When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. That’s why having a high-performance gaming keyboard is essential for any serious gamer.
From mechanical keyboards with tactile switches to wireless options that offer freedom of movement, there is a gaming keyboard out there for everyone. Whether you prioritize comfort, durability, or advanced features, the keyboards on this list have been carefully selected to cater to a wide range of gaming needs. So, get ready to upgrade your gaming setup and elevate your gaming experience with these top-notch keyboards.
Things to Look for When Purchasing a Gaming Keyboard
When considering a gaming keyboard, several factors come into play to ensure an optimal gaming experience. Firstly, decide whether a mechanical keyboard or a wireless keyboard suits your needs. Mechanical keyboards provide tactile feedback and quicker key presses due to their mechanical switches, whereas wireless keyboards offer more flexibility in movement.
Secondly, the choice of mechanical switch matters. Linear switches provide smooth key presses, clicky switches offer audible feedback, and tactile switches combine both aspects. Each caters to different preferences and gameplay styles.
For those who prefer a larger layout, full-sized keyboards with dedicated media controls might be preferred. A full-size keyboard can provide more comfort during gaming sessions comparatively. However, for those seeking a more compact solution could opt for a compact keyboard without sacrificing performance.
Price ranges can vary significantly. A budget gaming keyboard may offer essential features, while pricier options could include extra features like customizable RGB lighting, macro buttons, and specialized software.
Keep in mind that wired keyboards generally provide a more stable connection for uninterrupted gameplay. However, if wireless convenience is paramount, ensure the chosen keyboard has a reliable wireless connection.
Consider your desired key presses – some gamers prefer a shorter actuation distance for rapid responses, while others might appreciate a longer travel distance for precision.
In a nutshell, finding the right gaming keyboard involves assessing your preferences, playstyle, and budget. Don’t rush the decision; weigh the pros and cons of different switch types, sizes, and additional features. Whether it’s a full-sized keyboard with all the bells and whistles or a more cheap gaming keyboard with essential functionality, the perfect fit for your gaming needs is out there.
Best Gaming Keyboards of 2023: Top 10 List
Best Overall Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
- Analog Optical Switches: These switches allow you to customize the actuation point to your liking. This means that you can choose how much force you need to apply to the switch for it to register a keystroke. This can be helpful for games that require precise control, such as first-person shooters.
- HyperSpeed Wireless Technology: This technology provides lag-free gaming performance. This is important for competitive gamers who need to be able to react quickly to what is happening on-screen.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: This allows you to customize the lighting of each key. This can be used to create a unique look for your keyboard or to highlight certain keys for gaming.
- Detachable Wrist Rest: provides added comfort for long gaming sessions.
- Compatible with Razer Synapse Software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macro buttons, and other settings of your keyboard.
Best Value Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex 5
- OmniPoint Adjustable Switches: These switches allow you to customize the actuation point to your liking. This can be helpful for games that require precise control, such as first-person shooters.
- Solid Build Quality: This keyboard is made of durable materials and is built to last.
- Comfortable Typing Experience: The keycaps are made of a soft, textured material that feels good to type on.
- Detachable Wrist Rest: This provides added comfort for long gaming sessions.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: This allows you to customize the lighting of each key. This can be used to create a unique look for your keyboard or to highlight certain keys for gaming.
- Compatible with SteelSeries Engine Software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
Best Gaming Keyboard for Durability
Corsair K70 RGB Pro
- Cherry MX Speed Silver Switches: These switches are known for their fast response time and tactile feedback. This makes them a good choice for gaming, as they allow you to react quickly to what is happening on-screen.
- Durable Construction: This keyboard is made of durable materials and is built to last.
- Detachable USB Passthrough: This allows you to easily move your keyboard around or connect it to a different device.
- Swappable Palm Rest: This allows you to customize the comfort of your keyboard.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: allows you to customize the lighting of each key. This can be used to create a unique look for your keyboard or to highlight certain keys for gaming.
- Compatible with Corsair iCUE Software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
Best Gaming Keyboard for Style
Roccat Vulcan II
- Floating Key Design: This design gives the keyboard a sleek and stylish look.
- Roccat Titan Switches: These switches are known for their fast response time and tactile feedback. This makes them a good choice for gaming, as they allow you to react quickly to what is happening on-screen.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: allows you to customize the lighting of each key. This can be used to create a unique look for your keyboard or to highlight certain keys for gaming.
- Detachable Wrist Rest: This provides added comfort for long gaming sessions.
- Compatible with Roccat Swarm Software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
Best Gaming Keyboard for Hybrid Switches
Razer Ornata V3
- This is a hybrid of mechanical and membrane switches, which gives it a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying click.
- features several media keys and a volume wheel, making it a good choice for productivity as well as gaming.
- It has per-key RGB lighting and a detachable wrist rest.
- compatible with Razer’s Synapse software, which allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings.
Best E-Sports Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G Pro X
- Designed for esports professionals and features GX Blue mechanical switches that are known for their durability and responsiveness.
- It is also equipped with a detachable USB cable and a swappable palm rest, making it a versatile option for different gaming setups.
- It has per-key RGB lighting and is compatible with Logitech’s G Hub software, which allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings.
