Choosing the right gaming keyboard is more about personal preference than simply picking the best mouse or headset. Factors like layout (tenkeyless or full-sized), mechanical switches, and extra features all depend on individual taste. Even with personal preferences considered, several key aspects influence a keyboard's performance, making informed purchasing crucial, especially given their cost. This guide highlights essential aspects and reviews my favorite keyboards.
Having extensively tested numerous keyboards, including recent releases, all recommendations stem from firsthand experience. Reviews will delve into switch performance in competitive gaming and typing comfort during prolonged use. Keyboard construction significantly impacts feel. Extra features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED panel are valuable additions, often tied to software applications—a factor to consider for highly customizable keyboards. Even keycap material affects performance. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision.
TL;DR: Top Gaming Keyboards:
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Best Overall: SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Redragon K582 Surara
Cherry MX LP 2.1
Logitech G Pro X TKL
Keychron K4
Corsair K100 RGB
Logitech G515 TKL
Pulsar Xboard QS
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
Given the keyboard variety, recommendations are categorized, showcasing diverse manufacturers and highlighting strengths. For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 excels as a compact 60% keyboard due to its low profile and lightweight design. The Logitech G515 TKL is ideal for low-profile needs, offering a small footprint without sacrificing features. The Redragon K582 Surara provides impressive quality on a budget.
My fascination with keyboard details is evident. Let's explore these top gaming keyboards:
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos
(11 Images)
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3) - Best Overall Gaming Keyboard
Best Overall: SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
The SteelSeries Apex Pro, with Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and robust construction, is an ideal gaming keyboard. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB-C dongle), Bluetooth, or wired
Switch Type: OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect (linear)
Battery Life: Up to 45 hours
Size / Layout: Full (wired-only) or TKL
PROS: Hall Effect switches are customizable and feel great; OLED control panel works well; Sleek, no-nonsense design with tasteful RGB.
CONS: N/A
SteelSeries consistently impresses with its Apex line. The 2024 refresh offers full-sized and tenkeyless models (including a wireless version). The OmniPoint 3.0 switches and OLED control panel make it exceptional. Its sleek design features bold keycap fonts and tasteful RGB. The Hall Effect switches are smooth, consistent, and satisfying, with customizable actuation points (0.1mm to 4.0mm). Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode enhance performance (note potential Rapid Tap bans in some games). The OLED panel controls media, RGB, actuation points, macros, and displays information, allowing profile swapping. Battery life reaches 45 hours under optimal conditions.
The Gen 3 SteelSeries Apex Pro is a top contender.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos
(25 Images)
2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro - Best High-End Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Razer's flagship keyboard, the V4 Pro, boasts excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and a customizable Command Dial. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
Switch Type: Razer Orange (tactile), Yellow (linear), Green (clicky)
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: Full (with macro keys)
PROS: Razer's proprietary mechanical switches are fantastic; Macro keys and extra buttons provide full control; Synapse software allows access to the latest tech.
CONS: A little bulky.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out in Razer's lineup. Its build quality, mechanical switches, and features make it easy to recommend. While lacking the OLED screen and Command Dial of its tenkeyless counterpart, the full-sized V4 Pro features a programmable dial and macro keys, along with media controls. Synapse software offers extensive customization. Razer's tactile Orange, clicky Green, and linear Yellow switches are top performers with short actuation points. An 8000Hz polling rate is included.
Years of iteration have elevated this keyboard above the competition.
3. Redragon K582 Surara - Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Redragon K582 Surara
Budget keyboards have improved significantly, and the Redragon K582 Surara exemplifies this with great performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: USB wired
Switch Type: Professional Red (linear)
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: Full
PROS: Performs as well as standard mechanical keyboards; Well-built and durable.
CONS: Somewhat gaudy design.
Redragon offers numerous models, but the K582 Surara impressed as a cost-effective alternative. Despite using off-brand switches and a flashy aesthetic, its "Professional" Red switches performed comparably to Cherry MX Red switches, offering smooth, buttery linear actuation and consistent performance. The full-sized model is available, and TKL and mini models might also be worth considering. Its price point is exceptionally low, often going on sale for even less.
4. Cherry MX LP 2.1 - Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard
Cherry MX LP 2.1
The Cherry MX LP 2.1 shines as a light and low-profile 60% compact keyboard, performing on par with top contenders. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Cherry MX Low-Profile Silver (linear, short)
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Size / Layout: Compact 60%
PROS: Super lightweight; Low-profile keycaps; MX Speed Silver switches feel good.
CONS: Cherry software isn't great; Compact 60% keyboards may not suit everyone.
Compact 60% keyboards, while sacrificing the number pad, center column, and function row, offer a small footprint. The Cherry MX LP 2.1 is exceptionally lightweight, making it portable. The slim keycaps and Cherry MX Speed switches (1.5mm actuation point) provide a firm, smooth linear feel. Bluetooth capabilities add versatility.
