More so than trying to pick out the best gaming mouse or best gaming headset, finding the right keyboard for yourself has a lot to do with your preferences. Everything from its overall layout (tenkeyless or full-sized), mechanical switches, and additional features: These are all aspects that come down to personal taste. Even with my own preferences accounted for, several factors still contribute to how a gaming keyboard performs and it’s best to know these details before making an investment – these things can be pretty expensive, after all. If anything, it’s crucial to know what a keyboard offers, and in this guide, I’ve outlined the important aspects to my favorites I’ve used thus far.
Luckily for you, I’ve had my hands on many keyboards over the years and several newly released ones in 2024. That means all my recommendations come from first-hand experience, and all the keyboards listed here are ones I can vouch for. I’ll dive deep into how each keyboard’s switches perform in competitive gaming scenarios and what its keystrokes feel like when typing all day – not all keyboards are the same, considering how they’re constructed contributes to that specific feel. Extra features like Razer’s Command Dial or the SteelSeries OLED control panel are nice add-ons, but things like that are often tied to software apps, and that’s another thing to consider if you’re looking for a highly customizable keyboard. Something as seemingly innocuous as keycaps can also be a factor to how a keyboard performs. There are a ton of nuances to gaming keyboards, and I’ve done the work in my reviews and in this guide to make sure you make an informed purchasing decision.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Keyboards:
Because there are so many styles of keyboards, I’ve broken down my recommendations into a handful of categories. It also gives me the opportunity to point to multiple products from different manufacturers – otherwise, I would just sing the praises of my current favorite in the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Even so, there’s a lot to love about every keyboard here, some of which execute on specific aspects better than others, or could fit your needs and preferences better. For example, my previous favorite, the Cherry MX LP 2.1, takes the top spot for best compact 60% keyboard because of its low-profile keys and super light weight. Meanwhile I’d recommend the Logitech G515 TKL if you’re looking for a low-profile keyboard since its slim frame keeps a small footprint yet doesn’t sacrifice useful on-board features. And if you’re just looking for something quality on a budget, I can say the Redragon K582 Surara is super impressive for its price. If it’s not evident by now, I’m fascinated by the little details that go into them, so let’s go through my top picks for the best gaming keyboards.
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
Best Overall Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)
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From nearly every angle, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is the ideal gaming keyboard with Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and solid construction.
Connectivity
2.4GHz (USB-C dongle), Bluetooth, or wired
Switch Type
OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect (linear)
Battery Life
Up to 45 hours
Size / Layout
Full (wired-only) or TKL
Hall Effect switches are customizable and feel great
OLED control panel works well
Sleek, no-nonsense design with tasteful RGB
SteelSeries’ gaming keyboards manage to consistently impress me over the years, especially with the Apex lineup. In 2024, SteelSeries refreshed its Apex Pro for a third generation that consists of full-sized and tenkeyless models (including a wireless version). When I reviewed the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, I was hard-pressed to find an aspect I would change about it. From the OmniPoint 3.0 switches to the OLED control panel, it has exactly what I’m looking for in a gaming keyboard.
Regardless of the model you go with, the SteelSeries Apex Pro isn’t a flashy keyboard, but its sleek, simple design is complemented with keycaps that have a bold font type and tasteful RGB that shines through. The real star is the Hall Effect switches – these aren’t just smooth and buttery to type on; each keystroke feels consistent and satisfying. And because they’re Hall Effect, you can set a custom actuation point between 0.1mm to 4.0mm for any key. Being able to have an extra-short actuation point in competitive shooters is advantageous, and setting it back to normal for work and typing gives it a versatility that very few keyboards offer.
Additionally, features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode can improve performance, though their usefulness may vary depending on what you play (and be wary of Rapid Tap being banned in certain games). The OLED panel is great, though, and being able to control things like media, RGB lighting, actuation points, macros, and information displayed is nice along with swapping custom profiles. The battery life is manageable, topping off at 45 hours under ideal conditions, but keyboards are one peripheral where I can work with limited battery life.
