Keyboards significantly impact your gaming experience. No matter how good your computer system is, you can hardly have a great gaming session with a poor keyboard.
There are thousands of gaming keyboards available in the market, which come from different brands and contain various features. So choosing a good keyboard among them is always a difficult task at hand.
The good news is that you don’t have to struggle with thousands of models anymore. Instead, read carefully my review of the top ten keyboards, which I’ve narrowed down by testing hundreds of the most popular models.
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro
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What I like
- Solid aluminum build.
- Brilliant per-key RGB lighting.
- Any actuation point you want.
- Adjustable per-key.
Things To Consider
- Expensive.
- Questionable long-term experience.
Key Features
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is one of the incredible gaming keyboards. It features proprietary OmniPoint switches, allowing you to fine-tune the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis.
So it is possible to set your A-W-D-S keys to a minimal pre-travel distance to get a super sensitive gaming experience. At the same time, you can keep the rest of the keys at a more standard pre-travel distance for chatting without typos.
Also, this keyboard features various hardware features, such as a programmable OLED screen which enables you to display an image or a GIF, or you can use the screen to make on-the-fly settings adjustments.
If you prefer gaming with one controller on the PC, using the USB-passthrough feature to connect it is alright. Plus, the latency on this model is extremely low, allowing it to handle any game you throw at it.
2. Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro
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What I like
- Great looks.
- Vivid RGB lighting.
- Thin and relatively light.
- Incredibly sturdy construction.
Things To Consider
- Hilariously expensive.
- Mushy, almost wet switches.
Key Features
The Deathstalker V2 Pro is the first model in the low-profile line of Razer, getting into the market with amazing specs: A 2.8mm travel distance and 1.2mm short actuation.
Although I’m still in the process of trying this model, I’m already impressed by the comfort it offers.
The board is highly versatile and robust because of its 3 connectivity options (USB wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth), a full-key programmable design, and quick-access buttons.
Its low-profile design is also a significant advantage as floating low-profile keycaps bring out the best in that favorably-customizable Chrome RGB lighting.
3. HyperX Alloy Origins 60
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What I like
- Fantastically well-built.
- Responsive linear switches.
- Incredibly low click latency.
- Customizable RGB backlighting.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
Things To Consider
- Mediocre ergonomics.
Key Features
Mini keyboards are no longer something of a novelty. Nowadays, various options are available, and more users are also making the switch.
The Origins 60, HyperX’s good candidate, is the best choice if you want a mini-board that is highly reliable but affordable. I used to spend hours playing Call of Duty with this model smoothly and comfortably.
Some corners are cut, making it significantly more compact than the other models on this list. Investing in this model means getting the excellent performance and a premium build, making it worth every penny.
4. Obinslab Anne Pro 2
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What I like
- Decent build quality.
- Full RGB backlighting.
- Various switch types are available.
Things To Consider
- Lack of extra features.
Key Features
It’s uncommon to play games on a Mac, but a few people just want a separate keyboard to gaming Stardew Valley or the Sims over the weekend. So if you are a Mac user and want a gaming keyboard, you won’t go wrong with the Obinslab Anne Pro 2.
This compact keyboard connects to your Mac wirelessly utilizing Bluetooth, and its latency is acceptable for casual gaming.
If you want to boost the pace, it is okay to utilize its USB-A to USB-C cable. But you will need to invest in a dongle if you have a Mac device without a USB-A port.
Overall, I was impressed by the versatility of this little model. It is ideal for use with your Mac for work during the day and gaming at night.
5. EVGA Z12
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What I like
- Macro Keys.
- Cheap.
- Subtle and clean RGB lighting.
- Membrane Keys are excellent.
- Reliable typing experience.
Things To Consider
- No USB passthrough.
- No Volume controls other than Mute.
Key Features
The EVGA Z12 is the perfect choice for those on a tight budget. Despite its cheap price tag, this model gives you higher-end features like good ergonomics, RGB backlighting, and companion software that allow you to program macros to any key.
Unlike the rest of my list, this unit utilizes rubber dome switches. Although these switches do not feel like nice mechanical ones, they’re very quiet and ideal for gaming in living or dorm rooms.
Its latency is good enough for casual gaming, while it is a bit slow for competitive, fast-paced games.
It has RGB backlighting, but you can only customize it in zones, making it not look as excellent as individual-lit keys. Anyway, except for the EVGA Z12, it is impossible to find a cheap model with customizable backlighting.
6. Razer Huntsman V2 TKL Tenkeyless
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What I like
- Decent stabilizers.
- Good RGB modes.
- Smooth switches.
- Standard bottom row.
- Decent build quality.
- Clean, understated design.
Things To Consider
- Loud switches.
- Still a bit pricey.
Key Features
The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is another budget-friendly option, though it’s not as cheap as the EVGA Z12.
