The 6 Best Gaming Keyboards – Summer 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Keyboard
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Best Upper Mid-Range
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Cheap
-
Best For Enthusiasts
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Jul 14, 2023 at 01:42 pm
By Gregory Vodden
Shopping for a gaming keyboard that best suits your needs can be confusing, but we’ll keep it simple. The most important factors to consider are the latency (how responsive a keyboard is), switch types (the feeling of the keypress and the noise it makes), and the overall comfort and feel. From there, you can decide if you’d like additional features like RGB backlighting, media controls, or software customization options that help you make your board feel just right for you. Most gamers look for mechanical keyboards as they typically offer lower latency, more features, and better build quality, so our recommendations lean more toward mechanical offerings.
We’ve tested over 200 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best non-mechanical and best mechanical keyboards for gaming. If you’re looking for a keyboard that isn’t strictly gaming-focused, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards or the best mechanical keyboards. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a gaming keyboard on a strict budget, check out our recommendations for the best budget gaming keyboards.
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Best Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
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Gaming
8.9
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity
Wired
Switch Type
Hall-effect
See all our test results
The best gaming keyboard we’ve tested is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023).
This keyboard stands out for having an adjustable pre-travel distance feature: you can set the sensitivity of your keypresses or even assign two inputs depending on how far down you press your key. Whether you want a nearly instant actuation point for competitive gaming or a longer pre-travel distance for general typing, you can customize each key individually within a wide range to best suit your needs.This keyboard also includes a detachable wrist rest for added support, a rare feature for keyboards of its size. Speaking of size, if you’re interested in this keyboard but looking for an even more compact version to give you the most room for sweeping mouse movements, check out the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. Or, if you prefer a version that includes a Numpad, look no further than the full-size SteelSeries Apex Pro. Also, if you prefer wireless keyboards so you don’t have cables cluttering your desk, most Apex Pro boards have wireless versions available.
See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G715
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Gaming
8.
7Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity
Wireless
Switch Type
Mechanical
See all our test results
At an upper mid-range price point, our recommendation is the Logitech G715. It’s a playful keyboard with a plush, cloud-shaped wrist rest, pastel-colored accents, and a nice “underglow” effect from the frosted RGB lighting strip around the unit. Although this board doesn’t allow you to change the sensitivity of each keypress like our top pick, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023), the very low latency and overall gaming performance are just as fantastic. Additionally, it’s a great out-of-the-box unit that requires minimal tweaking or programming to get it to feel just right.
Whether you use it wired with the included USB-A to USB-C cable or wirelessly with its USB receiver, it delivers a responsive in-game experience with no noticeable delay, even if you’re playing competitively.
You can get this unit with your choice of Logitech’s own GX switches in the usual offerings of linear Red, tactile Brown, or click Blue Blue, so you can pick the switch feeling you prefer.See our review
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Best Mid-Range Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
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Gaming
9.2
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity
Wired
Switch Type
Mechanical
See all our test results
At a mid-range price point, we recommend the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. In addition to its outstanding gaming performance, the K70 RGB TKL features excellent build quality with a hard plastic chassis, durable PBT keycaps, and ergonomic kickstands that open sideways, so you don’t accidentally collapse them if you accidentally nudge your board.
Performance-wise, this keyboard has a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, which means it reports your keystrokes to your computer much more often than most gaming keyboards.This feature contributes to this keyboard’s near-millisecond latency and provides a very fluid and responsive in-game experience, especially when combined with the light-to-press Cherry MX switches. You can get this keyboard with either classic Cherry MX Red switches or Cherry MX Speed switches. Both switch types feel very light and smooth, but the Speed switches have a slightly shorter pre-travel, making them very quick to actuate.
This keyboard is part of a larger Corsair K70 lineup that features keyboards of different sizes with slightly different features. While we recommend the TKL size here, as it gives you the most space on the side for mouse movements, you might prefer a larger board like the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, which costs a little more but includes a wrist rest.
See our review
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Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Razer Huntsman Mini
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Gaming
9.
5Size
Compact (60%)
Connectivity
Wired
See all our test results
If the more expensive options on this list are a bit out of your price range, we recommend the Razer Huntsman Mini as a more budget-friendly model. This board uses Razer’s Optical switches, available in clicky or linear varieties. While these switches feel like standard mechanical switches, they use a beam of light to register keystrokes. Combined with how lightweight these switches are, the result is an extremely responsive feeling experience. Like other Razer options, this keyboard offers all the standard customization features with Razer’s Synapse 3 software, including macro programming, per-key RGB backlighting effects, and onboard storage for custom profiles.
The build quality on this keyboard is also excellent, and it feels very sturdy even compared to the more premium options on this list. One of its major selling points is its gaming-friendly compact size that takes up very little room on your desk, giving your setup a minimal look and leaving plenty of room for sweeping mouse movements.
Unfortunately, this board has a fairly high profile, like most other options here. It doesn’t include a wrist rest, so you may consider buying one separately for the most comfortable gaming experience.See our review
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Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL
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Gaming
7.2
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity
Wired
See all our test results
Look no further than the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL for a cheaper option. Its TenKeyLess form factor leaves you plenty of space on your desk for sweeping mouse movements, and while most options on this list use more mechanical switches, this keyboard has rubber dome switches.
