Arming your setup with the greatest gaming keyboard will make a distinction, whether or not you’re into first-person shooters or epic RPG adventures. Certain, you may technically get by utilizing WASD keys on any previous keyboard, however your fingers will thanks in case you arm them with high-quality mechanical switches and beautiful keycaps.
PCGamesN’s peripherals consultants have examined a variety of wi-fi keyboards, mechanical keyboards, wired keyboards, and optical-mechanical keyboards to convey you an inventory of the perfect. It doesn’t matter what your finances or choice is, you can see the proper gaming keyboard to satisfy your wants.
Nice gaming keyboards will pair nicely with the greatest gaming mouse, and can finally assist bolster your desktop expertise. For those who’re particularly on the lookout for the most effective wi-fi mechanical keyboard, slightly than wi-fi or membrane ones, then take a look at that information for a full vary of choices.
Why you may belief our recommendation ✔ At PCGamesN, our consultants spend hours testing {hardware}, video games, and VPNs. We share sincere, unbiased opinions that will help you purchase the most effective. Discover out how we check.
Finest gaming keyboards 2024:
Finest gaming keyboard total
Razer Huntsman V2 specs:
Variety of keys |
Full-size with 104 keys |
Switches |
Razer optical |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
Devoted |
Causes to purchase
- Razer optical switches
- Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
- Extraordinarily snug wrist relaxation
Causes to keep away from
- Costly
- No USB passthrough
- Fastened USB cable
Razer is aware of a factor or two about keyboards, and the Huntsman V2 is a terrific testomony to that truth. Armed with optical switches, delectable doubleshot PBT keycaps, and refined beauty, this board is an ideal ten in our eyes. It even goes above and past by wielding built-in dampening foam, which helps ditch rattling and clattering whereas preserving pleasing ASMR clicks.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is dearer than most, and it’s arguably designed with keyboard lovers in thoughts. Nonetheless, it can nonetheless present any gaming PC setup with correct and speedy enter, because of its 8,000Hz polling price.
That’s going to matter in case you’re seeking to improve your abilities in the most effective FPS video games, as you’ll be capable to swiftly dip, dive and dodge your strategy to security throughout standoffs with out worrying about latency. You possibly can even swap out its keycaps to provide it an aesthetic edge – a function that’ll inject a little bit of character into your PC gaming house. It’s among the finest quiet gaming keyboards, and in case you can afford it, is nicely well worth the cash.
Learn the Razer Huntsman V2 evaluation.
Finest modular gaming keyboard
Mountain Everest Max specs:
Variety of keys |
Full-size with 104 keys, 4 show keys |
Switches |
Swappable, Cherry MX, or Mountain pre-installed |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
Devoted by way of attachment |
Causes to purchase
- Modular
- Scorching-swappable switches
- LCD macro buttons
Causes to keep away from
- Wrist relaxation is a bit skinny
- Collectively dear, however you should buy part-by-part
We’re a giant fan of modularity, and the Moutain Everest Max totally embraces the thought of hot-swappable addons. Whereas many different gaming keyboards on the market function detachable switches, the Everest Max helps an extra numpad and media bar, each of which elevate its performance past what you’d anticipate from customary PC peripherals.
For those who’re a streamer, you’re going to dig the non-compulsory Mountain Everest Max Displaypad, because it basically features like a Stream Deck alternative. Outfitted with LCD keys, we reckon the addon’s macro talents may give Elgato a run for its cash, all whereas taking over much less treasured floor house by being successfully a part of the keyboard’s footprint.
A whole setup will set you again a hefty quantity, however the core keyboard is available in at $150. Not unreasonable contemplating it packs Cherry MX switches and nice construct high quality as well, and it definitely makes extra of an announcement than most of its premium rivals in the marketplace.
Learn our Mountain Everest Max evaluation.
