To find the best typewriter keyboards you’ll want to determine the features that are right for you and your writing needs. Regardless of what style you prefer, we recommend that you look for a keyboard with high-quality switches and with features like key rollover and spill-resistant surfaces. If you’re looking for a retro typewriter keyboard for iPad and other mobile devices, make sure to select a keyboard that’s easy to carry and offers Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. For your home office, you might prefer the robust performance of a wired keyboard. Aesthetics might also factor into your choice if you’re looking for the most stylish and well-designed retro keyboard to inspire you and create the best typing experience.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve found that the Durgod Taurus K320 is the top choice. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to see how they stack up against the best keyboard on the market.
Top 10 Best Typewriter Keyboards
#1 Durgod Taurus K320 Typewriter Keyboard
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This mechanical keyboard features a classic 1980s typewriter-style design, with an ergonomic dished shape. It also comes equipped with high-performance Cherry MX switches and fully programmable keys.
- Programmable macro and function support
- Comes with three convenient USB-C cables
- Tactile Cherry MX switches
- Doesn’t come with wireless compatibility
- Lacks a wrist rest
This mechanical keyboard is a great choice for PC and Mac users alike; its function keys are fully programmable and its included software supports full key remapping and complex macros. Designed for those who want the speed and performance of a mechanical gaming keyboard but prefer the classic look of a retro typewriter keyboard model. Cherry MX switches offer tactile response and feedback, plus excellent durability.
It comes with convenient USB-C cables and even includes a key puller tool so you can replace the keycaps. Adjustable feet help with achieving a more comfortable angle for the best typing experience. An excellent overall typing experience can also be achieved with the best keyboard for programming that has a full-size 105-key layout.
Related: Also check out the best keyboard stand.
#2 Keychron K2 Wireless Typewriter Keyboard
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A convenient, compact form and a vintage keyboard look along with a rated 50 million click lifespan, excellent battery life, and full Mac OS compatibility make this one of the best wireless keyboards for work and creative tasks.
- 10-hour battery life
- N-key rollover in wired mode
- Tactile Cherry MX switches
- Lacks number pad
- Doesn’t allow for simultaneous pairing to multiple devices
If you’re looking for the best wireless typewriter keyboard for Mac devices and you value an old-school, tactile feel, and classic keyboard aesthetics, this mechanical keyboard is definitely worth considering. Unlike many Bluetooth keyboards, it offers full functionality with Mac OS. It also feels great to type on, and its compact, 75-percent size saves desk space without taking away any important features.
This backlit keyboard works via Bluetooth 5.1 or alternatively can be set up as a wired keyboard using the USB-C cable. It uses the Gateron red switch, providing the feel of genuine mechanical typewriters. For the gamer, it also has features like an N-key rollover in wired mode (or 6-key in Bluetooth) and programmable function keys. Another model that also offers full N-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting is the best gaming keyboard.
#3 Vortexgear Race 3 Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST PROGRAMMABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact retro keyboard offers fully programmable keys with the option for Dvorak and Colemak layers and an online key code editor. It also features a durable aluminum casing and dye-sub printed keycaps.
- Supports key remapping
- Compact form factor with 83-key layout
- Full key rollover
- Lacks ergonomic wrist rest
- Doesn’t have a wireless version
This compact keyboard doesn’t take up as much desk space as some of the other models of typewriter keyboard but it offers great versatility, with Mac, Linux, and Windows compatibility and fully reprogrammable keys. It comes in a classic vintage gray and white color scheme and it offers RGB replacement keycaps. It also allows you to program different layers including Dvorak and Qwerty. If you don’t know what a qwerty keyboard is, our informational articles can help with that. However, if you’re looking for a wireless retro keyboard, you’ll have to look elsewhere since this model lacks a wireless option.
Like most gaming keyboards, it has N key rollover and programmable function keys, and media keys. The tenkeyless design omits a number pad but includes arrow keys. Cherry MX switches ensure tactile responsiveness and consistent performance. The best quiet keyboards also use genuine mechanical Cherry MX “Silent” Red switches for a good mix of fast performance and low noise.
#4 Azio Retro Compact Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST LUXURY DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Azio compact model, made with luxurious real wood and leather materials, combines the look of vintage typewriters with modern technology like Bluetooth wireless connectivity and multisystem compatibility.
