The most common keyboard problems, from 2,346 verified buyers

1. The most common keyboard problem owners report: “Missed or sticking keys”, raised in 38% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Drops its connection” (19%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Comfortable, quiet keys”, in 29% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 92% of verified buyers rated their keyboard 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; office keyboards rank 21 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 5% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 20.
5. Across the 11 office keyboards with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 57% to 97%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these office keyboards had a median of 94% happy buyers, against 91% for the cheaper half (up to £60).
7. Owners rate “great choice” and “good with caveats” models about the same here (a median of 94% and 93% happy buyers): the caveats experts raise rarely put owners off.
8. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (95% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (80%).

Share of the 198 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Missed or sticking keys38%
   Came up on 10 models
2. 2. Drops its connection19%
   Came up on 8 models
3. 3. Cramped or unfamiliar layout17%
   Came up on 7 models
4. 4. Broke down or developed a fault9%
   Came up on 8 models
5. 5. Noisy8%
   Came up on 2 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Missed or sticking keys (38% of complaints)

   Check the warranty and the key feel in reviews: shallow laptop-style keys miss more strokes for some typists.

2. 2. Drops its connection (19% of complaints)

   A USB receiver is usually steadier than Bluetooth; keep it close and free of other wireless gear.

3. 3. Cramped or unfamiliar layout (17% of complaints)

   Check the layout for your country and where keys like Delete, Home and the arrows sit before buying.

4. 4. Broke down or developed a fault (9% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

5. 5. Noisy (8% of complaints)

   If it will run near a bedroom, a desk or the TV, look for a published noise figure (in decibels) and read what reviewers say about it on its normal setting.

Share of the 700 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Comfortable, quiet keys29%
   Came up on 14 models
2. 2. Well built12%
   Came up on 9 models
3. 3. Light, compact or easy to store10%
   Came up on 7 models
4. 4. Easy to set up and use9%
   Came up on 8 models
5. 5. Easy switching between devices8%
   Came up on 7 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.