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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
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.
Best on a budget
Dell Multimedia Keyboard for Chrome
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.
Premium look
Brydge C-Type Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard
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
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.
Great for students and travelers
iClever Wireless Folding Keyboard with 3-Color Backlight
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
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
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.
Comes with a mouse
Macally Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo
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.
By the numbers
Kasono Wireless Number Pad
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.
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.
by Ara Wagoner