These switches are fairly light to press, and they’re very quiet compared to most mechanical switches. This switch type is also more resistant to small spills and debris. However, they have a longer pre-travel, making them less responsive.The latency on this keyboard is higher than on more premium options, so we don’t recommend it for high-stakes competitive play, but it’s more than suitable for casual gaming in any genre. It also has some extra features which are rare at this price point, including the ability to set macros to any key, dedicated media keys, and a volume wheel. It has RGB lighting, but the keys aren’t individually lit, so you only have eight customizable zones. If you’d prefer a more traditional form factor, there’s a full-size version of this keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3. It’s virtually identical apart from its size, but it includes a wrist rest and is typically only a bit more expensive.
See our review
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Best Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts
Wooting 60HE
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Gaming
9.
1Size
Compact (60%)
Connectivity
Wired
Switch Type
Hall-effect
See all our test results
The Wooting 60HE pushes the limits of gaming customization, and it’s our recommendation if you’re an enthusiast looking for the best gaming keyboard you can find. Like our top pick, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless, the compact Wooting 60HE has proprietary switches that allow you to change the pre-travel distance of each key. However, this keyboard gives you a few more millimeters range: from an ultra-sensitive 0.1mm to a lengthy 4.0mm.
But that’s only scratching the surface. The software offers additional features that can drastically change how you play your favorite games, including multi-input settings for programming different actions to trigger whether you tap or hold down a key or what Wooting calls a ‘rapid trigger,’ that eliminates the need for your keys to travel back up to a default reset point like on most gaming keyboards.
In other words, this allows you to repeat keypresses more quickly, which can make a huge difference when playing FPS or Rythym games.On top of it all, this keyboard has an Analog Mode, which mimics the gradual input of a gamepad controller and provides finer control that’s ideal for racing games or flight sims. As a bonus, this software has a web version available, so you don’t have to worry about excess bloatware on your system. Note that this keyboard isn’t available through any major online retailers. Instead, you’ll have to order the keyboard from Wooting’s website. Lastly, If you’re a gamer who needs arrow keys or a numpad, this keyboard is also available in a full-size version called the Wooting 2HE.
See our review
This keyboard stands out for having an adjustable pre-travel distance feature: you can set the sensitivity of your keypresses or even assign two inputs depending on how far down you press your key. Whether you want a nearly instant actuation point for competitive gaming or a longer pre-travel distance for general typing, you can customize each key individually within a wide range to best suit your needs.
7
You can get this unit with your choice of Logitech’s own GX switches in the usual offerings of linear Red, tactile Brown, or click Blue Blue, so you can pick the switch feeling you prefer.
Performance-wise, this keyboard has a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, which means it reports your keystrokes to your computer much more often than most gaming keyboards.
5
Unfortunately, this board has a fairly high profile, like most other options here. It doesn’t include a wrist rest, so you may consider buying one separately for the most comfortable gaming experience.
These switches are fairly light to press, and they’re very quiet compared to most mechanical switches. This switch type is also more resistant to small spills and debris. However, they have a longer pre-travel, making them less responsive.
1
In other words, this allows you to repeat keypresses more quickly, which can make a huge difference when playing FPS or Rythym games.Notable Mentions
- ASUS ROG Azoth:
The ASUS ROG Azoth is an outstanding wireless alternative to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) if you’re looking for a keyboard that combines superb gaming performance with the sound and feel of more premium custom mechanical keyboards. However, unlike the SteelSeries, you can’t customize the pre-travel distance of the switches, and it’s significantly more expensive.
See our review - Ducky One 3:
The Ducky One 3 is a versatile mechanical keyboard that comes in different colors and sizes. It has a hot-swappable PCB, meaning you can put in custom switches. While its latency is low enough to handle fast-paced or competitive gaming, it isn’t as low as the Logitech G715.
See our review - Obinslab Anne Pro 2:
The Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is an alternative to the Razer Huntsman Mini that has slightly lower wired latency and can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. However, this keyboard is typically more expensive and only has a fixed incline setting.
See our review
However, unlike the SteelSeries, you can’t customize the pre-travel distance of the switches, and it’s significantly more expensive.Recent Updates
-
Jul 14, 2023:
We’ve surveyed our recommendations and verified all picks are in stock at the correct pricing and continue to represent the best options available at this time.
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Jun 15, 2023:
We’ve confirmed all our recommendations for pricing and availability and replaced the full-size Wooting 2HE as our ‘Best Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts’ pick with the compact Wooting 60HE due to its smaller size that leaves more room on your desk for mouse movements. We’ve also added the recently-reviewed ASUS ROG Azoth to our list of Notable Mentions. -
May 17, 2023:
We’ve replaced the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition as our ‘Best Budget’ pick with the newer and slightly less expensive Razer Huntsman Mini. -
Apr 13, 2023:
We’ve gone through this article and made some minor changes. We’ve added notes about the price variability of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL and the Corsair K70 RGB TKL, but we haven’t changed our recommendations as they continue to represent the best possible choices for their categories.
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Mar 17, 2023:
We’ve reviewed this article and changed our ‘Best Gaming Keyboard’ recommendation from the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless to the Apex Pro TKL (2023). However, within the same entry, we’ve also made a special mention of the Apex Pro Mini Wireless and other models in the Apex Pro lineup.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best non-mechanical and best mechanical keyboards for gaming for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper product wins over a pricier one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no keyboard that is difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our gaming keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details.
While no product is perfect for every use, most keyboards are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. Be sure to know your key switch preferences before choosing.
Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard review
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By Dave James
last updated
(Image: © Future)
Our Verdict
The ROG Azoth is easily Asus’ best ever gaming keyboard, and one of the best enthusiast boards I’ve used. But it’s over $100 more than the Mountain Everest 60’s full numpad package, and that’s at the very limits of what I could conscience spending on a peripheral.
For
- Outstanding build quality
- Great typing experience
- Solid, speedy wireless
- Useful OLED display
Against
- How much?!
