When searching for gaming keyboards, it is hard to pick one from numerous options available on the market. Several keyboards use uniform switches such as the Cherry MX or Kailh, whereas other companies produce their own.
A mechanical keyboard is usually best for gaming but may not be for everyone. Taking your preferences into consideration when looking for the best gaming keyboard, it’s important to consider the build quality.
Besides the best gaming mouse, it’s one of the main ways you interact with your PC so it can really add a difference to your gaming experience. Therefore it makes sense to pick up a powerful, comfortable, and sensitive gaming keyboard.
We’ve listed our top picks of the best gaming keyboards below. See also our suggestions on Top 10 best Bluetooth headphones, Portable Headphone Amplifiers, Portable Hard Drives, Portable & Gadgets Laptop Backpacks.
Top 10 Best Gaming Keyboards – Reviews
1. Best Keyboard For Gaming: SteelSeries Apex Pro
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the best mechanical keyboard we’ve reviewed for gaming ever. It’s a full-size keyboard that includes special omnipoint switches, enabling you to customize the touchpoint and the moving force to match your preference. It means you can set a shallow actuation point to improve gaming sensitivity or set a higher one to boost productivity tasks by typing accuracy. These switches are linear so when typing, they do not provide any tactile feedback and do not cause much noise. It comes with a very comfortable wrist-rest that is magnetically attached and has one incline configuration.
This keyboard has an impressive number of features, in addition to its excellent typing consistency. It has complete RGB backlighting with individually-lit buttons, dedicated controls, and an OLED screen that can be configured to show anything you want. There is a USB passthrough you could use to charge your mobile devices, or you can use it to connect in some external gadget such as your mouse, allowing you more cord power and you can push the mouse pointer easily. You can reprogram or set a macro to any key but it has no special macro keys for MMO play.
SteelSeries’ engine software offers lots of choices in terms of configuration, which is eligible for Windows and macOS. You can configure the OLED screen and backlight, reprogram keys or set macros, and save as many profiles as you want. There is also onboard memory which makes it easier to move your settings to a new device. This keyboard operates on Linux, because of the lack of program help you just won’t be able to configure it. However, it is also a feature-rich keyboard that will please both casual and serious gamers.
PROS
- Unique adjustable force actuation setting.
- Amazing compatible software.
- Very well-built design.
- Quiet mechanical keyboard.
CONS
- No dedicated macro keys.
- Wrist rest is a dust magnet.
2. RAZER BLACKWIDOW ELITE
If you prefer tactile switches then try out the Razer BlackWidow Edition. Like the SteelSeries Apex Pro, the keyboard is full-size and comes with a lot of features. This keyboard has the Razer Orange switches that are related to Cherry MX Browns but, it is also compatible with Razer Green and Razer Yellow switches. Type-on is convenient, pressing the keys is easy and it looks amazingly sensitive. This gives direct sensory feedback and you can be confident the keypress is detected and very little noise is generated by it.
It has unique media controls, a USB passthrough, and full RGB backlighting. Every key is programmable, so configuration is done every Synapse 3 software from Razer. Unfortunately, macOS and Linux don’t have program support, but most keys operate as they should on certain operating systems.
The SteelSeries is a superior option overall as it has more features and becomes more customizable. But, if you want tactile switches, the Razer is an outstanding choice.
PROS
- Very well-built design.
- Very comfortable wrist rest.
- Excellent typing experience.
CONS
- Slightly unstable wrist rest.
- Customization is only available on Windows.
3. Best TKL Keyboard For Gaming: Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is the best TKL keyboard we’ve reviewed for gaming ever. It involves exclusive Razer Linear Optical switches which are simple to press and have an outstanding gameplay experience.
This keyboard is built to be a keyboard for gaming and that is just what you get with it. It has complete RGB backlighting, outstanding build quality and can be set to a macro for any switch. The Razer software is highly customizable but only on Windows. macOS or Linux users can set up a profile on Windows and switch computers because you can save up to five profiles on their onboard memory. There’s even a key that lets you configure macros without using the program directly on the keyboard.
Unfortunately, since the keys are so easy to press, they are very sensitive and do not provide a good typing experience so this is not a good option for office use for most persons. When you want to click on it, it does not cause any fatigue when you click for a long period. All and all, this is the best TKL gaming keyboard we’ve been reviewing so far.
PROS
- Excellent build quality.
- Full RGB backlighting.
- Very customizable.
CONS
- Low actuation point can be overly sensitive for some.
4. STEELSERIES APEX 7 TKL
Find out the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL if you want a more flexible keyboard, for use for office. The keys have more pre-travel reach than the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition, but although we’ve checked the model with tactile switches, it’s still accessible in linear and clicky buttons, which isn’t the case for the Razer. The keys are stable and have a relatively uniform spacing which is perfect for typing speed, but they do feel less responsive.
Keep in mind that if you choose gaming in a quieter background, selecting the clicky version may be loud. It has full RGB backlighting on the positive side and macro programmable keys.
PROS
- Excellent build quality.
- Outstanding gaming features.
- Great typing experience.
- Superb software support.
CONS
- Dust magnet.
5. Best Wireless Keyboard For Gaming: Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED
The best wireless gaming keyboard we’ve ever reviewed is the Logitech G915. It’s a full-size keyboard packed with features including dedicated macro buttons, multi-device compatibility, and complete RGB backlighting. It’s a superb mechanical wireless gaming keyboard with three proprietary low-profile switches: tactile, clicky, or linear. We checked the tactile version, which offers input with no significant amount of noise produced.
