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The best Bluetooth keyboard

That would be the Logitech K380.

By Kimber Streams

This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article here.

After testing 21 keyboards over the past year, we found that the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard is the best for most people. The K380 has a battery that Logitech says will last up to two years, and it can instantly switch between three devices. It's the first to meet all the requirements of a great multi-use Bluetooth keyboard—comfortable, compact, and versatile—for less than $50.

Who this is for

A Bluetooth keyboard is a great option if you need a keyboard that can connect to any device—desktop, laptop, tablet, phone, or television. If you have a keyboard that you're happy with, and you need to use it only with a computer, or if you don't mind sacrificing a USB port, you don't need to upgrade.

How we tested

Most of the Bluetooth keyboards we tested for this update.

We tested each keyboard by using it for at least a day of heavy work, which involves lots and lots (and lots!) of typing. After that, we spent up to several months using each of our picks for work. This gave us a feel for comfort, key placement, ergonomics, and build quality.

We also had a panel of four typists (of varying hand size, technique, and skill) use each of the finalists on the 10fastfingers typing test. Although we didn't place too much significance on the test results, we did pay attention to any factors that slowed down multiple typists.

Our pick

Our pick can pair with up to three devices and swap between them instantly.

The biggest advantage the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard has over most Bluetooth keyboards is its lengthy battery life—Logitech told us it will last for about two years of heavy use, defined as eight hours of use a day, five days a week. We haven't been able to test the limits of this claim because the keyboard hasn't existed for that long, but we can say that it's still going strong after a month of daily work and entertainment.

The Logitech K380 isn't too large or heavy to slip into a bag and take with you. Its round keys are springy and satisfying to type on, and although getting used to the key shape took a little while, after a couple of hours our panel members were back to full typing speed.

Our pick can pair with up to three devices at once, and it can switch between them instantly with the push of a button. For example, you can use the keyboard to crank out an email on your computer, switch to your smartphone to send a quick text message, and then swap back to your computer to finish up that email.

An upgrade

Our upgrade picks, the Logitech K810 for Windows (top) and K811 for Mac (bottom).

If you spend all day typing, consider Logitech's Bluetooth Easy-Switch

Keyboards (for Mac or Windows). Our top picks for years, these two have long been the gold standard for Bluetooth keyboards because of their smooth, well-spaced keys, adjustable key backlighting, and platform-specific layouts for Mac and Windows users, as well as their ability to switch between multiple paired devices. But they are expensive: The street price for each version usually runs between $60 and $100. We think the K380 is about 80 percent as good as our former picks for just 40 percent of the price.

A budget option

Our budget pick looks and feels cheap but works well enough.

If you're on a budget, the Anker Ultra Compact Bluetooth Keyboard is the best option. The Anker can't switch between devices, and it has clackier, less comfortable keys. But every key is in the correct spot, and it doesn't drop any keystrokes. In short, the Anker provides a decent typing experience, and that's all you can expect from a Bluetooth keyboard priced around $20.

A portable pick

The Logitech Keys-To-Go comes in Mac (top) and Windows (bottom) versions.

The best portable keyboard to throw into a bag and take with you is the Logitech Keys-To-Go (for Mac or Windows). It manages to be thinner and lighter than all the other keyboards in our test group without sacrificing full-size, well-spaced keys, and it has the bonus of being spill-resistant.

In closing

The Logitech K380 is the best Bluetooth keyboard for most people because it's versatile—comfortable enough to use on a desk and compact enough to use on the go. Our pick offers lengthy battery life, the ability to switch between multiple devices with the press of a button, and a price tag under $50.

This guide may have been updated. To see the current recommendation, please go to The Wirecutter.