20 of the Best Gaming Keyboards in the World

Introduction

Are you an expert gamer or just starting?

Well, suppose you’re either of the above or a regular reader who’s looking forward to acquiring a new hobby. In that case, you’re the perfect audience for this article.

Alternatively, you could have heard your friends arguing about the best gaming keyboards and can’t wait to arm yourself with information so that you can contribute to the debate the next time the topic arises.

Whichever category of the readers I’ve mentioned you’re in, I know you’re interested in knowing the best gaming keyboards in the world, as evidenced by you visiting this page.

The 20 best gaming keyboards in the world are made to last. They have high-quality chassis, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and improved ergonomics. These keyboards are highly responsive, have lower actuation distances, macros, and customizable software. They are also lightweight and provide light, crispy, tactile feedback in most cases.

Additionally, the best gaming keyboards have extensive RGB lighting options, high-quality switches that enhance user comfort and provide a flawless experience. Their high-quality matte finishes give them a dazzling look while preventing the picking of fingerprints. These boards are also resilient to forceful keystrokes, have reliable media controls, and, in some cases, allow users to customize the actuation distance. Some notable gaming keyboards that meet these characteristics include:

Read on for detailed descriptions of the factors to consider when buying a gaming keyboard and in-depth explanations of the features that make the keyboards I’ve mentioned the best in the world.

BEFORE WE START: What Should You Consider When Buying a Gaming Keyboard?

Before I mention the best gaming keyboards around the world, let me pose a question: Have you ever bought a board and later regretted making a quick decision?

Probably, you didn’t take your time to compare the options. By “compare,” I mean evaluating the alternatives based on the specific features that would make your gaming experience comfortable and worthwhile.

To avoid making such a mistake (again!), here are some of the things you should consider when buying a gaming keyboard:

Build quality: Undoubtedly, you want a keyboard that’s designed to last. Boards with metal backplates are less likely to bend or break during fast-paced games. Conversely, those made of PVC can wear and tear quickly. Besides metal, I prefer those built with ABS since it’s durable, resistant to oils, and resilient to forceful keystrokes.
Layout: It’s essential to determine the number of keys in each of the available options and what each key does.
Backlighting: Although this is a standard feature in most gaming keyboards, it would be better to determine if the available boards are single-color backlit or have RGB technology. RGB offers more customization during gameplay.
Ergonomics: Comfort is an understated aspect during gameplay. It would be better to purchase a board with a wrist rest to avoid straining.
Switch type: Mechanical switches offer more variety and durability. However, they are louder than membrane switches. If you find keyboard noise irritating, buy one with a membrane switch.

Here are the top 20 gaming keyboards on the market:

Corsair K70 Mk.2

The Corsair K70 Mk.2 blows the competition away due to its flawless design. The authentic Cherry MX switches enhance user comfort and provide a flawless typing experience.

The gaming keyboard is gorgeously designed, has extensive RGB lighting options, and works wonders during gameplay. The Corsair K70 Mk.2 pushes the envelope when it comes to parsing user commands – you get a mix of accuracy and speed.

The keyboard allows users to customize profiles and select their favorite lighting patterns. It comes with an 8MB storage that enables you to access up to three stored profiles simultaneously using its inbuilt software. Besides, it has sturdy, well-built PBT keycaps and allows users to add textured WASD keycaps.

The keyboard’s volume control is very responsive and easy to rotate. The discrete media keys prevent you from tabbing out of games accidentally, something that makes the Corsair K70 Mk.2 an excellent fan for the money.

The downside? Some users have reported that this keyboard does not fit well into hubs and must be connected only to the USB slots at the back of your PC.

Das Keyboard X50Q RGB

A premium product from the renowned Japanese company Omron, the Das Keyboard X50Q RGB comes with incredibly built, stunning, high-grade premium switches,

The pre-installed Q software sends notifications and manages RGB lighting, something that enhances your gaming experience. The aluminum top plate enhances this keyboard’s aesthetics while making it study. Long-term users have also reported that this keyboard’s Cherry switches are the best on the market since they minimize noise.

The con? Some customers have complained that it is difficult to find some keys when playing some games. For example, RTS gamers may find it challenging to quickly locate the “L” key during play because it’s surrounded by blank keys.

Razer BlackWidow Lite

With a minimalist tenkeyless design, quiet Razer Orange switches, simple white lighting, and a sleek design, the Razer BlackWidow, is worth purchasing.

It has a small peripheral, pronounced switches with a tactile, crispy bump that mean less force when pressing keys, and sound dampeners that reduce noise and typing fatigue. This keyboard also comes with a Razer hypershift that allows you to remap keys and keypress combinations, making executing complex commands much more effortless.

