Buying Guide
The Best Workstation Keyboards
Five keyboards compared, from the Bnnwa multi-device to the MX Keys S, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Workstation keyboards keep the number pad and switch between machines. Every pick is full-size or pairs with three devices, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: battery (backlight off), paired devices and layout come from each maker's published specs; a missing battery (backlight off) is flagged, not filled in, 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.
Lowest Price Here
Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with TouchpadUndercutting the K380s on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the K380s the next step up.
Check price for Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with Touchpad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380sThe longest battery life here (up to 36 months).
Best for: Offices where the keyboard stays on all day.
Check price for Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wired KeyboardDurability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504.
Best for: Buyers who want durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504.
Check price for Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Adesso Wireless Touchpad KeyboardA full number pad next to the touchpad.
Best for: Buyers who want full number pad next to the touchpad.
Check price for Adesso Wireless Touchpad Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Logitech MX Keys SThe 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 Adesso touchpad costs.
Check price for Logitech MX Keys S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the K380s on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the K380s the next step up. | Check price for Bnnwa Multi-Device Keyboard with Touchpad on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The longest battery life here (up to 36 months). | Offices where the keyboard stays on all day. | Check price for Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504. | Buyers who want durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504. | Check price for Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A full number pad next to the touchpad. | Buyers who want full number pad next to the touchpad. | Check price for Adesso Wireless Touchpad Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with backlighting that wakes as your hands approach. | Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Adesso touchpad costs. | Check price for Logitech MX Keys S on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Spending as little as possible, with the K380s the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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 Pro Fit, which has a full-size ergonomic layout. It is the only pick here with a low-profile keys key type; the Adesso touchpad has a membrane keys key type instead.
It is the only pick here with a bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection; the Pro Fit has a wired USB connection instead. It also offers 12 multimedia shortcuts. Check that your computer has Bluetooth, or use the included receiver if there is one. It undercut the K380s and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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
The catch
The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the K380s runs for up to 36 months.
Longest Battery Life2 of 5
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s
Logitech's K380s is a compact Bluetooth keyboard with round, quiet scooped keys that pairs with three devices.
Best for
- Offices where the keyboard stays on all day.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Bnnwa multi-device was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Logitech offers up to 36 months on its batteries, and the Fn keys can be customised in Logi Options+. You get a quiet scooped round keys key type here, which sets it apart from the Pro Fit and its a quiet keys key type. You also get a 3-year battery life claim and auto-sleep.
Check that your computer has Bluetooth, or use the included receiver if there is one. It supports Windows and macOS layouts, which helps if you switch between computers. Another plus: up to 36 months per charge (backlight off). It was priced above the Bnnwa multi-device and below the Pro Fit at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Battery (backlight off)
- up to 36 months
- Paired devices
- 3 devices
- Layout
- Compact, no number pad
- Key type
- Quiet scooped round keys
- Connection
- Bluetooth, multi-OS
Pros
- Up to 36 months per charge (backlight off)
- Customizable Fn keys in Logi Options+
- 3-year battery life claim
- Auto-sleep
Cons
- Costs more than the Bnnwa multi-device at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wired Keyboard
The Kensington Pro Fit is the wired option for shared or IT-managed desks: quiet keys, durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504, and a surface rated for cleaning with alcohol and bleach.
Best for
- Buyers who want durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired only is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs no pairing or charging. You get a full-size ergonomic layout here, which sets it apart from the Bnnwa multi-device and its a slim with touchpad layout. A quiet keys key type is unique to it among these picks, while the K380s uses a quiet scooped round keys key type.
A wired USB connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Adesso touchpad uses a 2.4GHz USB receiver connection. Being wired, it needs no pairing or charging, which suits shared desks and IT-managed PCs. When we checked, only the K380s and cheaper picks cost less, and the Adesso touchpad cost more. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the K380s instead: it runs for up to 36 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size ergonomic
- Key type
- Quiet keys
- Connection
- Wired USB
Pros
- Durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504
- Surface rated for cleaning with alcohol and bleach
- Full-size ergonomic layout, the only one here
- Quiet keys key type, the only one here
Cons
- Wired only
- No published device pairing
- Costs more than the Bnnwa multi-device at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Adesso Wireless Touchpad Keyboard
Adesso's keyboard keeps a full 104-key layout with a number pad and adds a touchpad on the right.
Best for
- Buyers who want full number pad next to the touchpad.
Skip if
- The maker gives no device pairing, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It runs on two AAA batteries. No other pick in this guide offers a membrane keys key type; compare the K380s, which has a quiet scooped round keys key type. No other pick in this guide offers a 2.4GHz USB receiver connection; compare the Bnnwa multi-device, which has a bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection.