Most customizable gaming keyboard
Corsair K70 Max specs:
Variety of keys |
104 |
Switches |
MGX Magnetic Key Switches |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
Devoted |
Causes to purchase
- Each key might be personalized individually
- Fashionable, premium design
Causes to keep away from
- A pricier choice
- Comes with sort of ineffective Twin-point actuation
If you wish to go all out and seize a keyboard which you can tailor to your particular wants, you received’t do significantly better than the Corsair K70 Max. This can be a incredible little bit of {hardware} that permits you to customise each single key, permitting you to vary their RGB results, their macros, and even their actuation level.
It’s nearly a case of providing you with greater than you want although. Whereas with the ability to modify the actuation level is one thing they hung out on and which contributed to the excessive value, we don’t suppose it’s going to be that helpful to most avid gamers. Certain, if you’d like/want that degree of customization, it’ll be wonderful, however in case you do, you’re within the minority.
In fact, it bodes nicely for the Corsair K70 Max that one of many solely issues we will say in opposition to it’s that it does an excessive amount of. For those who can afford it, this can be a incredible keyboard and one which proves that each inside and outer magnificence will not be mutually unique.
Learn our Corsair K70 Max evaluation.
Finest gaming keyboard for modding
Drop CSTM80 specs:
Variety of keys |
88 keys |
Switches |
Gateron Brown or Yellow |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
N/A |
Causes to purchase
- Gateron change decisions at level of buy
- Extremely customizable with out costing over the percentages
- Unbelievable typing really feel
Causes to keep away from
- Gaming efficiency is nothing spectacular
As keyboard modding turns into extra fashionable, Drop is main the cost together with a number of different manufacturers like Ducky, in creating merchandise {that a} re easy to customise and make distinctive. At first, we referred to as the Drop CSTM80 one of many prettiest keyboards we’d ever seen, and praised it’s really feel whereas typing.
The gasket mounting gives a light-weight really feel, however there’s nonetheless loads of suggestions within the mechanical switches to make sure you don’t endure from any missclicks. It’s additionally very responsive, however past that, the gaming advantages are mild, because it’s constructed for a special objective and we respect that.
We additionally highlighted the driverless method from Drop, which means you may plug the CSTM80 in while not having to obtain any extra software program. Must you want to customise the inputs, you may obtain software program, however it isn’t required underneath any circumstances.
Learn our Drop CSTM80 evaluation for extra.
Corsair K70 TKL specs:
Variety of keys |
TKL with 87 keys |
Switches |
Cherry MX Pink, Silent, or Velocity |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
Devoted |
Causes to purchase
- Compact TKL design
- Totally-featured
- Nicely-built
Causes to keep away from
- No wrist relaxation
- Costly when not on sale
Not everybody wants a numpad, and the Corsair K70 TKL ditches its right-hand keys whereas retaining the whole lot that makes the unique mannequin so nice. It wears the identical aluminum shell as its full-sized sibling, wields Cherry MX switches, and provides an 8,000Hz polling price – a combo that helps the tenkeyless K70 commerce blows with keyboard rivals massive and small.
The K70 TKL avoids cluttering its floor with fancy bells and whistles, however it does provide a pleasant set of media keys and a nifty quantity curler. That’s to not say it utterly forgoes flamboyancy, as its spectacular RGB backlighting provides a shocking splash of shade, and it’ll sync up along with your Corsair PC case and different peripherals utilizing iCue. Nonetheless, showboating isn’t this board’s precedence, with most of its options (fairly rightly) catering to esports efficiency and performance.
Learn our Corsair K70 TKL evaluation.
Finest compact gaming keyboard
Mountain Everest 60 specs:
Variety of keys |
Redesigned 60% with 64 keys |
Switches |
Mountain switches |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
Built-in |
Causes to purchase
- The smallest keyboard with arrow keys
- Quiet however satisfying typing expertise
- Mountain mechanical switches are satisfying
Mountain saves the day but once more with its modular design, because the Everest 60 is a 60% gaming keyboard with an non-compulsory numpad. Naturally, which means in case you ever remorse investing in a board with out quantity keys, you may treatment the difficulty by selecting up a nifty attachment, slightly than having to choose up a alternative.
The Everest 60 follows within the premium footsteps of the Max, with incredible construct high quality serving to to justify its price ticket. We predict your fingers will agree, as its proprietary switches and silicone layer present every key with a satisfying sound and really feel. Simply understand that the modular numpad will set you again an extra $50, and it’s not appropriate with Max mannequin modules.
