The perfect gaming keyboards of 2025

The perfect gaming keyboards deliver a larger feeling of consolation and management to your PC play time, whether or not you’re sinking right into a 100-hour RPG or sweating via a web based shooter. They might not all the time really feel as premium for typing as a great customized mechanical keyboard, however they’re normally a pleasant improve over the bizarre keyboards sitting across the workplace. To assist anybody trying to improve, I’ve spent extra time researching gaming keyboards than any individual moderately ought to, testing dozens of well-reviewed fashions alongside the way in which. Whether or not you need one thing mini, analog, wi-fi or simply plain low-cost, these are the most effective I’ve used.

What to search for in a gaming keyboard

To be clear, any keyboard is usually a “gaming keyboard.” In case you play numerous video video games and have by no means sighed to your self, “man, this keyboard is holding me again,” congratulations, you most likely don’t have to pay further for a brand new one. Self-proclaimed gaming keyboards usually come at a premium, and whereas the most effective provide high-quality designs, snazzy RGB lighting and some genuinely worthwhile options, none of them will provide you with god-like talent, nor will they immediately flip dangerous video games into good ones.

Mechanical vs non-mechanical

Now that we’ve touched grass, I did prioritize some options whereas researching this information. First, I largely caught to mechanical keyboards, not laptop-style membrane fashions. They are often loud, however they’re extra sturdy, customizable and broadly satisfying to press — all optimistic traits for a product you might use for hours-long gaming periods.

Measurement

Subsequent, I most popular tenkeyless (TKL) or smaller layouts. It’s completely high-quality to make use of a full-size board if you happen to actually need a quantity pad, however a compact mannequin offers you extra space to flick your mouse round. It additionally enables you to hold your mouse nearer to your physique, which might scale back the strain positioned in your arms and shoulders.

Switches, keycaps and construct high quality

Linear switches, which are sometimes branded as “purple,” are usually favored by players. These give keystrokes a easy really feel from prime to backside, with no tactile “bump” that might make quick, repeated presses much less constant. They normally require little pressure to actuate, and so they are typically quiet. Nevertheless, if you happen to choose the texture and/or sound of a extra tactile or clicky swap, get a type of as an alternative. You would possibly lose some velocity in esports-style video games, however nothing is extra vital than your consolation.

Some gaming keyboards are based mostly on totally different mechanisms solely. Optical switches, as an example, use a beam of sunshine to register keystrokes, whereas Corridor impact switches use magnets. These usually really feel linear, however they permit for a extra versatile set of gaming-friendly options, akin to the flexibility to set customized actuation factors, assign a number of instructions to 1 key and repeat key presses sooner. Normally, they’re sooner and extra sturdy too.

This analog-style performance has change into the large development within the gaming keyboard market over the previous couple of years. A lot of the main keyboard manufacturers now promote a minimum of one mannequin with Corridor impact switches and, based mostly on my testing, it’s simple to see why: Lots of their customizations actually may give you a extra granular (but nonetheless truthful) sense of management, particularly in additional aggressive video games. Consequently, lots of our picks under are constructed with the tech.

Keyboards with these form of options normally aren’t low-cost, nonetheless, and so they’re removed from important for many who primarily play single-player video games. A few of their tips have additionally stirred up controversy: One often known as SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Instructions) cleansing permits you to activate two totally different directional keys on the identical time, making it attainable to, amongst different issues, obtain impossibly excellent strafing in taking pictures video games. A number of video games akin to Counter-Strike 2 have banned the characteristic in consequence, although it may nonetheless be a enjoyable factor to mess around with in video games that don’t contain different individuals. SOCD isn’t restricted to magnetic switches both; some mechanical keyboards help it too.

A small handful of current keyboards have shipped with inductive switches, which promise the adjustable actuation options of Corridor impact keyboards however with higher battery effectivity. We haven’t been in a position to check certainly one of these simply but, however we’ll look to take action sooner or later.

Keycaps and construct high quality

No matter swap kind, you need a body that doesn’t flex below strain, keys that don’t wobble and stabilizers that don’t rattle whenever you hit bigger keys just like the spacebar. I choose double-shot PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps over those who use cheaper ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, as they gained’t develop a greasy shine over time and their icons are much less more likely to fade. A hot-swappable PCB (printed circuit board) that makes it simple to alter switches if the temper arises is right, as are devoted media keys.

For the sake of simplicity, I solely thought-about prebuilt gaming keyboards for this information, although most of the picks under permit for personalisation down the road. In case you (and your checking account) actually need to go wild, take a look at our information to constructing a customized keyboard.

