Buying Guide

The Best Keyboard for Long Nails

Five keyboards compared, from the Macally compact to the MX Keys S, with the trade-offs of each named.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image

Low-profile keys with short travel are easier to press with long nails than tall mechanical keycaps. Every pick has low-profile, scissor or slim keys.

We sorted these picks by battery (backlight off), paired devices and layout, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips battery (backlight off), the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard

    The cheapest way into this group, below the Bnnwa multi-device.

    Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Bnnwa multi-device the next step up.

    Check price for Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Also Consider

    Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with Touchpad

    Switching between 3 devices.

    Best for: Buyers who want switching between 3 devices.

    Check price for Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with Touchpad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Strong Alternative

    Arteck 2.4G Wireless Touch Keyboard

    A stainless steel build.

    Best for: Buyers who want stainless steel build.

    Check price for Arteck 2.4G Wireless Touch Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Longest Battery Life

    Keychron B6 Pro Ultra-Slim

    The longest battery life here (up to 8 months).

    Best for: Offices where the keyboard stays on all day.

    Check price for Keychron B6 Pro Ultra-Slim on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Premium Pick

    Logitech MX Keys S

    The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with backlighting that wakes as your hands approach.

    Best for: Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Keychron B6 Pro costs.

    Check price for Logitech MX Keys S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard

What the Macally compact brings to the table is 12 shortcut keys, plus an on/off switch to save battery.

Best for

Spending as little as possible, with the Bnnwa multi-device the next step up.

Skip if

Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard

Why we like it

The 78-key layout drops the number pad to save desk space but keeps 12 shortcut keys for media and system functions. A 2.4GHz USB-A dongle handles the connection, so there's no Bluetooth pairing to manage. It is the only pick here with a compact (78 keys) layout; the Bnnwa multi-device has a slim with touchpad layout instead.

No other pick in this guide offers a slim keys key type; compare the Keychron B6 Pro, which has a quiet scissor keys key type. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Bnnwa multi-device was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Keychron B6 Pro, which runs for up to 8 months.

Key specs

Layout
Compact (78 keys)
Key type
Slim keys
Connection
2.4GHz USB receiver, 1 AAA battery

Pros

  • 12 shortcut keys
  • On/off switch to save battery
  • Battery included in the box
  • Compact (78 keys) layout, the only one here

Also Consider2 of 5

Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with Touchpad

The Bnnwa multi-device stands out for switching between 3 devices, and it adds a touchpad lock with Fn.

Best for

Buyers who want switching between 3 devices.

Skip if

If budget leads, the Macally compact was cheaper at our last price check.
Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with Touchpad

Why we like it

Its ABS keycaps resist wear, and the slim, light body works with laptops, phones and tablets. No other pick in this guide offers a slim with touchpad layout; compare the Macally compact, which has a compact (78 keys) layout. Like the Arteck 2.4G, it has a low-profile keys key type, while the Macally compact uses a slim keys key type.

It also comes with 12 multimedia shortcuts. Check that your computer has Bluetooth, or use the included receiver if there is one. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Macally compact and the pricier Arteck 2.4G, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Keychron B6 Pro runs for up to 8 months.

Key specs

Paired devices
3 devices
Layout
Slim with touchpad
Key type
Low-profile keys
Connection
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz

Pros

  • Switching between 3 devices
  • Touchpad lock with Fn
  • 12 multimedia shortcuts
  • Slim with touchpad layout, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the Macally compact at the time of writing

Strong Alternative3 of 5

Arteck 2.4G Wireless Touch Keyboard

The Arteck 2.4G stands out for a stainless steel build, and it adds media hotkeys.

Best for

Buyers who want stainless steel build.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Macally compact, which cost less when we checked.
Arteck 2.4G Wireless Touch Keyboard

Why we like it

A nano receiver plugs into a TV-connected PC, and the built-in touchpad replaces a mouse on the couch. Its 10-metre range covers most living rooms. It works with Windows and ChromeOS, and two AAA batteries and a 24-month warranty come included.