Other pros of this keyboard include its lightweight, compact size, minimal key travel, and the long accompanying cable.

The drawbacks of the BlackWidow Lite include the non-detachability of its cables. The keys can become squeaky if you haven’t installed the rubber O-rings. Also, installing these rings is slow and painstaking. Otherwise, this is an excellent keyboard for tournaments.

Razer Huntsman Elite

Meet the Huntsman Elite, another high-end gaming keyboard from Razer.

This board combines mechanical switches and optical sensors to produce an unbeatable input speed level and significant latency reduction.

Using light-based actuation, the switches register key at a lower actuation distance of 1.5 mm.

The matter, high-quality aluminum top frame enhances the board’s structural integrity while making it beautiful to look at. This keyboard has a moveable dial and 4 media buttons that you can remap depending on your preferences. This beast also comes with an array of RGB lights. It’s the best pick for ardent gamers who want silky, smooth gameplay.

Some users have complained that this board’s keys may sometimes fail to register. Nonetheless, the features I’ve mentioned and the Huntsman Elite’s ergonomic rest wrist that maximizes comfort during extended play make it a worthwhile purchase.

Razor Huntsman Tournament Edition

If you’ve loved the Huntsman Elite, then I should introduce you to the Huntsman Tournament Edition.

Instead of the clicky optical switches you’ll find in the Huntsman Elite; the Huntsman Tournament Edition uses linear optical switches. The latter is also more responsive and has a lower actuation point of 1.0 mm.

You’ll also discover that the Tournament Edition requires less force when you give it a try.

Thanks to the standard bottom row that Razor has included in this board, you can also customize keys. The board has Doubleshot PBT keycaps, a notable improvement compared to the ABS ones in most of its Elite versions.

Durability is another desirable feature of the Razor Huntsman Tournament Edition. The keycaps don’t wear out quickly.

It’s worth noting that the keyboard’s base produces a metallic ping during use. Nonetheless, the Huntsman Tournament Edition is one of the best boards to add to your collection.

Corsair K100 RGB Optical

This board nails the basics, thanks to its decent spread of keys that improves its user-friendliness to most hand sizes, RGB lighting, and an excellent tactile click.

The K100 RGB has an anodized brushed aluminum chassis with keys attached to create a floating keycaps effect. Because of that, you can easily clean the keyboard by blowing away any debris from the surface.

The combination of optical and mechanical switches offers hyper-fast input and smooth travel. Rest assured of excellent key responses and improved comfort due to the wonderfully dimpled keys that allow you to rest your fingers when not pressing down.

The Corsair K100 RGB Optical’s drawbacks include its enormous footprint, which means you’ll need more desk space to nest it comfortably. The other gripe is that customers have to install third-party software to access this board’s G keys. Because of that, you’ll have more programs running in your PC’s background, competing for resources, something that could slow down gameplay.

SteelSeries Apex Pro

Do you prefer a gaming keyboard that allows you to customize pre-travel distances? Do you like highly responsive keyboards?

Meet the SteelSeries Apex Pro, the keyboard that can meet your needs. This full-sized board has OmniPoint switches that allow users to customize the actuation distance. As a result, you can lower the distance to enhance responsiveness during gameplay or set it higher to improve accuracy in productivity tasks.

The switches have a smooth, linear feel and don’t provide tactile feedback, meaning less noise when using the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Besides, the high-end magnetic wrist rest improves this keyboard’s ergonomics by providing full palm support.

The SteelSeries Apex pro has full RGB backlighting and a customizable OLED screen.

Additionally, it has a USB passthrough for plugging in other devices – you can use it to charge your mobile devices.

A notable con of this keyboard is that the 3.6 mm actuation point may not work properly due to the O-rings.

However, it remains one of the best full-sized keyboards and is compatible with Windows and macOS.

Logitech G413

The Logitech G413 is a straightforward, well-built keyboard with an aluminum-magnesium alloy top case that enhances its structural integrity and longevity. It’s also sleek and compact, a feature that boosts its visual appeal.

As evidenced by its tactile Romer-G switches, the Logitech G413 is designed for pro-grade performance and responsiveness. The keys improve the keyboard’s ergonomics – they are visible even at night.

Besides, you can easily pop off the keys, clean them, and place them back on the board.

The limitations of the Logitech G413 include the lack of onboard memory and the absence of a stem on the keycap. The receiver has 4 jammed plastic fins that tend to snap off and cause the keys to become unstable. Otherwise, this keyboard is worth the money.

