To get the best out of your gaming rig, you need to invest in high-quality peripherals. If you are into PC gaming, you should consider buying a reliable gaming keyboard that you can fully count on during gameplay.
Furthermore, gaming keyboards have advanced features that will give you an added advantage when playing PC games.
Whether you’re a professional esports athlete or an occasional gamer, a keyboard is a vital piece of hardware.
A good keyboard can offers gamers the ultimate gaming experience. From precise keystrokes to customizable RGB lighting, there’s something for everyone. But with so many brands, types and models on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your money.
To make the decision easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide featuring 12 of the best gaming keyboards on the market. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a feature-packed model, we can help you find the perfect gaming keyboard for your needs.
How to choose the best gaming keyboard？
When selecting a gaming keyboard, there are a few significant elements to consider, such as latency (how responsive a keyboard is), switch types (the feel of the key press and the noise it makes), and overall comfort and feel.
You should also consider any other features you want, such as RGB illumination, media controls, or software customization choices, to make your gaming experience as fluid and enjoyable as possible.
Types of Gaming Keyboard
Computer keyboards typically can be grouped into two main categories: membrane or mechanical keyboards.
Membrane keyboards have a “mushy” feel, are quiet, monotonous, less responsive, and lack key rollover. but it’s more affordable.
Gamers and typing enthusiasts often prefer mechanical keyboards because they offer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, with each keypress registering more distinctly than on a membrane keyboard.
Mechanical keyboards are also typically more durable and long-lasting than membrane keyboards. So they are a better purchase long-term, but do come with significantly higher costs up front.
Size
Each keyboard size differs in its layout, and ultimately, the number of keys available.
If you want to play button-hogging MMOs, for instance, a full-size keyboard (104 keys) is probably best, as it will provide a lot more remappable keys than small form factors.
But if your desk space is tight, and you don’t desperately need number pad keys or separate media controls, a tenkeyless (87 keys), 65% or 60% keyboard might suit you better.
Tenkeyless (TKL, 87%, 80%) keyboards lack the num-pad on the right-hand side. 60% keyboards ditch the arrow keys and Home/Ins/Del cluster, while 65% keyboards retain the arrow keys.
Type of mechanical switches
There are two main parts of the key: the keycap and the key switch. The keycap is the bit with the printed letter/number/symbol on it. The switch is the mechanism that activates when you press the keycap.
When you press the keycap, you also press the key switch down until it hits the actuation point, which is when your keyboard registers the press. You’ll find that the time it takes to hit that actuation point varies from keyboard to keyboard.
So the most important thing is the type of switches. Broadly speaking, there are three main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky.
Most companies (like well-known Cherry) will label these switches in terms of color, with Red being linear, Brown being tactile, and Blue being clicky.
Linear switches: These switches move straight up and down without any tactile feedback or clicking noise. The actuation or the registering of a keypress happens when it bottoms out.
This simplicity allows for more rapid actuation, making them the preferred switch for gamers. These switches will generally give you the fastest actuation.
Tactile Switches: These switches have a similar construction as linear but include a bump halfway through the key’s downward travel. This bump signifies the actuation point, which means that a keypress is registered before it fully bottoms out.
This enables a faster typing experience since the key doesn’t have to travel all the way down to actuate, thus becoming the preferred choice of typists.
These tactile switches are a great hybrid option if you plan on getting a keyboard that’s efficient at typing and gaming.
Clicky Switches: These switches follow the same concept as tactile switches, which means they’re bumpy, but at the same time, they are louder by design.
These key switches offer a bump along with additional audio feedback, which is pretty satisfying, almost like an old typewriter.
Linear optical switches
Linear switches are excellent for gaming and optical makes them faster than mechanical (due to zero debounce delay). Also look for a short actuation point for the switch, 1.0mm is ideal.
Wired or Wireless Connection
A wireless keyboard (via bluetooth Technology or 2.4 GHz wifi connectivity) does not need a wired connection to a computer, which can drastically cut down on clutter on a computer desk.
This allow you to move your setup and get comfortable but can experience delay, lag or interference, and the batteries can run out.
Wired keyboards are reliable and don’t have the same issues as wireless options, but they aren’t as convenient or flexible. Furthermore, they are typically less expensive than wireless.
Powerful software
This will allow you to customize key placements, setup macros, and customize the RGB lighting. Super handy for customizing your rig and increasing efficiency.
