A great gaming keyboard can make a big difference in your daily activities. For one, it will boost the look of your gaming setup and allow you to play video games at night thanks to the backlight illumination. Additionally, quality keys are laser-printed and have a very low chance of getting smeared or faded due to abrasion. Moreover, you should consider the value of switch customization. You can buy one “base“ keyboard and change keys anytime you want, whether some or all of them. So, you can build your own keyboard by altering the feel, sound, and functionality. With that said, let’s move onto our best gaming keyboard list.
1. Redragon K580 VATA
Redragon K580 VATA is the best keyboard for gaming, in our opinion. It comes at a very low price while having an incredible price-to-value ratio for what it offers. You get a full-size, 104-key mechanical keyboard with anti-ghosting and Blue Switch keys right-off the bat. The keys have a short response time and require little actuation force, making the keyboard perfect for online games. Additionally, you get 5 customizable macro keys, G1-G5, and a multimedia section with buttons for volume and backlight. Speaking of backlight, Redragon K580 VATA uses individual RGB key lighting with 18 backlight modes.
2. SteelSeries Apex Pro
SteelSeries Apex Pro is the best mechanical gaming keyboard for gamers who want the best of the best. Albeit expensive, you can tweak it to perfection, since it’s compatible with all common switch types. Additionally, you can opt for an OmniPoint switch, allowing you to set actuation distance to between 0.4 mm and 3.6 mm. You’ll also enjoy a long lifespan and durability, and even a magnetic wrist rest for comfort. SteelSeries Apex Pro has RGB backlighting that can be controlled via software and a built-in OLED display, typically used to control VoIP or streaming software.
3. Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED
Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED is the best wireless gaming keyboard, albeit a luxury one. The price is justified by the LIGHTSPEED system that increases distance and reduces latency. The system also supports Bluetooth connection, making it mobile-friendly, and provides long battery life of more than 30 hours on one charge. In terms of looks, Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED is a low-profile mechanical keyboard with 3 key switch versions – GL Tactile, GL Clicky, and GL Linear. The keyboard also has 5 macro keys, G1-G5, and is sturdy and lightweight since it’s built out of aircraft-grade aluminum.
4. AUKEY KM-G12
We realize not everyone needs luxury products. So, here’s AUKEY KM-G12, an affordable gaming keyboard. Depending on your needs, it can be interchanged with HyperX Alloy Core to save even more money. It’s full-size (104 keys) and comes with anti-ghosting features, but, unlike the one below, comes with AUKEY Blue switches, which provide tactile feedback, long travel time, and clicky sound. Its RGB backlight is a tad better, with 12 lighting presents and 7 color presets. Additionally, it has a steel body and uses doubles-shot-molded keycaps made of ABS to prevent abrasion and increase longevity.
5. HyperX Alloy Core
Continuing the trend, we present HyperX Alloy Core, a full-size cheap gaming keyboard. It’s a full-size, sleek, keyboard, and with an RGB backlight based on 6 lighting effects and 3 levels of brightness. The build quality is satisfying at this price point, with a sturdy plastic frame and long-lasting key lifespan, Switches aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, since they’re quiet and tactile, but are ideal for gaming in darkness and when others are sleeping. HyperX Alloy Core is also spill-resistant, has a media control/quick access button, and can be ordered with memory foam/gel wrist rest.
6. Razer Ornata Chroma
Even though most gamers associate Razer with a high price, Razer Ornata Chroma, the best membrane gaming keyboard, is the exception. Technically it’s a mecha-membrane keyboard. That’s because it combines the sound and tactile feedback of mechanical switches with the membrane/rubber dome for comfort. Moreover, all keys and key-presses can be remapped using Razer Hypershift, which introduces the use of macros for complex actions. Finally, Razer Ornata Chroma has a durability of 80 million clicks, is compatible with Razer Chroma software, and comes with a leatherette magnetic wrist rest.
7. Corsair K100
Going back to magnificence with a price to match, we introduce Corsair K100, a top-end mechanical keyboard. It is a full-size mechanical keyboard that comes in two key switch options, Silver and Optical switches. Furthermore, it comes with masterful control of its RGB backlight, whether you need to set it per key, for 44 LightEdge zones, or via Corsair iCUE software. Furthermore, Corsair K100 is rated for 100 million keystrokes, and uses proprietary Corsair AXON Hyper-Processing Technology. This adds a 4000 Hz hyper polling and scanning throughput, thus speeding up keystroke detection 4 times.
8. Cooler Master MK850
Cooler Master MK850 is a wired tenkeyless gaming keyboard that also has a full-size version. For switches, you can pick between Red, Brown, and Blue, and have and complete control over macros, profiles, and RGB lighting via software. Furthermore, Cooler Master MK850 uses trademarked Aimpad technology that makes your in-game movement as precise as if you’re using a gaming controller. It is rated for 50 million keystrokes and comes with media keys. Also, the keyboard is made out of industrial-grade brushed aluminum, ensuring endurance. Finally, gaming addicts, streamers, and those with eye for detail will love its wrist rest.
9. ROCCAT Vulcan 121 AIMO
ROCCAT Vulcan 121 AIMO is a full-size mechanical gaming keyboard that comes with a removable palm rest. It ships in 3 switch variants – Brown, Red, and proprietary, Titan, the last of which has a 1.8mm actuation point and a 3.6mm travel distance. Moreover, its anodized aluminum top plate makes all durability concerns vanish. As for RGB, the AIMO Intelligent Lighting, combined with transparent switch housing and long-lifespan LEDs, ensures years’ worth of illumination. ROCCAT Vulcan 121 AIMO also has anti-ghosting on all keys and supports key remapping with ROCCAT Easy-Shift software.
10. Havit Gaming Keyboard
If you’re a gamer on a budget, get the Havit Gaming Keyboard – you’ll get a free gaming mouse too. It is a 104-key mechanical keyboard with 12 multimedia keys and with Blue switches. It also boasts 100% anti-ghosting technology, an all-metal panel, and a floating key design. Furthermore, the RBG backlight has 7 static and 7 dynamic light modes. Pair that with a detachable wrist rest, and long nightly gaming sessions won’t be an issue. Havit Gaming Keyboard is easy to set up, cheap, and looks cool, making it ideal for beginner gamers with little money to spare.