Thursday, March 28, 2024

A guide to finding your new favorite Chromebook keyboard!

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Once upon a time, Chrome OS only came on laptops that had a keyboard built-in, but now we have Chromeboxes, Chromebits, and Chrome tablets. No matter what form your device seems to take, one thing remains clear: a good keyboard is essential! Chrome OS plays well with most keyboards on the market and whether you’re looking for a travel-friendly keyboard to replace your Chromebook’s sticking keys or need a wireless keyboard to use in bed, we’ve got a keyboard for everyone!

Made for Google

Logitech K580 Wireless Keyboard, Chrome OS Edition

Staff pick

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You can swap between two devices quickly on this slim keyboard, which has Chrome OS function keys up top, as well as a number pad with page up/down, home, and end keys. The layout takes getting used to but the connection is strong and the key travel is a good depth.

$50 at Best Buy
$50 at Target

Best on a budget

Dell Multimedia Keyboard for Chrome

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Want a simple wired keyboard with the Chrome OS key layout that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? This Dell keyboard has the layout we want — and a number pad! — without the fuss of Bluetooth or added complexity of backlighting.

$47 at Amazon
$115 at Newegg

Premium look

Brydge C-Type Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

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Brydge made a couple of Chrome OS keyboard options for the Pixel Slate a year ago, but the Brydge C-Type works well with any Chromebook, has the Chrome OS function keys and layout, and a six-month battery life. If it had backlit keys, it’d be perfect.

$50 at Amazon
$100 at B&H Photo

Why not wired

Belkin B2B191 Wired Keyboard With Stand

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It isn’t wireless, but this keyboard comes with a built-in stand for your Chrome tablet or other compatible device and a USB-C cable for plugging in, negating the need for batteries or recharging. The full-sized keys provide the total laptop experience.

$60 at Amazon
$73 at Newegg

Great for students and travelers

iClever Wireless Folding Keyboard with 3-Color Backlight

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Most folding keyboards have gaps, shrunken keys, no stability, or all three, but not iClever! The tri-colored backlighting is a nice touch, but being a regular-sized, solidly stable keyboard that can fold up compactly packs well, and works hard more than earns it a spot in our gear bags.

$49 at Amazon
$47 at Walmart
$78 at Newegg

Good for sharing

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

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The Logitech K380 is a long-standing favorite replacement keyboard because of its long battery life and near-universal compatibility. It also can switch back and forth between three devices quickly, which allows you to easily hand it off between family members.

$30 at Best Buy
$40 at Walmart

Pick your switches

DIERYA DK61 Pro Mechanical Keyboard

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Mechanical keyboards are great long-term investments, and this one is extra-compact thanks to its 60% sizing. You can get it in four different switch styles: clicky Blue, tactile Brown, linear Black, and gamer-favorite Red. It also works over Bluetooth or with a USB-C cable.

$80 at Newegg

Comes with a mouse

Macally Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo

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This full-sized keyboard includes shortcut keys and a numeric keypad, a kickstand so you can prop it up to use on an angle if desired, long battery life, and a spill-resistant design. Topping things off is the three-button optical cordless mouse it comes bundled with for every more precise control.

$30 at Amazon

By the numbers

Kasono Wireless Number Pad

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Most Chromebook keyboards do well on their own, but if you tend to put in a lot of grades or spreadsheet figures, you might want to add on a numpad like this one. It can be used wirelessly or via USB-C, and when it’s plugged in, it can double as a basic USB hub with two USB-A ports.

$27 used at Amazon

Go wireless or go home

Whether you intend to use this keyboard at home or on the go, a wireless keyboard is the best bet. They’re great for using on the couch, on the bed, or in a home office that’s already overrun with cables. The Logitech K580. is a great choice. Even though the K580’s key spacing can take a bit of getting used to — especially since the function keys up top are smaller to make room for the Device 1 and Device 2 keys — I’m happy to have the number pad here since not many Chromebooks have them on their built-in keyboards.

The iClever Wireless Folding Keyboard is a really nice, compact solution that students and others who commute back and forth with their device will appreciate. And the three-color backlight makes it easy to work from just about anywhere, even in darker rooms or at night when you’re burning the midnight oil to get a report done or finish studying.

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