The best gaming keyboard means different things to different people. Picking out the right keyboard can be a sensitive topic as it can either make or break a gaming experience. Ultimately there may be no right answer for the best keyboard, just what’s best for you. But we’ve collected some of our faves to help you find what you need.
Most gaming keyboards in our lineup share a similar expanded layout, with dedicated macro keys and media controls. We’ve collected our top picks for what we think are the best keyboards you can get for your gaming PC. Read on.
1. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
When you want the absolute best, it’s hard to find a better option than the Corsair K95 Platinum. The K95 Platinum is a big keyboard. Its enormous footprint still requires some desk cleaning before it can be nested comfortably.
But feature-wise, the K95 Platinum’s got it all. Dedicated media controls and a USB pass-through, a metal volume wheel, RGB lighting. It even comes with an extra set of textured keycaps for the WASD keys. While it’s expensive, you do know what you’re getting for your money here.
2. HyperX Alloy Elite RGB
The HyperX Alloy Elite sports a simple aesthetic while still packing the features of a quality gaming keyboard. It comes in your choice of Cherry MX Brown, Blue, and Red. What it lacks in a dedicated macro column it makes up for with its reasonable price and quality, durable design.
The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB equipped with dedicated media controls, USB passthrough, a detachable wristrest, and full RGB backlighting. It also includes an extra set of silver keycaps for WASD and the first four number keys. The board supports full N-key rollover, meaning you never have to worry about key presses not registering. You can regularly find this keyboard for around $130.
3. Logitech K840
Logitech’s proprietary Romer-G switch is where the magic lies. Designed in collaboration with the Japanese switch giant Omron, it was traditionally reserved for Logitech’s high-end boards. Now, they’re served with the budget-friendly K840 for the first time.
Because the Romer-G switch is relatively cheap, you’re not going to find any extras on the K840. Never mind dedicated macros and USB passthroughs, there isn’t even any backlighting. The keycaps also come with cheap, fragile pad printed lettering that’s likely to wear off over time.
4. Razer Cynosa Chroma
Razer Cynosa Chroma has some of the best feeling membrane keys. At a retail price of $59.99 is one of the most affordable gaming keyboards out there. While it may lack some features, it does boast Razer’s extensive RGB lighting.
It’s a solid nice looking keyboard that’s the best membrane option of a huge range. There is a step-up version of the Cynosa available, but for $20 extra the only real addition is underglow RGB. So unless that stuff is appealing to you, I recommend you save your cash and invest in the base model.
5. Asus ROG Strix Scope
Asus ROG Strix Scope is a keyboard made for function over form. It is a solid, durable, reliable keyboard that works exactly as advertised without the bloat of unnecessary gimmicks. And with a wide range of Cherry’s RGB switches, you can find the Scope in practically any flavor you’d like.
It also has a few quality of life features to appeal to fans of shooters. Full macro customization is available. And the left Ctrl key has been broadened to make it easy to hit during a tense firefight. The more compact form factor of the Scope also means that it is really easy to reach down.
6. Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
The original Freestyle Edge from Kinesis was one of the best split ergonomic keyboards on the marke. It retains the split design, allowing you to set the two halves of the deck at shoulder width. The gap also lets you leave your controller within easy reach when you’re typing in text chat.
The Freestyle Edge RGB is also incredibly customizable. It has ten dedicated macro keys on the left half, and the ability to customize every key individually. It’s fully programmable without the use of any additional software.
7. Cooler Master MK850
Cooler Master may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of gaming keyboards. But the MK850 may very well change your mind. The headline feature of their latest peripheral offering is the aimpad technology. It’s a useful feature, particularly in stealth or racing games.
The MK850 is also packed with the additional features that elevate a gaming keyboard. It has stuff like a row of dedicated macro keys and media controls, USB passthroughs, and Cherry MX Red switches. And it’s an attractive deck, with raised keycaps to highlight the backlighting, wrist rest, and anodized aluminum backplate.
8. Razer Huntsman Elite
The Huntsman family of Razer keyboards is the only place in the world to find their opto-mechanical switch. It’s one of the best switches on the market. The opto-mechanical build eschews traditional metal contacts. It actuates by a beam of light that fires through the switch when the key is depressed. They’re tactile switches that actuate at 1.5 mm and 45g of force.
The rest of the Elite is well designed too, with a detachable magnetic wrist rest, and dedicated media controls. It also features some handy storage on the keyboard. It’s a fully-featured keyboard with some truly fantastic switches.
9. SteelSeries Apex Pro
The Apex Pro is an incredibly solid, competitive gaming keyboard even. It offers you a hybrid that can satisfy both needs in the same model. You can set the keys individually to require that you bottom out.
The Apex Pro also features a novel OLED in the upper right hand corner of the board. It lets you alter some key settings without having to dig deep into a separate software suite. And the low profile of the chassis with the heightened keycaps contributes to a very attractive aesthetic.
And those are the list of our favorite best gaming keyboards. You should also see our recommendation on the best graphics card for your gaming PC.