Software program, connectivity and RGB

If a keyboard has companion software program, it ought to allow you to program macros and customized key bindings for video games with out frustration. For comfort, a wired keyboard ought to join via a removable USB-C cable. An excellent wi-fi keyboard gained’t add severe lag, however provided that it makes use of a USB receiver, not Bluetooth. (It’ll most likely value extra as effectively.) Some gaming keyboards promote super-high polling charges — i.e., the velocity at which a keyboard stories to a pc — to scale back latency, however except your monitor has an particularly quick refresh price, the same old normal of 1,000Hz ought to be high-quality. And whereas no one wants RGB lighting, it’s enjoyable. Shopper tech may use extra of that, so the cleaner and extra customizable the RGB is, the higher.

How we examined

The easiest way to guage a keyboard is to simply… use it, in order that’s what I did. To cowl quite a lot of use circumstances and design kinds, I’ve researched dozens of keyboards over the previous a number of months that’ve broadly obtained excessive marks from skilled reviewers and customers alike. I’ve then used every mannequin I’ve introduced in as my every day driver for a couple of days. Since I write for a residing, this gave me sufficient time to get a robust sense of every keyboard’s typing expertise.

For gaming, I give particular focus to every keyboard’s responsiveness in quick and/or reaction-based on-line shooters akin to Halo Infinite, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2 and XDefiant, as many would-be gaming keyboard patrons get one within the hopes that it’ll assist with that style particularly. I made positive every keyboard felt snug with different varieties of video games, although, akin to Baldur’s Gate 3 (a turn-based RPG), Hello-Fi Rush (an motion sport with an emphasis on timing and rhythm) and Forza Horizon 5 (an arcade racing sport). I used the latter to raised consider the pressure-sensitive options of the analog keyboards I examined.

If a keyboard may very well be configured with a number of swap varieties, I received the linear mannequin. Upon receiving every keyboard, I eliminated a number of keycaps to make sure none have been chipped or damaged. I famous whether or not any keys felt wobbly, whether or not the case flexes below strain, whether or not the feel and end of the keycaps modifications after use and whether or not bigger keys just like the spacebar felt notably rattly or hole. I typed on every keyboard in fast succession in a quiet room to get a way of the place they ranked by way of noise. For wi-fi fashions, I checked whether or not the battery drain at 50 p.c RGB brightness aligned with a producer’s estimate. I seemed to outcomes from websites like Rtings to make sure nothing was out of order with latency. I did my testing on a 144Hz monitor with my private rig, which features a Tenth-gen Core i9 CPU and an RTX 3080 GPU.

This helped me guarantee every keyboard met a baseline of general high quality, however to reiterate, a lot of this course of is subjective. I can let you know if a keyboard is loud based mostly on how I slam my keys, as an example, however you might have a lighter contact. What my tastes discover “snug,” “pleasing,” and even “helpful,” you might dislike. As I’ve written earlier than, keyboards are like meals or artwork in that approach. So, hold an open thoughts.

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 p.c | Switches: Lekker L60 v2 | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic, zinc alloy (elective) | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT, dye-sub PBT (elective) | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: Wootility

With most gaming keyboards, claims of “enhancing your play” are simply advertising fluff. With the Wooting 80HE, it’s truly form of true — or a minimum of, it may be. The bottom line is its analog “Lekker V2” switches, which might reply to various ranges of strain, very similar to the triggers on a PlayStation or Xbox controller. These use magnetic Corridor impact sensors, which implies they’ve fewer bodily contact factors that may undergo from put on and tear over time.

This setup permits a couple of genuinely helpful options. For one, you may regulate the actuation level of every key anyplace between an ultra-low 0.1mm and 4mm, in 0.1mm steps. With a fast-paced FPS, setting the actuation level low makes the keys extra delicate and thus exceptionally conscious of fast actions. For a turn-based RPG or just typing, elevating that pre-travel distance makes every press extra deliberate and fewer liable to errors. It’s also possible to combine and match, making your WASD keys sooner to actuate however leaving the remainder at a much less sensitive degree.

One other characteristic, “speedy set off,” registers the actuation and reset factors of a key press dynamically. This allows you to re-actuate a key mid-press, earlier than it has to go all the way in which again up, so you may repeat inputs sooner. It’s a boon for taking pictures and rhythm video games particularly: In a 1v1 shootout in Halo Infinite, you may strafe, cease and begin with slightly extra velocity and granularity. We’re nonetheless speaking milliseconds of distinction, however typically that’s all that separates defeating an opponent and leaving them with a sliver of well being. You possibly can mix this with a few SOCD settings for even sooner strafing, however know that these particular options may get you banned from some esports-style video games. (See our notes on swap varieties above for extra on this.)