One of the most unique features of this keyboard is an excellent networking choice. It can connect with its wireless USB receiver or by Bluetooth, and at the same point, it helps you to pair up to two devices for easy multitasking. Even this keyboard comes with the program G Center, which enables you to store up to three separate profiles with a total of 15 macros. You can use the M1, M2, and M3 buttons at the top of the keyboard to switch between the profiles.
Unfortunately, though it’s nice that dedicated macro keys are available, even those keys are programmed. The backlighting on the bright side can be personalized for each specific switch, and Logitech’s G HUB app has an easy-to-use, clean interface. Basically, this is the best wireless keyboard we’ve seen until now for gaming.
PROS
- Excellent build quality.
- Low profile.
- Outstanding software support.
- Great typing experience.
CONS
- Partial compatibility with mobile devices.
6. Best Keyboard For MMO Gaming: Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT
The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is the best gaming keyboard for MMO games. This is a large keyboard that has 3 types of Cherry MX switch. We reviewed the Cherry MX Blue version, which along with audible clicks provides tactile feedback.
The line of dedicated macro keys is of course the most critical function for MMO players. You can program them through Corsair’s well-designed iCUE program which provides plenty of added features. It also makes it easy to customize the full RGB backlighting of the keyboard and to create and save multiple profiles. In case you decide to move devices, there’s onboard memory to save profiles and if you stream frequently, this keyboard has complete connectivity with the Elgato Stream Deck. It also comes with dedicated media buttons, a USB passthrough, special textured keycaps for FPS players, and a plush wrist rest.
Unfortunately, the clicky switches that we checked have a strong actuating force that might get exhausted and they’re loud to use. Thankfully, it feels extremely well-built, the keys are stable, and the PBT keycaps with Doubleshot should prevent the key legends from fading over time. All in all, if you also play MMO sports, this is the best MMO gaming keyboard we’ve been searching for.
PROS
- Dedicated macro keys.
- Well-built design.
- Doubleshot PBT keycaps have a nice feel.
CONS
- Not fully compatible with macOS or Linux.
- High actuation force with tactile switches.
7. Best Budget Keyboard For Gaming: Redragon K552-RGB
The Redragon K552-RGB is the best budget keyboard we’ve reviewed for gaming. This very compact keyboard is incredibly well-built and includes mechanical switches, which is perfect at this price point. This comes with a range of clicky, responsive buttons, which might not be suitable for everyone. It’s also a TKL without a NumPad which gives your mouse more space.
The unit is equipped with Outemu Blue switches, which have a small bump in front of the actuation and need a little more power to operate. They provide each keypress with a really satisfying audible clicky feedback, which can get very loud. This keyboard also has complete RGB lighting, but because there’s no standard software, any configuration changes would need to be done directly on the keyboard. In the upside, individual keys will monitor the backlight.
Unfortunately, no support for the software often ensures you can not save various profiles. It also has no wrist rest which would have made use of a little more comfortable. However, a mechanical gaming keyboard is very cheap making this the perfect gaming budget keyboard.
PROS
- Good build quality.
- RGB backlight.
CONS
- No app support for customization.
- No onboard memory.
8. Best Non-Mechanical Keyboard For Gaming: SteelSeries Apex 3
If you don’t like mechanical keys, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is the best non-mechanical game keypad reviewed. This keyboard uses rubber dome switches and has a decent build quality. The keyboard comes with a comfortable rest of the magnetic wrist, quite close to the one used in the SteelSeries Apex Pro. It is compatible with SteelSeries Engine, where you can build various profiles and configure the RGB 10-zone backlight to match your preferences.
One aspect to keep in mind with this keyboard is that before the actuation point the rubber dome switches have a significant bump which takes quite a lot of action. The keys are very stable on the positive side and don’t wobble at all, but they do feel a bit mushy. If you’re someone who wants to write long messages or chats when playing games, the keyboard entry is good. However, it can be hard to say whether there were moments that a keypress was recorded because the tactile feedback is not as obvious.
On the drawback, it has no specific macro keys, but you can program all of its keys, but for most users, that shouldn’t be that much of a concern. Overall this membrane keyboard is one of the best non-mechanical gaming keyboards we’ve reviewed for its budget price.
PROS
- Good build quality.
- Great software support.
CONS
- No onboard memory.
- No dedicated macro keys.
9. HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard Review
The HyperX Alloy Origins is an excellent gaming keyboard. The linear switches are extremely responsive, and its RGB backlight is great for gaming in the darkroom. Although any key can be reprogrammed, MMO games lack dedicated macro keys.
PROS
- Outstanding build quality.
- Excellent typing experience.
- Programmable keys.
CONS
- Customization software is only available on Windows.
10. ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO Keyboard Review
The ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO is an outstanding keyboard for gaming. The new Titan switches offer outstanding tactile input and are quiet. The distance to travel before is standard, and the keys feel light. The board looks good-made and has a unique style, with low profile keycaps and complete RGB lighting, perfect for playing in the dark.
PROS
- Well-built design.
- Unique look with low profile keys and transparent switch casings.
- Great typing experience.
CONS
- Not available in a wide variety of switches.
- Wrist rest is needed to have a better typing experience.
Final Thoughts:
Our suggestions above are what we found are the best gaming keyboards available on the market. These are the best gaming keyboards to buy in every price range for you. We have analyzed the features and functions of each product and reviewed our best for the buyers.