Explore Different Types of Keyboards for Every User

Published: 28 Aug 2025

Did you know there are more than a dozen different types of keyboards used around the world? From mechanical keyboards built for speed to ergonomic ones designed for comfort, each type has its own purpose. Knowing the differences can help you pick the right one for work, gaming, or everyday use.

Different Types of Keyboards For Computers

There are many kinds of keyboards that people use in daily life. Each type has its own design and purpose. Some keyboards are strong and fast, which makes them good for gaming. Other keyboards are soft and quiet, which makes them better for office or home use. There are also keyboards made for travel and comfort. Knowing the different types of keyboards helps people choose the best one for their work, study, or play. Here, all kinds of keyboards are explained:

Mechanical keyboard
Membrane keyboard
Gaming keyboard
Ergonomic keyboard
Wireless keyboard
Wired keyboard
Bluetooth keyboard
USB keyboard
Compact keyboard
Tenkeyless keyboard
60% keyboard
75% keyboard
Full-size keyboard
Portable keyboard
Backlit keyboard
RGB keyboard
Silent keyboard
Low-profile keyboard
Programmable keyboard
Macro keyboard
Foldable keyboard
Rollable keyboard
Virtual keyboard
Laser keyboard
Touchscreen keyboard
Split keyboard
Ortholinear keyboard
Chiclet keyboard
Scissor-switch keyboard
Dome-switch keyboard
Capacitive keyboard
Optical keyboard
Hall effect keyboard
Buckling spring keyboard

1. Mechanical Keyboard

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses physical switches under each key. When a key is pressed, there is a noticeable click or tactile feedback that makes typing feel more accurate and comfortable. Many people like mechanical keyboards because they are strong, easy to repair and last for a long time. They are also popular among gamers writers, programmers and office workers because they make typing fast and smooth.

2. Membrane Keyboard

A membrane keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that works with pressure pads covered by a thin, flexible layer. It is very different from a mechanical keyboard because it does not use separate moving switches for each key. It is soft and quiet when typing and it is often found in laptops, calculators and other electronic devices. Many people choose it because it is lightweight, affordable and easy to carry.

3. Gaming Keyboard

A gaming keyboard is made for players who want faster moves and better control while playing games. It is stronger than a normal keyboard and it gives a smooth experience during long hours of gaming. There are special keys and bright lights that make gaming more fun and easier. A gaming keyboard is also helpful for people who type a lot because it is quick and comfortable.

4. Ergonomic Keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard is designed in a way that helps people type with comfort and less strain on their hands. It is a special type of keyboard that reduces stress on the wrists and fingers. Many designs support natural hand positions. They are very helpful for people who type for long hours. The main goal is to improve typing posture and prevent discomfort.

5. Wireless Keyboard

A wireless keyboard is a modern computer accessory that works without physical wires. It is powered through Bluetooth or a USB receiver that connects to your computer, laptop or tablet. The wireless design makes it easy to type from a distance and gives your workspace a clean look. Many people choose it for comfort, convenience and flexibility. Unlike traditional computer keyboards, it is portable and simple to carry anywhere.

6. Wired Keyboard

A wired keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that connects to a device using a physical cable. It is known for stable performance because the connection is direct. There are no worries about battery charging or signal interruptions. It is often used in offices, schools and homes because it gives reliable typing speed. Many people also like it for gaming because it responds quickly without lag.

7. Bluetooth Keyboard

A Bluetooth keyboard is a smart and wireless tool that connects to your devices using Bluetooth technology. It is easy to carry and works without messy wires, which makes it a favorite choice for people who use laptops, tablets or mobile phones. There are many types of keyboards but a Bluetooth keyboard is special because it offers comfort, flexibility and freedom. It is very helpful for office work, gaming and even for students who need a quick way to type.

8. USB Keyboard

A USB keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that connects to a device through a USB port. It is very common and widely used because it is simple to connect and easy to use. There are many types of keyboards available today but USB keyboards are popular because they are reliable and work with most computers, laptops, and even some gaming consoles. It is often the first choice for people who want a smooth typing experience without a complicated setup.

9. Compact Keyboard

A compact keyboard is a small and space-saving type of keyboard that is designed for people who want comfort and efficiency. It is easy to carry and it gives a modern style to any desk setup. Many people prefer it because it is lightweight and simple to use. There are no extra keys that make it heavy so it is neat and clean. It is the best choice for students, workers and gamers who need fast typing and more space on the desk space. It has fewer keys but is easy to carry.

10. Tenkeyless Keyboard

A Tenkeyless keyboard is a type of mechanical keyboard that does not have the number pad section on the right side. It is smaller and lighter compared to a full size keyboard. Many people like it because it gives more desk space and makes typing or gaming more comfortable. The design is simple and easy to use for both work and play. Tenkeyless keyboards are also very popular among people who want an ergonomic keyboard for long use without stress on the wrist.

11. 60 Percent Keyboard

A 60 Percent Keyboard is a small and compact type of keyboard. It is popular among people who like a clean desk and more space for mouse movement. There are no extra keys like a function row or number pad which makes it lighter and easier to carry. It is loved by gamers students and people who type a lot because it feels comfortable and saves space.