Learn the Mountain Everest 60 evaluation.
Finest wi-fi gaming keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed specs:
Variety of keys |
65% with 68 keys |
Switches |
Razer switches |
Connectivity |
Wired/Wi-fi |
Media keys |
Devoted |
Causes to purchase
- Selection of two.4GHz Razer Hyperspeed or Bluetooth wi-fi
- Excessive-quality Doubleshot keycaps
- Probably the most snug wrists rests
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is a mouthful to say, however this dinky keyboard is one in all our wi-fi favorites. Armed with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, the board embodies the corporate’s dedication to high quality and aesthetics, all whereas taking over much less room in your desk.
That final level is extra necessary than you suppose, particularly in terms of the most effective wi-fi choices. In spite of everything, a part of the attraction is with the ability to simply choose up your board and but it away with out coping with cords, one thing that makes it simpler to make use of elsewhere.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a board that’ll additionally pair with the most effective Steam Deck dock in your front room, or a cordless companion to stay in your backpack, the BlackWidow V3 Mini understands the task. With a flick of a change, you’ll be capable to pair up with Bluetooth gadgets or embrace the advantages of ‘Hypersense’ low latency whereas utilizing a standard PC. For those who’re in a pinch, you may even add a USB C wire again into the combination, however its 200-hour battery life could stop that situation fully.
Learn Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini evaluation.
Finest low-profile gaming keyboard
Razer Deathstalker V2 Professional specs:
Variety of keys |
Full-size with 104 keys |
Switches |
Razer optical switches |
Connectivity |
Wi-fi |
Media keys |
Devoted |
Causes to purchase
- Low-profile
- Nice RGB
- Wi-fi
Causes to keep away from
- Very costly
- Keys could really feel barely rattly
Gaming keyboards are often pretty chunky, however the Razer Deathstalker V2 Professional packs tons of options right into a pleasantly flat package deal. Whereas the unique mannequin makes use of membranes, its successor is kitted out with optical switches and ABS keycaps that in some way handle to keep away from standing too tall. The consequence? A beautiful low-profile keyboard that avoids the standard compromises.
The Deathstalker V2 Professional is admittedly dear, however that doesn’t hold it from being among the finest low-profile gaming keyboards we’ve used. Dwelling inside its 19.9cm aluminum shell there are acquainted options like Hypersense wi-fi connectivity and the aforementioned optical switches, which means it shares DNA with the likes of the Huntsman and Deathstalker sequence. It additionally appears beautiful, because it makes room for dazzling Chroma RGB backlighting underneath its brief caps.
The Deathstalker V2 Professional is perhaps a gaming keyboard, however it pulls a low-profile aesthetic that’ll mix in wherever. We’re not essentially saying it’s best to take this costly peripheral to work, however in case you did, it received’t stick out like a sore thumb. The identical goes for in case you have a desk in your front room, and its nifty quantity wheel serves a sensible objective for these with a PC media heart offering their TV with leisure.
Learn our Razer Deathstalker V2 Professional evaluation.
Finest keyboard for each modding and gaming
Razer Blackwidow V4 75% specs:
Variety of keys |
82 – TKL |
Switches |
Razer Orange Tactile |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Media keys |
Two plus scroll wheel |
Causes to purchase
- Designed for gaming and modding with little compromise
- Simple to customise and reassemble
- Responsive gaming efficiency
Causes to keep away from
- Might get costly when including switches and keycaps
Modding a keyboard is nice, not solely can it refresh the design, however you may isolate points that come up and doubtlessly repair them with out having to fret about changing a complete keyboard. The Razer Blackwidow V4 is a superb instance of making an attempt to attraction to 2 markets and leaving no options on the chopping room flooring.
We loved our time with the Blackwidow V4 75% massively, praising how easy it was to mess around with and disassemble whereas nonetheless managing to supply responsive gaming efficiency. There was all the time the chance that interesting to 2 hobbies may create a Frankenstein monster of a multitude, however no such end result is current right here.