Anti-ghosting
Anti-ghosting, also known as N-Key rollover, is a keyboard’s ability to accurately handle several keystrokes simultaneously. This means the keyboard can correctly register inputs when multiple keys are pressed.
Gaming keyboards with key rollover are highly recommended when playing complex titles that require quick reaction times. Depending on the keys that you press, you will be able to gain easy access to commands, shortcuts, and other game functions on the fly.
Programmable Macros keys
Most of these keyboards feature programmable macros keys that allow for quick and easy configuration. This way, you will be able to execute in-game commands at will, thereby reducing your reaction time.
The best gaming keyboard should have all the key functions that you may require when playing different game titles.
Media playback
Some gaming keyboards have dedicated media keys that will give you full control over the computer’s audio system. As a result, you can mute the game in an instant should there be a need to do so. You will also be able to make other changes to match your gaming needs.
RGB Lighting
RGB lighting is not technically a functional feature unless you play and work in the dark, in which case their illumination brings valuable visibility to keep your accuracy up and errors at bay.
RGB lighting allows users to customize the color of their keyboards to match their setup or to create a unique look. this make their gaming setup more appealing.
But where some offer the ability to change the LEDs that sit beneath the keys on an individual level (known as RGB), others simply glow in one colour, while others limit you to a few preset lighting effects.
Top 12 Best Gaming Keyboards to Buy in 2024
We’ve created a list of the 12 best gaming keyboards in every price range; all you have to do now is pick one that best suits your need and busget.
1. Razer Huntsman V2
The Huntsman V2 replaces the full-size Huntsman Elite, and the V2 is quieter with a softer feel on the keys, which is as great for typing and gaming.
The Huntsman V2 by Razer is a Full sized keyboard with 109 keys, Each key on the board has an optical light sensor, allowing for quicker actuation speeds at 0.2ms response time.
It feature an 8,000 Hz polling rate, which is theoretically very fast, arguably faster than most people will notice.
The top of the key features a stabiliser bar that maintains the keycap motion level and steady regardless of which corner of the keycap you click.
The keycaps themselves are also unusually high quality, made from PBT with shine-through legends, so they feel great to type on.
It comes with up to 100 million keystrokes, the optical actuation eliminates physical touch, making it more durable.
It also has a nice plush leatherette wrist rest and two incline settings to maximize comfort over extended gaming sessions.
There’s RGB lighting support, software to customize the keyboard’s key maps and lighting effects, and a volume wheel and dedicated media controls that allow you to control anything from volume to brightness rapidly.
Plus, It has hybrid onboard memory and cloud storage capabilities and rebinds buttons for saving all profile configurations or up to five profiles.
It’s an expensive keyboard but if you’re a dedicated PC gamer, it’s a worthwhile investment.
If you’d prefer a much more compact and portable razer keyboard, you might want to consider Razer Huntsman Mini in the 60% form-factor.
2. Logitech G Pro
Logitech G Pro is an affordable, clean-looking mech board that’s more than capable in most games.
Its TKL design, it’s perfect for those who need more desk space without sacrificing functionality. On the downside, it does not have a NumPad, so it may slow you down when handling tasks that require you to key in numerical values.
The G Pro has proprietary Logitech GX Blue switches, which offer great tactile and audio feedback. It feels extremely responsive due to its super low latency and the switches’ short pre-travel distance.
The anti-ghosting gaming matrix has been fine-tuned for the best gaming performance, keeping you in command even when you hit numerous gaming keys simultaneously.
The keyboard is mostly made of plastic, but the build quality is pretty good and solid. The keycaps are a shine-through type, made out of the standard ABS plastic.
The Logitech G Pro also offers customizable RGB lighting for each button with Logitech G Hub software. It has a ton of preset RGB settings including the ability to program your own.
This keyboard is meant to be portable, the G Pro has a detachable micro-usb cable for portability, the cable itself is a trademark thick braided Logitech cable.
There’s no palm rest, But you can set it at three angles for comfort: flat, or with 4/8 degrees of upward tilt.
Logitech G Pro keyboard is responsive, well made, and aesthetically pleasing, makes it great for gaming. It isn’t expensive when compared to other mechanical gaming keyboards.
3. Corsair k70 RGB
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, few can match Corsair’s high-end models for pure depth of features.
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a high-end full-size gaming keyboard for those who want to stand out.
Built with a lightweight aluminium frame, the K70 mechanical keyboard from Corsair is a robust partner for any gamer.
