There are many great gaming keyboards available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider when choosing a gaming keyboard include the type of switches it uses (mechanical or membrane), the layout (full-size, tenkeyless, etc.), the presence of customizable backlighting and macro keys, and the overall build quality and durability.
What is the most important thing to look for in a mechanical gaming keyboard?
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a mechanical gaming keyboard:
- Key switches: The type of key switches used in the keyboard can have a significant impact on the feel and performance of the keyboard. Different types of key switches offer different levels of tactility, actuation force, and lifespan.
- Build quality: A well-built keyboard is important for durability and reliability. Look for keyboards with high-quality materials and sturdy construction.
- Customization options: Many mechanical gaming keyboards offer customization options such as programmable keys, backlighting, and macro support. These can be useful for enhancing the gameplay experience and increasing efficiency.
- Ergonomics: The ergonomics of the keyboard can be important for comfort and prevent injury during long gaming sessions. Look for keyboards with adjustable stands, wrist rests, and other ergonomic features.
- Price: Determine a budget and look for a keyboard that offers the features and performance you need within that budget.
Here are a few examples of well-regarded gaming keyboards that you might consider:
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a high-end gaming keyboard that offers a range of features that make it well-suited for gaming. Some of the key features of the Apex Pro include:
- OmniPoint Adjustable Switches: These switches allow you to customize the actuation point of each key, allowing for precise and responsive input.
- OLED Smart Display: This feature allows you to display in-game information, music controls, and more on a small OLED screen built into the keyboard.
- Customizable RGB Lighting: The Apex Pro features per-key RGB lighting, which can be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software.
- Compact Design: The Apex Pro has a slim, low-profile design, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more compact keyboard.
- Dedicated Media Controls: The Apex Pro has a range of dedicated media controls, including a volume dial and media keys, which allow you to easily control your music and other media while gaming.
Overall, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is a well-regarded gaming keyboard that offers a range of features that make it well-suited for gaming. It’s a good choice for those who are looking for a high-end keyboard with customizable actuation and a range of other features.
2. Razer Huntsman Elite
The Razer Huntsman Elite is a gaming keyboard that is designed for fast and accurate gameplay. It features Razer’s optomechanical switches, which use light to actuate the key press and provide a faster response time than traditional mechanical switches.
The keyboard also includes a variety of customizable lighting effects and media controls, as well as a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions. It is compatible with Razer Synapse, the company’s software suite that allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros.
Overall, the Razer Huntsman Elite is a high-performance gaming keyboard that is well-suited for competitive gamers.
3. Logitech G915 TKL
The Logitech G915 TKL is a wireless gaming keyboard that is designed to be lightweight and portable. It features Logitech’s low-profile GL mechanical switches, which provide a fast and precise typing experience. The keyboard has a tenkeyless (TKL) design, which means it does not have a number pad, making it more compact and easier to carry.
It also includes customizable lighting effects and media controls, as well as a dedicated volume dial for quick audio adjustments. The G915 TKL can be connected to a computer via Bluetooth or Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless technology, which provides a fast and stable connection with low latency. It is compatible with Logitech’s G Hub software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros.
Overall, the Logitech G915 TKL is a high-quality wireless gaming keyboard that is ideal for gamers who value portability and a compact design.
4. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is a high-end gaming keyboard that is designed for serious gamers. It features Cherry MX Speed RGB mechanical switches, which provide a fast and responsive typing experience. The keyboard has a full-size layout with a number pad, six programmable macro keys, and media controls.
It also includes customizable RGB lighting effects, which can be configured using Corsair’s iCUE software. The K95 RGB Platinum has an aluminum frame and a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions. It also includes a USB pass-through port for convenient access to a USB device.
Overall, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is a feature-packed gaming keyboard that is built to deliver top-level performance. And, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is a high-quality gaming keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
5. SteelSeries Apex 7
The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a gaming keyboard that is designed for both performance and functionality. It features SteelSeries’ QX2 mechanical switches, which provide a fast and responsive typing experience. The keyboard has a full-size layout with a number pad, as well as dedicated media controls and a volume dial.
It also includes customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination, which allows users to create unique lighting effects. The Apex 7 has a durable and lightweight aluminum frame, making it resistant to wear and tear and easy to transport. It is compatible with SteelSeries’ Engine software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros. In addition, the Apex 7 has a built-in OLED Smart Display, which allows users to view in-game information, media controls, and more.
Overall, the SteelSeries Apex 7 is a high-quality gaming keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
6. Cooler Master CK530 V2
The Cooler Master CK530 V2 is a gaming keyboard that is designed for both performance and aesthetics. It features Cooler Master’s Gateron mechanical switches, which provide a fast and responsive typing experience. The keyboard has a full-size layout with a number pad, as well as dedicated media controls and a volume dial. It also includes customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination, which allows users to create unique lighting effects.
The CK530 V2 has a durable and stylish brushed aluminum design, making it resistant to wear and tear and visually appealing. It is compatible with Cooler Master’s Portal software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros.
Overall, the Cooler Master CK530 V2 is a high-quality gaming keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
7. Glorious GMMK Modular Mechanical
The Glorious GMMK Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a customizable keyboard that allows users to swap out different mechanical switches to suit their preferences. It has a full-size layout with a number pad, as well as dedicated media controls and a volume dial.
It also includes customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination, which allows users to create unique lighting effects. The GMMK has a durable and stylish design, with a high-quality ABS plastic frame and a brushed aluminum faceplate.
It is compatible with Glorious’ Core software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros. One of the standout features of the GMMK is its modular design, which allows users to easily switch out the mechanical switches without soldering or other technical skills. This makes it an appealing choice for users who want to experiment with different switch types and find the one that best suits their needs.