12. 75 Percent Keyboard

A 75 Percent Keyboard is a compact version of a standard keyboard. It is smaller in size yet it has most of the important keys that people use every day. It is designed for those who want more desk space without losing the main functions of a keyboard. It is very popular among gamers, office workers, and students because it provides comfort and efficiency. The design of this keyboard is neat and it looks stylish which makes it a favorite for people who like a modern setup.

13. Full Size Keyboard

A full size keyboard is the type of keyboard that comes with all the standard keys. It is made with the main letter keys, the number keys, the function keys, and a separate number pad on the right side. There are many people who prefer a full size keyboard because it gives more space for typing and makes work faster. It is the most common choice in offices, schools, and homes because it covers every need from writing documents to playing games.

14. Portable Keyboard

A portable keyboard is a small and lightweight keyboard that you can easily carry with you. It is designed to help people type or play music without needing a large or heavy device. There are different types of portable keyboards such as wireless keyboard, bluetooth keyboard, foldable keyboard, mini keyboard and travel keyboard. It is very useful for people who work on laptops, tablets or even smartphones. Many users prefer them because they save space, improve comfort, and allow flexible use anywhere.

15. Backlit Keyboard

A backlit keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that has lights under the keys. It is designed to help users type in low light or dark places without any difficulty. There are different kinds of keyboards such as ergonomic keyboard and mechanical keyboard but the backlit keyboard is special because it gives both style and function. People use it for gaming typing and office work where good visibility is important. It is not only useful but also makes the setup look modern and attractive.

16. RGB Keyboard

An RGB keyboard is a special type of computer keyboard that lights up with different colors. It is popular among gamers and people who spend long hours on computers because it makes typing and gaming more exciting. The lights can be customized to show many colors at once and create unique patterns. An RGB keyboard is not only about good looks but also about better performance and comfort. It helps users see keys more clearly in dark rooms and adds a personal touch to their setup.

17. Silent Keyboard

A silent keyboard is a special type of keyboard that makes very little sound when you press the keys. It is designed for people who want to work or play games in quiet places without disturbing others. There are many types of silent keyboards available such as membrane silent keyboard, mechanical silent keyboard, wireless silent keyboard, and ergonomic silent keyboard. These keyboards are helpful for students, professionals, and gamers who want smooth typing with less noise.

18. Low Profile Keyboard

A low profile keyboard is a modern style of keyboard that is made thinner and lighter compared to a traditional keyboard. It is designed in a way that the keys sit closer to the base which makes typing faster and more comfortable. Many people like to use a low profile keyboard for work and gaming because it gives a smooth and quiet typing feel. It is also very stylish and saves space on the desk which makes it a great choice for home and office use.

19. Programmable Keyboard

A programmable keyboard is a special type of computer keyboard that allows users to set custom commands and shortcuts on its keys. It is more than just a typing device because it helps people save time and improve efficiency. Many professionals and gamers prefer a programmable keyboard because it makes their work faster and smoother. The design of these keyboards is made to support long hours of use while keeping comfort in mind. Programmable keyboards are available in different layouts such as ergonomic layout keyboard, split layout keyboard, and wireless ergonomic keyboard.

20. Macro Keyboard

A macro keyboard is a special type of keyboard that helps people work faster and play games more smoothly. It is built with extra programmable keys that can perform many actions with just one press. There are many people who use macro keyboards in offices gaming setups and even creative tasks because it is simple and powerful. It is also known for giving comfort and saving time because it reduces the number of steps needed to complete a task. A macro keyboard is useful for students professionals gamers and anyone who wants to improve speed and accuracy in daily computer use.

21. Foldable Keyboard

A foldable keyboard is a modern tool that makes typing easy when you are traveling or working outside your home. It is small and light so you can carry it in your bag or even your pocket. There are many types of foldable keyboards that work with laptops tablets and mobile phones. They are made to give you comfort and save space at the same time. People choose foldable keyboards because they are simple to connect and very useful for daily work or long trips.

22. Rollable Keyboard

A rollable keyboard is a modern type of computer keyboard that can be rolled up when it is not in use. It is soft flexible and easy to carry which makes it popular among students travelers and people who want portable devices. Many rollable keyboards are made with silicone which makes them waterproof and dust resistant. This feature helps them last longer compared to normal keyboards. They are lightweight and fit easily into a bag so you can use them with laptops tablets and even smartphones.

23. Virtual Keyboard

A virtual keyboard is a digital keyboard that appears on a screen and allows people to type without using a physical keyboard. It is often used on smartphones tablets computers and other smart devices. People touch the screen to type letters numbers or symbols and it can also be controlled by a mouse or touchpad. Virtual keyboards are helpful for those who do not have access to a physical keyboard or when they need a safer way to enter sensitive information.

24. Laser Keyboard

A laser keyboard is a smart and modern device that projects a virtual keyboard onto any flat surface. It is small in size and easy to carry which makes it popular among people who use mobile devices tablets and laptops. The laser keyboard is touch sensitive so when fingers tap the projected keys it works just like a normal keyboard. It is an innovative solution for people who want comfort style and advanced technology in one device.