- Damned Armoury Crate
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The Asus ROG Azoth is the Taiwanese tech giant’s first real enthusiast gaming keyboard. And, honestly, it’s a doozy. That’s a technical term which translates as a quality keeb that ticks all the boxes, then draws in some more at the bottom of the list and ticks those off, too.
Asus is no stranger to mechanical keyboards. I’ve tested a bunch of its previous ROG mech boards, even its almost smart hybrid Claymore board which got ahead of Mountain in the detachable numpad game, but failed to make it stick. I mean, literally. The floppy attachment of the extra keypad was one of the reasons I hated it so much.
But it’s only really ever just dipped its toes into the enthusiast keyboard market. Well, the ROG Azoth is Asus going in with both feet, which is no real surprise given the burgeoning market for high-end custom keyboards.
Bizarrely, despite being in the midst of a global economic fustercluck of bordering apocalyptic proportions, there’s never been a better time to release a stupidly priced gaming keyboard because people are buying them.
And when I say ‘stupidly priced’ I’m not messing around; this thing is the first $250 Asus keyboard I’ve ever seen. But that didn’t stop us from giving it the Best gaming keyboard of CES 2023 award, and doesn’t stop me from loving it.
ROG Azoth specs
(Image credit: Future)
Size: 75%
Base: Hot-swappable
Switches: ROG NX Linear|Tactile|Clicky
Backlighting: Per key
Display: 2-inch OLED
Anti-ghosting: N-key rollover
Polling rate: 1,000Hz
Dimensions: 326 x 136 x 40mm
Weight: 1,186g (w/out cable)
Connections: 2.4GHz|USB Type-C|Bluetooth
Battery life: 130-hours (w/out lighting)
Price: $250 | £270
It is though offering everything you could possibly want from an enthusiast keeb. The build quality is absolutely exceptional and the weight of the Azoth is extreme.
And I love it for that. It’s also been built with all the pre-lubed, gasketed, dampened trimmings you’ll want for that premium typing experience.
And premium it is. The Azoth is a delight to tap away on, even more so now that I’ve completely replaced all of the supplied ROG NX switches the board shipped with. Not that they’re bad at all, the custom linear mechanical switches are Cherry MX Red analogues, but do have a nice feel. No, it’s just that I’ve got a bunch of delightful Halo True switches that I bought to go into my Mountain Everest Max board. That board’s been retired in favour of the Everest 60, and I’ve left the Mountain Tactile switches in place.
That’s one of the must haves for any keyboard with enthusiast pretentions—hot swappable switches. Us keyboard nerds love needlessly replacing switches for an infinitesimal difference in feel that even the princess of pea fame would struggle to notice. And the Azoth happily caters for that, and with what I will say is my absolute favourite switch puller bundled into the package.
Yes, I actually now have a favourite.
(Image credit: Future)
Maybe I should get out more?
But I’ve torn finger flesh on other pullers, and the bundled keycap-puller Asus supplies in the box is just as ergonomically effective, too. That’s not all, however, because the company has gone all-out to prove its enthusiast leanings. With lube.
It’s surprisingly easy, unsurprisingly tedious work.
Yes, lube is the new keeb enthusiast badge of honour. Of course good switches ought to come pre-lubed. Of course. But with the Azoth Asus provides a little doohickey that easily splits either the standard MX style of switch, or the new ROG NX switches, so that you can access the mechanism inside. Then, with the li’l jar o’ lube in the box, and the brush with which to apply it, you can lube up the necessary plastic for super smooth action.
It’s surprisingly easy, unsurprisingly tedious work, and you should absolutely never do it yourself.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)
All that enthusiast shiz aside, this is also a very effective gaming keyboard.
It’s primarily wireless, offering both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a USB Type-C wired connection for both power and data. And it’s also a small form factor board, though vitally not an ultra-restrictive 60%.
It’s listed as a 75% keyboard, so although it dispenses entirely with a numpad you do still get a full row of function keys across the top, Ins, Del, PgUp/Dn, and more importantly than all that you get cursor keys. It’s an inevitably larger board than the Mountain Everest 60, but that also means there’s more separation and no frustratingly small shift key. I hate the positioning of the Delete key personally, but that’s my only gripe with the layout itself.
ROG Azoth vs. Mountain 60 (Image credit: Future)
Peripherals software, it’s the worst.
Then you also get a two-tone OLED display in the top right hand corner, with a three-way switch that can be customised via the weakest part of the whole kit.
As is its wont, the ROG Azoth relies on Asus’ horrible Armoury Crate software, and it just takes…so…damned…long.
..to do anything. Just switching between tabs in the app, or trying to check for firmware updates, oh it’s interminable. And sometimes it just doesn’t work at all—particularly when you switch from USB to Wi-Fi and vice versa—and the app will get stuck on a permanent loading animation, tanking all the tweaked profile settings you’ve saved into it, somehow completely resetting the device. Peripherals software, it’s the worst.
The frustrating thing is that once you’re in there it does actually offer some pretty handy knobs to tweak regarding the controls or the display. Aside from the requisite LED backlighting controls you’re also able to adjust the control knob to deliver exactly what you want it to do. As standard the control has five discrete modes, which you can cycle through via a button on the end of it, but in the app you can add a customisable sixth and that can be for practically anything. There are three ‘buttons’ on the switch (up, down, and a click) and each can open a website, an application, further multimedia, keyboard or mouse functions, or even some preset input text.