From nearly every angle, the Gen 3 SteelSeries Apex Pro is the keyboard I’ve been looking for, and it’s probably going to take the perfect keyboard to get me off of it.
2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Best High-End Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
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Razer’s flagship keyboard got even better with the V4 Pro, sporting great mechanical switches, macro keys, and the customizable Command Dial.
Connectivity
USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
Switch Type
Razer Orange (tactile), Yellow (linear), Green (clicky)
Size / Layout
Full (with macro keys)
Razer’s proprietary mechanical switches are fantastic
Macro keys and extra buttons give you full control
Synapse software lets you access the latest tech
A little on the bulky side in terms of size
Razer has several gaming keyboards in its lineup and it can be hard to distinguish one from another. Don’t get me wrong, the Ornata and Huntsman series are great in their own right, but it’s the flagship BlackWidow V4 Pro that takes the top spot for me. What the Deathadder is to mice, the BlackWidow is for keyboards. Several iterations have led to a top performer that is easy to recommend because of its build quality, mechanical switches, and additional features.
While it may not have that sweet OLED screen with the Command Dial as seen in its tenkeyless counterpart, the full-sized V4 Pro has a handy programmable dial on top of a column of macro keys. It also has a full set of media controls on the top-right corner. All of it is customizable to a sharp degree through the Synapse software, giving it a unique type of versatility that’s great for productivity. Razer has also evolved with its own roster of mechanical switches and the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows are some of the best out there. These are all top performers and have a slightly shorter actuation point for quick, clean, and consistent keystrokes. You can also access a higher polling rate up to 8000Hz, and while it may not be that crucial compared to mice, it is one way Razer covers all aspects of performance.
It’s the little things and the years of iteration that have led to it being above the competition, as expressed in our Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review, and many other keyboard makers (with the exception of SteelSeries) may want to play catch-up.
3. Redragon K582 Surara
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Redragon K582 Surara
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Budget-friendly keyboards have come a long way, and the Redragon K582 Surara is a great example of that with great performance and build quality for a fraction of the cost.
Switch Type
Professional Red (linear)
Performs as great as any standard mechanical keyboard
Well-built and can withstand being mishandled
Somewhat gaudy and off-putting design
If you pull up Redragon’s website or just search for one of its keyboards on Amazon, you’ll get flooded with tons of different models, and sussing out which one won’t fail you is challenging. With it being a more budget-focused brand, Redragon may seem like one of the many knockoffs out there, but having used the K582 Surara in a pinch as a cost-effective alternative to the typical prominent brands we tend to focus on, I came away impressed.
One of the biggest concerns I had when picking up a Redragon is durability – it uses off-brand mechanical switches and has an annoyingly flashy aesthetic, so I admittedly had some hesitation. But throughout my time using the K582, I rarely gave it much thought that I wasn’t using a big-brand keyboard. The “professional” Red switches performed as I would expect a Cherry MX Red, smooth and buttery linear actuation and consistent performance. This particular model is a full-sized keyboard, but if the K582 is any indication, Redragon’s budget-level TKLs and mini models may fill the void if you want to try those layouts instead.
The Redragon K582 Surara has a listed price of $44.99 which is already super cheap for a mechanical keyboard, but it typically goes on sale for around $36 – and that’s almost unheard of when it comes to gaming keyboards. Of all the budget brands out there, I can at least say I had a good experience with Redragon.
4. Cherry MX LP 2.1
Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard
Cherry MX LP 2.1
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When it comes to cute 60% compact keyboards, Cherry’s MX LP 2.1 shines as a light and low-profile that performs on par with the best out there.
Connectivity
2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type
Cherry MX Low-Profile Silver (linear, short)
Battery Life
Up to 60 hours
Super lightweight complements the compact size
Low-profile keycaps are a nice touch
MX Speed Silver switches feel right
Cherry software isn’t great
Compact 60% keyboards may not be for everyone – not only do these chop off the number pad like a tenkeyless, but they nix the center column and function row as well, relegating these controls to key combos. Even if they may not be the best for productivity, these keyboards are so cute. The super-small footprint is an attractive prospect, saving desk space and cutting out any potentially unnecessary controls. So if you’re into this particular design, I give a high recommendation to my former daily driver, the Cherry MX LP 2.1.