Past that, you may tie as much as 4 actions to 1 key based mostly on how far it’s pressed. In Halo, as an example, I’ve made it so I can mark enemies and swap grenades by long-pressing Q and E, respectively — i.e., the keys proper subsequent to WASD. Brief-pressing these keys, in the meantime, nonetheless lets me use their default bindings. In one other sport, you possibly can evenly press a key to drag out a grenade, absolutely press to throw it, then launch to reequip your primary weapon. All of this requires some mind retraining, however it in the end lessens the necessity to contort your fingers to carry out a full set of instructions. Which, in flip, can prevent extra treasured seconds throughout a battle.

As a result of the keys are pressure-sensitive, you too can set them to imitate an Xbox controller. With a racing sport like Forza Horizon 5, the W and S keys may stand in for the LT and RT buttons, whereas A and D replicate the left joystick. Does this really feel as pure as utilizing actual joysticks or a great wheel? In fact not. However for video games that don’t anticipate you to make use of a mouse alongside the keyboard, it’s actually not as clunky as you’d anticipate.

That caveat is vital: Loads of video games aren’t designed with analog keyboards in thoughts, so don’t anticipate the 80HE to interchange your gamepad. Proudly owning this gained’t magically make you a top-tier participant both. While you’re up in opposition to different individuals round your talent degree, although, the additional little bit of precision these options present is tangible.

There’s been a tidal wave of analog keyboards launched within the final couple of years, however the 80HE stands out for getting the basics proper. There are definitely nicer-feeling mechanical keyboards for $200, together with many who don’t have all-plastic circumstances. However its double-shot PBT keycaps really feel crisp, its keys are comfortably spaced and the pre-lubed linear-style switches are easy and satisfying to press. (The switches are technically hot-swappable as effectively, although the marketplace for third-party Corridor impact switches is comparatively small.) An inside gasket mount offers a cushioned touchdown in your fingers — although presses aren’t fairly as springy right here as they’re on the most effective keyboards with this form of design — whereas a number of layers of froth and tape give it a soothing thocky tone that isn’t annoyingly loud. The per-key RGB backlighting is tidy and deeply customizable. The keyboard can technically help a quick 8,000Hz polling price as effectively, however that is largely overkill.

The place Wooting actually wins is with its software program. The corporate’s Wootility app is absolutely accessible via the net and makes it simple to remap keys, assign macros and Fn layer shortcuts, create profiles, regulate RGB lighting and arrange all of these actuation-based tips. It simply works in a approach so many different apps we’ve examined for this information don’t, taking pains to be sure to perceive what you’re altering with every characteristic and see that your modifications are lively and really functioning as meant. It can save you as much as 4 profiles to the system itself, and swapping between them is so simple as hitting a two-button shortcut.

What’s extra, the 80HE has a four-year guarantee, which is longer than most of its friends. The braided USB-C cable comes with a USB-A adapter, a pleasant contact that makes it simpler to make use of the keyboard throughout gadgets. Wooting presents a couple of totally different customization choices as effectively: You should buy the 80HE with a extra premium zinc alloy case (albeit for $90 further) and dye-sub keycaps or seize a module model that permits you to construct it out with your individual (magnetic) switches and keys.

There are nonetheless a couple of downsides. The 80 p.c structure is an odd half-step between conventional TKL and 75 p.c designs: It nonetheless matches in arrow keys and takes up far much less area than a full-size mannequin however omits a few the same old Nav cluster keys. The area bar has a little bit of rattle to it. There’s no wrist relaxation within the field. There are a couple of pairs of rubber stops that slot into the again of the keyboard and permit it to relaxation at totally different fastened angles — these hold the system regular in place, however attaching them is extra cumbersome than merely adjusting the toes constructed into most boards.

At $200, the 80HE additionally isn’t the most effective worth, particularly provided that it lacks any form of wi-fi connectivity. That is earlier than any tariff impacts, which Wooting has mentioned may result in a worth hike. And you may solely purchase the system direct from the corporate, which sells its gear in batches. For extra competitive-minded gamers, although, that is the most effective mix of options, typing high quality and ease of use that we’ve examined.

Execs

• Magnetic switches are deeply versatile for gaming
• Straightforward-to-use software program
• Sturdily constructed
• Comfy for typing and sounds nice

Cons

• Wired-only
• A bit costly
• 80 p.c design is considerably awkward
• Solely that can be purchased in batches

$200 at Wooting

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 p.c | Switches: Kailh Crimson | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: None

If you wish to pay as little as attainable for a suitable, honest-to-goodness gaming keyboard, get the G.Ability KM250 RGB. For $45, it presents PBT keycaps, hot-swappable switches, per-key RGB backlighting, adjustable toes, a removable USB-C cable and even a devoted quantity management knob. Its translucent “pudding” keycaps look funky however assist showcase these RGB results. The linear Kailh Crimson switches are fast and easy sufficient, with out the pinging noise that usually plagues funds keyboards. Its 65 p.c structure doesn’t chew up area, however it nonetheless matches in a set of arrow keys. Although there’s no devoted software program for programming the KM250, you may shortly swap via lighting results proper from the system. Avoiding potential bloatware could also be higher at this worth anyway.

