Best Keyboards for the Raspberry Pi (2022)

Every machine needs an input device.
Ash Ash (362)
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If you work on Raspberry Pi projects, you know how critical a good keyboard is for setting up and seeing your projects through. If you're not sure what you need, this guide will walk you through finding the best one possible.

What to look for

Some things to consider when researching a keyboard include:

  • Size - Keyboards can be handheld or big enough for your desk.
  • Number of keys - Do you want a full-sized keyboard with a numeric pad or something smaller?
  • Wired vs Wireless - Is cable management an issue? You may want to go wireless.
  • Backlit keys - For lowlight use, backlit keys can be a game-changer.
  • Touchpad - No mouse? No problem. Some keyboards have built-in touchpads.
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The Logitech MK345 is one of the most cost-effective keyboards packages for the Raspberry Pi. It's totally wireless, includes a mouse, and uses just one 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle for both devices. It's a full-sized keyboard, complete with a numeric pad and palm rest. The keyboard battery life can last up to three years.

Spec Controller
Price $34.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Numpad Yes
Bluetooth No
Size 20" x 7.52" x 1.73"
Weight 3.05 oz
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest Yes
Mouse/Touchpad Mouse
Battery Life 3 Years

At just $23.99, the Logitech K120 is the best go-to keyboard for makers on a budget. It's plug-and-play, spill-resistant, and offers the reliability of a wired connection. If you want a keyboard to get the job done, this is your best bet.

Spec Controller
Price $12.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wired
Numpad Yes
Bluetooth No
Size 11.00" x 5.20" x 0.80"
Weight 0.62 lbs
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad No
Battery Life N/A

This wireless keyboard from Arteck is made from stainless steel. It uses a USB 2.4 GHz band wireless receiver. No drivers are needed, this is a plug-and-play device. It has a support range of up to 33 feet.

Spec Controller
Price $27.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Numpad No
Bluetooth No
Size 11.06" x 5.28" x 0.55"
Weight 0.68 lbs
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad No
Battery Life 6 Months

If you want something wired, we recommend the official Raspberry Pi keyboard provided by the Raspberry Pi makers themselves. This keyboard was designed with the Raspberry Pi in mind since day one. It’s made from plastic and features a red and white colored design.

Spec Official Raspberry Pi Keyboard and Mouse
Price $45.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wired
Numpad No
Bluetooth No
Size 11.20" x 4.75" x 0.80"
Weight 1.55 lb
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad Mouse
Battery Life N/A

The iClever BK10 is our top choice for Bluetooth keyboards. This one is made with stainless steel and ABS. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 and has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 90 hours on one charge. The keys use scissor-switch mechanisms.

Spec Controller
Price $29.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Numpad Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Size 14.9" x 5.2" x 1.1"
Weight 1.15 lbs
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad No
Battery Life 90 Hours

The REIIE H9+ wireless mini keyboard will fit in your hand much better than a full-sized keyboard. This little keyboard doesn't have the longest battery life, but it's completely backlit, features a touchpad, and includes extra buttons. It uses 2.4GHz wireless and automatically sleeps to save power after three minutes of inactivity.

Spec Controller
Price $14.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Numpad No
Bluetooth No
Size 7.1" x 4.2" x 1"
Weight 3.2 oz
Backlit Keys Yes
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad Touchpad
Battery Life Unspecified/USB Rechargeable

This Logitech K400 keyboard is completely wireless and includes a built-in touchpad for cursor input. It uses a 2.4 GHz wireless band and weighs just under 1 lb. The wireless range reaches about 33 feet.

Spec Controller
Price $24.99 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Numpad No
Bluetooth No
Size 13.95" x 5.50" x 0.93"
Weight 0.86 lbs
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad Touchpad
Battery Life 18 Months

The Seendra Ultra-Thin wireless mouse and keyboard combo offer a great deal with reliable hardware. It uses a 2.4 GHz band USB wireless receiver to control both the keyboard and mouse. It has a supported wireless range of about 26 feet.

Spec Controller
Price $36.98 on Amazon
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Numpad Yes
Bluetooth No
Size 15.10" x 4.60" x 0.60"
Weight 0.66 lbs
Backlit Keys No
Palm Rest No
Mouse/Touchpad Mouse
Battery Life 3 Months
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