It’s one of the lightest keyboards out there, which may not give the impression of durability, but it held up for me over sustained long-term use, and being able to move it around or take it between my home and office is a testament to its compact nature. The slim keycaps add to the low-profile design and still offer a solid feel to each keystroke. And the Cherry MX Speed mechanical switches bring the actuation point to a short 1.5mm while having a firm yet smooth linear feel. Having Bluetooth capabilities is the cherry on top for using it in various settings.
It’s a bit wild to think that I used the Cherry MX LP 2.1 through multiple raid tiers in Final Fantasy XIV since a 60% keyboard wouldn’t be my first recommendation for serious MMORPG players, but it held up well. It’s one of the big reasons why the MX LP 2.1 got my stamp of approval when I reviewed it.
5. Logitech G Pro X TKL
Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G Pro X TKL
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Logitech’s G Pro X TKL sports everything you’d want from a tenkeyless keyboard with fantastic mechanical switches and build quality that make each keystroke satisfying.
Connectivity
2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type
Logitech Tactile, Clicky, or Linear (proprietary switches)
Battery Life
Up to 50 hours
Extra on-board features rarely seen on TKL
Logitech switches are fantastic
I’d been a big fan of Logitech’s keyboards through the years – the G413 was a long-time favorite because of its sleek design, low-key Logitech G branding, and buttery smooth keystrokes on its linear switches. That keyboard has more or less evolved into the Logitech G Pro X TKL, which sports a better trim, updated mechanical switches, and the latest Lightspeed wireless tech for top performance.
The finer details help the G Pro X TKL stand out from the wave of other 75%-sized keyboards out there. The brushed aluminum top has a nice and unique look to it, and the exposed keycap design lets the RGB flourish in a tasteful way. And while other TKLs may sacrifice on-board controls to save space, the G Pro X TKL keeps those kinds of features without getting too bulky. The volume wheel, media controls, and mode toggles are easy to access on the top row of the keyboard, which I find convenient for everyday use. Its keycaps are a bit different than most, sporting a slick finish as opposed to the rougher matte style of other keyboards on this list. Paired with Logitech’s proprietary linear switch, keystrokes on the G Pro X TKL are satisfying and consistent, which is what you want from a gaming keyboard.
While other keyboards may have the new hotness of OLED screens, high polling rates, or optical switches, the G Pro X TKL does everything it sets out to do, and does it extremely well. That makes it one of the best tenkeyless keyboards and very easy to recommend.
6. Keychron K4
Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard
Keychron K4
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By crunching all the features of a full-size keyboard into the 96% format, Keychron delivers one of the best options for those who want to save a little of space without sacrificing functionality.
Connectivity
2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type
Gateron Red (Iinear)
Battery Life
Up to 40 hours
Affordable especially with its wireless capabilities
Gateron switches perform admirably
Slim frame leaves a minimal footprint
Short on extra features and software customization
These days, I gravitate toward tenkeyless keyboards and have a soft spot for those mini 60% layouts. But when I need a full-sized keyboard with the number pad and everything, I really like the 96% layout, which keeps all the keys but crunches things into a smaller board so there’s no wasted space. These are tough to find, so when I saw the Keychron K4, I picked it up for myself and loved using it from day one.
I hadn’t used Gateron switches beforehand, but was immediately impressed with the Red linears as they performed on par with the Cherry MX Reds I had been using in the years prior. It performed as expected in both competitive gaming and as my everyday workhorse, which is to say it held up admirably. It’s also built on a minimalist frame, like having the thinnest bezels on a monitor, so it’s as slim as you could ask. Keychron’s keyboards tend to be no-frills and focus on the essentials, but its color schemes add a bit of personality and the Bluetooth wireless connectivity gives it some extra versatility to boot.