This unit has a TenKeyLess layout, which means it doesn’t have a Numpad but maintains arrow keys and the whole navigational cluster of buttons. Therefore, it is more compact and frees up space on your desk.
Although the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is an older keyboard, it still boasts its excellent performance, which is on par with Razer’s more recent releases.
If you’re an RGB fan, this model will not disappoint, as it delivers excellent per-key RGB lighting customization and fantastic color mixing.
7. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
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What I like
- Premium wrist rest.
- Premium keycaps
- Lightweight switch feel.
- 8 Dedicated Macro Keys.
- Three excellent Bluetooth connections.
- Low latency even in Bluetooth connection.
Things To Consider
- Expensive.
Key Features
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a model with wired connectivity, ideal for those who don’t want to charge every week.
The latency of this keyboard is under a millisecond, even though it is a wireless connection. It is no exaggeration to say that the BlackWidow V4 Pro is the fastest wireless model I have tested and one of the most responsive keyboards I’ve used.
As this unit is a product from Razer, it will work with Synapse 3 and Razer Chroma, enabling you to pair it with other Chroma-compatible products to tie the RGB of your setup together. I was also impressed with its color modes.
8. Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT
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What I like
- Extremely low latency.
- Good ergonomic features.
- Cushioned wrist rest and premium PBT keycaps.
- The control wheel can be helpful for productivity.
Things To Consider
- Some features feel gimmicky.
- Switches provide no tactile feedback.
Key Features
If you’re looking for a model that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price, look no further than the K95 RGB.
This gaming keyboard is loaded with extra features in both the software and hardware to enhance your gaming experience.
Thanks to its split millisecond latency, you will get incredibly responsive feels without noticeable delay. Moreover, this unit comes with your choice of Corsair’s OPX or Cherry MX Speed switches, which have a short pre-travel distance and feather-light actuation force.
It has 19 lighting zones, and each key is individually backlit, allowing you to take your RGB enthusiasm to the next level.
There are six dedicated macro keys along the left, a suite of media controls, and one programmable wheel at the top. So you can control your video or music playback directly from the keyboard.
9. Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO
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What I like
- Well-built design.
- Choice of key switches.
- Great performance.
- Beautiful RGB lighting.
- Great typing experience.
Things To Consider
- Incomplete media bar.
- Not available in a wide variety of switches.
Key Features
The Vulcan 121 AIMO is a model that turns heads. It looks gorgeous because of its solid aluminum frame, exposed key stems, and dynamic RGB lighting.
Besides having a pretty face, its performance is good. The bottom row’s unusual convex shape will not suit everyone, but I found this model comfortable, satisfying, and reliable.
This model particularly shines for typing. Its switches deliver a pleasant click and tactile bump for each press. Moreover, its Titan switches actuate between 20 and 30% faster than standard, depending on your version.
The 121 AIMO has an easy-clean design to avoid dust buildup, making it great for day-to-day use in any environment.
10. Fnatic STREAK65 LP
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What I like
- RGB lighting rocks.
- Fantastic construction.
- Great software that makes customization easy.
- Switches, stabilizers, and keycaps are all great.
Things To Consider
- No support for hot-swapping switches.
Key Features
The Fnatic STREAK65 LP is a highly compact and light but sturdy 65% keyboard aimed at competitive gamers. For me, it is the perfect size for a keyboard. It’s compact but still has arrow keys and some helpful keys like delete.
Inside this board, you will find Fnatic’s very own Low Profile switches, ideal for those who prefer fast-feeling linear buttons.
That is not the only advantage of this keyboard. Its newest iteration also features PBT keycaps and lubed stabilizers, making it sound and feel great.
Generally, the Fnatic STREAK65 LP is a great board on the materials/build quality front. It is one of the best gaming keyboards you can purchase now!
Buying Guide: Things To Consider
Mechanical or Non-mechanical?
It’s no wonder that gamers often stay away from non-mechanical keyboards.
Only mechanical switches deliver the tactile feedback, accuracy, and precision required for a great game experience.
Tenkeyless, Full-Size, or Smaller?
Tenkeyless boards drop the keys, 65% of keyboards eliminate navigation keys, and 60% of keyboards also cut the arrow keys.
Some gamers, such as MMO players, prefer to get every possible key (or even more), while others favor a smaller board to clear up their desk space.
RGB
Per-key RGB will allow you to program the color of each key individually, while zone lighting will limit your customization to just several areas on the board.
Obtaining a board with a single-color backlight is okay if you want to save a little money. But you will miss out on a fantastic light show.
If you choose a model that lacks a backlight, playing the game in a well-lit area is essential unless you are a touch typist.
Conclusion
Everyone’s needs and wants for gaming keyboards are different, and with so many options available, there’s bound to be a keyboard that’s just right for you.
I realize that having so many options can make your search for the perfect product a lot more confusing, which is why I have come out with this post.
Hopefully, there’s something in here for you, and you can use my list as an ideal guide for beginning your search for the perfect gaming keyboard.