It’s pretty damned powerful.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)Hiding the Wi-Fi dongle in the housing (Image credit: Future)
I also like the fact that you can disable any modes you don’t want. I did have it showing off a host of system info, but I’ve got it currently set as a multimedia control only, so just with the volume adjustment and track play/pause/skip functionality. That means I don’t have to cycle back around to get to the mode I’m after. I’ve also got the OLED set to display the track info and EQ, though sometimes Armoury Crate craps out and either flips it back to the image of Princess Leia (no, not that one) I loaded to test out its custom image/gif chops many firmware updates ago.
The ROG Azoth is absolutely the best gaming keyboard Asus has ever released, and the best enthusiast keyboard I’ve ever seen from a proper established brand that doesn’t focus on the segment. The utility of the Everest 60 and its detachable numpad still gets my personal vote, but this is a very close second in terms of its day-to-day use.
And it’s certainly going to be my new office board… though only if I can swing it with Asus to leave the expensive Azoth with us. Because the real sticking point is that price.
I’d never spend $250 on a gaming keyboard, so I don’t really know how I can recommend that you do. I love it as a keeb in its own right, but unless that’s mere pocket money in your world, the cost of the ROG Azoth is beyond prohibitive.
Updated with official pre-tax US pricing.
Asus ROG Azoth: Price Comparison
£267.41
View
£267.66
View
£268.99
View
£323.98
View
£393.20
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Asus ROG Azoth
The ROG Azoth is easily Asus’ best ever gaming keyboard, and one of the best enthusiast boards I’ve used. But it’s over $100 more than the Mountain Everest 60’s full numpad package, and that’s at the very limits of what I could conscience spending on a peripheral.
Dave has been gaming since the days of Zaxxon and Lady Bug on the Colecovision, and code books for the Commodore Vic 20 (Death Race 2000!).
He built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 16, and finally finished bug-fixing the Cyrix-based system around a year later. When he dropped it out of the window. He first started writing for Official PlayStation Magazine and Xbox World many decades ago, then moved onto PC Format full-time, then PC Gamer, TechRadar, and T3 among others. Now he’s back, writing about the nightmarish graphics card market, CPUs with more cores than sense, gaming laptops hotter than the sun, and SSDs more capacious than a Cybertruck.
Best Gaming Keyboards of 2023 | TOP-15
The best gaming keyboards will transform your computer desk.
Best
gaming keyboards promise to tighten up the gameplay, as well as speed up the overall
response to commands. They will help you climb to the top of the leaderboard
thanks to high performance and a high level of comfort.
We’ve tested the best keyboards for gaming and other uses, and virtually everyone on our team is a dedicated PC gamer, so we know full well which gaming keyboards are truly worth your hard-earned cash and which ones are best avoided, no matter what you’re playing, which you prefer.
Whether you’re looking for a full-size keyboard with numeric keypad and macro buttons, touchpads and LED backlighting, or the best mini keyboard for tight spaces, this list has a gaming keyboard that’s sure to suit you. Complementing the best gaming PC you’ve ever upgraded with a massive or compact keyboard is doing yourself and your gaming a favor. We will help you move in the right direction.
We’ve also included a pricing widget to help you find the best deals on gaming keyboards you’re interested in in your area. And, if you want to be fully armed, don’t forget to check out our rankings of the best gaming mice as well as the best PC gaming headsets.
Watch
for updates!
1. Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
The best gaming keyboard today.
Interface : Wired | Illumination : Yes | Switches : Analog mechanical.
Pros :
- Customizable key actuation;
- Excellent key feel;
- Very comfortable wrist rest;
Cons :
- Incredibly expensive keyboard;
- Integrated twin cable;
Razer Huntsman v2 Analog, which combines
advanced optical technology with analog mechanical switches,
good enough to deserve ten points from our review.
And this
weighted score.
Razer gaming keyboard delivers the best typing experience without compromising
gaming capabilities, among all the keyboards we tested in
recent months. Very nice tactile feedback and stand for
wrist, which will allow you to play longer. It allows its users to adjust the point
actuation of the key in the range from 1.5 mm to 3.6 mm in steps of 0.1 mm, advantageous
advantage for competitive players. She also boasts double
macros so that you can program two actions on one key,
which will differ in the depth of pressing this key.
B
Finally, I would like to note the most comfortable wrist rest, which
we have ever used as well as a double cable. Concerning
keyboard, it’s expensive, but it’s worth it.
Read the full review of the Razer Huntsman v2 Analog.
2.
Roccat Magma
Best budget gaming keyboard.
Interface : wired | RGB lighting : yes | Switches : membrane.
Pros :
- Fast, precise keys;
- Impressively quiet keystrokes;
Cons:
- There is a certain lack of features;
Roccat Magma is not as reliable as her
more expensive counterparts, but when it comes to budget gaming
keyboards, the manufacturer is forced to make sacrifices. Luckily she kept
surprisingly fast and accurate response.
Vo
During our testing, the membrane gaming keyboard demonstrated
unexpectedly high performance fast and accurate keys. We noted that
all movements and actions remained fast and responsive which is a boon
for multiplayer and competitive games, while all buttons work
very quiet, which opens up the prospect of night sessions for you without being annoying
living side by side with you.
If
Are you a fan of RGB lighting, you will love the translucent keyboard panel
with 5 RGB lighting zones underneath. The best part of the keyboard
the price becomes affordable, which makes Magma the best gaming
keyboard for gamers on a budget.
Disadvantage becomes
limited representation of Roccat in the Russian market.
3.
Corsair K100 Air Wireless
Premium gaming keyboard packed with features.
Interface : wireless | Keyboard backlight : yes | Programmable keys: available.
