Yes, they kinda look like regular keyboards, except for the lights and extra keys. But they offer a lot more. Today's gaming keyboards have become quite sophisticated pieces of engineering — some of them even feature their own processor, display, and memory module. Most have macro support, which means you can press a single key to launch a command or keystroke in just one press, rather than having to press multiple keys.
Similar to a pair of shoes, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all gaming keyboard that will work for everybody. In order to help you find the best gaming keyboard for you, it’s important that you decide on a few things
First, you need to determine your new keyboard’s switch type. Mechanical keyboards vary depending on their switches — brown are relatively quiet, while blue are clicky and loud. Cherry keys give you a slight click and are easy to engage without using much force. Still confused about the different switch types? Our friends at Popular Mechanics have you covered, and wrote an informative breakdown on mechanical keyboards.
Next, you should consider what size keyboard you want. You’re probably most familiar with a full-size keyboard. This type has around 100 keys with a full alphanumeric type pad, a number pad on the right side, and with some arrow cursors along the bottom. We recommend this type of keyboard for anybody who works with numbers.
Tenkeyless (commonly called TKL) keyboards have around 88 keys, which consist of the alphanumeric block, a row of function keys, and the navigation arrows. This type appeals to gamers who want more desk space for their gaming mouse. Since this type of keyboard is about 80% of the width of a full-sized keyboard, they aren’t as heavy. So, they are also easier to travel with, and oftentimes cheaper. “60%” keyboards are the most common layout following full-size and TKL gaming keyboards. This type ditches the number pad, the function keys at the top, and the navigational arrows on the bottom.
Now that you’ve figured out your switch type and keyboard size, you’ll want to decide if you need a wired or wireless keyboard. We wholeheartedly recommend a wired keyboard since they are more reliable and don’t experience any delays or lag. However, if you want a cleaner desk set up (or just really loathe cords), wireless is the way to go.
If you want an edge over your online gaming opponents, shop our favorite gaming keyboards now: You’re sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
This gaming keyboard manages to find a strong balance among price, performance, and features. HyperX gives gamers the option to pick from multiple switch types and keyboard layouts, so you can opt for whichever model suits your unique preferences for gaming.
The Alloy Origins Core keyboard sports a full aircraft-grade aluminum body, so it feels solid and more expensive than it actually is. It has customizable light modes and macros (button combinations you can press with just a single key) to speed up in-game actions. Plus, its keys aren’t too noisy.
If you’re looking for a stylish, responsive, incredibly capable, and comfortable keyboard, the HyperX won’t disappoint.
Other: RGB backlit keys, programmable control wheel, six macro keys
The Corsair K100 RGB is a premium gaming keyboard that boasts a high number of features, a durable build quality, and keys that simply feel amazing to type on. It has everything you could possibly want in a gaming keyboard: dedicated media controls (and a volume wheel), USB pass-through, and a comfortable wrist rest.
The Corsair is one of the most customizable keyboards I’ve come across. It even works with Elgato’s Stream Deck software, giving streamers the ability to switch scenes, launch media, trigger GIFs, and more. Really, the only thing the Corsair doesn’t have going for it is its expensive asking price.
However, we think that — given how feature-filled and impactful the keyboard is for gaming — it’s well worth it, despite the original sticker shock.
Switches: Custom Razer Switches available in tactile/clicky, linear/silent
Other: RGB backlit keys, three connectivity options, includes magnetic wrist rest
As appealing as a wireless keyboard sounds, the truth is, most wireless gaming keyboards have a lot of frustrating tradeoffs, and the perks of the cord-free lifestyle aren't worth the number of potential problems that may arise.
Wireless gaming keyboards are known for occasional disconnects and lag, and most only connect wirelessly. This means that if your batteries die or your connection fails, you're stuck.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro doesn't suffer these annoyances. It's equally nice-looking as it is reliable. What sets it apart is its ability to be used with either a Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless connection, or wired connection. It's comfortable to type on, has up to 190 hours of battery life, offers useful media controls, and is equipped with a leather-like wrist rest.
