Computer Accessories – Keyboards

Due to the rapidly changing market, let’s dive into the world of computer keyboards and see what’s currently in “high demand” in 2025. The keyboard scene is incredibly diverse, with innovations in switch technology, customization, and ergonomics constantly evolving.

1. High-Performance Gaming Keyboards (Focus on Speed & Customization):

• Why: Gamers are seeking faster response times, customizable actuation points, and durable build quality. Hall Effect (magnetic) switches and optical switches remain very popular for their speed and adjustable features.
• Currently Popular Models/Series (May 2025):
  • SteelSeries Apex Pro Series (e.g., Apex Pro TKL, Apex Pro Mini – latest 2025 iterations): Continues to be a leader with its OmniPoint adjustable Hall Effect switches, allowing users to customize actuation distance per key.
  • Wooting Keyboards (e.g., Wooting 80HE, Wooting two HE): Highly sought after in enthusiast circles for their analog input capabilities and “Rapid Trigger” feature provided by Hall Effect switches, offering a competitive edge.
  • Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Series (e.g., TKL, Mini): Features Razer’s latest analog optical switches with adjustable actuation and rapid trigger, catering to fast-paced gaming.
  • ASUS ROG Azoth / Strix Scope II 96 Wireless: These keyboards are praised for their premium build, hot-swappable switches (often with ROG’s own well-regarded NX switches), sound-dampening features, and unique elements like OLED screens or compact yet functional layouts.
  • Keychron K Pro series with Hall Effect switches (e.g., K2 HE, Q1 HE): Keychron has successfully integrated Hall Effect switches into their popular customizable mechanical keyboard frames, offering a great typing experience with gaming-centric features.
  • Glorious GMMK 3 (Pro HE): Noted for its high degree of customization, including options for Hall Effect switches, making it versatile for gamers who like to tinker.
• Key Trends: Hall Effect switches with rapid trigger and adjustable actuation, optical switches, hot-swappable PCBs, premium PBT keycaps, sound dampening (gaskets, foam), and multi-function dials/rollers.

2. Customizable & Enthusiast Mechanical Keyboards:

• Why: The custom mechanical keyboard scene is booming. Users want unique aesthetics, specific sound profiles (“thock,” “clack”), and a personalized typing feel. Hot-swappability is almost a standard here.
• Currently Popular Models/Series (May 2025):
  • Keychron Q and V Max Series (e.g., Q1 Max, Q3 Max, V5 Max): These offer excellent value with aluminum cases (Q series) or robust plastic (V series), gasket-mounted designs, QMK/VIA support for full programmability, and often come as pre-built or barebones kits. The “Max” versions often include wireless capabilities.
  • NuPhy Series (e.g., Air60/75/96 V2 or HE versions, Field75 HE): Known for their unique aesthetics, low-profile options (Air series), and high-quality components. Their Hall Effect (HE) models are gaining popularity.
  • Glorious GMMK Pro / GMMK 3: Continues to be a popular entry point into more premium custom keyboards with its rotary knob and robust build.
  • Drop CSTM80 / CTRL / ALT Series: Drop remains a significant platform for enthusiast-grade keyboards and keycap sets, often featuring unique designs and collaborations.
  • Smaller brands and group buys: The true enthusiast space is also driven by smaller design houses and limited-run group buys offering highly unique and premium options (e.g., from designers like CannonKeys, NovelKeys, Mode Designs).
• Key Trends: Gasket mount, unique case materials (aluminum, polycarbonate, acrylic), specialized switches (e.g., from Gateron, Kailh, JWK, often factory-lubed or custom-lubed), PBT dye-sub or double-shot keycaps, QMK/VIA compatibility, and an emphasis on sound profile (foam, tape mods, switch films). Compact layouts like 65%, 75%, and Alice-style ergonomic are very popular.

3. Wireless Productivity & Professional Keyboards:

• Why: Demand for comfortable, reliable, and feature-rich wireless keyboards for office and remote work is consistently high. Multi-device connectivity is a key feature.
• Currently Popular Models/Series (May 2025):
  • Logitech MX Keys S / MX Mechanical: The MX Keys S remains a top recommendation for a quiet, comfortable, low-profile scissor-switch keyboard. The MX Mechanical offers a similar feature set with mechanical switches for those who prefer them.
  • Razer Pro Type Ultra: A mechanical keyboard designed for productivity with quieter switches, good ergonomics, and robust wireless connectivity.
  • Keychron K Pro Series (Low Profile or standard, e.g., K3 Max Pro, K7 Pro): Offers a great blend of mechanical feel, Mac/Windows compatibility, wireless connectivity, and often a more compact footprint.
  • Apple Magic Keyboard (with or without Touch ID): Still the go-to for many Mac users due to its seamless integration and familiar feel.
• Key Trends: Long battery life, reliable multi-mode wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle), quiet switches (for office environments), comfortable keycap profiles, and software for customization.

4. Ergonomic Keyboards:

• Why: Increased awareness of typing comfort and health drives demand for ergonomic designs, including split, tented, and contoured layouts.
• Currently Popular Models/Series (May 2025):
  • Logitech ERGO K860 / Wave Keys: The K860 is a popular full-size split ergonomic keyboard, while the Wave Keys offers a more compact “wave” design.
  • Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB / Advantage2/360: Kinesis is a leader in deeply ergonomic designs, with split, tented, and contoured options favored by those with RSI concerns or who type extensively.
  • Keychron Q11 (Split) / Q8 (Alice layout): Keychron offers customizable mechanical options within the ergonomic space.
  • ZSA Moonlander / ErgoDox EZ: Highly customizable, fully split ortholinear keyboards popular among programmers and enthusiasts.
• Key Trends: More mechanical switch options in ergonomic designs, hot-swappability, programmable layers, and varying degrees of split and tenting adjustability. Alice layout (a slight ergonomic split in a standard-looking frame) is also very trendy.

5. Budget-Friendly Mechanical & Membrane Keyboards:

• Why: Good quality and features are becoming more accessible at lower price points.
• Currently Popular Models/Series (May 2025):
  • Keychron C Pro Series / K Series (non-Pro): Often cited for providing excellent entry-level mechanical keyboard experiences.
  • Redragon K-Series (e.g., K552, K530): Popular for very budget-conscious buyers looking for mechanical feel and RGB.
  • Logitech K120 / MK270 Combo: For basic membrane keyboards, these remain staples for reliability and low cost in office or casual use scenarios.
  • HyperX Alloy Origins (Core/60/65): While not always “budget,” older models or those on sale can offer excellent value for a well-built gaming mechanical keyboard.
• Key Trends: Hot-swappable switches appearing in more budget mechanicals, decent RGB backlighting, and improved build quality even at lower price tiers.

General Keyboard Trends to Note in 2025:

• Sustainability: More manufacturers are highlighting the use of recycled materials and more sustainable packaging.
• Software Integration: Companion software for remapping, macros, and lighting control is becoming more sophisticated, though users also appreciate boards with QMK/VIA for open-source customization.
• Acoustics: The “sound and feel” of a keyboard is a huge factor. Manufacturers are using foam, silicone dampeners, and specific plate materials to fine-tune acoustics.
• Modularity: Beyond hot-swappable switches, some keyboards offer swappable top cases or other modular components.