Pros:
- Very nice print;
- Polling rate 8000 Hz;
- Lots of features;
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors;
- Not the quietest keyboard;
Corsair K100 Air Wireless probably outperforms even the Logitech G915 and
Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro with
in terms of performance and capabilities. It is not suitable for users
who are looking for a compact solution or want to save on gaming peripherals, but in
as a premium product, it will certainly give you great returns
from the money spent.
Despite
on a thin profile, the keyboard is very comfortable to type on; she is much faster
competitors thanks to the polling rate of 8000 Hz, which makes the keyboard a great
choice for esports.
In terms of features, it boasts
multimedia keys, hotkeys and dedicated macro buttons,
as well as the ability to deeply customize a variety of RGB lighting effects
(using iCue software).
What
regarding dry performance, I would like to note the incredibly fast
response even when you’re running “slow” with a 2000Hz polling rate. Connect
this moment with 0.8mm pre-travel, meaning all your keystrokes
will be registered long before the key reaches the chipper.
The low-profile keyboard is incredibly responsive, no matter how simple you are
player or professional gamer.
4. Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro
The best wireless keyboard for gaming.
Interface: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz Bluetooth 5.0 Wired (USB) | Keyboard backlight: yes | Switches: optical.
Pros:
- Sleek, thin profile;
- Short trip distance;
- Very comfortable keyboard;
Cons:
- Expensive keyboard;
Waiting
Razer Fans Come to an End: The First Low-Profile Gaming
The keyboard finally made it to store shelves.
Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro, the first low profile
keyboard in the Razer line, beat the manufacturer
path to the market of this form factor with impressive characteristics, among
which short-stroke (2.8 mm) keys and short actuation (1.2 mm) if
you choose the linear optical version. We can say that this is the best version
everyone’s favorite Logitech G915.
And
while we continue testing this keyboard, we have been really
impressed with the comfort and convenience. In keeping with the best Razer tradition,
it is incredibly reliable and extremely versatile thanks to three options
connections (Bluetooth, USB and 2.4 GHz), buttons
shortcuts to quickly switch between pairing modes and fully
programmable keys.
Low profile
the design is also fun; as well as floating low profile caps
keys that really highlight the customizable Chrome RGB lighting. Finally, it might be one of the best gaming
keyboards today, which is also a pleasure to use to enhance
performance.
Read our full review of the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro.
5. MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic
Reliable mechanical gaming keyboard with fast response.
Interface : Wired (USB) | Illumination : Yes | Switches : MSI Sonic Blue Mechanical.
Pros:
- Decent construction, useful features;
- Software back to basics;
- High performance;
Cons:
- Full size keyboard doesn’t save space;
- Fast actuation – double-edged sword;
Given
Sea of full-size gaming keyboards, choosing the best one will not be easy. IN
In this situation, the reliability of the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic cannot be underestimated –
an easy choice if you are looking for a fast keyboard. True to its name, it
designed to be the epitome of speed and therefore suitable for dynamic
games.
She
available in two versions: one with red switches, the other with blue,
at the same time, the version with blue switches came to us for review.
Mechanical
Blue switches require additional actuation force (a little more), but have
short sensing distance – 1.4 mm. This feature can become
double-edged for the user, since you can activate the key by simply
placing a finger on her. However, the switches are fast and incredibly
responsive, as if specially tuned for professional players.
And yet MSI
accompanies his
keyboard with minimalistic software, its value comes down to
several useful features. I would also like to note the unique wheel
volume control with dual functionality, an extremely useful solution, as
and a padded wrist rest that will keep your
long gaming sessions.
6. Corsair K100 RGB
Optical-mechanical gaming keyboard, a must-have.
Interface: wired (USB) | Keyboard backlight: yes | Switches: opto-mechanical.
Pros:
- Maximum possibilities;
- Stable keycaps;
Cons:
- Very expensive;
- iCue Trouble;
Opto-mechanical
The keys are a novelty in the world of mechanical keyboards.
They get durability and
the speed of optical switches with a pleasant tactile response of the mechanics, which
makes hybrid gaming keyboards like this imposing Corsair K100 RGB the best of both worlds.
This
fully equipped gaming keyboard is very fast, durable
and promises a lot of fun to its users. The tests noted: frequency
polling at 4000 Hz, high actuation point and constant keystroke,
the perfect choice for fast-paced gaming. Gaming combination
performance with quick macros can be a great reason to
keyboard purchases by streamers.
Of course
this is not all the features of the keyboard. An abundance of features includes a pass-through
USB port, six dedicated macro keys, multifunctional
iCUE control wheel and epic RGB lighting.
It should be obvious from the number of features that this is not a budget keyboard.
but it fully justifies the price.
Read the full Corsair K100 RGB review.
7. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
The best gaming keyboard for deep customization.
Interface: wired (USB) | Keyboard backlight: yes | Switches: mechanical OmniPoint 2.0.
Pros:
- Incredibly customizable;
- Excellent gaming performance;
- Some nice additions;
Cons:
- Software is a bit buggy;
- Expensive keyboard;
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL may be one of the most versatile and
customizable TKL gaming keyboards on the market. Nevertheless,
it also features fantastic performance with excellent and
an empathetic response that can really help you win.
These
brand new switches, OmniPoint 2.0, are even more impressive
more: they are faster and more reliable, with a response 11 times faster and
10 times faster than predecessors. Add to that custom
actuation from 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm, as well as a double actuation function,
which allows you to set up two tasks for pressing one key.