Razer’s Synapse software isn’t as intuitive as other options
Key Features
Layout: Full-sized
Switches: Razer Opto-Mechanical switches
Other: RGB backlit keys, removable magnetic wrist rest, digital dial
This top-of-the-line keyboard is the best pick for e-sports competitors, thanks to its superior switches and optical sensors. Razer actually combined the two, creating what it calls “Opto-Mechanical” switches that offer an unrivaled level of input speed and latency reduction. This tech makes it one of the fastest keyboards on the market. Not surprisingly, it’s also remarkably comfortable to type with.
The full-sized keyboard includes a comfy detachable memory foam wrist rest and digital dial, so you can quickly and easily adjust its RGB color options or your gaming PC’s volume. Compared to other keyboards, this one from Razer is much more durable, thanks to its sturdy aluminum construction. It’s even backed by a 2-year warranty.
Other: RGB backlit keys, detachable palm rest, six macro keys
The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is an excellent backlit keyboard that’ll go easy on your budget. Although it’s not a true mechanical keyboard, it still has a decent build quality, and feels really responsive. The keyboard has IP42-rated resistance, meaning it’ll survive a beverage spill. It offers users media controls and six dedicated macro keys. It's compatible with Elgato’s Stream Deck software.
Other keyboards in this price range don’t offer as many features, and they also feel cheap and plastic-like. The Corsair has a matte-black finish, comes with a soft wrist rest to improve its comfort, and has per-key RGB lighting. Overall, you get quite a lot for what you pay for.
Other: RGB backlit keys, detachable palm rest, six macro keys
If you’re set on buying a tenkeyless gaming keyboard, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL is without a doubt the one to buy. The Corsair is an excellent keyboard for e-sports, thanks to its durable aluminum frame and stellar switches. Gamers have the choice of Cherry MX Red or Speed Silver: The latter is for those looking for fast and direct switches that are super speedy.
What sets the K70 apart from other tenkeyless keyboards is its high polling rate: It reaches 8,000 Hz, which is eight times higher than most other keyboards. This means the likelihood of you ever experiencing lag is extremely low.
The keyboard includes media controls, a brightness button, and a mini volume roller — which are all rarities on compact keyboards. All in all, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Corsair K70 RGB TKL keyboard. It’s easy to customize, is powerful, and looks and feels great.
Switches: Logitech Romer-G switches (soft and tactile)
Other: Memory foam palmrest, USB pass-through port, RGB backlighting
The G513 by Logitech is an excellent gaming keyboard with a grown-up design and handy number pad. A favorite ofPC Worldand TechRadar, this keyboard allows gamers to customize its mechanical keys via a free and easy-to-use PC software suite. You’ll appreciate this keyboard’s low profile, illuminating RGB lights, and detachable wrist rest.
Our biggest complaint is its lack of dedicated media controls — but on the plus side, it features an on-board USB passthrough port, so you can plug in a mouse, a flash drive, or your smartphone. If you want a handsome keyboard that's immune to fingerprints, this one is tough to pass up!
Switches: Steelseries OmniPoint switches with customizable sensitivity
Other: Built-in OLED display
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is an excellent mechanical gaming keyboard with a compact design and numeric keypad. The accessory packs OmniPoint Adjustable Switches that allow you to customize the actuation distance from 0.4 to 3.6 millimeters. (In case you’re unfamiliar, “actuation” means how far down you have to press a key before it registers your command.)
So, if you want just the absolute lightest touch on your keyboard to fire your weapon in a game, this keyboard can help make it happen. We’re big fans of this keyboard’s OLED screen, which can display the volume, names of songs, or your character’s kill ratio. If you can afford its higher-than-average price point, this keyboard is one of the best you can get.
This affordable wireless keyboard is a great option for PC gamers on a budget who like to game on the couch. It's equipped with Cherry MX Red keys, plenty of hotkeys for music playback, and LED backlights.
We were quite impressed with its battery life, too — you can expect 10 hours of use with the backlights enabled. If you turn off the lights, expect a full day of use. Unfortunately, this keyboard suffers more frequent disconnects than other more expensive wireless keyboards like the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro and Logitech G915 — but note that those models are almost twice as expensive.
Brandon CarteSenior Electronics EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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