Truth is, you can use any working keyboard to play most PC games. Wired, wireless, and even fancy ergonomic keyboards aren’t likely to give you much trouble. However, there’s still good reason why many gamers prefer a gaming keyboard to go with their gaming mouse and the rest of their gaming setup.
The best gaming keyboards can deliver better accuracy and responsiveness when it comes to your in-game actions, making them more ideal for use in competitive online matches. They also tend to offer better customizability, making it easier to tailor the controls to your exact liking. Whether you spend your gaming time exploring vast RPG worlds, engaging in fast-paced competitive shooters, or diving deep into single-player narratives, a good gaming keyboard can definitely elevate your overall experience.
The best gaming keyboards can come in different sizes. Some people prefer playing on full-size variants to give themselves access to a maximum number of keys. Others prefer smaller layouts with 87, 75, or even just 40 keys onboard for a more streamlined setup. Some prefer the simplicity of wired designs (no batteries to mess with), while others prefer to minimize clutter by going wireless. While many gamers have grown partial to mechanical switches nowadays (they’re so responsive), others still prefer the quieter sound of other options, whether it be your standard membrane switches or more modern standards, like optical switches.
These are the best gaming keyboards to give you a competitive edge during gameplay.
G.Skill KM250 RGB
Pros
- Very affordable mechanical keyboard
- Hot-swappable switches
- Volume knob
Cons
- No software to easily reprogram the keys
- All-plastic frame
Connectivity: USB-C
Size: 65 percent
Switch Type: Mechanical (Kailh Red)
Extra features: Volume control knob, hot-swappable key switches
Despite its very affordable price, this gaming keyboard offers an incredible experience for both gaming and general typing tasks, with its transluscent keycaps, individual backlighting for each key, and hot-swappable Kailh Box switches. Yes, those switches are notably loud and they’re still quite noisy here, although the keyboard does integrate some sound dampening that manages to lower the volume a bit (not by much, so this thing will make noise). Sure, they’re not as smooth as more expensive switches (they feel stiffer when you bottom out), but they make an excellent option for entry-level mechanical keyboards. Despite the smaller 65 percent layout, they managed to integrate full-sized arrow keys into the mix, which we really appreciate, along with a volume control knob on the upper right corner.
Do note, there’s no software included with this keyboard, so there’s no easy way to reprogram the keys (or that control knob) without having to resort to a third-party workaround. It does offer pre-programmed key combos that you can use to adjust the backlighting, which is tricky but straightforward enough.
Keychron V3 Max
Pros
- Smooth typing experience
- Non-jarring sound
- Good value for excellent mechanical keys
Cons
- Taller keycap profile might not be comfortable for some
- Largely plastic build
Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C
Size: Tenkeyless
Switch Type: Mechanical (Gateron Jupiter Red)
We love the sound dampening on this sub-$100 mechanical gaming keyboard, which uses an internal gasket mount and multiple layers of sound dampening foam. Each switch is also pre-lubed, giving them a really smooth feel and producing a snappy sound that’s not quite as jarring as your usual mechanical keys. We love the spacing between the keycaps, which really helps with accurate typing, although the keys seem a little taller than usual, which might take some getting used to, especially when it comes to gaming, where you’ll occasionally need to quickly reach for a key on the other side of the layout. It might also be more comfortable when used with a wrist rest (it’s not supplied with one). Other features include individual key backlighting, hot-swappable switches, and compatibility with QMK and VIA software for remapping the whole thing, although you need to use a cable when remapping.
