Choosing the right gaming keyboard goes beyond selecting the best gaming mouse or headset; it's all about aligning with your personal preferences. From the keyboard's layout—whether it's tenkeyless, full-sized, or something in between—to the type of mechanical switches and additional features, your choice should cater to your unique needs. Given the high cost of these peripherals, understanding what each keyboard offers is essential before you invest. In this guide, I'll share insights on my favorite keyboards, drawing from extensive hands-on experience with various models, including the latest releases.
My recommendations are based on first-hand testing, ensuring that I can confidently endorse each keyboard. I'll delve into how the switches perform during competitive gaming and the feel of keystrokes during long typing sessions. Not all keyboards are created equal, and their construction plays a significant role in their feel and performance. Features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel add value, but they often depend on software for full functionality, which is another aspect to consider for customization enthusiasts. Even seemingly minor components like keycaps can impact a keyboard's performance. Through my detailed reviews and this guide, I aim to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best gaming keyboard for your setup.
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 AmazonGiven the variety of keyboard styles available, I've categorized my recommendations to highlight different aspects and suit various preferences. This approach allows me to showcase keyboards from multiple manufacturers, rather than just focusing on my current favorite, the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Each keyboard excels in specific areas and might better match your needs or preferences. For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 is my top pick for a compact 60% keyboard due to its low-profile keys and lightweight design. If you're after a low-profile option, the Logitech G515 TKL is ideal for its slim profile without sacrificing functionality. For budget-conscious buyers, the Redragon K582 Surara offers impressive value. I'm deeply interested in the details that make each keyboard unique, and I'll guide you through 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 stands out as the ideal gaming keyboard, boasting Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and solid construction. It's available in full and tenkeyless models, including a wireless option. My review of the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 found it nearly perfect, with the OmniPoint 3.0 switches and the OLED control panel meeting my expectations for a top-tier gaming keyboard.
The Apex Pro's design is sleek and understated, with bold keycap fonts and tasteful RGB lighting. The Hall Effect switches offer a smooth, consistent feel and customizable actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, providing versatility for both gaming and typing. Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode can enhance performance, though their utility varies by game. The OLED panel allows for easy control of media, lighting, actuation points, macros, and profile swapping. Battery life is decent at 45 hours, which is acceptable for a keyboard.
Overall, the Gen 3 SteelSeries Apex Pro is a standout choice, likely to remain my go-to until an even more perfect keyboard comes along.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos
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2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Best High-End Gaming Keyboard
### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
6Razer's flagship BlackWidow V4 Pro has been enhanced with great mechanical switches, macro keys, and a customizable Command Dial. It's the keyboard equivalent of Razer's Deathadder mouse, offering top-tier build quality and features.
The full-sized V4 Pro includes a programmable dial and a column of macro keys, alongside comprehensive media controls. The Synapse software allows for extensive customization, enhancing productivity and versatility. Razer's mechanical switches, including the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows, are among the best available, with a slightly shorter actuation point for quick, consistent keystrokes. The keyboard supports an 8000Hz polling rate, a feature that, while less crucial for keyboards than mice, demonstrates Razer's commitment to performance.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro's years of refinement place it ahead of the competition, as noted in our review, and it sets a high standard for other keyboard manufacturers to follow.
Redragon K582 Surara
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
### Redragon K582 Surara
3The Redragon K582 Surara exemplifies how far budget keyboards have come, offering great performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Redragon's wide range of keyboards can be overwhelming, but the K582 Surara stands out for its durability and performance.
Despite its off-brand switches and flashy design, the K582 Surara's "professional" Red switches deliver smooth, buttery linear actuation comparable to Cherry MX Reds. This full-sized keyboard performs well, and its $44.99 price tag, often discounted to $36, makes it an unbeatable value in the mechanical keyboard market.
Cherry MX LP 2.1
Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard
### Cherry MX LP 2.1
3The Cherry MX LP 2.1 is a standout in the compact 60% keyboard category, offering a lightweight and low-profile design that performs on par with larger models. Its compact footprint saves desk space, though it sacrifices some functionality.
The MX LP 2.1's lightweight design doesn't compromise durability, and its slim keycaps enhance the low-profile experience while maintaining solid keystroke feel. The Cherry MX Speed switches feature a short 1.5mm actuation point and a firm, smooth linear feel. Bluetooth connectivity adds to its versatility, making it suitable for various settings.
Despite its small size, the MX LP 2.1 proved reliable during extended use, including multiple raid tiers in Final Fantasy XIV, as noted in my review.
Logitech G Pro X TKL
Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard
### Logitech G Pro X TKL
4The Logitech G Pro X TKL offers everything you'd want in a tenkeyless keyboard, with fantastic mechanical switches and build quality that deliver satisfying keystrokes. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycap design make it visually appealing, while the RGB lighting remains tasteful.
The G Pro X TKL includes on-board features like a volume wheel, media controls, and mode toggles, all conveniently located on the top row. Its keycaps have a slick finish, paired with Logitech's proprietary linear switches for consistent, satisfying keystrokes.
While it may lack the latest tech like OLED screens or optical switches, the G Pro X TKL excels at its core function, making it one of the best tenkeyless keyboards available.
