboard is exactly what you’d expect it to be, a general type of keyboard with all of the keys you’d expect to find. It will work well in a multitude of situations, giving it plenty of flexibility, and it usually doesn’t cost very much.Key features of keyboardsThe features found in the keyboard play an important role in how you’ll be able to use it. We’ve collected some other important features to consider as listed below.Backlight: Some keyboards will be lit from underneath the keys, which makes it easier to see the keys and the labels on the keys when working in a dark room. Some keyboard makers will use a backlight to improve the look of the keyboard, too.Connection options: Some keyboards can connect to your computer or mobile device in multiple ways, as PC Mag discusses. However, USB is the most common type of connection, as this method works easily and provides power to the keyboard. Wireless keyboards work over a Bluetooth or RF connection, giving them the advantage of being used anywhere, but they will need batteries to provide power.Ergonomics: If you find yourself with tired wrists and forearms after spending a lot of time typing, an ergonomically designed keyboard can help. It forces you to hold your arms and wrists in the position for proper typing techniques, as The Wirecutter shows. Some keyboards use padded wrist rests to accomplish this, while others have odd-looking designs with split or curved keyboards.Keystroke response: Different interior parts in the keys will yield different response times. Some key designs will respond more quickly to light keystroke touches. The tactile feel of the keys will play a big role in your enjoyment of the keyboard.Layout of keys: Nearly all English-language keyboards use the traditional QWERTY layout, although you can find other layouts for special tasks, according to Lifehacker. Some keyboards have a 10-key numeric pad on the right side, which is great for entering a lot of numbers into a spreadsheet quickly. Some contain function keys across the top, providing quick access to commands. Some have dedicated arrow keys. And some keyboards even have unassigned extra keys, allowing you to program them for any function you need.Size of keys: Some keyboard makers will make use of smaller sized keys, especially when designing keyboards for laptops or for mobile applications. Smaller keyboards are convenient to carry, but they can be difficult for typing, because you may strike more than one key inadvertently.With all these tips in mind, read on to see which of our keyboard picks is best for your needs. We've included, mechanical, wireless, mobile, and gaming keyboards to suit different peoples' needs.Although the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is our top keyboard pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Corsair Gaming K70, the Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550, the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, the AbleNet Keys U See Large Print USB Wired, the Qwerkywriter Typewriter Wireless Mechanical, the Logitech Washable K310, and the iClever Portable Folding keyboards.

If you spend a lot of time creating content on your PC, the Logitech Craft is one of the best keyboards you can buy today. Read the full review: Logitech Craft 5.

  1. Shop for soft key keyboards at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Best Buy customers often prefer the following products when searching for Soft Key Keyboards. ' I love the soft touch keys.
  2. Jun 30, 2019  The 11 Best Computer Keyboards of 2019. Search the site GO. Computer Components. Keyboards Monitors Mice. Available in both “soft” and “clicky” variants depending on your noise tolerance, the 4.4 out of 5-star Amazon rating speaks to the superb typing experience that comes with a mechanical keyboard. There’s room for.
  3. The Insider Pick: Because voice recognition software is still prone to embarrassing errors, typing remains the best way to enter information into a computer. If you want the most comfortable and efficient keyboard, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional keyboard is for you.
  4. Currently, the best computer keyboard is the Das 4. Wiki researchers have been writing reviews of the latest computer keyboards since 2015.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Rundown

  • Best Overall: Microsoft Sculpt at Amazon, “The natural arc keys mimic the curved shape of your fingertips to create a more natural look and feel.”
  • Best Wireless: Microsoft Surface at Amazon, “The Surface keyboard excels at protecting your hands and wrists through its keycap geometry.”
  • Best Budget: Fellowes Microban at Amazon, “Includes seven hot keys dedicated to controlling multimedia playback, as well as one-touch access to open a Web browser.”
  • Best for Macs:Kinesis Freestyle 2 Blue at Amazon, “The Bluetooth-based functionality allows for a total of three devices to be synced at one time.”
  • Best for Portability: MoKo Foldable at Amazon, “The tech accessory feels more like a Kindle than a full-sized keyboard when stowed in your bag.”
  • Best Splurge: Mistel Barocco at Amazon, “The ergonomic design breaks the keyboard into two pieces for a split design that can be positioned for a natural feel on your wrists.”
  • Best for Gaming:Razer Ornata Chroma Revolutionary at Amazon, “LED backlighting and in-game effects immerse you into the experience.”
  • Best Mechanical:Matias Ergo Pro at Amazon, “It’s capable of being used flat and at a nine-degree angle courtesy of the built-in keyboard legs.”