- Real wood top plate
- Vintage typewriter-inspired keycaps
- LED-backlit keys
- Feet must be swapped out to adjust angle
- Fewer programmable features than some keyboards offer
With its unique retro typewriter design and genuine wood top plate, this is one of the most distinctive Bluetooth keyboards on the market. It comes with clicky, tactile switches and features LED backlighting. This version also includes a beautifully-designed palm rest. Interchangeable “feet” allow for some adjustment of angle and height to help get the ideal typing position.
Along with Bluetooth, this Azio Retro keyboard also allows for wired use via USB-C cable. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows systems and comes with replaceable keycaps for the Windows and command keys. And in case you may also require a keyboard that allows you to easily switch the mainboard, we recommend the best hot-swappable keyboard.
#5 Azio Retro Classic Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST DESIGNER AESTHETIC
WHY WE LIKE IT: This full-sized Azio retro classic model combines the look of vintage typewriters with modern technology like Bluetooth wireless connectivity and multisystem compatibility.
- Durable wood top plate
- Tactile, responsive mechanical switches
- LED-backlit keys
- Feet must be swapped out to adjust angle
- Fewer programmable features than some keyboards offer
With its unique retro typewriter design and genuine wood top plate, this is one of the most distinctive computer keyboards on the market. Available as a wired keyboard with a USB-C cable or a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, it comes with clicky, tactile switches and features LED backlighting in each key. Interchangeable “feet” allow for some adjustment of angle and height to help get the ideal typing position.
Unlike the smaller, great 60% mechanical keyboard version, this Azio typewriter keyboard is a full-sized model with a 104-key layout. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows systems and comes with replaceable keycaps for the Windows/ Command keys. For a keyboard that works with multiple operating systems including Windows, Chrome OS, Linux, and Mac OS, check out the best chiclet keyboard.
#6 Lofree Bluetooth Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST FOR MOBILE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This wireless retro mechanical keyboard features a unique mix of modern and vintage aesthetics, plus reliable and high-performance Gateron switches to help provide a great typing experience.
- iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows compatible
- Adjustable angle for typing comfort
- Compact and portable
- Not as low-profile as some portable membrane keyboards
- Switches aren’t swap-able
If you’re looking for a unique wireless mechanical keyboard with a typewriter-inspired design and a modern feel, this model fits the bill while adding some extra convenience features such as plug-and-play function key compatibility for Mac OS. Along with its cool style, this keyboard also has plenty of performance thanks to Gateron tactile switches. Plus, it has a 50-million keypress durability rating.
While it doesn’t have an integrated wrist-rest, this retro mechanical keyboard does have adjustable feet and ergonomically designed dished keycaps for a more comfortable typing experience. It works in wired USB mode as well as with its Bluetooth connection. When used wirelessly, the 4000 mAh battery provides up to 3 weeks of use between charging. Solid battery life is also important if you need to seamlessly cross over multiple devices, which is where the best keyboards for designers come in handy.
#7 Huo Ji E-Element Z88 Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This mechanical keyboard provides plenty of features such as programmable RGB backlighting and clicky, responsive switches, at a price lower than most retro keyboard models.
- 50-million keystroke durability
- Splash-resistant design
- Full 104 key layout with number pad and F keys
- Doesn’t have software support for programmable macros and key mapping
- Lacks an integrated wrist rest
With great feature content for its price point, including customizable RGB lighting and tactile, yet quiet Otemu Brown switches, this full-sized keyboard is a good choice for anyone looking for the best vintage-looking keyboard on a budget. With its 104 key layout and full number pad, it makes office work more convenient, while allowing for a multitude of shortcuts.
For gamers and fast typists, it offers anti-ghosting and N-key rollover features. While it lacks the software to enable full key remapping, it does support some customization including the lighting and function keys. Compare this to the best ergonomic keyboard that allows for full key remapping, among other features.
#8 Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST FOR iPADS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed to look like an actual typewriter, this portable keyboard features an integrated tablet stand that makes it great for writing on iPads and other tablet devices, plus modern tech like programmable macros and Cherry MX clicky switches.
- Neat programmable return bar
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and most desktop systems
- High-quality aluminum alloy frame
- “Antique” appearance may not be for everyone
- Lacks a number pad
Billed as the original typewriter keyboard, this model has a unique design that draws inspiration from actual typewriters. If your ideal “80s retro” look involves the 1880s, it may be the perfect wireless keyboard for you. While it doesn’t provide quite the same ergonomics as a more modern keyboard, it includes nifty features like a carriage return bar that can be programmed for different commands.