It suits a media PC under the TV. Media hotkeys control playback without reaching for the touchpad. The receiver works with smart TVs and HTPCs as well as PCs.

It is the only pick here with a compact with touchpad layout; the Macally compact has a compact (78 keys) layout instead. Like the Bnnwa multi-device, it has a low-profile keys key type, while the Macally compact uses a slim keys key type. Its price falls between the Bnnwa multi-device and the Keychron B6 Pro, based on our last check.

Key specs

Layout
Compact with touchpad
Key type
Low-profile keys
Connection
2.4GHz USB receiver, 2 AAA batteries

Pros

  • Stainless steel build
  • Media hotkeys
  • 24-month warranty
  • Compact with touchpad layout, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the Macally compact at the time of writing

The catch

Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Keychron B6 Pro, which runs for up to 8 months.

Longest Battery Life4 of 5

Keychron B6 Pro Ultra-Slim

The Keychron B6 Pro is a slim full-size board at a budget price, with multi-device wireless and a 1000Hz polling rate.

Best for

Offices where the keyboard stays on all day.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Macally compact cost less when we checked.
Keychron B6 Pro Ultra-Slim

Why we like it

Keychron rates it for about 1,200 hours of use per charge. It is rated for up to 1,200 hours, about eight months at five hours a day, and it keeps working while charging. Its 2.4GHz link polls at 1,000Hz.

You get a quiet scissor keys key type here, which sets it apart from the Arteck 2.4G and its a low-profile keys key type. You also get online key remapping. It was priced above the Arteck 2.4G and below the MX Keys S at the time of writing. There is no published device pairing figure, whereas the Bnnwa multi-device offers 3 devices.

Key specs

Battery (backlight off)
up to 8 months
Layout
Full-size, ultra-slim
Key type
Quiet scissor keys
Connection
Wireless, multi-device, 1000Hz polling
Wrist support
None

Pros

  • Up to 8 months per charge (backlight off)
  • About 1,200 hours of use per charge, per Keychron
  • Online key remapping
  • Quiet scissor keys key type, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the Macally compact at the time of writing

Premium Pick5 of 5

Logitech MX Keys S

The MX Keys S is the default choice for a work desk: laptop-like dished keys, backlighting that wakes as your hands approach, and pairing with three devices over Bluetooth or Logi Bolt.

Best for

Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Keychron B6 Pro costs.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Macally compact cost less when we checked.
Logitech MX Keys S

Why we like it

Smart Actions in Logi Options+ can automate repetitive shortcuts. It lasts up to 10 days with backlighting or 5 months without, and charges over USB-C. The low-profile angle suits wrist posture.

It pairs over Bluetooth or Logitech's Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt is not compatible with older Unifying receivers, so keep the one in the box. It supports Windows and macOS layouts, which helps if you switch between computers. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Macally compact at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Keychron B6 Pro the nearest cheaper option.

Key specs

Battery (backlight off)
up to 5 months
Paired devices
3 devices
Layout
Full-size, low-profile
Key type
Spherically dished scissor keys
Connection
Bluetooth or Logi Bolt, multi-OS
Wrist support
None

Pros

  • Backlighting that wakes as your hands approach
  • Smart Actions shortcuts in Logi Options+
  • The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with backlighting that wakes as your hands approach

Cons

  • Costs more than the Macally compact at the time of writing

How We Chose

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor
The figures behind the order
We lined up five keyboards on battery life, device pairing, layout and key type from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and battery life and device pairing are missing for at least one pick.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the Macally compact to the MX Keys S, state layout, key type and connection.
Where the specs have gaps
The Macally compact, the Bnnwa multi-device and the Arteck 2.4G give no battery life; the Macally compact, the Arteck 2.4G and the Keychron B6 Pro give no device pairing.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Macally compact (under $50) to the MX Keys S ($100 to $150).

What to Look for in a Keyboard for Long Nails

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Battery life across these picks

    Across these 2 picks battery life spans up to 5 months (the MX Keys S) to up to 8 months (the Keychron B6 Pro). If battery life is your first filter, the Keychron B6 Pro sets the ceiling at up to 8 months. The Macally compact, the Bnnwa multi-device and the Arteck 2.4G give no battery life figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.