Overall, the Glorious GMMK Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high-quality keyboard that offers a lot of customization options for users.
8. HyperX Alloy Origins
The HyperX Alloy Origins is a gaming keyboard that is designed for fast and accurate gameplay. It features HyperX’s Aqua mechanical switches, which are designed to provide a fast and responsive typing experience with a linear actuation point.
The keyboard has a full-size layout with a number pad, as well as dedicated media controls and a volume dial. It also includes customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination, which allows users to create unique lighting effects. The Alloy Origins has a durable and stylish design, with a brushed aluminum frame and a compact, tenkeyless (TKL) layout. It is compatible with HyperX’s NGenuity software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros.
Overall, the HyperX Alloy Origins is a high-quality gaming keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
9. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is a high-end gaming keyboard that is designed for fast and accurate gameplay. It features Razer’s Yellow mechanical switches, which are designed to provide a fast and responsive typing experience with a linear actuation point. The keyboard has a full-size layout with a number pad, as well as dedicated media controls and a volume dial. It also includes customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination, which allows users to create unique lighting effects.
The BlackWidow V3 Pro has a durable and stylish design, with a military-grade aluminum frame and a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions. It is compatible with Razer’s Synapse software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros. One of the standout features of the BlackWidow V3 Pro is its wireless connectivity, which allows users to connect the keyboard to their computer via Bluetooth or Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless technology.
So, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is a high-quality gaming keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
10. Logitech G PRO
The Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high-performance keyboard that is designed for fast and accurate gameplay. It features Logitech’s Romer-G mechanical switches, which are designed to provide a fast and responsive typing experience with a linear actuation point.
The keyboard has a compact, tenkeyless (TKL) layout, which means it does not have a number pad, making it more compact and portable. It also includes customizable lighting effects, as well as dedicated media controls, and a volume dial. The G PRO has a durable and stylish design, with a lightweight and slim profile. It is compatible with Logitech’s G Hub software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros.
So, the Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high-quality keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
11. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a high-end gaming keyboard that is designed for fast and accurate gameplay. It features Cherry MX Red mechanical switches, which are designed to provide a fast and responsive typing experience with a linear actuation point and a low level of tactile feedback. The keyboard has a full-size layout with a number pad, as well as dedicated media controls and a volume dial.
It also includes customizable RGB lighting with per-key illumination, which allows users to create unique lighting effects. The K70 RGB MK.2 has a durable and stylish design, with a brushed aluminum frame and a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions. It also has a USB passthrough port, which allows users to connect a device such as a mouse or a headset directly to the keyboard for easy access.
It is compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software, which allows users to customize the keyboard’s settings and macros. Overall, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a high-quality gaming keyboard that is well-suited for both casual and competitive gamers.
It’s difficult to definitively say which gaming keyboard is the “best” as different keyboards may be better suited to different users based on their specific needs and preferences. Some things to consider when choosing a gaming keyboard include the type of mechanical switches it uses, the layout and size of the keyboard, the presence of additional features such as media controls and a volume dial, the durability and build quality of the keyboard, and the level of customization available through the software.
In general, gaming keyboards with mechanical switches tend to be more durable and provide a more precise and responsive typing experience compared to membrane keyboards. Gaming keyboards with a full-size layout and a number pad may be more suitable for users who need the additional keys for work or other purposes, while tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards are more compact and portable.
Additional features such as media controls and a volume dial can be convenient for gamers, and customizable RGB lighting can add a personal touch to the keyboard. The durability and build quality of the keyboard can also be an important factors, as a well-built keyboard is more likely to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. Finally, the level of customization available through software can be an important consideration for users who want to fine-tune their keyboard’s settings and macros.
What size keyboard do I need for gaming?
The size of keyboard you need for gaming depends on your personal preference and the type of games you play. Some people prefer full-size keyboards with a numeric keypad for gaming because they offer a larger surface area and more keys for mapping game controls. Others may prefer a smaller keyboard, such as a tenkeyless (TKL) or compact keyboard, for a more compact setup and easier portability.
Ultimately, the size of keyboard you choose for gaming is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your needs and preferences. For example, if you play games that require a lot of keybindings and macros, a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad and programmable keys may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a more compact setup and do not need a lot of extra keys, a TKL or compact keyboard may be a good choice.
Here are some frequently asked questions about gaming keyboards:
- What is a mechanical gaming keyboard? A mechanical gaming keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses mechanical key switches instead of membrane switches. Mechanical key switches offer a higher level of tactility and responsiveness, which can be beneficial for gaming.
- What is the difference between linear and tactile key switches? Linear key switches offer a smooth, consistent feel when pressing the key down, while tactile key switches offer a noticeable bump or tactile feedback when the key reaches the actuation point. Some people prefer linear key switches for gaming because they offer a faster actuation, while others prefer tactile key switches for the feedback they provide.
- Do gaming keyboards have to be expensive? Not necessarily. While some high-end gaming keyboards can be expensive, there are also many affordable options that offer good performance and features for gaming. It’s important to determine your budget and look for a keyboard that fits your needs and price range.
- What features should I look for in a gaming keyboard? Some features to consider when choosing a gaming keyboard include key switches, build quality, customization options, ergonomics, and price. Key switches, build quality, and customization options can all impact the performance and functionality of the keyboard, while ergonomics and price may be more personal preferences.
- Is it worth it to get a gaming keyboard? Whether or not a gaming keyboard is worth it depends on your needs and preferences. If you are an avid gamer and are looking for a keyboard that offers a high level of responsiveness and customization, a gaming keyboard may be worth the investment. However, if you are a casual gamer or do not need the additional features and performance offered by a gaming keyboard, a standard keyboard may be sufficient.