Redragon K552

Although it’s not a household name like its competitors, it produces top-notch keyboards that can measure up to the rivals’.

The K552 is small, compact, and has dust-proof mechanical switches. The board is designed for fast action with little resistance. You do not get the tactile bump feel when using this board. Its backlighting feature supports six colors and allows you to tweak brightness levels.

The Redragon K552 also comes with raised keys, thus less pressing effort during gameplay. The design also improves the board’s aesthetics.

The board comes with a splash-proof, gold-plated, high-speed USB connector.

The main limitation of the K552 is that it has a metallic case. Some users have reported hearing a hollow, metallic ringing as they press its keys. Otherwise, it remains one of the recommendable gaming keyboards on the market.

Kinesis Freestyle Edge

The Kinesis Freestyle Edge is designed for professional-grade responsiveness. It’s high-end Cherry MX switches optimize performance while improving the product’s longevity. The split design enhances the keyboard’s versatility.

The split allows you to improve endurance and accuracy by moving the right module out of the way and bringing your mouse closer to the board.

The backend software is both intuitive and lightweight, and the media controls are reliable. Besides, this keyboard has a premium feel – you do not have to strain during play. Because of that, this keyboard is ideal if you want to improve your reaction time.

In a nutshell, this is an all-around, solid keyboard designed to improve user comfort. Therefore, I recommend it for gamers with carpal tunnel or RSI.

Some gamers have complained that the split design makes it easy to reach some of the keys during play.

You’ll also have to buy elevation stands separately to benefit from the improved ergonomics this keyboard offers.

Corsair K95 Platinum XT

The K95 Platinum XT adds to the list of high-end gaming keyboards from the Corsair brand.

This keyboard comes with per-key RGB backlighting that delivers dynamic lighting effects that you can customize for a better gaming experience. It is designed to operate at low noise and allows you to access in-game stats.

The board has six dedicated macros that you can use to remap its keys. Thus, the K95 Platinum XT is one of the super-programmable boards.

It also comes with volume and media controls and wrist rest to improve comfort during play.

The well-built aluminum chassis extends the longevity of this gaming keyboard.

Have I mentioned that the manufacturer hasn’t overlooked your typing experience?

The K95 Platinum XT has the rare MX Speed switches alongside Cherry switches to help you game faster and more comfortably.

One of the common complaints about this keyboard is that its mechanical switches produce a mechanical resonance that gets amplified, causing high-pitched, irritating metallic sounds during play.

Fnatic Streak 65

The Fnatic Streak 65 is arguably one of the best compact keyboards. The board has ultra-fast, silent switches with enhanced linear speed. These switches also have an actuation distance of 1.0 mm to allow multiple presses while significantly improving its ergonomics.

The backlight allows over 8 lighting modes with an estimated 16.8 million colors to choose from. The custom, low profile keycaps improve this board’s lighting performance significantly.

You can use the OP software to customize lighting.

The Fnatic Streak 65 comes with four dedicated programmable and arrow keys.

At 2mm in height and 420g in weight, this keyboard is small enough to fit in a bag or your hoodie’s front pocket.

Don’t underestimate this board’s longevity – it has an aluminum frame that makes it sturdy and improves its durability.

What are the Fnatic Streak 65’s drawbacks? First, some users have reported that the keys become sloppy within a few weeks. Second, others have complained that the board’s rubber feet aren’t balanced properly. Because of that, the keyboard may wobble when gamers touch the right side.

Despite the drawbacks, this board improves your gaming experience significantly.

Topre Realforce R2

Unlike most of the keyboards I’ve mentioned, which are mechanical, the Topre Realforce is a membrane keyboard.

This keyboard’s switches have rubber domes that make contact with a PCB. Because of that, you won’t experience the squishiness that most membrane boards have.

The Realforce R2’s switch is unique, smooth, and quiet, something that makes it an all-around pleasure to use in gaming. Topre switches are also designed to sense keypresses electrically in physically open circuits. This feature eliminates key bounce, improving Realforce R2’s performance.

This YouTube video provides a detailed review of the Topre Realforce R2:

Customers’ main concern is that this board’s lower keys tend to have a loud audible click that can be irritating.

HyperX Alloy Elite 2

The Alloy Elite 2, a high-end board from HyperX, is another well-designed gaming keyboard. It comes with top-of-the-class switches that balance accuracy and responsiveness while shortening the actuation distance and travel time.

The keyboard’s features include an exposed LED that improves its RGB lighting.

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 comes with a large volume wheel and dedicated media keys – nothing else edges out this board when it comes to having control at your fingertips!