  2. Features beyond the spec table

    The Arteck 2.4G: media hotkeys. The Keychron B6 Pro: online key remapping. The MX Keys S: Smart Actions shortcuts in Logi Options+.

    A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps
    A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps
  3. Budget

    Under $50 buys the Macally compact, the Bnnwa multi-device, the Arteck 2.4G and the Keychron B6 Pro; $100 to $150 buys the MX Keys S at our last check.

  4. Match the pick to your priority

    Spending as little as possible, with the Bnnwa multi-device the next step up: the Macally compact. Offices where the keyboard stays on all day: the Keychron B6 Pro. Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Keychron B6 Pro costs: the MX Keys S.

    A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk
    A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk
  5. Quiet keys for shared offices

    Low-profile scissor keys and quiet mechanical switches keep noise down in open offices and on calls. Clicky switches do not.

    If you share a room, look for listings that describe quiet or silent keys.

How to Choose a Keyboard for Long Nails

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Spending as little as possible, with the Bnnwa multi-device the next step upMacally compactThe cheapest way into this group, below the Bnnwa multi-device
Buyers who want switching between 3 devicesBnnwa multi-deviceSwitching between 3 devices
Buyers who want stainless steel buildArteck 2.4GA stainless steel build
Offices where the keyboard stays on all dayKeychron B6 ProThe longest battery life here (up to 8 months)
Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Keychron B6 Pro costsMX Keys SThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with backlighting that wakes as your hands approach

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps

Key specs side by side

The Keychron B6 Pro leads on battery life at up to 8 months, ahead of the MX Keys S at up to 5 months. "Not listed" marks battery life where the Macally compact, the Bnnwa multi-device and the Arteck 2.4G leave the figure out.

KeyboardBattery (backlight off)Paired devicesLayoutKey type
Macally compactNot listedNot listedCompact (78 keys)Slim keys
Bnnwa multi-deviceNot listed3 devicesSlim with touchpadLow-profile keys
Arteck 2.4GNot listedNot listedCompact with touchpadLow-profile keys
Keychron B6 Proup to 8 monthsNot listedFull-size, ultra-slimQuiet scissor keys
MX Keys Sup to 5 months3 devicesFull-size, low-profileSpherically dished scissor keys

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the Macally compact, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MX Keys S at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierKeyboards
Under $50Macally compact, Bnnwa multi-device, Arteck 2.4G, Keychron B6 Pro
About $100 to $150MX Keys S
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the longest battery life: the Keychron B6 Pro or the MX Keys S?

Between the top two, it is up to 8 months on the Keychron B6 Pro against up to 5 months on the MX Keys S, a 60% difference. The Macally compact, the Bnnwa multi-device and the Arteck 2.4G don't state a battery life figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.

What makes the Macally compact the Lowest Price Here?

It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Bnnwa multi-device. It is aimed at spending as little as possible, with the Bnnwa multi-device the next step up.

Beyond the specs, what sets the Macally compact and the Bnnwa multi-device apart?

The Macally compact: 12 shortcut keys. The Bnnwa multi-device: switching between 3 devices. The Arteck 2.4G: a stainless steel build.

Who should choose the Keychron B6 Pro?

The Keychron B6 Pro carries our Longest Battery Life label for the longest battery life here (up to 8 months). It ranks fourth of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits offices where the keyboard stays on all day.

Should I pick the Macally compact or the MX Keys S?

The Macally compact suits spending as little as possible, with the Bnnwa multi-device the next step up; the MX Keys S suits buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Keychron B6 Pro costs.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the Macally compact, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Bnnwa multi-device. Look at the Bnnwa multi-device for switching between 3 devices, the Arteck 2.4G for a stainless steel build and the MX Keys S for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with backlighting that wakes as your hands approach if those matter more to you.

Concave keys help your fingertip, not the nail, land on the key.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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