The 10 Best Keyboards For Fast Typing
This wiki has been updated 13 times since it was first published in January of 2019. If being able to type at the speed of thought is important to your creative or professional life, or you're a gamer who wants to enhance your leisure time, you'll have to choose between mechanical and membrane keyboards. You'll also need to decide how much you're willing to spend, so our list includes a few budget-friendly picks along with some pricier models that offer a host of features. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to the Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.
1. Drop Alt
2. Razer Hunstman
3. Durgod Taurus K320
Editor's Notes
September 04, 2020:
The right choice of keyboard for fast typing depends on two things: personal preference for typing feel, as well as your specific definition of "fast." In that light, a good keyboard won't by any means help you increase your typing speed - only practice and focus can do that - but it can help you get that practice in, and make fewer mistakes. As far as feel, that is, of course, subjective, but it will also help to have a basic understanding of keyboard technology before diving into your search.
If you're okay with membrane keyboards and don't want to spend much, get the Kensington Slim. It's extremely simple, costs very little, and it won't hold you back, even if you type as fast as 100 words per minute. The Razer Ornata Expert uses comparable technology, but goes out of its way to simulate mechanical switches but without the noise that many of them make.
If you type a lot, though, you may well appreciate having a mechanical keyboard. If you know a little bit about which switch you're looking for, both the Drop Alt and Durgod Taurus K320 will probably have something for you. In fact, they offer some of the lightest, firmest, and low-travel switches out there. Similarly, the Razer BlackWidow TE Chroma v2 comes in three versions, one of which will suit most users.
The Glorious Modular comes pre-fitted with Cherry MX Browns, which are quiet and tactile, and a good compromise between gaming and typing-focused mechanisms. The Havit KB395L, on the other hand, make quite a bit of noise - and as such, is not ideal for crowded homes or offices - using an especially low-profile switch.
Then there are some more advanced models that are slightly more expensive but also offer interesting and premium technology. The Razer Hunstman comes in compact, tenkeyless, and full-size designs and utilizes cutting-edge optical actuation that ensures just about the quickest response of anything on the market. Both the ABKO K935P V2 and EpoMaker NLZ use a different kind of actuation, called capacitive action, and though they are expensive, many claim that they're as nice as it gets. With all that said, though, before you invest in an expensive keyboard, you might consider getting your hands on a switch tester first, so you have some idea of what each technology feels and sounds like.
February 11, 2019:
Non-gamers should not be scared off by the inclinations of some of our top picks. Though some of them seem to be designed for gamers—a few even being explicitly marketed towards them—this doesn't mean that they're not incredible in other contexts, too. An example of this is the Roccat Vulcan 100 Aimo, which could just as easily serve someone working in audio transcription. It should come as no surprise that our top picks are mech models, because these tend to have a spring action most conducive to quick typing. We have included a few membrane models, both because of their portability and practicality (i.e., quiet in work environments), and because of their affordability, but anyone with a true need for speed will likely be better served by skipping to our top 5 choices.
Special Honors
Ducky Keyboards Ducky makes a decent range of no-nonsense, highly reliable designs with varying types of backlights and premium keycaps. If you decide to dive into the world of high-end keyboards, Ducky is a name you will almost certainly hear on a repeated basis. duckychannel.com
MechanicalKeyboards.Com This online emporium has access to a surprising number of premium keyboards, and often at list price. In fact, they can source many international models that are all but impossible to find elsewhere, as well as parts and components for building your own custom model. mechanicalkeyboards.com
Mechanical Switch Guide This isn't a particular keyboard for sale, but rather a wide-ranging collection of specifications for most switches on the market. This will help you determine which keyboards to consider purchasing, or, if you're the owner of a modular device, which switches to buy for swapping into your current keyboard. thegamingsetup.com
4. Havit KB395L
5. Razer BlackWidow TE Chroma v2
6. Abko K935P V2
7. Kensington Slim
8. EpoMaker NLZ
9. Glorious Modular
10. Razer Ornata Expert
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.