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Microsoft Sculpt

4.8

Widely recognized as the best ergonomic keyboard on the market, Microsoft's Sculpt for Windows computers is a standout choice for all-day comfort. The split keyboard design immediately assists in positioning your wrists into a more natural position rather than the straight-on approach most keyboards favor. The domed design helps maintain positioning throughout the day, keeping your wrists at a more relaxed angle, which helps to eliminates the discomforts that come from other models. Beyond its split design, the natural arc keys mimic the curved shape of your fingertips to create a more natural look and feel, which increases overall comfort. Rounding out its ergonomic design is a cushioned palm rest that allows your wrists to relax and form a completely natural feel from your fingertips to your wrists. A separate number pad allows you to choose its position for an ideal comfort level beside the Sculpt keyboard.

Read up on some helpful tips before you buy your keyboard.

Best Wireless: Microsoft Surface

Ideally suited for Microsoft’s Surface line of computers, this ergonomic keyboard is designed with comfort in mind and is a great choice for finding a natural arc. Powered by Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 and three AAA batteries with a 12-month lifespan, the Surface keyboard is wirelessly compatible up to 32 feet away from the Surface lineup. When you’re in front of the computer, you’ll find that the double-cushioned palm rest, which is covered in a mix of polyester and polyurethane (better known as Alcantara), is both durable and stain resistant. Beyond its durability, the Surface keyboard excels at protecting your hands and wrists through its keycap geometry, split space bar and a more natural design that works to prevent wrist and hand strain. The expert build quality allows for a smooth typing experience that’s whisper quiet with excellent stability for use on nearly any surface.

Best Budget: Fellowes Microban

Budget priced with premium comfort, the Fellowes Microban split design keyboard offers more natural comfort without breaking the piggy bank. Part of the Microban family of products, the antimicrobial protection will help keep your keyboard clean while still offering a more natural hand and arm position. Created with Windows machines in mind, the Fellowes includes seven hot keys dedicated to controlling multimedia playback, as well as one-touch access to open a Web browser. The dedicated number pad on the side reduces the need for external hardware and having to look for the numerical numbers at the top of the keyboard. While there’s undoubtedly an adjustment period to any ergonomic keyboard, the immediate benefit of reduced pain and stress combined with Fellowes outstanding wrist support will quickly have you asking why you didn’t switch to an ergonomic keyboard sooner.

Soft touch gun stocks

Looking for more ergonomic accessories? Check out our roundup of the best ergonomic mice.

Best for Macs: Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue

Apple computer users should look no further than the Kinesis Freestyle2 blue wireless ergonomic keyboard that comes with a bevy of Apple-specific keyboard shortcuts, including cut, copy, paste and undo. Connecting to your Apple machine via Bluetooth 3.0, a single battery charge on the Kinesis should last around 300 hours or six months (based on two hours per day of typing).

You’ll immediately discover that the negative slope design reduces the required extension of your wrist to hit each key. Available with three different channels, the Bluetooth-based functionality allows for a total of three devices to be synced at one time (switching between the devices requires the single press of a key). Additional buttons include a shortcut for hiding (and showing) the dock, advanced controls for multimedia playback and volume.

Best for Portability: MoKo Foldable Keyboard

Considering how thin and sleek it is, the MoKo keyboard's size alone could likely qualify it as the most portable on this list. But when you factor in that the ergonomic keyboard is foldable, things look even better.

Weighing only 6.2 ounces and sporting dimensions of 6.2' x 4' (with an unbelievable thickness of only half an inch), the tech accessory feels more like a Kindle than a full-sized keyboard when stowed in your bag. It connects via Bluetooth (though the keystrokes for turning it on seem a little quirky), and it’s laid out into two key sections to support the standard two-hand ergonomic feel.

The 110 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery takes about two hours to fully juice up, but that’ll give you up to 30 days of standby time and 40 hours of continuous type time. The company also promises about 3 million clicks of key lifetime, so this keyboard will be kicking for a while. To round out the cool factor, this gadget is pretty intuitive — right out of your bag it automatically powers on and off just by opening and closing it.