Vo
during the review we found the gaming keyboard to be very fast and very responsive with its
switches that provide a satisfying mechanical feel,
without being too loud, which already makes the keyboard very valuable for
most users. Add to that specialized features that
not available on most other keyboards and you get a great gaming experience.
peripherals, which, unfortunately, are a little pricey.
Read the full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) review.
8. Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro
Another great optical gaming keyboard.
Interface : Wired | Illumination : Yes | Programmable keys : Yes.
Pros :
- Works quickly and accurately;
- Efficient yet quiet operation;
Cons :
- Many additional keys take getting used to;
Who needs a full size keyboard when there are
TKL gaming keyboards,
among which is the new Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro? This is a compact game
keyboard, one of the best in terms of performance, comfort and
design.
Crafted in a stylish matte bronze finish with floating
keys that fully reveal customizable RGB backlighting.
Roccat Titan Optical Switches are not only fast and precise, they are comfortable, quiet and very
reliable. During
testing performance was flawless. Throughout the review, we
noted responsive and fast operation, and operation at 1.4 mm of travel means
that you do not have to get used to the course of the keys for a long time. Gamers with light fingers
will appreciate the fact that the keys do not need to be pressed all the way to
log a response.
I
let’s not forget that optical switches are characterized by
long service life. This gaming keyboard is rated for 100
million clicks, combined with a reinforced aircraft-grade aluminum panel, it
will serve you for many years. The keyboard is quite expensive, but worth it
every ruble.
Read the full Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro review.
9. Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless
Best keyboard 60% for gaming.
Interface : Wired (USB), Wireless, Bluetooth | Keyboard backlight: yes | Switches: analog, mechanical.
Pros:
- Excellent performance in all tasks;
- Incredibly customizable;
Cons:
- Expensive keyboard;
For
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless mini keyboards can certainly
boast a huge amount of personalized customization options. How
and many gaming keyboards 60% on the market, it is expensive. However, for
your money you get a lot of benefits, from features to
performance.
Testing
showed that the claimed battery life of up to 200 hours is completely
justified, albeit depending on the type of connections, a large increase relative to the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed,
performance is beyond praise, which proves the ability of the keyboard not
fall behind in fast-paced shooters like Doom Eternal.
And this is not surprising, because we are discussing here the polling rate of 8000 Hz.
What
when it comes to features, you get interchangeable switches, up to 50 built-in
programmable profiles and compatibility with Microsoft and Sony consoles
current generation. This is in addition to the mandatory RGB settings and programming
macros that are usually offered by these mini keyboards. So yes she
expensive, but worth every ruble.
Read the full Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review.
10. Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed
The best low profile gaming keyboard.
Interface : Wireless | Keyboard backlight : Yes | Program keys : Some;
Pros :
- Surprisingly tactile feedback;
- Amazing printing experience;
- Wireless multi-device connection;
Cons
G915 TKL Lightspeed B It also boasts a large wireless Read the full Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed review. Great compact gaming keyboard with easy upgrade. Interface : wired, wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth | Illumination : Yes | Programmable keys : Yes. Pros: Cons: Asus ROG Azoth lets you immerse yourself in What I, Same Razer Huntsman, only smaller and faster. Interface : Wired | Keyboard backlight : Yes | Program keys : Yes; Pros : Cons : Even The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is powered by second-generation Razer Optical switches, making all of the company’s keyboards look great, and comes with a handy carry bag. Of course, the keyboard is still wired, but it’s important to reduce latency, because even milliseconds help win a Counter-Strike match. This Read the full review of the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. The most customizable gaming keyboard ever. Interface: Wired (USB), Wireless, Bluetooth | Keyboard backlight: yes | Switches: adjustable analog mechanical. Pros: Cons: Customizable trigger point and dual task functionality is not something that most gaming keyboards can offer you. Game Completes Read the full SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless review. Easy to modify, full function keyboard. Interface: wired (USB) | Keyboard backlight: yes | Switches: Roccat Titan II Optical Red. Pros: Cons: We Roccat Vulcan II Mini can be small and compact because Of course Compact gaming keyboard at an affordable price. Interface : Wired | Keyboard backlight : Yes | Switches : Mechanical. Pros : Cons : Offer Vo What Read the full HyperX Alloy Origins 60 review. Yes, Whether you love story-driven single player games or competitive online games, the best gaming keyboard will change your gaming experience. The best PC games will sparkle with new colors with the gaming keyboard, you will get much more pleasure from your games. If you want to upgrade to the best gaming keyboard, check out our ranking above. We know gaming keyboards firsthand, having tested many of them ourselves, so you can rely on our judgment to select the keyboard that suits your gaming needs. In addition, we include price comparison widgets to help you find the best price in your city. On If If
Keyboards Keyboards, like mice, are a very necessary thing for a PC gamer, which is needed for direct interaction with game worlds. For a comfortable game, a simple office solution is often not enough. Gaming keyboards have more tactile keys, longer-lasting switches, and lightning-fast response times that are essential in multiplayer games. They are also more impact resistant and look better thanks to the materials. But they are also more expensive than their office counterparts due to the advantages described above. The top of the best gaming keyboards of 2022-2023 from MetaRankings.ru includes both cheap models and the most expensive ones with top features. All of them are optimized for a comfortable game both in software and hardware. Content: Don’t chase the cheapest models, they often don’t match the gaming specifications and can be very disappointing in the future. We have selected although inexpensive gaming keyboards, but they should satisfy the needs of undemanding gamers. G G213 Prodigy is an inexpensive gaming keyboard from the famous Swiss company Logitech. This is a membrane keyboard with beautiful RGB and ultra-fast buttons. It is also protected from water spills, crumbs and dust getting inside, and also has proprietary software that will help you configure the buttons, and the backlight for yourself. Cons: Prices: The Vigor GK20 is also an inexpensive gaming keyboard from the famous Taiwanese company MSI, which is known for its gaming solutions. This is a fully plastic membrane keyboard with RGB and water protection, which protects against water spills, as well as dust ingress. It also has proprietary software that will help you customize the buttons and backlight for yourself. Cons: Prices:
lives up to its name, providing the speed needed for the fastest
games.