If you wish to give modding a go however retain the core gaming efficiency, there could also be no higher choice. We might have preferred to have extra pre-purchase customization choices, to forestall the necessity to buy new switches and keycaps after the very fact, however it’s a small value to pay in the long run.
Learn our Razer Blackwidow V4 75% evaluation for extra.
How to decide on the most effective gaming keyboards
When on the lookout for the proper keyboard (both amongst these on this checklist, or elsewhere) we advocate contemplating all the next factors earlier than making a choice:
- Pricing: We perceive that some individuals are going to must decide solely primarily based on what they’ll afford. If that’s you, we advocate not going beneath round $30 (£25). For those who do, you’ll doubtlessly end up paying extra in the long term when it finally ends up being an inferior product that wants changing.
- Media keys: These could make it a lot simpler to regulate quantity ranges on the fly and may do lots to boost your gaming expertise in case you’re taking part in one thing the place one minute the whole lot is lifeless silent, and the subsequent it’s filled with motion. When taking part in on-line, it will probably assist to decrease the quantity throughout key moments when it is advisable hear your teammates too, so media keys are positively helpful.
- Mechanical vs membrane: For those who purchase a mechanical keyboard, you’ll have a particularly satisfying clicking sound once you press a key, and also you’ll have the information that you simply’ve acquired a high-quality piece of {hardware} that can final a very long time. A membrane, in the meantime, isn’t fairly so sturdy, however is designed for quiet operation and received’t make wherever close to as a lot noise. It’s also possible to discover hybrid choices that aren’t actually mechanical, however really feel lots nearer to it.
- RGB lighting: Is it a necessary addition, or just a flashy extravagance? We are able to definitely perceive desirous to have RGB lights in your keyboard, however we will additionally perceive not wanting the additional expense. All the time examine whether or not the lights are current, to what extent they’re coated and appropriate with different gadgets.
- Wired vs wi-fi: A wired keyboard will present larger ranges of precision, however will even imply that it is advisable issue extra wires into your setup. In the meantime, a wi-fi alternative will create much less muddle, however received’t be fairly as exact, and would require you to maintain a detailed eye on the battery ranges (particularly when taking part in on-line).
For those who’re nonetheless left with questions, we’ve answered a number of keyboard-related FAQs beneath:
Do I would like a gaming keyboard?
In contrast to standard peripherals, gaming keyboards provide quite a lot of options that can assist enhance your efficiency in-game. From mechanical switches that enhance responsiveness to programmable macro buttons, keyboards designed for gaming can provide the edge in quite a lot of PC genres, like MMOs and aggressive shooters.
What are mechanical switches?
PCGamesN has a complete information on mechanical keyboard switches, which is able to rapidly make you an professional on all issues clicky, linear, and tactile.
In a nutshell, there are two important varieties of keyboard switches: mechanical and membrane. The latter has some worth in typing in case you just like the squishy rubber dome really feel, however you’ll need the sooner response occasions of mechanical switches when making an attempt to get one up in your enemies in-game.
Can a gaming keyboard make you recreation higher?
It definitely can. Along with sturdiness (that’ll cease you getting tripped up by dodgy keys) they supply a degree of precision not seen in customary keyboards (particularly in case you get a mechanical one). What number of video games have you ever misplaced as a result of enter lag? What number of occasions have you ever been certain you pressed a button, however nothing occurred in-game? You possibly can remove these issues with a gaming keyboard, making certain you’re in full management.
Do I would like an costly gaming keyboard?
That is determined by your intentions. Would you like one thing for common use, when gaming casually at house? In that case, a finances gaming keyboard will likely be completely tremendous. The identical is true for lots of avid gamers. Nonetheless, in case you’re extra aggressive, play lots on-line, get pleasure from speed-running, or something like that, then you definately’ll need all the advantages that the dearer choices present.
If you’d like extra assist in constructing the proper gaming set-up, learn our article on the most effective gaming PC. Even a tremendous keyboard received’t make a distinction in case you’re utilizing it on a potato that hasn’t even been baked.