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
- This is a wireless version of the popular Apex Pro keyboard.
- It features the same OmniPoint adjustable switches and per-key RGB lighting, but it is also more portable and convenient to use.
- It is compatible with SteelSeries’ Engine software, which allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings.
Best Premium Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K100 RGB
- This flagship model from Corsair features a premium design with Cherry MX Speed Silver switches.
- It is also equipped with a large volume wheel, a detachable wrist rest, and per-key RGB lighting.
- It is compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software, which allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings.
Best Gaming Keyboard for Optical Switches
Razer Huntsman V2
- Equipped with Razer’s new optical switches, which are said to be up to 3 times faster than traditional mechanical switches.
- It also features a comfortable wrist rest and per-key RGB lighting.
- It is compatible with Razer’s Synapse software, which allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings.
Best customizable Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro
- The top-of-the-line model from SteelSeries features several innovative features, such as adjustable actuation points and OmniPoint switches.
- It is also very customizable with SteelSeries’ Engine software.
Notable Mentions
Ducky One 2 Mini
- 60% Layout: This keyboard is a 60% layout, which means that it is smaller than a traditional keyboard. This makes it a good choice for gamers who want a keyboard that takes up less space on their desk.
- Variety of Switch Types: This keyboard is available with a variety of switch types, so you can choose the one that feels best to you.
- High-Quality Construction: This keyboard is made of high-quality materials and is built to last.
- Customizable RGB Lighting: This keyboard features per-key RGB lighting, which allows you to customize the lighting of each key.
- Compatible with Ducky’s software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
- HyperX Mechanical Switches: These switches are known for their durability and responsiveness. This makes them a good choice for gaming, as they allow you to react quickly to what is happening on-screen.
- Detachable USB Cable: This allows you to easily move your keyboard around or connect it to a different device.
- Hot Swappable Switches or Keycaps: This allows you to customize the look and feel of your keyboard.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: This allows you to customize the lighting of each key. This can be used to create a unique look for your keyboard or to highlight certain keys for gaming.
- Compatible with HyperX NGENUITY Software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
Keychron K2
- Wireless Connectivity: This keyboard is available with both wired and wireless connectivity. This makes it a good choice for gamers who want a keyboard that they can easily take with them on the go.
- Variety of Switch Types: This keyboard is available with a variety of switch types, so you can choose the one that feels best to you.
- Portable Design: This keyboard is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: This keyboard features per-key RGB lighting, which allows you to customize the lighting of each key.
- Compatible with Keychron’s software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
Varmilo VA87M
- Premium Build Quality: This keyboard is made of high-quality materials and is built to last.
- Cherry MX Switches: These switches are known for their durability and responsiveness. This makes them a good choice for gaming, as they allow you to react quickly to what is happening on-screen.
- PBT Doubleshot Keycaps: These keycaps are made of a durable material that is resistant to wear and tear.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: This keyboard features per-key RGB lighting, which allows you to customize the lighting of each key.
- Compatible with Varmilo’s software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings of your keyboard.
Leopold FC660M
- Compact Design: This keyboard is a 65% layout, which means that it is smaller than a traditional keyboard. This makes it a good choice for gamers who want a keyboard that takes up less space on their desk.
- Cherry MX Switches: These switches are known for their durability and responsiveness. This makes them a good choice for gaming, as they allow you to react quickly to what is happening on-screen. There are a variety of colours present that can provide an aesthetic beauty to the gaming setup.
- Cherry MX Red
- Cherry MX Brown
- Cherry MX Black
- Cherry MX Blue switches
- Cherry MX Pink (Silent Red)
- Cherry MX Silver (Speed Silver)
- Cherry MX Clear
- PBT Doubleshot Keycaps: These keycaps are made of a durable material that is resistant to wear and tear.
- Per-key RGB Lighting: This keyboard features per-key RGB lighting, which allows you to customize the lighting of each key.
- Compatible with Leopold’s software: This software allows you to customize the lighting, macro buttons, and other settings of your keyboard.
Price and Ratings
Keyboard | PCMag | IGN | Tom’s Hardware | Amazon Australia |
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro | 4.5/5 | 9/10 | 4.5/5 | AUD 399.95 |
SteelSeries Apex 5 | 4/5 | 8.5/10 | 4/5 | AUD 299.95 |
Corsair K70 RGB Pro | 4.5/5 | 8/10 | 4.5/5 | AUD 349.95 |
Roccat Vulcan II | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | AUD 299.95 |
Razer Ornata V3 | 4/5 | 7.5/10 | 4/5 | AUD 249.95 |
Logitech G Pro X | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | AUD 299.95 |
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless | 4.5/5 | 9/10 | 4.5/5 | AUD 499.95 |
Razer Huntsman V2 | 4.5/5 | 8.5/10 | 4.5/5 | AUD 349.95 |
Corsair K100 RGB | 4.5/5 | 9/10 | 4.5/5 | AUD 499.95 |
SteelSeries Apex Pro | 4.5/5 | 9/10 | 4.5/5 | AUD 499.95 |
Please note that these prices may vary depending on the retailer and the time of purchase.