With an overall shape reminiscent of a vintage typewriter, it’s not the easiest mobile keyboard to carry around, but it does have an integrated tablet stand and the option of using Bluetooth or wired mode. Along with the return bar, it also has dual scroll knob encoders, another nod to old-school typewriter aesthetics cleverly mixed with modern technology. This feature is available for Android, Mac OS, and Windows 10 devices. And if you frequently work on your iOS device, the best keyboard for iPhone with AI-enabled predictive text will come in very handy.
#9 Rymek Typewriter Keyboard
Award: BEST DECORATIVE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its unique design mimics antique mechanical ribbon typewriters, but this mechanical keyboard is compatible with modern tech like iPads and other mobile tablets; even when not in use, it makes a surprising and entertaining piece of decor.
- Pairs up to 3 devices simultaneously
- Unique antique design with return bar and old school typewriter “ribbon”
- Ergonomic dished keys
- Not as customizable as some mechanical keyboards
- Less portable than other keyboards designed for tablets
While it may not be the slimmest or most portable iPad keyboard around, this model mimics the appearance of an old-school typewriter, even offering a “return bar” and fake ink ribbon. In place of the paper tray, it has a functional tablet stand, which makes it a great keyboard for those who use a tablet or iPad for work in the home office. But, how does it hold up to the top-rated Ducky keyboard?
Wireless connection is via Bluetooth, and it supports pairing with up to three devices. The keys use blue switches and have a nice tactile bump for enjoyable typing. LED backlighting is a nice bonus, and it can be dimmed or turned off if you don’t want to spoil the vintage typewriter feel. Compare this to the best wireless keyboard that features true RGB backlighting.
#10 Happy Hacking Professional2 Typewriter Keyboard
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Award: BEST FOR SPEED
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact mechanical keyboard features a comfortable typewriter-inspired design with perfectly angled keys for efficient typing and coding. It uses Topre capacitive switches which provide a great mix of precision and tactile feel, helping maximize typing speed.
- Concave design reduces fatigue
- Dip switches allow you to assign key functions
- Ultra-compact symmetrical 60-key layout
- Lacks number pad
- Doesn’t have backlight
- Not as decorative as some typewriter keyboards
This keyboard is designed for serious programming and coding work yet takes up much less space than most. It’s also one of the most aesthetically pleasing keyboards on the market, with its nearly symmetrical layout and subtly concave design mixing form with function. Topre switches give satisfying sound and feedback, low actuation force, and excellent precision for fast, efficient work.
This mechanical keyboard comes with dip switches so you can manually assign key functions, helping it deliver the utility of a full-sized keyboard in a smaller and more convenient form. It can be used in QWERTY or Dvorak layout. Dye-sublimated keycap labels help boost durability and add to its appeal if you’re looking for the best 60% keyboard for writing and editing. Compare this to the best mechanical keyboard for typing that uses Cherry MX red switches for optimal typing speeds.
How We Decided
To pick the best retro-style typewriter keyboards on the market, we looked for mechanical keyboards with an appealing vintage, retro typewriter-inspired, or classic keyboard design. We took into consideration function as well as form, of course, looking for high-performance keyboards using proven mechanical switches and mechanical keys like Cherry MX brown or blues. An A-rated lifetime of at least 10 million keystrokes was also a must.
As far as advanced additional features were concerned, we gave bonus points for RGB backlighting and interchangeable keycaps for a custom look. We also limited our search to keyboards with multi-system compatibility and a plug-and-play setup. We looked for features like anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and the option for programming shortcuts and function keys.
For the discerning typist, we looked for mechanical keyboards that provided an accurate key feel and just the right amount of actuation force. We considered both wired and wireless keyboards. Also important was high-quality construction with splash resistance and durable printed keycaps.
Best Typewriter Keyboards Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Switch Type
Different types of switches can provide a very distinct typing experience, which forms just as much a part of the mechanical keyboard’s appeal as its visual appearance. Mechanical switches are often considered preferable for fast, accurate performance since they offer predictable actuation force and tactile feedback. High-quality Topre switches, and a hybrid mechanical and capacitive design are also an excellent choice. - Programmable Keys
When investing in a keyboard for your workstation at home or the office, it might be worthwhile to look for one that supports some key customization and allows you to assign shortcuts and multi-key macros. Even the most vintage-looking typewriter-inspired keyboards sometimes offer these features, finding clever uses for a scroll wheel or return bar. - Splash Resistance
When investing in a new keyboard for your desk at home or to take with you on the go, it might be worthwhile to look for water, dust, or splash resistance. Many of the best typewriter keyboards have dirt-repellent and water-resistant surfaces. This adds to the durability and helps these keyboards last longer, and it also makes it easier to keep them clean.
