Keyboards
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Stop typing on that mushy plastic slab that came with your PC. Whether you are fragging teenagers in a lobby or pretending to work from your flat, your keyboard is your primary interface with reality. In June 2026, there is no excuse for using a rubbish one. We have tested the latest mechanical speedsters and sleek office tools to find out which ones actually deserve a spot on your desk.
How we rank these products
Our rankings combine real-time UK consumer interest data from PriceSpy with structured analysis of key specs like video quality, stabilization, battery life, and value for money. We continuously update rankings to reflect both market trends and product performance. We also highlight key trade-offs and use cases to help you choose whatβs actually right for you.
What changed this month?
Updated for June 2026 to include the latest Gen 3 iterations from SteelSeries and the enduring, if overpriced, Apple staples. We have cut through the marketing fluff to see which boards actually survive a year on a messy British desk.
Apple Magic Keyboard (EN)
π Best for Mac Minimalists
The standard-issue slab for the Apple faithful, offering a low profile and zero friction.
If you want your desk to look like a Jony Ive fever dream, this is the default choice, though it lacks the soul of a mechanical board.
Reasons to buy
- βIncredibly slim profile saves desk space
- βBattery life lasts for weeks on a single charge
- βInstant pairing with macOS without faffing about
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βThe lack of a backlight is insulting at this price point
- βKey travel is so shallow it feels like tapping on a kitchen worktop
- βThe aluminium edges can actually feel quite sharp after a long day of typing
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9" (5th Generation) (EN)
π Best for iPad Productivity
A cantilevered marvel that turns your tablet into a laptop, for better or worse.
It is the most expensive way to make your iPad heavier than a MacBook Air, but the trackpad is undeniably brilliant.
Reasons to buy
- βThe floating design is genuinely clever and ergonomic
- βThe trackpad is the only one on the market that doesn't feel like rubbish
- βPass-through charging keeps your main port free
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βThe outer material starts to peel and look tatty after six months of bag transit
- βIt doubles the weight of your iPad, defeating the point of a tablet
- βThe hinge angle is limited; good luck using it on a cramped train tray
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 (Nordic)
π Best for Competitive Gaming
The fastest switches in the business, now in their third iteration with improved stabilizers.
If you are losing at Counter-Strike, you can no longer blame your hardware; these OmniPoint switches are faster than your reflexes.
Reasons to buy
- βAdjustable actuation lets you set keys to a hair-trigger
- βThe OLED screen is actually useful for monitoring CPU temps
- βBuild quality is tank-like with a premium aluminium top plate
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βThe Nordic layout will annoy you if you are used to a standard UK return key
- βThe SteelSeries GG software is bloated and constantly asks you to log in
- βThe magnetic wrist rest is a total magnet for dust and biscuit crumbs
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 (EN)
π Best for Small Desks
A 60% layout powerhouse that gives your mouse all the room in the world.
Perfect for those who have tiny desks or just want to look like a pro gamer, provided you don't need arrow keys.
Reasons to buy
- βTiny footprint is ideal for low-sensitivity flick shots
- βDual-actuation features allow one key to do two different things
- βDetachable USB-C cable makes it easy to chuck in a bag
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βLosing the dedicated arrow keys makes spreadsheets a living nightmare
- βThe 'Gen 3' price is a lot to swallow for only 60% of a keyboard
- βThe high-pitched 'ping' sound of the spacebar will grate on you by month three
Akai MPK Mini Plus
π Best for Music Production
Not for typing, but for making tunes; a compact MIDI controller with actual keys.
If you are trying to write an email on this, you are a lost cause. For bedroom producers, however, it is a Swiss Army knife.
Reasons to buy
- βProper pitch and mod wheels instead of those rubbish touch strips
- βBuilt-in sequencer is a massive bonus for hardware enthusiasts
- βThe pads are surprisingly responsive for finger drumming
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βThe plastic chassis feels a bit like a child's toy from the early 2000s
- βThe keys are 'mini'βif you have sausage fingers, you will struggle
- βThe joystick controller feels like it might snap off if you get too aggressive
Still not sure which one to buy?
Join the Smart Spenders community! Talk to real buyers, ask questions about specific models, and make sure you are getting the absolute best deal.
Ask the Community βHow to choose a board that doesn't bite
Buying a keyboard used to be simple, but now it is a minefield of switch types, layouts, and marketing jargon. Here is what actually matters.
Mechanical vs Membrane
If you do any serious typing, get a mechanical board. Membrane keyboards (like the cheap ones in offices) feel like pressing into a bowl of porridge. Mechanical switches offer tactile feedback and will last for years, though they can be loud enough to annoy your flatmates.
The Layout Trap
Always check the layout. A 'Nordic' or 'US' layout might look similar, but the @ symbol and the Enter key will be in the wrong place for a UK user. Unless you want to spend a week relearning where the pound sign is, stick to UK ISO.
Size Matters
Full-sized boards are for accountants. TKL (Tenkeyless) is the sweet spot for most, removing the number pad to save space. 60% boards look cool on Instagram but are a massive pain if you actually use your function keys or arrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these keyboards so expensive?
You are paying for build quality and specialized sensors. A Β£200 gaming board has hall-effect sensors that register inputs in milliseconds; a cheap board uses bits of plastic that wear out in a year.
Can I use a gaming keyboard for office work?
Yes, but your colleagues will hate the noise of 'clicky' switches. Look for 'Linear' or 'Silent' switches if you work in a shared space.
Transparency & Data: Prices and availability are updated regularly using data from PriceSpy and retailers.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on user activity and data β not paid placements. Read our full methodology here.