RS Recommends
The Best Keyboard Cases to Prevent Scratches, Water Damage and Dents
Whether you're moving houses or moving desks, using one of these cases ensures that your keyboard stays safe
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If you move your computer setup around a lot, you’ve probably had an accessory get damaged in transit. Keyboards are particularly sensitive because they have dozens of keys, each of which can pop off or get jammed. A single broken key means you have to replace the entire keyboard, which can be incredibly difficult if you’re traveling.
A simple keyboard case can keep the accessory from direct contact with all of the other things in your bag or backpack, and reduce the likelihood of liquid damage if your water bottle accidentally opens up. A keyboard case is not a 100% guarantee against damage, but reducing the risk is definitely worthwhile. We’ve compiled this guide to give you the best keyboard cases available right now.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Keyboard Case
There are many factors to think about when choosing the right keyboard case for you; below are the most important ones, which we considered while we were researching this list.
Size: Keyboards come in an array of sizes, so we picked cases that fit slim and full-sized models. If your keyboard fits in the middle, a larger case will still provide adequate protection.
Material: Our picks are mostly made of neoprene, a soft synthetic rubber that’s really light. Neoprene is thick enough to prevent your keyboard from getting scratched, and can wick away some water.
1. Grifiti Chiton Neoprene Keyboard Sleeve
If you use a full-sized keyboard (mechanical, wired, or Bluetooth), this is the right choice for you. It’s 18 inches long and eight inches wide, and can fit keyboards from Razer, Apple, Logitech, Corsair, Steelseries, and more.
The case is made out of neoprene, which can prevent light scratches and some water damage. It isn’t as protective as a hardshell case, though, and and won’t provide much protection if you drop the keyboard on a hard surface (wood, concrete).
The Chiton has an extra accessories pocket on top, which Grifiti says is large enough to hold a mouse. At the very least you can use the pocket to hold cables and a laptop charger. This extra is a nice touch, and makes this keyboard case feel like a fuller package.
Pros: Compatible with most full-sized keyboards, extra storage pocket for convenient organizing.
Cons: Material is not shock-absorbing.
2. Case Star Black Keyboard Sleeve
If you prefer using a compact keyboard, this sleeve is the right choice. Its internal dimensions are 11.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall, so it can fit slim keyboards from many different companies, including Apple’s Magic Keyboard. That said, we recommend checking the exact dimensions of your keyboard because compact keyboards vary in size more than full-sized ones.
This keyboard case is made out of neoprene, so it offers basic scratch and water protection, but isn’t shock-absorbing like a hardshell case. If you have a slim keyboard, this case won’t add much heft or weight, and can easily fit in a bag or backpack. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an accessories pocket, which would have been a nice extra.
Pros: Slim, light, explicitly works with Apple’s keyboards.
Cons: No extras, slightly less compatible than a full-sized keyboard case.
3. Hermitshell Hard Travel Case
If you have a full-sized keyboard, and prefer additional protection over size and weight, Hermitshell’s Hard Travel Case is your best option. Its internal dimensions are 15.25 inches wide, and 6.5 inches tall, so it should fit full-sized keyboards from every major company.
Unlike our other recommendations, this case is made from Etylene-vinyl, a harder rubber that can protect your keyboard from taking damage if it’s dropped. The inside is lined with a soft fabric that prevents your keyboard from getting scratched. This extra protection does come with one downside: the case is a fair bit bulkier than our other recommendations.
It doesn’t have a separate, zippered accessories area, but there is a small mesh pocket on the top of the case to hold cables or a charger. It may take up more space, but if you use a custom keyboard, or want extra insurance against damage, Hermitshell’s keyboard case is well worth a look.
Pros: Offers more protection than our other recommendations, has a mesh pocket for accessories.
Cons: It’ll take up more space than a slim case.