Choosing the right gaming keyboard is more about personal taste than selecting the best gaming mouse or headset. Factors such as the keyboard's layout (tenkeyless or full-sized), mechanical switches, and additional features all play into your decision. With a variety of keyboards available, it's important to understand their performance and features before making a costly investment. In this guide, I'll share insights from my extensive experience with different models to help you find the perfect gaming keyboard.
Over the years, I've tested numerous keyboards, including the latest releases, providing firsthand recommendations you can trust. I'll cover how each keyboard's switches handle competitive gaming and daily typing, as well as any unique features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel. These extras often require software integration, so it's worth considering if you're seeking a highly customizable keyboard. Even keycaps can influence a keyboard's performance, and I've delved into these details to ensure you can make an informed decision.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Keyboards:
Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
17See it at Amazon
### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
6See it at Amazon
### Redragon K582 Surara
3See it at Amazon
### Cherry MX LP 2.1
3See it at Amazon
### Logitech G Pro X TKL
4See it at Amazon
### Keychron K4
1See it at Amazon
### Corsair K100 RGB
2See it at Amazon
### Logitech G515 TKL
1See it at Amazon
### Pulsar Xboard QS
1See it at Amazon
### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
2See it at AmazonWith the wide variety of keyboard styles, I've categorized my recommendations to cover different preferences and needs. This approach allows me to highlight multiple products from various manufacturers, rather than focusing solely on my current favorite, the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Each keyboard has its strengths, catering to different aspects of performance and usability. For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 excels as a compact 60% keyboard due to its low-profile keys and lightweight design. If you're after a low-profile TKL, the Logitech G515 TKL fits the bill with its slim profile and useful features. For those on a budget, the Redragon K582 Surara offers impressive performance at a great price. Let's explore my top picks for the best gaming keyboards.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos
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1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
Best Overall Gaming Keyboard
Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
17The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the ideal gaming keyboard, offering Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and solid construction. Its sleek design and tasteful RGB lighting complement its exceptional performance. The third-generation Apex Pro includes both full-sized and tenkeyless models, with a wireless option. The OmniPoint 3.0 switches allow customizable actuation points between 0.1mm and 4.0mm, providing versatility for both gaming and typing. Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode enhance gaming performance, while the OLED panel allows control over media, lighting, actuation points, macros, and profiles. The battery life lasts up to 45 hours under ideal conditions, making it a top choice overall.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos
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2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Best High-End Gaming Keyboard
### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
6The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a top-tier gaming keyboard with fantastic mechanical switches, macro keys, and the customizable Command Dial. Its full-sized layout includes a programmable dial and a column of macro keys, along with media controls. Customization is accessible through the Synapse software, which allows fine-tuning for productivity and gaming. Razer's proprietary switches, such as the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows, offer quick and consistent keystrokes. With an 8000Hz polling rate, this keyboard stands out for its performance and build quality.
Redragon K582 Surara
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
### Redragon K582 Surara
3The Redragon K582 Surara exemplifies how budget-friendly keyboards have evolved, offering great performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost. It features smooth and consistent "professional" Red switches, comparable to Cherry MX Reds. This full-sized keyboard is an excellent value, often available for around $36 on sale, making it an affordable choice without sacrificing performance.
Cherry MX LP 2.1
Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard
### Cherry MX LP 2.1
3The Cherry MX LP 2.1 is a standout compact 60% keyboard, known for its lightweight design and low-profile keycaps. Despite its small size, it performs well with Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, offering a short 1.5mm actuation point and smooth linear feel. Bluetooth connectivity enhances its versatility, making it suitable for various settings. While compact keyboards might not be ideal for productivity, their small footprint is perfect for saving desk space.
Logitech G Pro X TKL
Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard
### Logitech G Pro X TKL
4The Logitech G Pro X TKL offers everything you need in a tenkeyless keyboard, featuring excellent mechanical switches and solid build quality. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycap design enhance its aesthetic appeal, while on-board controls like the volume wheel and media keys add convenience. Logitech's proprietary switches provide satisfying and consistent keystrokes, making it a top choice for TKL enthusiasts.
Keychron K4
Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard
### Keychron K4
1The Keychron K4 is an excellent choice for those seeking a 96% layout, retaining all the functionality of a full-sized keyboard in a more compact form. It features Gateron Red switches, which perform well in gaming and daily use, and its slim frame minimizes desk space. While it's short on extra features and software customization, its affordability and wireless capabilities make it a compelling option.
Corsair K100 RGB Review
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7. Corsair K100 RGB
Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard
### Corsair K100 RGB
2The Corsair K100 RGB elevates the full-sized keyboard experience with its brushed aluminum plate, macro keys, and optical switches. Its RGB lighting and additional controls give it a premium feel, while the Corsair OPX Optical switches provide a unique, satisfying keystroke feel. Despite some software limitations, the K100's robust features and 8000Hz polling rate make it a standout choice.
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos
10 Images
8. Logitech G515 TKL
Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard
### Logitech G515 TKL
1The Logitech G515 TKL combines a slim profile with excellent performance, featuring thin keycaps and updated mechanical switches with a 1.3mm actuation point. Its solid build and tactile keycap texture make it a top low-profile option. While the top bar could offer more features, the G515 TKL excels in both aesthetics and performance.
Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos
15 Images
9. Pulsar Xboard QS
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
### Pulsar Xboard QS
1The Pulsar Xboard QS impresses with its strong build quality, unique aesthetic, and exceptional Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its dual connectivity feature and retro-futuristic design make it stand out, although its $300 price tag and wired nature are considerations. Despite requiring QMK tools for customization, the Xboard QS offers a premium gaming experience.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Photos
13 Images
10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard
### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
2The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% stands out for its customizable features, including the Command Dial and swappable parts. Its high build quality and the latest tech in Synapse software make it a top choice for those who want to tailor their gaming setup. Despite its $300 price, it offers a premium experience for enthusiasts seeking versatility and performance.
Gaming Keyboard FAQ
What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?
Choosing the right mechanical switch is crucial for your gaming keyboard experience. Originally dominated by Cherry, the market now includes proprietary switches from brands like Logitech and Razer, as well as competitive options from Gateron and Kailh. Optical and Hall Effect switches use light and magnets respectively, offering adjustable actuation points.
Switches are categorized into linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth, clean keystroke without feedback. Tactile switches offer a bump at the actuation point for better input feel. Clicky switches are louder and provide full feedback, ideal for some typists but potentially disruptive in gaming.
Key switch characteristics include actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force. The actuation point determines when the keyboard registers an input, typically around 2.0mm for standard switches, with shorter points (around 1.5mm) for competitive gaming. Travel distance is the total key press distance, usually double the actuation point. Actuation force is the effort needed to press the key, typically around 45g, with options for lighter or firmer presses.
Should I go with a TKL, compact, or full-sized keyboard?
Your choice of keyboard layout depends on personal preference. Full-sized keyboards offer all keys and extra features but take up more space. 96% keyboards provide all necessary keys in a more compact form. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards omit the number pad, saving space and often including useful features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED panel. Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest, sacrificing some functionality for a minimal footprint, ideal for those who don't need extra keys.
Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?
While wireless connectivity is more crucial for gaming mice and headsets, it's a nice-to-have feature for keyboards. Many keyboards offer both wired and wireless options, with the wired versions typically being more affordable. Wireless technology has advanced significantly, minimizing concerns about input latency. Features like Logitech's Lightspeed and Razer's HyperSpeed ensure high performance, making wireless a viable option for those willing to invest in the convenience.