The PBT double-shot keycaps are durable, keypresses feel light and responsive, and the Cherry MX switches are guaranteed for 100 million keystrokes.
One of the best thing is that you can choose from five different Cherry switches: Speed, Red, Brown, Silent and Blue. From quiet, linear switches to noisy, tactile ones, and anything in-between.
There’s full anti-ghosting and an 8000Hz polling rate to ensure your inputs are read properly, Its latency is incredibly low, so it’s well-suited for competitive games.
The K70 RGB MK.2 also has a dedicated media control section, which includes a volume knob and play/pause, stop, and skip buttons.
The included wrist rest is another added bonus, providing a comfortable and ergonomic typing & gaming experience.
The K70’s RGB lighting is fully customizable on a per-key basis, allowing users to create unique lighting profiles via Corsair’s ICUE software that match their personal preferences.
Plus, the USB passthrough and long braided cable offer added convenience, making it easy to connect other devices to your computer without having to reach behind your desk.
The price point of this premium gaming keyboard is steep, but with its superior performance, customisation options, and alloy base, it’s well worth investing in.
4. Keychron Q2
Keychron is a great brand for mechanical keyboards. It’s very similar to Ducky but sits at a much lower price. All of its products have very simple designs but are unique to the brand.
With a 65% form-factor, the Keychron Q2 strikes the perfect balance between available keys and compactness. It lacks the top row of function keys and a numberpad.
The Q2 is hot-swappable, so you can install or replace its switches without any soldering. As standard, you get a choice of Gateron G Pro linear red, clicky blue, or tactile brown switches.
The keyboard has an anodized aluminium chassis with an ultra-durable OSA PBT double-shot caps that will last a lifetime of gaming, and the Gateron switches are guaranteed to last 50 million keystrokes.
The softening effect of keystrokes done by the gasket mount is excellent, allowing for a much more satisfying bottom out even when you’re really laying it onto the keys.
Also, its latency is decently low, and all of its keys are macro-programmable through the companion software. the volume rotary knob is a fantastic addition.
This model also comes with per-key full RGB backlighting, including a number of different effects.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a wrist rest, but you can buy one separately to improve comfort.
The Keychron Q2 is an impressive gaming keyboard that comes with quiet sound, feels hefty and premium. Everything that a hard worker and even more hardcore gamer wants.
5. SteelSeries Apex Pro
SteelSeries has created the Apex Pro to be the pinnacle of its gaming keyboard lineup. The sleek design, high-quality build and plenty of useful features makes it an attractive keyboard.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a full-size keyboard with an adjustable incline setting and a detachable wrist rest.
It feels great in use and is made with durable aluminium, meaning it can easily withstand damage. The materials used in the construction are equally lightweight, so the keyboard doesn’t weigh as much.
It boasts Omnipoint switches with linear feel that provide smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for FPS games and typing reports.
Additionally, the adjustable actuation settings allow users to personalize their typing experience to their liking, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and speed.
You can program two different actions to the same key to create versatile shortcuts for your games, depending on how deeply you press it down.
Its OLED display is surprisingly useful for viewing notifications and how you’re performing in certain games, making it an ideal companion. The screen also allows users to change settings without the SteelSeries Engine software.
Furthermore, the its dedicated Multimedia Controls are distinct in that one of them is a volume roller that can be clicked.
With 16.8 million colours available through its RGB lighting, the Apex Pro will fit any gaming space.
Unfortunately, the cable is not detachable, but it’s thick, and the built-in USB passthrough makes up for this minor complaint.
Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL offers a very similar package but is smaller and cheaper. You miss out some keys, but Its spill resistance is a particularly convenient bonus.
6. Razer Blackwidow V3
The Razer BlackWidow V3 is an exceptional high-end mechanical keyboard that is sure to impress any avid typist, gamer, or programmer.
It sports a gorgeous full-size layout, a wrist rest that offers comfort during gameplay, a multi-function wheel and media keys which enabling you to adjust brightness, volume, and more.
The keycaps are not only made of heavy-duty ABS materials but also doubleshot to prevent wear. Plus, Its heavy and sturdy metal frame ensures that it can withstand even the most demanding usage.
Its smooth and light keystrokes are a pleasure to type on. When you buy this keyboard, you will have the option of choosing between yellow or green switches. The former offers silent keystrokes while the latter provides you with just the right level of tactile feedback.
