Gaming keyboards have a bad rap, but that’s mostly due to some manufacturers plastering some RGB on their keyboards, labelling them “gaming keyboards” and calling it a day. However, a good gaming keyboard can really make a difference in your gaming experience by providing excellent responsiveness, ergonomics and various media controls and shortcut keys. Below is our round-up of the top gaming keyboards from the best gaming keyboard brands such as SteelSeries, Logitech, Corsair and EVGA.
Navigation
Best Gaming Keyboard Comparison Chart
SteelSeries Apex Pro
Best overall gaming keyboard
If you’re looking for the best performing keyboard for your gaming needs, you need to look no further than the SteelSeries Apex Pro. One feature that separates it from other gaming keyboards is its adjustable pre-travel distance for each keys. You can lower the pre-travel when gaming, and this results in a more responsive experience which is crucial for games where every millisecond counts. Also, you can increase the pre-travel when used regularly so as to avoid typing errors.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is not even the most expensive in this list, mostly because it is a wired gaming keyboard. Other notable features of the keyboard include media keys, an OLED screen, onboard memory and of course, RGB lighting. It also comes with a wrist rest that improves ergonomics.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Best wireless gaming keyboard
For those that hate cables, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is our recommendation for the best wireless gaming keyboard. It’s not the cheapest, but you’ll get what you pay for with this keyboard. Some of the features that this keyboard offers include programmable macro keys, dedicated media controls and subtle RGB lighting.
The Logitech G915 Lightspeed has a sleek look with a brushed aluminum finish. The keys are responsive, thanks mostly to the GL key switches. You can choose clicky, linear or tactile, depending on your preference. For wireless gaming without the clutter on your desk, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is our top pick. By the way, there’s also a TKL model if you prefer a more compact wireless gaming keyboard.
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
Best TKL gaming keyboard
If you’re set on getting a TKL keyboard, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL should be on top of your list. Full-size keyboards have their advantages, but if your PC is mostly for gaming, the numpad on your keyboard may not even be needed and it just takes up space on your desk—space that your mouse can use.
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a wired keyboard, so latency is very low and its polling rate is quite high. This means that the keyboard is very responsive, which is important for gaming. It comes with either Cherry MX Speed switches which are light and responsive, or with Cherry MX Reds linear switches.
Corsair K55
Best gaming keyboard and mouse combo
It’s always recommended that you purchase a keyboard and a mouse separately so that you can choose the best one for you. However, if you want a keyboard and mouse combo for gaming, nothing beats the Corsair K55 and Corsair Harpoon combo. This set also comes with the Corsair Void PRO headset and a mousepad, so you can save quite a bit of money if you go this route.
The Corsair K55 is a membrane keyboard, but it feels and performs like a mechanical one. The membrane dome switches are responsive and behave similarly to mechanical switches. As for the Corsair Harpoon mouse, it’s an entry-level gaming mouse, but with some good features. It’s equipped with the PMW-3320 sensor which you can find inside other popular gaming mice from Logitech, Razer and more. Both keyboard and mouse also have RGB.
EVGA Z12
Best gaming keyboard on a budget
If you are on a budget, the EVGA Z12 is worthy of consideration. It’s also our pick for the best gaming keyboard under $100. For a budget gaming keyboard, the EVGA Z12 is feature-packed. It has programmable macro keys, a game mode that disables the Win key and it also has dedicated media control keys. Also, it has good RGB implementation that lights up brightly when gaming at night.
As it is a budget keyboard, it’s not mechanical. It has rubber dome switches that feel soft and light. You won’t get the tactile and clicky feel that mechanical keyboards offer. Also, this might not be the best for competitive gaming as latency is not the lowest. However, for single-player games and casual games, this keyboard will be more than enough, especially if you don’t want to spend too much cash.
Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Logitech G915 Lightspeed are the best wired and wireless gaming keyboards, respectively.
Gamers looking to get the best keyboard should consider the SteelSeries Apex Pro for wired gaming and the Logitech G915 Lightspeed for wireless gaming. The SteelSeries Apex Pro, while expensive, offers customizable pre-travel distance for its keys, which will improve your gaming experience substantially. It’s also ergonomic and the RGB implementation is excellent. For wireless gaming, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is the best in the market. Its GL key switches are very responsive, with the choice of going with linear, tactile or clicky. Aside from its excellent switches, it has a sleek and durable build, programmable macro keys and dedicated media keys.
FAQs
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is our choice for the best gaming keyboard. It has excellent features such as customizable key pre-travel distance, dedicated media keys and great RGB implementation.
If you have small hands, a TKL gaming keyboard like the Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a great option for you.
For beginners, a gaming keyboard that allows you to disable the Win key, like the EVGA Z12, is a good choice as it eliminates the chances of accidentally hitting it and disrupting your game.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is our recommendation if you are looking to get a compact mechanical gaming keyboard.