Best Soft Touch Computer Keyboards For Windows 7

Best Splurge: Mistel Barocco

The Mistel Barocco is specifically designed for typing purists, gamers and programmers. While gamers will love the lighting fast key registering, typists will enjoy the compact, design-saving space on the desk and programmers will appreciate both Dvorak and Coleman (as well the common QWERTY) preset layouts along with three extra customizable layouts. The ergonomic design breaks the keyboard into two pieces for a split design that can be positioned for a natural feel on your wrists, thus increasing productivity and reducing pain and stress. Minimizing hand movement is a benefit of a split keyboard design and this is where Mistel delivers. The keyboard remains both durable and tough, thanks to a temperature-resistant build that’s resistant to friction and solvents (read: its lifespan is likely to outlast your existing computer).

You may also be interested in our roundup of the best computer keyboards on the market today.

Best for Gaming: Razer Ornata Chroma Revolutionary

Gaming fans who want a more comfortable keyboard feel combined with the features and looks of a mechanical one have found their answer with the Razer Ornata Chroma Revolutionary option. Gaming-centric features such as LED backlighting and in-game effects immerse you into the experience. For long-term gaming sessions, it’s the curved wrist rest that really appeals. Built specifically for the Razer Ornata, the curved wrist rest makes up for the lack of a split keyboard, allowing long-term gaming sessions to feel more comfortable and natural than a traditional gaming keyboard would allow. Adding to the ergonomic value is the mid-height keycap sizing that allows for easier keystrokes between each key depression, which minimizes the impact continuous finger movements will have on your wrists.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best gaming keyboards.

Best Mechanical: Matias Ergo Pro

Quieter than the more traditional mechanical keyboard, the Matias Ergo Pro for Windows computers offers a tactical feel and reduces the impact that standard ones have from the ​repetitious jarring of the hands and fingers. The split keyboard design immediately improves body posture, elbow placement and allows your wrists to be placed outward from your body for a more natural feel. Additionally, the compact design reduces the reach to a mouse, thereby lessening the impact on your neck and shoulders. A padded palm rest combines with a 4.5-degree of negative tilt for even more reduction of wrist strain. Its capable of being used flat and at a nine-degree angle courtesy of the built-in keyboard legs.

Check out our other reviews of the best mechanical keyboards available on the market today.

Tested by

How We Tested

Our reviewers spent 42 hours testing one of the most popular ergonomic keyboards available. To really get the full experience, we asked them to consider the most important features when using this ergonomic keyboard — from size to compatibility with different operating systems — and we've outlined them here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

What to Look for in an Ergonomic Keyboard

Usage - Where will you be using this keyboard? Is it mostly for personal use, or will you take it to the office? Do you need an ergonomic keyboard made specifically with gamers in mind? While you can use a keyboard for multiple purposes, you may enjoy customizing which one you buy based on how you’re going to use it the most.

Mac vs. PC - Do you have a Mac or a PC? While it seems like keyboards should be usable with both, that’s not always the case. You need to make sure whatever keyboard you buy is compatible with your system (this is usually a bigger problem for Macs rather than PCs). Additionally, the two different systems have slightly different keys. While you can often use mapping software to alleviate these issues, you may want to purchase a keyboard that is specifically designed for your type of machine.

Keyboard size - Do you need a full-size keyboard, complete with a number pad? If you’re inputting a lot of numbers, you probably find the number pad vital. But if you’re used to typing on a laptop, it’s likely you barely use it. Do you need a foldable, portable keyboard? Or do you need something with a small footprint but not necessarily portable? You can find ergonomic keyboards in all sizes — just think about what exactly it is you’ll need.

Test Results: Microsoft Sculpt (Best Overall)

Soft Touch Keyboard Wireless

4.8

What We Like

Best Soft Touch Wireless Keyboard

  • Very comfortable

  • Wireless

  • Responsive keys

What We Don't Like

Best Soft Touch Computer Keyboards For Sale

  • No Bluetooth connectivity

  • Large footprint

Soft Keyboards For Computers

Our testers thought that this keyboard was very comfortable to use, even for long periods of time. “The leather pad on the bottom feels great when resting my wrists on it,” one reviewer said. While our testers liked that this keyboard was wireless and “made desk organization easier,” they wished it also had Bluetooth capability.

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