5. Logitech G Pro X TKL - Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G Pro X TKL
Logitech's G Pro X TKL offers excellent mechanical switches and build quality, providing satisfying keystrokes. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Logitech Tactile, Clicky, or Linear (proprietary switches)
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)
PROS: Extra on-board features; Logitech switches are fantastic; Sleek and clean design.
CONS: N/A
The G Pro X TKL features a brushed aluminum top, exposed keycap design for RGB, and on-board controls (volume wheel, media controls, mode toggles). Logitech's proprietary linear switches deliver consistent keystrokes. While lacking OLED screens or high polling rates, it performs exceptionally well.
6. Keychron K4 - Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard
Keychron K4
The Keychron K4 offers a 96% layout, combining full-size keyboard features in a smaller form factor. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Gateron Red (linear)
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Size / Layout: Full (96%)
PROS: Affordable; Wireless capabilities; Gateron switches perform well; Slim frame.
CONS: Limited extra features and software customization.
The 96% layout retains all keys in a smaller space. Gateron Red linear switches perform comparably to Cherry MX Reds. The minimalist design and Bluetooth connectivity add versatility. The layout requires adapting to function key combinations.
Corsair K100 RGB Review - Photos
(14 Images)
7. Corsair K100 RGB - Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K100 RGB
The Corsair K100 RGB features macro keys, media controls, optical switches, and a brushed aluminum plate. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
Switch Type: Cherry MX Speed or Corsair OPX Optical
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: Full (with macro keys)
PROS: Robust on-board controls; Solidly built board with optical switches; Uniquely textured keycaps and buttons.
CONS: Mediocre software.
The K100 RGB features a brushed aluminum plate, RGB lighting, macro keys, media controls, and programmable buttons. It offers Cherry MX Speed or Corsair OPX Optical switches. The 8000Hz polling rate is included. Software navigation could be improved.
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos
(10 Images)
8. Logitech G515 TKL - Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G515 TKL
The G515 TKL combines a slim profile, thin keycaps, and excellent mechanical switches. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Logitech Tactile
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)
PROS: Slim frame; Thin keycaps; Dense, solidly built board; Mechanical switches.
CONS: Additional controls on the top bar could be better.
The G515 TKL offers a slim profile, dense build, and ultra-thin keycaps. Logitech's updated mechanical switches have a 1.3mm actuation point. While lacking the "thock" sound of some keyboards, it performs exceptionally well. The top bar lacks media controls.
Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos
(15 Images)
9. Pulsar Xboard QS - Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
Pulsar Xboard QS
Pulsar's Xboard QS impresses with strong build quality, an appealing aesthetic, and excellent mechanical switches. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: USB wired (simultaneous dual-device capable)
Switch Type: Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 (linear)
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)
PROS: Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches are incredible; Dual connectivity; Durable build; Interesting style.
CONS: Pricey; Wired only.
The Xboard QS features Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 linear switches (2.0mm actuation point, 38g actuation force), a multi-layered construction for firm keystrokes, a white and black color scheme, and a programmable volume knob. It requires QMK tools for customization. Its high price is a consideration.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Photos
(13 Images)
10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% offers a Command Dial, swappable parts, and excellent construction. See it at Amazon.
Product Specifications:
Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), HyperPolling (for 4000Hz polling), wired
Switch Type: Razer Orange (tactile), swappable
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)
PROS: Great build quality; Easy customization; Command Dial; Latest Synapse tech.
CONS: Expensive.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% allows switch swapping (3-pin or 5-pin). The Command Dial, multi-layered construction, and responsive keystrokes make it highly customizable.
Gaming Keyboard FAQ
What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?
Choosing the right mechanical switch (or optical/Hall Effect switch) is crucial. While Cherry switches once dominated, manufacturers now offer proprietary options. Gateron and Kailh Box are also competitive. Optical and Hall Effect switches utilize light and magnets, respectively.
Three main switch types exist: **linear**, **tactile**, and **clicky**. Optical and Hall Effect switches are often linear. **Linear** switches offer smooth keystrokes; **tactile** switches provide a slight bump for feedback; **clicky** switches are louder with pronounced feedback.
Consider **actuation point** (distance before input registration), **travel distance** (full keystroke), and **actuation force** (pressure required). Shorter actuation points allow faster inputs but risk accidental keystrokes. Actuation force is measured in grams (g).
Should I go with a TKL, compact, or full-sized keyboard?
Layout choice is highly personal. Full-sized keyboards (104 keys) offer maximum space and features. 96% layouts retain all keys in a smaller footprint. Tenkeyless (TKL) layouts omit the number pad, saving space. Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest, removing the center column and function keys. Consider your needs and preferred footprint.
Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?
Wireless keyboards offer convenience, but wired options are often cheaper and avoid battery concerns. Modern wireless technology minimizes latency, making the choice largely a matter of preference and budget.
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