Do note, this isn’t really designed as a gaming keyboard. In fact, it’s actually designed with Mac users in mind, although you can easily switch between MacOS and Windows modes, so we don’t have any issues using it on Windows. We also didn’t find any problems using it for gaming, as it’s very responsive over wireless connections even when playing competitive FPS titles. Additionally, you can just plug it in via USB-C if you want minimum latency.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
Pros
- Extremely quiet linear switches
- Comfortable wrist rest
- RGB LED shines through the keycap labels
Cons
- Basic feature set
Connectivity: USB-C
Size: 80 percent
Switch Type: Optical (Razer linear red)
Not everyone wants a mechanical keyboard. Sure, the feedback and responsiveness feel unmatched, but some people prefer their gaming keyboards to be a whole lot quieter. Those folks would do well using this wired Razer keyboard, which uses linear optical switches that feel light, responsive, and very smooth. Most importantly, they’re incredibly quiet without any audible noise, since they also integrate sound-dampening foam inside to further quell even the littlest sounds the switches can create. Do note, this one uses Razer’s red linear switches, which enables their extremely quiet function, although they also offer them in clickier variants if you prefer each key stroke produces a soft yet satisfying sound. On the downside, the optical switches means it doesn’t support any hot-swapping. We love how the individual RGB LEDs shine through the labels on each keycap, as well as the included wrist rest, which is very comfortable to use. It also uses Razer’s Synapse software, which means you can easily reprogram every key to your liking.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Wired
Pros
- Excellent magnetic switches with useful features
- Useful mini OLED display
- Highly programmable keys
Cons
- Produces a light but unpleasant clicking sound
Connectivity: USB
Size: Full-size
Switch Type: Magnetic (Steelseries Omnipoint)
Yes, the Apex Pro is on the older end of peripherals on this list, but it remains one of our favorites for good reason: it’s just a terrific gaming keyboard that brings a number of interesting features to the mix. It’s equipped with the outfit’s Omnipoint 2.0 switches, which boasts individually-adjustable travel distance (from 0.1mm to 4mm), allowing you to customize the required pressure you need to put to register a stroke on a per-key basis. You can even program up to two actions per key, each one based on different travel distances (e.g. walk with a light press and run with a deeper press), which is nuts. That’s a game changer if you’re the kind of competitive gamer who wants to tilt as many potential factors into your favor. The full-size layout means you get ample spacing between keycaps, too, while the double-shot PBT keycaps are very easy to type on. Other features we love include a small OLED display where you can see the current profile, a metal roller, a dedicated media key, fold-out rear legs, and magnetic wrist rest.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
Pros
- Hot-swappable and moddable
- Comfortable typing angles
- Quiet for a mechanical keyboard
Cons
- ABS keycaps
Connectivity:
Size: 75 percent
Switch Type: Mechanical (Razer Orange Tactile)
Is this Razer’s best mechanical keyboard? Many people seem to think so. For one, it’s the outfit’s first hot-swappable keyboard, relying on a socketed PCB that makes putting in a new switch very easy. Not only that, it’s also compatible with both five-pin and three-pin switches for extra versatility. Heck, the keyboard even lets you change the foam padding and PCB if you want to swap them out for something else, so modders should find plenty to love here. It’s fitted with the outfit’s Razer Orange Tactile switches, which is quieter than your standard mechanical fare, making it great for those who prefer slightly less noise with every keystroke, all while having a really good tactile feel. For whatever reason, Razer decided to use ABS keycaps, which aren’t as nice as the PBT ones you’ll normally find with keyboards in this price range. As with the outfit’s other keyboards, you can use the Synapse software to modify all sorts of stuff when it comes to the keyboard’s functions.
We love the way Razer laid the keyboard out, as it naturally tilts from the back for a comfortable typing angle. It also has fold out legs that can be deployed in two positions for a steeper angle. The keys are a bit higher profile, by the way, so it includes a magnetic wrist rest to ensure a more comfortable typing position.
Corsair K70 Max RGB
Pros
- Excellent magnetic switches
- Highly programmable keys
- Sturdy build
- Handy “Tournament Mode” switch
Cons
- Complicated software
Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A
Size: Full-size
Switch Type: Magnetic (Corsair MGX)
Similar to the Steelseries model above, this gaming keyboard uses linear magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (anywhere from 0.4mm to 3.6mm) that support programming up to two functions on the same key at different actuation distances. It’s noticeably quieter than the Steelseries, too, with the onboard sound dampening, which we appreciate. The one sticking point on the feature is the outfit’s iCUE software, which you’ll have to use to do all that custom stuff. It’s just not the most intuitive software to use, although you can figure things out eventually, especially after going through the various tutorials.
There’s a switch at the back of the keyboard that enables and disables Tournament Mode, which, basically, automatically disables RGB lighting, profiles, and custom macros, presumably for gaming pros who wouldn’t want any of that during competitive tournaments. The styling here is reminiscent of the outfit’s typical gaming keyboard design, so Corsair users should find it comfortably familiar, while a mid-profile key height makes it usable both with or without the included wrist rest.