The KM250 is not a miracle, thoughts you. The plastic body is light-weight and surprisingly sturdy, however you don’t get the extent of sound-dampening foam, bolstered stems or pre-lubed springs you’d discover in a extra premium keyboard. Key presses sound hollower and really feel a bit stiffer whenever you backside out in consequence. Plus, whereas having PBT keycaps in any respect on this vary is nice, they aren’t as pleasingly textured as costlier choices.

However come on, it’s $45. For that worth, every little thing right here is past purposeful. And if you happen to ever need to improve a few of its lesser components, you may.

Execs

• Wonderful worth
• Sizzling-swappable
• Rotary knob
• Respectable PBT keycaps

Cons

• Plastic body
• Hole sound
• Keystrokes really feel considerably stiff

$45 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 p.c | Switches: SteelSeries OmniPoint 3.0 | Sizzling-Swappable: Partially (primary typing discipline solely) | Materials: Plastic with aluminum prime plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: SteelSeries GG

If you’d like a gaming keyboard you may tackle the street, otherwise you simply despise cable muddle, take a look at the SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi (Gen 3). Just like the Wooting 80HE, its linear-style switches use magnetic Corridor impact sensors, which open up a variety of helpful gaming options. You possibly can elevate or decrease the actuation factors of particular person keys anyplace between 0.1mm and 4mm, allow a speedy set off setting to repeat presses sooner and bind a number of instructions to 1 key based mostly on how far it’s pushed. (So you possibly can, say, evenly press W to stroll, then maintain it to run.) There’s a useful “safety mode” that lowers the sensitivity of close by keys when one key’s pressed, which makes it more durable to “fat-finger” fallacious inputs accidentally, plus an SOCD characteristic and preset profiles for a couple of well-liked video games. There’s no devoted analog mode for driving video games, and you’ll “solely” assign two actuation-based instructions to a key directly, however the Apex Professional nonetheless permits for finer management than most of its friends.

The “keyboard” a part of the Apex Professional TKL is past passable as effectively. The double-shot PBT keycaps resist grime and aren’t overly sculpted, in order that they’re simple to succeed in. The RGB lighting is clear, whereas the aluminum-plated deck doesn’t noticeably flex. Adjustable toes and rubber pads on the again do effectively to maintain the board secure, and there’s a mushy magnetic wrist relaxation included within the field. On the entrance is a quantity curler and a mini OLED show, the latter of which helps you to shortly swap profiles, regulate and consider actuation ranges, test battery standing and even see information from sure apps, amongst different tweaks. With Counter-Strike 2, as an example, it may show the present spherical and your Okay/D ratio. It’s also possible to join over Bluetooth along with the included dongle and USB-C cable.

The typing expertise, in the meantime, is a noticeable enchancment over the last-generation Apex Professional (our earlier wi-fi decide). The evenly pre-lubed switches make presses really feel easy and distinct, whereas a couple of layers of sound-dampening foam present a gentle thocky tone. It’s not full-on quiet, however it’s muffled sufficient to offer that sense of suggestions most individuals get pleasure from from a mechanical keyboard with out completely aggravating everybody round you. 

The bigger keys are largely dealt with effectively, too, although the area bar may very well be tighter, whereas the enter and proper shift keys rattle a bit greater than the bigger stabilized keys on the left facet of the board. Normally, you’d nonetheless purchase the Apex Professional TKL for its gaming options first, however it’s a decidedly Good Keyboard even with out them.

That’s good, as a result of with a listing worth of $300, this factor is dear. If uncooked typing really feel is your primary concern, there are cheaper alternate options in our honorable mentions and “others we examined” part under.

In addition to the worth, our primary gripes are with SteelSeries’ GG software program. It’s definitely usable, however it’s a bit much less refined than Wooting’s Wootility app. The method of assigning a number of inputs to 1 key requires leaping between two totally different tabs, whereas organising customized RGB profiles forces you right into a separate app. There’s no apparent method to tie an RGB structure to a particular actuation profile, and it’s worthwhile to go away the software program operating for some settings tweaks to remain lively. The battery life, rated for 37.5 hours with the wi-fi dongle, isn’t particularly lengthy both. Nonetheless, if you happen to’ve received additional cash to burn and should go wi-fi, the Apex Professional will get far more proper than fallacious.

