Read more on Best Gaming Keyboards With Macro Keys
best keyboard for gaming
There are a variety of gaming keyboards to choose from, but choosing one shouldn’t be stressful. The latency (how responsive is a keyboard), switch type (the feel and sound of the keypress), and overall comfort and feel of the keyboard are all important factors to consider when purchasing a keyboard for gaming purposes. Additionally, you should make sure that you consider any additional features you want, such as RGB backlighting, media controls, or software customization options, that will further enhance your gaming experience and make it as enjoyable and fluid as possible. Our recommendations lean more towards mechanical keyboards in general since mechanical keyboards tend to provide a greater range of features, a better level of build quality, and a smoother typing experience than other keyboard types. Because of this, we tend to recommend mechanical keyboards more often.
We have tested over 170 keyboards as well as a number of non-mechanical keyboards, if that’s what you are interested in, so here is what we recommend as the best mechanical keyboards for gaming with a non-mechanical option as well. We recommend the best mechanical keyboards for those looking for a mechanical keyboard that isn’t geared towards gaming, or the best budget mechanical keyboards for those looking for a mechanical keyboard that isn’t geared toward gaming. In this article we have also provided our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards under $100 if you are looking for keyboards that are on a budget or on a tight schedule. Read more on Best Small Keyboards. Read more on Best Keyboards For Productivity
best keyboard for gaming
Corsair K100 RGB
A wired connection is available
(100%) Size Full-size
Mechanical Yes
With over ten extra features in both the hardware and software, the Corsair K100 RGB is the ultimate gaming powerhouse. In order to play games with incredibly responsiveness, the split millisecond latency features a seamless experience with no noticeable lag. Additionally, this keyboard will provide you with your choice of the Cherry MX Speed or Corsair’s OPX switches, which both provide you with a short pre-travel distance and feather-light actuation force, ensuring you get smooth and responsive key presses and a keyboard which registers your keystroke right away.
This product is well-built and offers a lot of great features. Using the companion software, you can customize each zone in the frame to perform various lighting effects or simply display static colors that match the theme of your setup. It has 44 lighting zones built into the frame, and every key is individually backlit, so you can take your RGB obsession to the next level. Furthermore, there are six macro keys on the left side of the keyboard, a programmable wheel at the top, and a suite of media controls, which enables you to control the music or video that is being played directly from your keyboard. I would suggest the K100 RGB as your best bet if you’re looking for a keyboard with a lot of features for gaming. Read more on best mechanical keyboard under 75
SteelSeries Apex Pro
SEE PRICEAmazon.com
Connectivity Wired
Size Full-size (100%)
Mechanical Yes
It is a fantastic gaming mouse from SteelSeries. This keyboard does not have 44 RGB zones, macro keys, or a PBT keycap like the Corsair K100 RGB. However, its OmniPoint switches can be adjusted per-key, which makes it easier to customize your experience. Various pre-travel distances are available for your WASD keys to give you a super sensitive gaming experience, but for your other keys, you can keep them at a standard pre-travel distance to avoid typing mistakes during chat. Read more on best budget keyboards for gaming
You can also display GIFs or images on the programmable OLED screen, or make settings adjustments on-the-fly with the screen. Alternatively, you can use USB-passthrough to connect your controller to your PC if you want to play games. Obviously, the keyboard’s latency is impressively low, so you can expect it to handle any game you throw at it with ease. It adds another level of customization to a high-performance gaming keyboard that doesn’t include RGB zones or a sink built into the keyboard. Read more on Best Keyboards for Streaming Games
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
SEE PRICE Amazon.com
Connectivity Wireless
Size Full-size (100%)
Mechanical Yes
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro gives you wireless connectivity instead of a wired connection like the first two picks. Obviously, it comes at a price of being unable to use the companion software or either adjusting the pre-travel distance or the fun of using the companion software, but if you are looking to get rid of any extra cables, this is well worth the trade-off. With a latency as low as just under a millisecond, this wireless keyboard runs at a fast pace and is one of the most responsive keyboards we have tested in general, not only in terms of speed, but in terms of responsiveness as well.
Since this is a Razer product, you can pair it with a Razer Chroma-compatible mouse or keyboard to tie your RGB setup together and you can even use your keyboard with other Razer Chroma-compatible devices. There is an advertisement that states that the battery life of this device will last up to 200 hours without the RGB lighting and less than that if the RGB lighting is turned on, depending on the effects and brightness you choose. If you decide to purchase Razer’s clicky or linear switches, both of which were designed with gamers in mind, you can select between Razer’s clicky Green or linear Yellow switches, which are both designed with gaming in mind.
Using a linear switch or a clicky switch is up to the user, since the switches are light to operate and have a short pre-travel distance.
Read mmore on VicTsing Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity Wired
Size Full
Mechanical Yes
It is a cheap one. There are more keyboards going for under $ 100 you can buy fom amazon. The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is the best on a budget if you want the best of the best. There is no Numpad on this keyboard, but there are still arrow keys and all the navigation buttons. In-game codes or other hints can be written on a pad of paper, freeing up some space on your desktop.
It boasts an incredible performance, even though it is an older model, on par with some of Razer’s more recent models. There are linear optical switches inside the board, which have a short pre-travel distance and don’t require much force to act, so you’ll feel each keypress instantly, especially when you add the keyboard’s extremely low latency. The RGB lighting configurations and color mixing are excellent on this keyboard, so RGB fans will not be disappointed.
As a budget gaming board, the Logitech G413 is a solid choice if you want something more straightforward with less features and a lower price. Despite being an older model, I think that it can serve as a good place to start if you have never bought a gaming keyboard before and you aren’t too concerned about having RGB lighting and other features on it. There is also a Numpad on the device, if that is something you would be interested in.