Keychron K4
Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard
### Keychron K4
1The Keychron K4 offers a full-sized keyboard experience in a compact 96% layout, ideal for those who want functionality without sacrificing too much desk space. I was immediately impressed with the Gateron Red linear switches, which performed comparably to Cherry MX Reds.
The K4's minimalist frame and slim bezels give it a sleek look, and its color schemes add personality. Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility, though the 96% layout requires mode swapping to access center column functions. If you need a number pad and full functionality in a smaller footprint, the Keychron K4 is an excellent choice.
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 with macro keys, media controls, and optical switches, all complemented by a beautiful brushed aluminum plate. Its RGB lighting is tastefully integrated, and the keyboard strikes a balance between flashy and functional.
At $250, the K100 RGB with Corsair's OPX Optical switches offers excellent value, though Cherry MX Speed switches are also available. The optical switches provide a unique, satisfying feel, and the solid construction ensures firm, consistent keystrokes. While the software could be better, the K100 RGB's customization options and 8000Hz polling rate make it a top choice for those seeking a premium full-sized keyboard.
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos
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8. Logitech G515 TKL
Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard
### Logitech G515 TKL
1The Logitech G515 TKL is a standout low-profile keyboard, combining a slim design with solid build quality and great mechanical switches. Its ultra-thin keycaps offer a tactile texture, and the 1.3mm actuation point complements the low-profile design.
In my review, I praised the G515 TKL for its performance, which rivals that of larger keyboards, and its aesthetically pleasing design. While it lacks some of the sound dampening found in other keyboards, it's a worthwhile trade-off for its slim profile. The only minor drawback is the top bar, which could include more features like media controls.
For those seeking a top-tier low-profile gaming keyboard, the Logitech G515 TKL is an excellent choice.
Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos
15 Images
9. Pulsar Xboard QS
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
### Pulsar Xboard QS
1Pulsar's Xboard QS is an impressive entry into the keyboard market, offering strong build quality, a unique aesthetic, and exceptional Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its enthusiast-level features and physical customizability make it a standout choice.
The Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches provide a light 38g actuation force and a normal 2.0mm actuation point, delivering firm, responsive keystrokes. The keyboard's design, featuring a pristine white and black color scheme with a retro-futuristic look, is visually appealing. The programmable volume knob adds to its functionality, though customizing it requires using QMK tools.
Despite its high $300 price and wired-only limitation, the Pulsar Xboard QS earned high praise in my review for its unique design, durability, and excellent performance.
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% is designed for customization, featuring an updated Command Dial, swappable parts, and top-notch construction. It's the closest a mainstream manufacturer has come to catering to keyboard enthusiasts.
The Razer Orange tactile switches are excellent, but the keyboard's design allows for easy switch replacement, enabling you to customize it with your favorite switches. The Command Dial and Synapse software enhance its functionality and customization options. At $300, it's a premium choice, but its performance and customization potential justify the cost.
Gaming Keyboard FAQ
What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?
Choosing the right mechanical switch is crucial when selecting a gaming keyboard. While Cherry MX switches were once dominant, many manufacturers now offer proprietary switches that compete at the highest level. Brands like Logitech, Razer, Gateron, and Kailh Box offer excellent options, while optical and Hall Effect switches represent newer technologies that use light and magnets, respectively, for actuation.
There are three main switch types: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide smooth, clean keystrokes without physical feedback. Tactile switches offer a slight bump at the actuation point for better input feel. Clicky switches are louder and provide full physical feedback, which some prefer for typing. Optical and Hall Effect switches are typically linear, with adjustable actuation points.
Key switch characteristics include actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force. The actuation point is the distance at which the keyboard registers an input, typically 2.0mm for standard switches, with competitive switches often shorter at around 1.5mm. Travel distance is the full distance a key travels before bottoming out, and actuation force is the effort needed to press a key, usually measured in grams (g) or centinewtons (cN).
Should I go with a TKL, compact, or full-sized keyboard?
Your choice of keyboard layout depends on personal preference and intended use. Full-sized keyboards offer all 104 keys and the most desk space, allowing for additional features like media controls and macro keys. 96% keyboards retain full functionality in a slightly smaller footprint, ideal for those who use the number pad and center column frequently.
Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards omit the number pad, saving desk space while often including useful features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED panel. They are popular among gamers who prioritize performance and space.
Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest option, sacrificing the center column and function keys for a minimal footprint. While they may not be ideal for productivity or games requiring many keys, they are perfect for those who value space and portability.
Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?
Wireless connectivity is more critical for gaming mice and headsets due to their movement. For keyboards, wireless is a nice-to-have feature, but wired versions often offer the same performance at a lower cost. For example, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL's wireless version is $269.99, while the wired model is $219.99, saving you $50.
Modern wireless technology, such as Logitech's Lightspeed and Razer's HyperSpeed, ensures minimal latency, making it a non-issue for most users. Higher polling rates, often found in wireless dongles, further demonstrate the advancements in wireless peripherals.
In conclusion, the best gaming keyboard for you depends on your preferences for layout, switch type, and features. Whether you prioritize performance, customization, or budget, there's a keyboard on this list that can meet your needs.