As an apart: At the least one evaluation has mentioned that the Apex Professional’s customized actuation settings aren’t all the time correct. We reached out to SteelSeries about this, and an organization spokesperson instructed us that wrong readings may stem from a filter within the keyboard’s firmware that’s designed to cease unintended key presses from taking place when the included wrist relaxation is connected or eliminated. In line with the corporate, this filter would usually haven’t any impact on the press distance, however it might run and trigger presses to be deeper than meant if somebody have been to make use of a mechanical system (like a robotic testing arm) to push a key extraordinarily slowly. We couldn’t discover any accuracy points in our personal “real-world” testing, so we stand by our suggestion.

Execs

• Quick and deeply versatile magnetic switches
• Helpful OLED show
• Nice typing expertise
• A number of connection modes

Cons

• Costly
• Software program is not all the time intuitive
• Battery life may very well be higher

$333 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 p.c, 75 p.c (normal or Alice structure), 80 p.c (examined), 96 p.c, 100% | Switches: Gateron Jupiter Brown (examined), Crimson, Banana | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA

In case you aren’t intense about esports-style play and simply need a good mechanical keyboard you too can use for video games, strive the Keychron V3 Max. For $115 pre-tariffs, it presents a wi-fi design with hot-swappable switches, double-shot PBT keycaps and a quantity knob. By default, it comes with Gateron’s Jupiter Crimson (linear), Brown (tactile) or Banana (extra tactile) switches; the Jupiter Reds are sufficiently mild for on a regular basis gaming and, with the assistance of an inside gasket mount and a number of layers of sound-dampening foam, largely quiet. Every swap comes pre-lubed, which helps hold the out-of-the-box typing expertise from feeling or sounding low-cost. Presses make a stunning little pop. The keycaps are comfortably spaced and gently rounded, making it simpler to keep away from unintended inputs, although they’ve a considerably a considerably excessive profile, to allow them to really feel slightly extra in the way in which than the keys on the Wooting 80HE or SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi for fast actions. All of it connects over a detachable USB-C cable, Bluetooth or a wi-fi adapter, and there are USB-C and USB-A dongles within the field.

The V3 isn’t as targeted on ultra-low latency as a devoted gaming keyboard, and it doesn’t have any of the particular analog options obtainable with the 80HE or Apex Professional, however it ought to be responsive sufficient for all however probably the most aggressive gamers. A built-in swap enables you to swap between Home windows and macOS modes, and there are OS-specific keycaps within the field. You possibly can program the board via Keychron’s Launcher net app, which is more durable to grok than one thing like Wootility however enables you to remap keys, create macros or regulate the backlight throughout OSes.

The V3 Max’s keys are individually backlit, and you’ll regulate its RGB results proper from the board. That may look odd with the default, non-shine-through keycaps, nonetheless. There’s a pair of foldable toes on the again, however since this can be a high-profile keyboard with no wrist relaxation within the field, it’s not probably the most universally ergonomic setup. The chassis can also be manufactured from plastic, so it’s onerous to name “premium.” And the stabilizers may very well be higher: There’s a faint however audible rattle when urgent the backspace or enter keys, whereas the area bar is louder and extra hollow-sounding than every little thing else. Nonetheless, this can be a snug and customizable entry level for these trying to get into mechanical keyboards as a passion, one which’s nicer for typing than most choices in its worth vary. It’s a robust worth for non-twitchy video games.

The V3 Max is a tenkeyless mannequin, however Keychron sells a number of different measurement and structure choices as a part of the V Max sequence, too. We beforehand really helpful the Keychron V3, an older wired mannequin, and that one continues to be OK if you wish to save a bit extra. However the Max’s wi-fi connectivity and improved acoustics make it a greater purchase.

Execs

• Good worth
• Typing feels and sounds nice
• Sizzling-swappable switches
• USB-C and USB-A wi-fi receivers
• Rotary knob

Cons

• Plastic design
• Some rattle with bigger keys
• Keycaps neuter RGB backlight

$115 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 75 p.c | Switches: Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Full metallic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: Keychron Launcher

The Lemokey P1 HE is a wi-fi mannequin with Corridor impact switches and a 75 p.c structure. On uncooked construct high quality and typing expertise alone, it’s a clear step above our prime picks. Its full aluminum body has zero flex, whereas its gasket-mount design and pre-lubed magnetic switches make keystrokes really feel springy. Layers of noise-dampening materials hold every little thing sounding nice, and the stabilizers on the bigger keys efficiently stop any severe rattling. In some ways, it’s harking back to the Keychron Q Max — the highest suggestion in our information to the most effective mechanical keyboards — simply with flatter inventory keycaps which might be shine-through and simpler to maneuver between. (Lemokey is Keychron’s gaming sub-brand.)