Powerful customisation is possible with this keyboard, too, as you can reassign and configure every single one of the keys, with five whole-board configurations being storable for quick, on-the-fly access.
On top of this, the Razer HyperShift is a key activated function which doubles the functions available for each key.
USB and audio pass-through allow for easy cable management, The keyboard also includes cable management trenches in the back for better organization.
The keyboard’s dynamic RGB Chroma lighting shine through clearly, illuminating every key with vibrant colors and providing an unparalleled gaming and typing experience.
Also, the BlackWidow V3 keyboard comes in a range of colors, so you are the one to choose the shade that pleases you.
If you are a gamer has limited desk space or want more room for large mouse swipes, just get the TKL version- Blackwidow V3 TKL.
If you prefer the feel of wireless, The pro version – Blackwidow V3 Pro can connect via wired USB-C, Bluetooth or Razer’s 2.4 GHz wireless hyperspeed technology.
7. Redragon K552
The Redragon K552 is an excellent compact mechanical keyboard that is perfect for gamers on a budget. However, you won’t have to sacrifice quality for cost.
It comes in black-and-white color options and features a standard layout 60% board design. You can change the keyboard’s angle with a small stand at the back of the board.
It features 87 keys and uses clicky Outemu Blue switches, modelled on the Cherry X Blue, which provide great durability, tactility, and that important clicking sound.
Additionally, it has a hot-swap socket design that allows you to easily swap out switches without soldering. It promises to have N-key rollover enabled that prevents ghosting while you game.
The K552 comes with onboard RGB which can be customized through different presets on the board itself with Redragon’s software. This can help enhance your gaming experience and also adds a stylish look to your gaming setup.
The Redragon K552 keyboard has a durable design, the base is made from aluminium metal. Plus, there has liquid run-off holes, protecting you against any accidental spills.
The keyboard feels weighty and well-built, making it durable and long-lasting. Its small form factor frees up tons of desk space, giving you more room to maneuver your mouse and other peripherals.
The downside to this keyboard is its thin keycaps, no wrist rest, and lack of dedicated macro buttons that could be useful for certain games or tasks. This is a little disappointing, but it is okay considering the price it is being offered on.
8. HyperX Alloy Origins
HyperX is a popular brand for all kinds of gaming accessories. It’s won tonnes of awards for its comfort, performance, reliability and aesthetics.
The Alloy Origins from HyperX is a well-priced mechanical keyboard built with aircraft-grade aluminium to withstand long nights of intense gaming.
It is very compact and comes in either full-sized, TKL, 65 per cent, or 60 per cent sizes. And a removable braided USB-C cable helps make the keyboard more travel-friendly.
It boasts HyperX mechanical switches, which are rated for 80 million presses without loss of quality.
You can also choose from the HX red, blue or aqua key switch meaning it has great versatility.
The short travel time and low actuation force also provide accuracy and responsiveness, making you feel like a pro gamer.
You can customise this gaming keyboard according to your needs and preference using HyperX’s NGENUITY software, whether it is keys or lighting.
It features RGB backlight with three on-board profile storage to save your customization.
It also has three distinct tilt settings for the keyboard foot., so you can type to your comfort and ditch that pesky carpal tunnel syndrome.
HyperX Alloy Origins is a perfect choice for gamers who want great value for money.
9. Ducky One 3 SF
If you’re looking for a premium gaming keyboard and are willing to spend more, Ducky One 3 keyboard are worth considering.
Ducky is one of the most well-known keyboard brands. The Ducky One 3 is a new installment in the Ducky One lineup and succeeds the Ducky One 2.
The weight has been distributed through optimised construction which gives it stability to ensure the keyboard will always stay in its position.
The Ducky One 3 is available with Cherry MX switches of various color (Black, Brown, Blue, and Red) and tactility so you have a few to choose from.
The key switches supports hot-swappable: with a puller tool you can painlessly yank out individual switches and keycap, and just as easily slot in a different compatible switch.
Apart from the Cherry stabilizers, the stock keycaps are as good as it gets. The Ducky One 3 has PBT plastic keys and double-shot inscriptions, which are both among the most durable in their class.
You can set macros to any of its keys, but there isn’t any dedicated software, so all macro assignments and settings adjustments are made with key combinations right on the board itself.
The RGB lighting on the Ducky One 3 is bright, full, and shines amazingly off of the white metal backplate. This setting a beautiful ambiance on the keyboard.