With a polling rate of 1000 Hz and a travel of 1.5 mm, it can go to
leg with its wired configuration.
review, the keyboard was incredibly fast, responsive, and precise, pressing it
the buttons are really nice. This is due to the fact that the keys require force.
actuation of only 50 grams, and also have a short actuation distance,
so you don’t have to relearn a new keyboard before all your
clicks will be detected.
connectivity, decent battery life, and attractive RGB lighting. The best thing
that this is a great keyboard with low profile floating keys above
brushed aluminium. For travel and confined spaces
The desktop is without a doubt one of the best gaming keyboards out there. 11.
Asus ROG Azoth
the setup is much deeper than most other gaming keyboards. And it’s not
the only feature that makes this keyboard 75% form factor
indispensable if you need a compact option on the table. She keeps the keys
with arrows so you don’t have to use Fn-key combinations
for navigation.
more importantly, the keyboard is very responsive, pleasant to type on and in general
satisfactory in use, regardless of the tasks at hand, as
printing emails or playing shooters. For this comfort bear
responsible ROG NX switches, very fast and by the way, not
too loud, so you can play without annoying anyone.
finally, the stumbling block is that the keyboard is expensive, but it doesn’t even have
dedicated keys for macros.
However, the keys are programmable
built-in OLED display and all this raises the value a little, although it is still
Expensive. 12. Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
if you’re buying one of the best gaming keyboards, it’s almost always difficult
to digest the monstrous price tag, it is even more difficult to digest when she is so
small, like the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. But the lack of functionality
capabilities, dictated by the short keyboard body, is compensated
speed and reliability. 
We found the keyboard to be outstanding, especially with such high performance and the fact that the keys have wide settings.
The keyboard is a gamer’s dream that fits easily on every desk. 13. SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless
Excluding SteelSeries Apex Pro. One of the latest additions to this series of keyboards is the Mini Wireless, which can offer all of these unique features in a compact, albeit expensive, form factor.
The performance of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is beyond question.
Adjustable trigger point (from 3.8mm to 0.2mm) really worked
flawless during testing, as is the double trigger function –
the ability to program two tasks for each key at different points
triggering. And while all this may seem redundant, in fact these
functions are extremely useful and convenient.
list Customizable RGB backlight, very bright, and
also a profile that is thinner and more compact than most competing
mini keyboards. This is definitely one of the best gaming keyboards yet.
ready to spend. 14. Roccat Vulcan II Mini
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glad to see established manufacturers leaning into the modification market and the Roccat Vulcan II Mini
is one of Roccat’s new products on the retrofit market.
keyboard user. However, despite the fact that we are happy
replaced keycaps to celebrate the holiday season, much more
we were impressed with the performance and features of the keyboard, nothing
surprising, because the Vulcan series is almost perfect.
presented in a form factor of 65%. On the other hand, she offers everything
essential features including Smart Keys Roccat
and the Easy-Shift function, the latter, in fact,
presents you with a new set of keyboard actions.
And while optical
switches could get a little extra resistance relative to
mechanical counterparts, they are fast and responsive, which makes victories in such
games like Control and Kena: Bridge of Spirits are much easier.
small size, low profile and light weight also make the keyboard comfortable
for traveling. So if you want to play on the go, this game
keyboard is what you need. 15. HyperX Alloy Origins 60
HyperX like Alloy Origins
60 is the best option if you are looking for an affordable yet extremely reliable
mini keyboard.
The manufacturer had to cut a few corners, yes. At the same
time you get a premium build and great performance so
it is worth every ruble.
time of our testing HyperX Red key switches
(linear) were very responsive. We found that their effort
45g actuation and 1.8mm actuation point give you the edge
even when you need to press the same key multiple times in a row.
regarding design and assembly, the keyboard body is made of aviation grade
aluminum, and the keycaps are made of durable plastic. In addition, RGB lighting
supports many settings that will allow you to express
individuality. All this without additional markups, which makes the keyboard
an inexpensive choice for gamers looking for a mini keyboard. Gaming
keyboards are different?
gaming keyboards matter! The best gaming keyboards will not only speed up
your reaction, they are designed with the user’s gaming comfort in mind.
Some
the keyboards are equipped with wrist rests, which will allow you to play longer,
avoiding unnecessary stress on the wrists. If you plan to play for hours, you
you need a comfortable keyboard that will support your hands. What is the best keyboard for gaming?
it really depends on what kind of games you are going to play with the gaming
keyboard.
you play an MMO, the best gaming keyboards have to offer
many options for recording macros and even different profiles for different games.
you prefer esports games, you need a high responsive keyboard
and a 2.4 Hz wireless connection, instead of Bluetooth, or even should
rely on a wired connection for maximum performance. Top expensive and inexpensive gaming keyboards – reviews, ratings, ratings
They can also have a wide variety of switches (mechanical, optical or membrane) and materials of use. We have selected keyboards from a variety of manufacturers, but do not give preference to a particular brand. For us, the most important thing is how well they fit into PC gaming.