Like different Corridor impact keyboards, the P1 HE presents customizable actuation factors, speedy set off, the flexibility to assign a number of instructions to 1 key and a gamepad-style analog mode. Sadly, Keychron’s Launcher software program doesn’t fairly match as much as the {hardware}. It gained’t acknowledge the keyboard except you join over a cable, for one, and the method of organising customized profiles isn’t as readable as it’s with SteelSeries’ GG app or (particularly) Wooting’s Wootility. You possibly can solely save three profiles to the onboard reminiscence, too, and the shortcut for swapping between them is convoluted by comparability. You possibly can’t assign distinctive RGB lighting setups to totally different profiles, both.

All of these analog tips nonetheless work, and the P1 HE is so pleasant to kind on that it’s price contemplating over the Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi if you happen to care in regards to the “keyboard” a part of your gaming keyboard firstly. That’s very true provided that the P1 HE prices $130 much less — however the Apex Professional is a smoother expertise for gaming particularly.

Execs

• Feels and sounds nice for typing
• Distinctive construct high quality
• Versatile magnetic switches

$170 at Amazon

Different gaming keyboards we examined

Notice: The next is a collection of noteworthy gaming keyboards we’ve put via their paces, not a complete listing of every little thing we’ve ever tried.

Wooting 60HE+

You possibly can take into account the Wooting 60HE+ our “1A” decide, because it’s primarily a extra compact model of the 80HE with a 60 p.c structure. It helps the identical analog gaming options, has the identical four-year guarantee and nonetheless makes use of the good Wootility software program. It’s additionally $25 cheaper. In case you choose a smaller design and don’t want arrow keys, you should buy it with confidence. Nevertheless, extra individuals will discover the 80HE’s bigger structure simpler to make use of on a day-to-day foundation. Its gasket mount, up to date switches and additional sound-dampening materials make it extra pleasant-sounding and comfier for typing out of the field. Plus, whereas the 60HE+ can solely relaxation at one fastened angle, the 80HE comes with a couple of units of detachable toes.

It is also price noting that Wooting has introduced an up to date mannequin referred to as the 60HE V2 since our final replace. That one is predicted to reach by the top of 2025, so if you happen to’re not in a rush it might be price holding out for a couple of extra months.

Logitech G Professional X TKL Speedy

The Logitech G Professional X TKL Speedy is an efficient magnetic-switch various to the Wooting 80HE if you happen to should purchase from one of many main keyboard manufacturers. It’s wired-only, however it appears good, with clear RGB lighting, a built-in quantity curler, devoted media keys and a sturdy metallic prime plate. The anticipated speedy set off and adjustable actuation tips all work high-quality, and Logitech’s G Hub software program is less complicated to get round than most apps from the big-name producers. It could actually acknowledge whenever you’ve launched sure video games, as an example, then apply any customized profiles you’ve made for them mechanically. It is $10 cheaper than the 80HE as effectively. The place it falls quick is the typing expertise: The default switches are fairly noisy, and bottoming out the keys feels stiffer right here in comparison with our prime picks. If you’d like these Wooting-style options and like a clackier sound, nonetheless, it’s a good purchase.

Logitech G Professional X TKL and G Professional X 60

The wi-fi Logitech G Professional X TKL and G Professional X 60, which use extra conventional mechanical switches, aren’t as scorching. They’re constructed effectively, however they’re too dear to not be hot-swappable or lack the analog options of the 80HE. There isn’t a lot sound-dampening foam in both fashions, too, so neither sounds nice. We like that each include a carrying case, although.

Keychron C3 Professional

The tenkeyless Keychron C3 Professional is the highest funds decide in our mechanical keyboard information, and it stays an ideal stand-in for the G.Ability KM250 RGB if you wish to keep below $50. With its gasket mount design, inside foam and pre-lubed switches, it feels and sounds fuller to press. The bottom model we examined lacks hot-swappable switches and solely has a purple backlight, however Keychron has launched a revised mannequin that addresses that and add full RGB. That mentioned, its ABS keycaps nonetheless really feel cheaper and may develop a shine over time, plus there’s no quantity knob. Some could discover KM250’s smaller measurement extra handy for gaming, too.

A newer replace referred to as the C3 Professional 8K does embody PBT keycaps for $55; we’ll intention to check that one sooner or later.

