Keyboards are a major part of everyday working life. Whether you use a laptop or desktop, having a top-quality keyboard will make all the difference to your productivity, because let's face it, it's probably the most used piece of equipment aside from the computer itself.
It's important to choose a keyboard that's right for you and the type of computer you use. For example, if you're going to be doing a lot of typing, you'll need to make sure it can support your wrist. If you're going to be carrying out a lot of graphics work or intricate work, on the other hand, you might want to consider purchasing a smaller keyboard that can sit side by side with a graphics tablet.
Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard
Utilising the same basic shape as Microsoft's previous Sculpt Ergo, the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard shares the Surface Book's snazzy design and excellent keyswitches, with firm and satisfying feedback. The wristrest is also made from the plush Alcantara fabric used on the newest versions of the Surface Pro's TypeCover keyboard.
Connecting via Bluetooth, this keyboard is elegant, understated and modern, whilst being low-profile enough to fit in an office locker. For the truly space-conscious, Microsoft also offers a non-ergonomic version, which lacks the Alcantara covering and the ergonomic shape.
Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard key specs
| Keyswitch | Mechanical |
| Tenkeyless | No |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Weight | 1kg |
Price: 119.99
Topre Realforce 88U
Prized by serious keyboard enthusiasts, the Topre Realforce range is expensive and highly sought-after thanks to its exquisitely-designed keyswitches. They're electrostatic capacitive switches rather than mechanical, but don't let that put you off they're incredibly satisfying to use.
They also combine a heavy weight and actuation force with a surprisingly quiet auditory feedback noticeably quieter than most Cherry switches, for example. The 88U's switches are weighted at 45g, rather than the variable weighting used in some other Topre models. The keyboard itself is solid and heavy, and while its weight means it's not exactly portable, it is reassuringly sturdy.
Topre Realforce 88U key specs
| Keyswitch | Topre capacative |
| Tenkeyless | Yes |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Weight | 1.2kg |
Price: 210
Corsair Strafe RGB MX Silent
PC gaming peripherals are how must people are introduced to proper mechanical keyboards these days, but the main drawback for those wishing to use them in a business setting is that they're generally both incredibly loud and somewhat garish.
The Corsair Strafe MX Silent fixes that, with a (comparatively) understated design and keyswitches that are much quieter than the Cherry MX Red or MX Blue switches often used on gaming keyboards although they're not quite as silent as the name suggests.
Corsair Strafe RGB MX Silent key specs
| Keyswitch | Cherry MX Silent |
| Tenkeyless | No |
| Connection type | USB |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
Price: 159.99
Matias Quiet Pro Mini
One of the smallest mechanical keyboards we've seen, the Matias Quiet Pro Mini is a dinky little number that's guaranteed to fit on even the smallest of desks. It's even got three USB passthrough ports built into it, making connecting additional devices to your PC a cinch.
As the name suggests, the Quiet Pro Mini is also one of the least noisy mechanical keyboards around. If you're looking for a keyboard that uses proper keyswitches but won't annoy your co-workers with gunshot-like auditory feedback, the Matias Quiet Pro Mini is an excellent option.
Matias Quiet Pro Mini key specs
| Keyswitch | Matias Quiet Click |
| Tenkeyless | Yes |
| Connection type | USB |
| Weight | 950g |
Price: 118.80
Logitech K830
This Logitech keyboard is designed for use with home theatre PCs. While its somewhat spongy feedback and lack of branded keyswitches mean it's definitely not built for hardcore typists, it's well-suited to those with minimalist or space-poor workstations.
It features a built-in trackpad, allowing you to cut down on the amount of unnecessary peripherals on your desk. It's wireless too, which, combined with its compact size, makes it perfect for taking with you on business trips.
Logitech K830 key specs
| Keyswitch | Mechanical |
| Tenkeyless | Yes |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Weight | 495g |
Price: 99.99
Unicomp Original IBM Style Model M
A reproduction of the venerable IBM Model M widely regarded by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts as one of the best ever made this keyboard is bursting with old-school charm. Available in black and grey or a retro beige hue, the Unicomp Model M is bulky and plasticky, but endearingly old-fashioned.
It also uses the original buckling spring switches, which give strong, tactile and auditory feedback that's perfect for heavy typists. Be warned, though it's not quiet.
Unicomp Original IBM Style Model M key specs
| Keyswitch | Buckling spring |
| Tenkeyless | No |
| Connection type | USB |
| Weight | 1.85kg |
Price: 99.98
Filco Majestouch-2 Ninja Tenkeyless
Not one for the faint of heart, this unusual keyboard features letters printed on the front of the keycaps, rather than the top - meaning that it looks completely blank on first glance. It's best suited to accomplished touch-typists, for obvious reasons.
Coupled with the blank keycaps, its matte-black colour scheme gives it an attractive minimalist look and the tenkeyless design makes it wonderfully compact. It uses Cherry MX mechanical switches, available in Blue, Brown and Red varieties.
Filco Majestouch-2 Ninja Tenkeyless key specs
| Keyswitch | Cherry Mx Brown/Blue/Red |
| Tenkeyless | Yes |
| Connection type | USB |
| Weight | 980g |
Price: 120
Review units and images provided courtesy of manufacturers and The Keyboard Company.