The crammed nature of 96% layout takes a bit of getting used to – if you want to use the center column functions, you need to swap modes, which, while easy to do, is just a quirk you need to account for. So if you need that number pad and full functionality while saving a bit of desk space, I cannot recommend the Keychron K4 enough.
7. Corsair K100 RGB
Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K100 RGB
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Corsair went above and beyond with the K100 RGB, sporting marcro keys, media controls, and optical switches on top of a beautiful brushed aluminum plate.
Connectivity
USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
Switch Type
Cherry MX Speed or Corsair OPX Optical
Size / Layout
Full (with macro keys)
Solidly built board with optical switches
Uniquely textured feel on keycaps and buttons
The Corsair K100 RGB was reviewed by IGN’s team, and it takes a full-sized keyboard to the extreme. Its brushed aluminum plate is beautiful, letting the RGB flood underneath the exposed keycaps. The marco key column on the left gives you much more control if you need, and the various media controls and programmable buttons and knobs on the top bar give a premium and look and feel. It strikes a nice balance of flashy and functional as to not be gaudy, but still carry an expensive-looking vibe. And I do like the RGB strips along the side of the board itself – I mean, if you’re going to be extravagant, go ahead and embrace it.
At $250 for a wired keyboard, you’re still getting your money’s worth, especially if you get the K100 with Corsair’s proprietary OPX Optical switches. You can still opt for the mechanical Cherry MX Speed switches, which are superb, but optical switches have a unique and satisfying feel to them. It uses light to register inputs instead of physical mechanisms, but either way, it’s built on a solid frame that gives you firm and consistent keystrokes.
Customizing the macro keys and extra buttons is fairly straightforward, even if Corsair’s software is a bit of a pain to navigate, but once you have it all set, the K100 is one of the rare full-size-plus keyboards I can get behind. To top it all off, it offers 8000Hz polling rate, which as I’ve said before is overkill for keyboards, but hey, if you want the absolute most from your keyboard, it makes sense that the Corsair K100 offers it.
8. Logitech G515 TKL
Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G515 TKL
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A slim board and thin keycaps along with great mechanical switches makes the G515 TKL one of Logitech’s best yet, and one of the rare low-profile keyboards that perform on par with its full-sized counterparts.
Connectivity
2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type
Logitech Tactile
Battery Life
Up to 50 hours
Slim frame with thin keycaps are nicely designed
Dense, solidly built board
Mechanical switches let it perform on par with normal sized counterparts
Additional controls on the top bar could be better
While my top recommendation for a compact keyboard is the Cherry MX LP 2.1, those looking for the best low-profile keyboard should consider the Logitech G515 TKL. It sports a super-slim profile yet has a certain density to give it a weight and durability at the same time. The ultra-thin keycaps have a nice texture for added tactility on the fingertip, but they also help maintain a sleek look and small footprint. And Logitech’s updated mechanical switches have a shorter actuation point (1.3mm) to complement the low-profile ethos.
In my review of the Logitech G515 TKL, I praised its performance being on par with some of the best gaming keyboards out there while packing all of that into an aesthetically pleasing design. You don’t necessarily get the layers of foam and gaskets to provide the satisfying “thock” or bouncy keystroke feeling you get from other keyboards, but that’s the trade-off you make for this style of board. The top bar where you find mode toggles feels like a missed opportunity since it doesn’t include media controls or any additional features that could’ve gone the extra mile, but that’s the only thing I knock against it.
When it comes down to pure performance and embodying the design of low-profile gaming keyboard, the Logitech G515 TKL is a top choice.
9. Pulsar Xboard QS
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
Pulsar Xboard QS
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For Pulsar’s first crack at a keyboard, the Xboard QS is impressive with strong build quality, a pleasing aesthetic, and some of the best mechanical switches available.