Keychron Q1 HE

The Keychron Q1 HE is form of an older model of the Lemokey P1 HE with the identical magnetic switches and a equally wonderful aluminum chassis. Its double-gasket design, pre-lubed switches and layers of froth make it a pleasure for typing. However its gaming options depend on the identical iffy software program, whereas the inventory keycaps are sculpted in a approach that makes them trickier to press shortly. These keycaps aren’t shine-through both, and the entire thing is costlier, so there isn’t a lot cause to purchase it over the P1 HE.

Sony Inzone KBD-H75

The Sony Inzone KBD-H75 is one other one which ticks a lot of the containers we’re searching for. Its 75-percent body is compact however not cramped. It appears plain, however it wouldn’t be misplaced in an workplace. The metallic prime comes off as substantial — although the underside is manufactured from plastic — whereas the PBT keycaps are sturdy, with shine-through lighting. A gasket-mount design and a few high quality stabilizers assist the typing expertise really feel and sound nice. Presses have a pleasant clack, however they’re muted sufficient that they shouldn’t annoy anybody round you. The magnetic Corridor impact switches allow you to customise actuation factors and make the most of a speedy set off mode. Basic latency is great, and Sony’s Inzone Hub isn’t as fussy or obtuse as many companion apps on this market. There’s additionally a quantity knob.

The issue is that every one of this prices $300, and that’s loads for a keyboard with out wi-fi connectivity (or correct macOS help). Aggressive players could not care about that, however for many others, there are higher values on the market. In case you ever see this one on sale, nonetheless, it’s effectively price a glance, because the inventory typing really feel is a bit nicer than that of the Wooting 80HE.

Razer Joro

The Razer Joro is a good alternative in order for you a transportable scissor-switch keyboard as an alternative of a cumbersome mechanical one. It’s primarily a “gamer” tackle Apple’s Magic Keyboard, with a slick black end, sturdy aluminum prime plate, RGB lighting and SOCD help. The 75-percent structure is tremendous low-profile and weighs simply 0.8 kilos, so it’s extraordinarily travel-friendly. The typing expertise is secure, splendidly quiet and comfy for what it’s — put it in a laptop computer and it’d be a standout. All of it works throughout Home windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

That mentioned, it’ll by no means really feel as comfortable as a great mechanical board over prolonged periods. The design is fastened at one flat angle, which some could discover uncomfortable. The ABS keycaps aren’t nice for one thing priced at $140, and whereas there may be 2.4GHz wi-fi help, it’s worthwhile to purchase a separate dongle to really use it. In any other case, you’re enjoying over Bluetooth, which provides latency, or a brief USB-C cable. The Joro serves its area of interest effectively sufficient if you happen to’re all the time on the street, however it’s a skip if you happen to don’t sport past your desk fairly often.

Razer Huntsman V2 TKL

We beforehand really helpful the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL as a mid-priced decide due to its mild optical switches, crisp PBT keycaps and impressively muffled tone (with the linear-switch mannequin, a minimum of). Its lack of analog options make it a more durable promote today, although, and its keys wobble greater than these on the Keychron V3 Max. It’s not hot-swappable, both. Past that, solely the model with clicky switches — which sound uncomfortably sharp — continues to be in inventory as of this writing.

Razer Huntsman V3 Professional

The Razer Huntsman V3 Professional is a line of wired analog keyboards that is available in 60 p.c, TKL and full-size choices. They’ve nearly all of the options we like on the Wooting 80HE, however their optical switches are noisier and extra hollow-feeling.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Professional 75%

The BlackWidow V4 Professional 75% is Razer’s top-of-the-line wi-fi keyboard. It’s absolutely hot-swappable, with closely textured PBT keycaps, a sturdy aluminum prime case and a nifty OLED show. The tactile Razer Orange switches in our check unit constantly really feel tight, the bigger keys don’t actually rattle and the RGB backlight shines via superbly. It’s a great keyboard — however it’s simply not luxurious sufficient to warrant its $300 price ticket, particularly because it lacks any form of analog-style performance. The inventory switches are slightly too sharp-sounding for our liking as effectively.

Razer Huntsman Mini

The Razer Huntsman Mini is a high-quality alternative in order for you a 60 p.c keyboard and don’t want Wooting-style software program tips, with textured PBT keycaps, a sturdy aluminum prime plate and the identical quick optical switches we praised with the Huntsman V2 TKL. The 60HE+ is far more versatile, although, whereas the KM250 RGB is a extra interesting worth.

ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi (phew) is a robust various to the Apex Professional TKL if you wish to go wi-fi. It’s a pleasure to kind on, with very good sound dampening, pre-lubed ROG NX switches, an impressively sturdy case and secure, PBT-coated keys. It’s hot-swappable, its battery life score is way larger than the Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi (90 hours with RGB on) and it has a multi-function key that places quantity, media and RGB controls in a single place. At $170 or so, it is normally less expensive than our SteelSeries decide as effectively.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t have the speedy set off or customized actuation tips of Corridor impact keyboards just like the Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi or Lemokey P1 HE, and ASUS’s Armoury Crate software program is a little bit of a large number. The Lemokey P1 HE’s all-metal design feels higher-end, too. However if you happen to care about typing expertise greater than further gaming-friendly options, this one continues to be price wanting into.

ASUS ROG Azoth

The ASUS ROG Azoth is sort of a smaller model of the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi with a couple of extra fanatic touches, akin to a gasket-mounted design — which provides keystrokes a softer really feel — a programmable OLED show and a toolkit for lubing switches within the field. It’s exceptionally well-made by any normal, not simply “for a gaming keyboard.” However its characteristic set nonetheless isn’t as versatile because the Wooting 80HE or SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi, which makes its $275 listing worth a troublesome ask. ASUS not too long ago launched a brand new mannequin referred to as the ROG Azoth X, although that one prices $300 and has a a lot louder aesthetic.

Alienware Professional Wi-fi Gaming Keyboard

The 75 p.c Alienware Professional Wi-fi Gaming Keyboard is a lot better than its bland identify suggests, with high-quality PBT keycaps, easy linear switches (that are hot-swappable), splendidly clear RGB lighting, a gradual wi-fi connection and a inflexible but light-weight design. However it’s pretty loud, and at $200 there isn’t a lot cause to take it over the Lemokey P1 HE, which has a higher-quality design and extra succesful magnetic switches, or the ASUS Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi, which presents a equally pleasing typing expertise at a barely cheaper price. It’s price contemplating if you happen to see it on sale, although.

NZXT Operate 2 and Operate 2 MiniTKL

The complete-size NZXT Operate 2 and tenkeyless Operate 2 MiniTKL are completely stable midrange choices with quick optical switches and the flexibility to swap between two common actuation factors, however they’re let down by mediocre stabilizers on the bigger keys.

NuPhy Air75 V2

The NuPhy Air75 V2 is a trendy wi-fi keyboard with a low-profile design. We have really helpful it in our mechanical keyboard shopping for information, because it’s a wonderful alternative in order for you one thing that blends the flatter, compact form of a laptop computer keyboard with the extra tactile really feel of mechanical switches. The design isn’t solely ultimate for gaming, although, because the large keys could make it slightly too simple to fat-finger inputs accidentally and the inventory keycaps aren’t shine-through. That is one other one which not too long ago obtained a refresh, although. NuPhy additionally sells a mannequin with Corridor impact switches. We’ll intention to check these for a future replace.

Corsair K70 Max

The Corsair K70 Max is one other one with magnetic switches, however making an attempt to program its extra superior options via Corsair’s iCue software program was a ache.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a good if primary midrange mannequin, however it’s additionally on the noisy facet in comparison with our prime picks and it’s saddled with middling software program.

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL

The Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL is one other low-profile mannequin that usually feels snug and well-built, even when it is solely manufactured from plastic. It’s a good various to the NuPhy Air75 sequence, because it’s a lot quieter with its GL Tactile switches and comes with shine-through keycaps by default. Nevertheless, these switches aren’t hot-swappable, and the board can’t connect with a number of gadgets concurrently over Bluetooth. The low-profile form nonetheless isn’t the most effective for gaming both, plus the inventory keycaps aren’t fairly as grippy as different PBT choices we’ve used.

Latest updates

September 2025: We’ve taken a sweep to verify our picks are nonetheless correct and added testing notes on a pair new keyboards within the Razer Joro and Sony Inzone KBD-H75.

February 2025: We have overhauled this information with new picks: The Wooting 80HE is now our prime suggestion general, the SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi (Gen 3) is our new “greatest wi-fi” possibility and the Lemokey P1 HE slots in as an honorable point out. We have additionally added notes on a number of extra gaming keyboards we have examined since our final replace, together with Logitech’s G Professional X TKL Speedy and G515 Lightspeed TKL, Razer’s BlackWidow V4 Professional 75% and Alienware’s Professional Wi-fi Gaming Keyboard. Lastly, we have made a couple of minor updates to our “What to search for in a gaming keyboard” part.

June 2024: We up to date this information with a brand new “conventional mechanical keyboard” decide, the Keychron V3 Max, plus a pair new honorable mentions and extra notes on different gaming keyboards we’ve tried. Notice that we’ve examined — and can proceed to check — a number of different keyboards that aren’t explicitly marketed towards gaming, however we’ll direct you to our common mechanical keyboard shopping for information for more information on these.