This board has a USB passthrough and anti-ghosting technology. It also comes with N-key rollover functionality and is compatible with multiple platforms.

Common complaints are that the keys sometimes stop working suddenly and that the color of its keycaps at the bottom causes distraction. Nevertheless, this keyboard is a winner, and I’d recommend it as a worthwhile purchase.

Asus ROG Strix Scope

Would you like to try out a reliable, high-quality RGB gaming keyboard? The ROG Strix Scope, a high-end board designed for function over form, is precisely what you’re looking for!

This board comes with a variety of RGB lighting that makes it dazzling. It’s made of Cherry MX Brown switches for precision, speed, and top-grade performance. You’re also bound to experience light tactile feedback as you play using this board.

The Xccurte CTRL key improves precision, FPS, and ergonomics. The anti-ghosting technology also enhances response.

Besides, the ROG Strix Scope has onboard memory. Arguably, these features make it a winner.

However, the manufacturer can improve the software that accompanies this keyboard – it tends to crash often, disrupting gameplay.

Roccat Vulcan 121 Aimo

The Roccat Vulcan 121 Aimo is another premium keyboard worth trying out.

This board’s firmware is made to recognize keystrokes faster, reducing switch bounce. The 1.8 mm actuation point balances response with speed.

Are you looking for a durable board? This keyboard’s chassis is made of anodized aluminum and has a removable palm rest for better ergonomics. With the reinforced key switches, you’re most likely to have a feel of each keystroke.

The board is also resistant to dust build-up.

This board’s backlight uses the AIMO, lighting system, LEDs, and transparent key switch housing for vivid illumination.

The primary oversight in the design is the insufficiency of dedicated keys. Some customers have complained that they have to use keyboard shortcuts to play or pause music.

Dell Alienware Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard AW768

This mechanical board is solidly built – the gunmetal matte finish gives it a sharp look while preventing it from picking up fingerprints.

Are you looking for a responsive keyboard that’s great for both gaming and general use?

The Dell Alienware Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard AW768 has neat built-in functions, RGB backlighting with a collection of up to 16.8 million colors, and 15 macro keys, making it one of the best solutions to your gaming and general needs.

The main downside is that you cannot customize the backlight for individual keys. Some customers have also complained that they could not customize the color code during gameplay.

Another design flaw is that you’ll need to purchase a wrist-rest separately.

Cooler Master MasterSet MS120

The Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is a heavy, solidly built gaming keyboard on the market today. This board comes with RGB lighting with a selection of colors to add to its aesthetic appeal. You won’t need to turn on your desk lamp when using it. Besides, it comes with a mouse that can fit your palm nicely. You also get a decent and smooth key travel.

Do you love the sound of mechanical keyboards? This is the best choice if that’s the case.

The keyboard’s lockout function is another impressive feature of this product. It disables the keyboard when you’re cleaning it and effectively prevents kids and cats from tampering with the board.

However, the manufacturer did a sloppy job on the anti-ghosting technology – the keyboard tends to repeat inputs when you hold key combinations apart from WASD keys.

Razer Ornata V2

As a gamer, you’ve probably been in a dilemma choosing between mechanical and membrane switches. If not, I’ll let time tell.

The Razer Ornata V2 offers you the best of both worlds. This board provides tactile feedback on a soft, comfortable membrane rubber dome switch.

If you love color-coding hotkeys, this is the ideal choice – it comes with an extensive collection of colors to improve your gaming experience.

The board’s keycaps are within comfortable distances from each other, improving response drastically.

Some users have complained that although the board is excellent for basic color coding, advanced lighting effects tend to interfere with each other.

Corsair K63 Wireless

This Corsair K63 Wireless is the best pick for gamers who don’t like the bulk that comes with keyboard cables. Although it ditches the conventional tether, this board does not compromise performance. The Corsair K63 Wireless comes with a great battery that can last up to 25 hours during gameplay (I should add with its backlight on) and up to 75 hours with the blue backlight off.

The keyboard’s memory foam bottom improves user comfort – you’d feel like it’s a simple pillow.

You can also detach the board from its lapboard, although I prefer using it on the lapboard to enjoy the comfort the wrist wrest provides.

Just as its name suggests, you can enjoy the full benefits of wireless connectivity by connecting your Corsair K63 Wireless board to multiple devices.

Did I also mention that the lapboard makes this one of the best boards for couch gaming?

This board’s notable drawback is that it has a slick mouse pad surface. However, that should not stop you from giving it a try to get a test of this high-end board from Corsair.

Introduction

BEFORE WE START: What Should You Consider When Buying a Gaming Keyboard?

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