Read more on Best Wireless Keyboards With Number Pads
Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
View at Amazon
Buy at Microsoft US
View at Razer Gold Partner Program
The best gaming keyboard right now
SPECIFICATIONS
Interface: WiredKeyboard backlighting: YesSwitches: Analog mechanical
REASONS TO BUY
The actuation of the keys can be fully customized
Feel the click of the keys with your fingertips
REASONS TO AVOID
-Expensive to the point of being eye-watering
Our Razer Huntsman v2 Analog review gives it a five-star rating for combining optical technology and analog mechanical key switches. Underselling it would be a mistake. With an extremely satisfying tactile feedback and a wrist rest that lets you game longer, this gaming keyboard delivers the best typing and gaming experience we’ve tested in a while. Although it’s a little expensive compared to other keyboards, I’d say it’s worth the money.
Read more on Best Wireless Keyboards with a Touchpad. Read more on Best Wireless Keyboards With Number Pads
Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro
View at Amazon
View at Conrad Electronic
First in its class compact gaming keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Interface: WiredKeyboard backlighting: YesProgrammable keys: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Performs quickly and accurately
The operation is quiet and satisfying
REASONS TO AVOID
There are a large number of shortcuts that require steep learning curves
The Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro gaming keyboard is a great example of a TKL gaming keyboard that solves many gaming-related problems. A brushed gunmetal finish and floating keys that brilliantly showcase its customizable RGB lighting make this compact gaming keyboard stand out among the best in performance, comfort, and looks. In addition to being fast and accurate, Roccat’s Titan optical switches are satisfying, quiet, and durable. Buying it will cost you a lot of money, but it’s worth every penny.
Read the full review: Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro
Mountain Everest Max
Check at Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS
Interface: WiredKeyboard backlighting: YesProgrammable keys: Yes
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
+Modular design with innovative features
Plus, a macro pad and a creative media deck
CONSIDERATIONS TO AVOID
You may have to deal with fussy software
In a Kickstarter campaign, Everest Max achieved success, a modular keyboard with the feel of every aspect having been carefully planned out by PC enthusiast community members.
There are three key components to this device: a media deck with an innovative display dial that allows you to monitor or adjust the performance of your PC with boundless versatility, a left or right-handed Numpad, which has four programmable macro keys, similar to those on the Elgato Streamdeck, and a plush wrist rest. With Mountain’s keyboard, even the key switches are hot-swappable, so you can try out future modifications to see how they affect the keyboard before you decide which you want to change.
How to choose the best gaming keyboard for you
Design, features, and price should all be taken into consideration when choosing the best gaming keyboard. There is an interconnection between all three – keyboards with more advanced features cost more. It is cheaper to buy a keyboard with fewer keys. Using this method doesn’t require any special skills.
To start, you’ll need to decide whether tenkeyless or full-size keyboards are better for you. Tenkeyless keyboards do not have a number pad on the right, while full-size keyboards do. You can eschew a numpad if you don’t do a lot of productive work, or purchase one if you need one.
It is also important to consider the type of switch you want if you are buying a mechanical model. It is generally considered the gold standard to be Cherry MX. Red Cherry switches are characterized by their color and linear design, Brown Cherry switches are characterized by their color and tactile design, and Blue Cherry switches are characterized by their noise and linear design. Although the color coding of other switch manufacturers may differ, most of the styles of other switch manufacturers are similar.
The cost of some features varies. The price of a gaming keyboard can grow by a few dozen dollars with RGB lighting, and wireless connectivity can ratchet up the price even more. Personally, I like both of these options, but if you don’t care about aesthetics, they’re probably not worth it. Because keyboards are stationary devices, wireless keyboards are not necessarily an advantage.
How we test gaming keyboards
The keyboards we review are subjected to a variety of tests in order to determine which is the best gaming keyboard. In order to determine how well the keyboard holds up, you must play several games. Each of the genres benefits most from a good keyboard, so I always try out one FPS, one RTS, one RPG, and one MMO. (Most action/adventure games are playable with a controller.)
A keyboard’s software suite is then examined, with a focus on reprogramming keys, setting up macros, adjusting lighting, and creating game profiles. A lot of points are given to intuitive software, whereas convoluted software, even if it is very robust, is given fewer points.
The last thing we do is to ensure that we use a keyboard at least twice or three times a week to be productive. Gamer keyboards are usually used for gaming, work, and general computing, so most gamers don’t swap keyboards very often. Keyboards are recommended based on their ability to perform everyday tasks well.
Final thoughts on best keyboard for gaming
Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, Cooler Master, and Roccat are just a few of the major gaming hardware makers who have developed their own key switches. The keyboard switches developed by each of these companies are specifically designed for gaming. Each of them has a different actuation force and point, and each travels a different distance. The biggest difference between these unique key switches and Cherry MX switches is that they serve a similar function, but with a shorter debounce rate, which makes them feel faster in the hand.
In addition to the height of your keycaps, there is another important consideration when it comes to gaming keyboards. In general, keyboards will come with full-sized or regular sized keycaps, which will require you to bend your fingers a little in order to reach the top of the keys. The Razer Ornata sports a mid-height keycap design, which allows you to type with a slightly more relaxed feeling. Last but not least, being able to choose from a variety of keycaps that are low-profile is ideal for those users who would prefer to keep their fingers hovering over the keys, as they would on a gaming laptop. These keycaps can be found on the Logitech G915 and Corsair K70 MK.2 Low Profile, for example.