Connectivity
USB wired (simultaneous dual-device capable)
Switch Type
Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 (linear)
The packaged Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches are incredible
Dual connectivity is novel, and useful in some setups
Built like a brick, and stylistically interesting
It’s quite pricey all things considered, especially for a wired board
Pulsar is a brand better known for custom keyboard parts, so when I saw it put out its first standalone keyboard with the Xboard QS, I was intrigued. It’s more of an enthusiast-level product – a tinkerer’s keyboard – given its unique feature set and physical customizability. But I loved it even out of the box, and that’s a credit to its build quality, unique aesthetic, and incredible stock switches.
Starting with the mechanical switches, the Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 are linears with a normal actuation point of 2.0mm but a light actuation force of 38g, which makes it very easy on the fingers. Because the board itself is built with several layers of foam and frames, keystrokes are firm and responsive as well. Typing all day and gaming all night was made easier by design. I also just love the pristine white and black color scheme along with the slight retro-futuristic aesthetic. The programmable volume knob is a nice touch as well, letting you control the RGB lighting, too. There isn’t any first-party software for the Xboard QS, though, so customizing it is a bit of a challenge since you have to use QMK tools, which takes some learning. Physical customization is easier, though, since you can easily take out the mechanical switches or access the innards if you want.
Despite its hefty $300 price tag and wired limitation, I sang the praises of the Pulsar Xboard QS when I reviewed it. So, if you’re willing to ball out on a wired keyboard and want something that’s unique, built to last, and amazing to use, I give top marks to the Xboard QS.
10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
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Between the updated Command Dial, swappable parts, and best-in-class construction, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% stands out within Razer’s robust lineup of keyboards.
Connectivity
2.4GHz (USB dongle), HyperPolling (for 4000Hz polling), wired
Switch Type
Razer Orange (tactile), swappable
Battery Life
Up to 60 hours
Great build quality while being easy to customize
Command Dial is very useful and simple to control
Latest tech in Synapse brings out the most in the keyboard
Very expensive at $300, even within Razer’s lineup
Building your own keyboard is kind of the way to go in the enthusiast keyboard space, but given its fairly niche, there are still ways to customize keyboards off the back of a great stock product – like the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% IGN reviewed. The reason why this particular model lends itself well to customization is because Razer made it specifically for that reason, on top of having all the high-performance features from the normal V4 Pro.
Although I would recommend the Razer Oranges in a heartbeat if you like tactile, bumpy switches, you can remove all the switches easily and snap in any 3- or 5-pin of your choice. I did this so I can get my favorite linear switches in, and I ended up creating one of my favorite keyboards yet. That’s because everything else built around it is fantastic – from the several layers inside that made keystrokes satisfying and responsive, to the Command Dial I grew to love, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is the closest a mainstream manufacturer has gotten to embracing the tinkerer’s dream.
Gaming Keyboard FAQ
What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?
At the heart of finding the right gaming keyboard is picking out the right mechanical switch to go with it – or optical switch, or Hall Effect switch? In a post-buckling spring keyboard world, Cherry had dominated the mechanical switch market and many manufacturers relied on them to supply them for its gaming keyboards. But more companies have developer proprietary switches, and while there were mixed results early on, it’s gotten to the point where Logitech or Razer switches compete as some of the best available. And lesser-known makers like Gateron and Kailh Box are just as competitive when it comes to their own mechanical switches. Meanwhile, the advent of optical and Hall Effect switches are a recent trend toward using light and magnets, respectively, instead of physical mechanisms.
That’s a brief history lesson on switches, but if you’re not already dead set with your preferences, here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of switches you’ll find on gaming keyboards. There are three main styles: linear, tactile, clicky – and if you see an optical or Hall Effect switch, chances are they are also linear (especially because their actuation points are adjustable). Linear means there is no physical feedback on the actuation point, giving a smooth, often clean keystroke. Tactile switches have a slight bump at the actuation point to offer some sort of feedback that can help you get a better feel when you’re hitting your inputs. Clicky switches are much louder and have a full physical feedback at the actuation point, which some people love for typing in particular (I do find clicky switches to get in the way of faster keystrokes, but that’s just me).