It also comes with 13 internet and 8 media hotkeys and a battery-low indicator. Its price falls between the Pro Fit and the MX Keys S, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the K380s, which runs for up to 36 months.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size (104 keys) with touchpad
- Key type
- Membrane keys
- Connection
- 2.4GHz USB receiver
Pros
- Full number pad next to the touchpad
- 13 internet and 8 media hotkeys
- Battery-low indicator
- Membrane keys key type, the only one here
Cons
- No published device pairing
- Costs more than the Bnnwa multi-device 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 Adesso touchpad costs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Bnnwa multi-device, which cost less when we checked.
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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Adesso touchpad the nearest cheaper option. Device pairing is its weakest area, and the Bnnwa multi-device covers it better at 3 devices.
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 Bnnwa multi-device at the time of writing
How We Chose These Workstation Keyboards
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.
- 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 Bnnwa multi-device to the MX Keys S, state layout, key type and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Bnnwa multi-device, the Pro Fit and the Adesso touchpad give no battery life; the Pro Fit and the Adesso touchpad give no device pairing.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Bnnwa multi-device (under $50) to the MX Keys S ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Workstation Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much battery life you need
Across these 2 picks battery life spans up to 5 months (the MX Keys S) to up to 36 months (the K380s). If battery life is your first filter, the K380s sets the ceiling at up to 36 months. The Bnnwa multi-device, the Pro Fit and the Adesso touchpad give no battery life figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Pro Fit: a surface rated for cleaning with alcohol and bleach. The Adesso touchpad: 13 internet and 8 media hotkeys. The MX Keys S: Smart Actions shortcuts in Logi Options+.
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor Budget
Under $50 buys the Bnnwa multi-device, the K380s and the Pro Fit; $50 to $100 buys the Adesso touchpad; $100 to $150 buys the MX Keys S at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible, with the K380s the next step up: the Bnnwa multi-device. Offices where the keyboard stays on all day: the K380s. Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Adesso touchpad costs: the MX Keys S.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps Check IT and security needs
Some workplaces restrict Bluetooth or require encrypted receivers. A wired keyboard avoids pairing problems entirely.
If your company manages your PC, check which connections it allows.
How to Choose a Workstation Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the K380s the next step up | Bnnwa multi-device | Undercutting the K380s on price when we checked |
| Offices where the keyboard stays on all day | K380s | The longest battery life here (up to 36 months) |
| Buyers who want durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504 | Pro Fit | Durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504 |
| Buyers who want full number pad next to the touchpad | Adesso touchpad | A full number pad next to the touchpad |
| Buyers who want backlighting that wakes as your hands approach and can spend more than the Adesso touchpad costs | MX Keys S | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with backlighting that wakes as your hands approach |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The K380s leads on battery life at up to 36 months, ahead of the MX Keys S at up to 5 months. "Not listed" marks battery life where the Bnnwa multi-device, the Pro Fit and the Adesso touchpad leave the figure out.
| Keyboard | Battery (backlight off) | Paired devices | Layout | Key type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bnnwa multi-device | Not listed | 3 devices | Slim with touchpad | Low-profile keys |
| K380s | up to 36 months | 3 devices | Compact, no number pad | Quiet scooped round keys |
| Pro Fit | Not listed | Not listed | Full-size ergonomic | Quiet keys |
| Adesso touchpad | Not listed | Not listed | Full-size (104 keys) with touchpad | Membrane keys |
| MX Keys S | up to 5 months | 3 devices | Full-size, low-profile | Spherically dished scissor keys |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Bnnwa multi-device, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the MX Keys S at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Bnnwa multi-device, K380s, Pro Fit |
| About $50 to $100 | Adesso touchpad |
| About $100 to $150 | MX Keys S |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the K380s ahead of the MX Keys S on battery life?
The K380s tops battery life at up to 36 months; the MX Keys S follows at up to 5 months, 620% apart. No battery life figure is published for the Bnnwa multi-device, the Pro Fit and the Adesso touchpad, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
What makes the K380s the Longest Battery Life?
The label rests on the longest battery life here (up to 36 months). The MX Keys S is next on battery life at up to 5 months, so this pick's up to 36 months is 620% further out. It suits offices where the keyboard stays on all day.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Bnnwa multi-device and the K380s apart?
The Bnnwa multi-device: switching between 3 devices. The K380s: customizable Fn keys in Logi Options+. The Pro Fit: durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504.
Should I pick the Bnnwa multi-device or the MX Keys S?
The Bnnwa multi-device suits spending as little as possible, with the K380s 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 Adesso touchpad costs.
What else do the Adesso touchpad and the MX Keys S offer?
The Adesso touchpad: a battery-low indicator. The MX Keys S: Smart Actions shortcuts in Logi Options+.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Bnnwa multi-device, chosen for undercutting the K380s on price when we checked. Look at the Pro Fit for durability testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 504, the Adesso touchpad for a full number pad next to the touchpad 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.
Use a wrist rest if the board is tall.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Keyboards for Work and Office Use
- Related guideThe Best Compact Wireless Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Keyboards With a Built-In Touchpad
- Lower budgetThe Best Keyboards Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Keyboards for PC
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Similar guideThe Best RGB Keyboards
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
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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