Best cheap gaming keyboards in 2022-2023
Logitech G G213 Prodigy
Pros:
MSI Vigor GK20
Pros:
ASUS TUF Gaming K1
ASUS TUF Gaming K1 membrane gaming keyboard has a very attractive appearance with beautiful zonal RGB. It features a separate volume control, a durable water-resistant frame, fully programmable keys via proprietary utility, and a comfortable wrist rest.
Pros:
- Appearance and functionality
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Convenient volume control
- High-quality membrane with long pressure life
Cons:
- Uneven illumination of some keys
- Cable without protective braid
Prices:
Razer Cynosa V2
The Razer Cynosa V2, like its top brothers, is an inexpensive membrane gaming keyboard that offers good value for money.
In addition to all other features, it allows you to individually customize the RGB of each key thanks to the flexible proprietary software. You can also customize button functions by creating unique profiles and macros for you.
Pros:
- Good looking
- Rich functionality thanks to flexible software
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Quality waterproof membrane
Cons:
- The paint of the buttons peels off over time
Prices:
Motospeed
This is an inexpensive gaming keyboard from the Chinese manufacturer Motospeed, but unlike the representatives above, it has mechanical switches (Outemu) rather than cheaper membrane buttons. It also features fully customizable RGB and a modern look.
Pros:
- Long life mechanical switches
- Beautiful RGB lighting
- Tactile sensation unlike membrane analogs
Cons:
- Squeaky stabilizers on large buttons
Prices:
Best Expensive Gaming Keyboards 2022-2023
The most expensive models are not always the best, as there may be some compromises in them.
We tried to select expensive models, but they are balanced and will satisfy the needs of the most demanding players.
Razer Huntsman Elite
The Razer Huntsman Elite is an award-winning gaming keyboard from the renowned American company. It has unique optical switches that fire at the speed of light and have a huge pressure resource. Switch caps are made of durable PBT plastic, which is not subject to abrasion over time, so you will not see shine, as well as erased key markings, as is often the case on cheap analogues. You can also look forward to fully customizable RGB as well as 9 macros0008
Pros:
- Long-lasting Razer Analog Optical Switches
- Durable PBT caps
- Rich software
- Highly customizable RGB lighting and macros
- Comfortable wrist rest
Cons:
- Noisy
Prices:
SteelSeries Apex Pro
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the top gaming keyboard from the famous Danish company, which is known for its reliable computer peripherals.
It differs from all its representatives in the presence of an OLED display that displays information from games. It also features unique adjustable pressure and RGB switches, and is crafted from heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum.
Pros:
- Very bright and smooth RGB lighting
- OLED display with information display
- Rich proprietary software with rich backlight and macro settings
- Highly customizable RGB lighting and macros
- Quiet switches (linear)
Cons:
- No Capslock indicator
Prices:
Logitech G G815
The Logitech G G815 is one of the few low profile mechanical gaming keyboards you can find on the market. It has an ultra-thin design for its class of devices with a thickness of only 22 millimeters, thanks to the latest flat mechanical switches. You can also count on top-of-the-line RGB Lightsync technology that syncs with other Logitech devices, as well as convenient media buttons with a volume scroll wheel that can be configured via software.
Pros:
- Ultra-slim low profile switches
- Flexible software
- Customizable RGB lighting and button macros
Minuses:
- Cyrillic characters without highlighting or poorly highlighted (depending on the batch)
Prices:
ASUS ROG Strix Flare
ASUS ROG Strix Flare is one of the top gaming keyboards from the Taiwanese company on one of the highest quality Cherry MX mechanical switches from Germany with full-color RGB backlighting. Of the unique features, it also has a customizable backlit plate, an additional USB port for connecting a mouse, headset or other devices.
Pros:
- High end Cherry MX mechanical switches with adjustable backlight
- Proprietary software that allows you to flexibly customize the backlight and key macros
- Comfortable wrist rest
- Conveniently positioned multimedia keys and volume control
Cons:
- Thundering gap
Prices:
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
Alloy Elite 2 is HyperX’s top-of-the-line gaming keyboard with branded mechanical switches and full color RGB backlighting.
Of the features, it is officially supported by the PS4 and Xbox One game consoles via a USB-A connection. It also has very beautiful two-piece caps made of durable ABS plastic and convenient multimedia buttons.
Pros:
- Long life mechanical switches
- Branded lighting with flexible settings via software
- Dedicated media buttons
- Solid steel frame
Cons:
- No wrist rest
Prices:
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards 2022-2023
Wireless solutions are gaining more and more popularity among gamers around the world due to their portability. We tried to select such models that will satisfy the needs of the players.
Logitech G G915 TKL
Logitech G G915 TKL is a compact wireless gaming keyboard with low profile switches and RGB multi-color system. It is able to work up to 40 hours offline without recharging from the battery with a range of up to 10 meters.
Pros:
- Compact mechanical keyboard
- LIGHTSPEED wireless connection
- Slim body
- Flexible RGB lighting
Cons:
- Obsolete micro-USB charging port
Prices:
Keychron K3
The Keychron K3 is a low-profile mechanical wireless keyboard with signature optical switches and a clean look. What’s more, Keychron K3 switches are hot-swappable on-the-fly.
Pros:
- Hot Swap Optical Switches
- Compact size with narrow profile
- Ability to work wirelessly with both Windows PC, Android, and Mac with iOS
- Flexible RGB lighting
Cons:
- No own software
Prices:
ASUS ROG Falchion
ASUS ROG Falchion is a compact 65% wireless gaming keyboard with mechanical switches. Of the features, it has a touch light panel that can be customized. This is a very sturdy device with Cherry MX RGB switches, the keycaps are made of high-strength PBT plastic, which is difficult to wear.