25. Touchscreen Keyboard

A touchscreen keyboard is a digital keyboard that appears on the screen of a device. It is not made of physical keys but instead it is displayed on smartphones tablets laptops and other touch devices. It allows people to type by simply tapping on the screen with their fingers. This type of keyboard is very common today because it is easy to use portable and always available inside the device.

26. Split Keyboard

A split keyboard is a type of ergonomic keyboard that is divided into two separate parts. It is designed to help the hands and arms stay in a natural position while typing. Many people choose this keyboard because it reduces strain on the wrists and shoulders. A split keyboard can also improve comfort during long hours of computer work. It is a popular choice for those who want a balance of comfort and typing efficiency.

27. Ortholinear Keyboard

An ortholinear keyboard is a type of keyboard that arranges all the keys in neat straight rows and columns. It is different from the traditional keyboard where the keys are staggered. Many people find it easier to type on because the fingers move in a simple up and down way. This style of keyboard is designed to reduce strain and help improve typing speed. Gamers, writers, coders, and office workers often choose it because it feels comfortable and modern.

28. Chiclet Keyboard

A Chiclet keyboard is a type of keyboard that is easy to recognize because of its flat and square shaped keys. It is named after the Chiclet chewing gum because the keys look like small gum pieces. This keyboard is very common in laptops and slim desktop keyboards. People like it because it is simple to use and has a clean look. Many users also find it more comfortable to type on because the keys are spaced out clearly which reduces mistakes.

29. Scissor Switch Keyboard

A scissor switch keyboard is a type of keyboard that is often found in laptops and slim desktop keyboards. It is named this way because the keys use a scissor like mechanism under them. This design makes the keys very stable and easy to press. There is also less space needed between the keys which makes the keyboard smaller and lighter. Many people like scissor switch keyboards because they are comfortable to use for long typing sessions. They are also quiet which is helpful in schools offices and homes where less noise is better.

30. Dome Switch Keyboard

A dome switch keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that combines the features of a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard. It is made with small rubber or silicone domes that sit under each key. When a key is pressed the dome collapses and makes an electrical contact that sends the signal to the computer. This design makes the typing experience soft and quiet while still providing a slight tactile feedback. Dome switch keyboards are common in offices homes and schools because they are affordable easy to use and durable.

31. Capacitive Keyboard

A capacitive keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that works with the help of electrical signals. It is designed to be very responsive and easy to use. There is no need for pressure to be applied hard on the keys because the keyboard senses the touch. Many people like it because it gives a smooth typing experience. It is also very durable and can last for a long time. This kind of keyboard is used by gamers office workers and people who want fast and accurate typing.

32. Optical Keyboard

An optical keyboard is a modern type of computer keyboard that works with light technology instead of the old way of using mechanical parts. It is very fast because the keys use light beams to send signals when pressed. There are no metal contacts inside so it is smoother and lasts longer. Many people like it because it gives quick responses and better typing comfort.

33. Hall Effect Keyboard

A Hall Effect Keyboard is a special type of keyboard that uses magnetic sensors to detect key presses. It is different from normal mechanical or membrane keyboards because it does not rely on physical contact to send signals. It is designed with magnets and sensors that create a smooth and accurate typing experience. This technology makes the keyboard long lasting and very reliable for heavy use. Many professionals and gamers like Hall Effect Keyboards because they are durable and provide consistent performance.

34. Buckling Spring Keyboard

A buckling spring keyboard is a special type of keyboard that uses a spring inside each key. When you press a key the spring bends and makes a clicking sound. This design gives a strong tactile feel and an audible click that many users enjoy. It is known for its durability and comfort which is why it is still loved by writers gamers and office workers. The buckling spring keyboard has a unique typing experience that is different from modern mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards. Many people say it improves typing speed and accuracy because of the clear feedback it provides.

Common FAQs about Types of Keyboards

Many people also want to know which keyboard is best for typing or gaming. To make things clear here are some of the most common questions with answers about the different types of keyboards.

What are the main types of keyboards?

There are different types of keyboards such as ergonomic keyboards, mechanical keyboards, chiclet keyboards, wireless keyboards, compact keyboards, and membrane keyboards. Each type has a different design and purpose.

What is the difference between ergonomic and mechanical keyboards?

Ergonomic keyboards are designed to protect your wrist and arm from strain while mechanical keyboards focus on giving quick response and accuracy.

Which type of keyboard is best for long typing work?

An ergonomic keyboard is the best choice for long typing work because it reduces hand strain and gives more comfort compared to other keyboards.

Conclusion

There are many types of keyboards that people can choose for comfort and performance. A mechanical keyboard is strong and long lasting while a membrane keyboard is soft and budget friendly. An ergonomic keyboard is designed to reduce strain and give better typing posture. Then there is the wireless keyboard which makes it easy to work without cables. A gaming keyboard is made with fast response keys and bright lights that make games more fun.