Another thing to note is actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force. The actuation point is the distance in the keystroke when the keyboard will send the input to your system. Standard mechanical switches use a 2.0mm actuation point, which works well. More competitive-minded switches tend to go shorter, somewhere around 1.5mm so you can technically send out your input quicker – the tradeoff being that you can accidentally register errant keystrokes if you aren’t careful. Travel distance is the point at which a keystroke will bottom out, and this is usually proportional to the actuation point. For example, if the actuation point is 2.0mm then the travel distance will probably be 4.0mm, and a switch with a 1.5mm actuation point may have a travel distance of 3.5mm – again, the idea is to get your keystrokes registered faster. Actuation force is the physical effort it takes to push the key down, typically measured in grams (g) or centinewtons (cN), which are largely the same. Typical switches have a 45g actuation force, but if you prefer a more firm press, you can find ones with a 50g actuation force, or if you’re like me you can find something lighter on the fingers at around 40g or 38g.
Should I go with a TKL, compact, or full-sized keyboard?
A theme throughout this guide is personal preference, and none more applicable than when talking about layout and size. Full-sized keyboards give you all 104 standard keys and take up the most desk space, of course. This also affords them to tack on additional features like media controls, macro buttons, and whatnot. There are also the neatly packed 96% keyboards that retain all the necessary keys while crunching them into a slightly more compact, if not crowded, layout. If you use the number pad and center column often, and don’t care about the footprint, you’ll probably want to go with a full keyboard.
Tenkeyless (TKL) layouts are just as common now – I guess a lot of folks just don’t have love for the number pad anymore. But having a high-performance gaming keyboard and extra desk space for your mouse goes hand-in-hand. Many top-end TKL keyboards are adding useful features such as Razer’s Command Dial or the SteelSeries OLED panel to make up for some of the utility you sacrifice. And at the end of the day, it’s about how these keyboards perform in game, which largely comes down to mechanical switches, build quality, and features that help get inputs out as fast and accurately as possible.
If you really want to shrink things down, go for a compact 60% mini keyboard. I do have a soft spot for them, but at this point, you’re nixing the entire center column as well as the function keys. Those keys are useful, and that’s a compromise you make for the cuteness of a mini keyboard. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them if you really want these functions or play games that rely on extra keys or macros, but so long as the board is built well and has the right switch, it’ll perform as well as any other sized keyboard.
Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?
Wireless connectivity is arguably more important for gaming mice and gaming headsets since those are peripherals that are subject to a lot of movement. It gives them a certain advantage and convenience in exchange for managing battery life (and even that has improved dramatically in recent years). If you ask me, wireless is more of a nice-to-have for a gaming keyboard. It’s certainly more common to find wireless keyboards, but in the gaming space, you’ll often find wired and wireless versions of the same keyboard, and you’ll save a bit of money going with the wired version.
A prime example of this is when looking at the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL – a fantastic tenkeyless keyboard, and my top recommendation. The wireless version retails for $269.99 while the wired model goes for $219.99 at regular price. You can save $50 and get what’s essentially the same keyboard with all the essential features intact. You’ll find a similar price gap between wired and wireless mice, which I’d say is worth investing in since swiping a mouse around feels much more natural without a cord attached. You can’t say the same about a keyboard (but I am still willing to spend the extra for it).
If you’re concerned about input latency, you need not worry nowadays. As is the case with gaming mice, wireless tech has advanced to the point of it being a moot point. You’ll see labels like Lightspeed from Logitech or HyperSpeed from Razer, which are fancy names for the wireless tech built into their products, but these are legitimately high-performing features that have raised the bar for wireless gaming peripherals. And although it’s more relevant for mice, higher polling rates are more commonly integrated through wireless dongles – which speaks more to how far wireless gear has come.
Michael Higham is the tech reviews editor at IGN and now has a stack of keyboards in his living room becuase of the job. He’s very particular about mechanical switches, or rather, was, since he’s moved onto Hall Effect switches on his Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. He’s still fascinating by the custom keyboard scene and can gush about their details, as he does in his multiple reviews.