The Ducky One 3 is available in Mini (60%) , SF (65%) , TKL, and full-sized form factors, with multiple color options.
While they may come at a higher price point compared to some other brands, many users find them worth the investment due to their durability and satisfying key-pressing experience.
10. Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
The Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a mid-range gaming keyboard with great performance at a reasonable price.
The tenkeyless form factor of the Vulcan TKL Pro allows you to game in a more comfortable and natural position. The keycaps are low-profile, while Its body has a brushed aluminium finish that offers a premium look and durability.
Its Titan Switch Optical tech provides lightning-fast response times, and its key stabilisers ensure no wobble or instability when typing or gaming.
These red linear optical switches aren’t clicky and loud but can quickly and accurately actuate.
With the Titan Switch Optical’s rating of up to 100 million keystrokes, these make the Vulcan TKL Pro extremely durable.
The Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro also features a mix of media controls and volume dials, so you can quickly adjust the sound without having to fumble with multiple keys.
Thanks to its detachable braided USB-C cable, setting up and taking down your gaming setup is a breeze.
It features stunning RGB lighting that illuminates through the keyboard’s transparent housing. Plus, its AIMO intelligent lighting engine makes it easy to sync up with compatible devices for a truly immersive gaming experience.
11. Asus ROG Strix Scope RX
The Asus ROG Strix Scope RX is a high-quality and relatively affordable gaming keyboard, act as an impressive game-changer.
The red optical mechanical switches are excellent for gaming. With a short actuation distance and zero debounce delay, you can react faster than the competition.
These switches give constant linear keystrokes with quick responses throughout a lifetime of 100 million keystrokes.
Additionally, each switch includes a center RGB LED that illuminates the whole key. The lighting is good, very customizable, nice and vibrant.
It also features a bigger Ctrl key and a Stealth key for FPS players, much like the other gaming keyboards in the Strix Scope series.
The keyboard is completed with a distinctive slash aesthetic for a dash of design and is capped with an aluminum faceplate for daily durability.
With IP57 waterproof and dust resistance, you can be sure that the keyboard is safe from dust and spills.
ROG Armoury Crate software, Dedicated Media controls, USB 2.0 pass-through, and on-the-fly macro recording further fill out the features list on an already multitalented keyboard.
Strix Scope RX gives you the tools you need to play like a pro and stand out from the crowd on the battlefield.
12. Akko 3068b Plus
The Akko 3068b Plus is a super interesting 65% gaming keyboard that’s supported widely across platforms like Windows, MacOS, iOS or Android.
It comes with Akko CS Jelly switches that are engineered with dustproof stem to reduce stem wobble, and the stabilizers also has good quality. The hot-swappable feature allows you to easily change out the switches without soldering.
The 3068b plus also comes with full N-Key rollover so you can push down as many keys as you want, which is critical for some game genres .
The keycaps are dye-sublimated and made from PBT plastic which gives them an incredible feel, look, and durability. Akko has included a few more colored keycaps in the box that allow for you to customize the aesthetic.
The keyboard supports Tri-Mode connection over Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz WIfi wireless or using USB Type-C cable. You can connect the keyboard up to three devices at the same time and use it seamlessly.
This keyboard also comes with a long-lasting 1800mAh battery, so you don’t have to worry about charging it often.
The keyboard supports per-key RGB lighting, key remapping, and macro support through the included software package.
There are a ridiculous amount of built-in RGB lighting effects (twenty!) that illuminates your gaming setup and creates an immersive gaming atmosphere.
This wireless gaming keyboard may not come from a big brand, but it’s got big brand build quality and offers enthusiast-level options at half of the price.
Conclusion
The better the keyboard we use in gaming, the better the experience will be. Whether you’re a professional gamer or an enthusiast, finding the right keyboard can make a world of difference.
These 12 best gaming keyboards mentioned above provide an excellent gaming experience and are often used by professional gamers.
While no product is ideal for every game or working environment, most keyboards are good enough to satisfy virtually everyone. The differences are frequently subtle unless you look for them.
Unfortunately, most tend to come with a hefty price tag. That being said, there are still some fantastic affordable keyboards as well.
Just keep in mind what level of gamer you are or which games do you play. If you are a casual gamer then you do not need to buy a high-end gaming keyboard, but a basic option will also suffice.
So, get ready to upgrade your gaming setup and take your skills to the next level.
If there is any question about which gaming keyboard will suit your needs best, please let us know!
Happy gaming!
