Best Gaming Keyboard

1. SteelSeries Apex Pro – The Best Gaming Keyboard for Actuation Per Key

 Actuation per key is a bit important when it comes to a gaming keyboard. This one goes for a really effective method and lets you adjust and set the actuation on a key by key basis. This is great if you’re looking for an exact and meticulous system for your keyboard. This can be done through a software suite that’s included that sits on the keyboard.

This keyboard has a pretty minimalistic look. You get the colorful lights you may have come to expect from the gaming keyboards, but the overall design avoids the loud or tacky shape that can often be prominent in these. This is one of the best gaming keyboards, but its features might make it a bit more niche than others listed here.

Pros

• Key by Key Actuation
• A lot of Extra Features
• RGB Lights

Cons

• Higher Price
• Key by Key Approach is Overkill to Some

2. Razer BlackWidow Elite – The Best Gaming Keyboard with Tactile Switches

Discussion of the exact switches used by keyboards isn’t really the most interesting topic. What you really need to know with the switches on your keyboard is if you want linear switches or those with the tactile bump before you hit the actuation point. This BlackWidow Elite is the best choice if you’re looking for that second type. This has that same feedback feeling click response when the switch is hit. However, it is without the noise or weird properties.

This keyboard is great for gaming but it also has some media keys that come in handy outside of playing games. You can change around your actuation points to suit the exact way that you like to play and suit your muscle memory too. If you want a more tactile switch focused keyboard, then this is the best gaming keyboard for you.

 Pros

• Mechanical
• Wired
• Responsive

Cons

• Design Can Be Uncomfortable to Some

3. Ducky One 2 Mini RGB – The Best Compact Gaming Keyboard

A lot of gaming keyboards can be pretty chunky. They take up a lot of space and demand your attention on the work surface. This is a gaming keyboard that takes a different approach. If you’re looking for the best gaming keyboard in 2020 but you’re a little short of space, then this Ducky One Mini is going to be just the right size. It is about as small and compact as a mechanical keyboard can get.

It makes use of downloadable programmable settings. This lets you layer an interface over the keyboard for more customization. It also has anti-ghosting keys and an ergonomic design. This keyboard might lack some of the bells and whistles of others on this list but it is lightweight, compact, and reliable.

 Pros

• Mechanical
• Lightweight
• Compact

Cons

• Lacks Features of Larger Keyboards

4. MK Disco TKL – The Best Gaming Keyboard for Everyday Use

 A specialist gaming keyboard is great if you only use your PC for gaming, but it can get in the way of everyday use. Most people don’t need those settings and extra responsiveness when typing up an essay or working on their PC. This is a gaming keyboard that strikes a compromise with everyday use and specific gaming uses. It features short keycaps for more responsive use and switches to make the product better for gaming, but it doesn’t change too much.

This keyboard keeps things pretty tied to your standard keyboard. This makes it great for use outside of gaming. While you don’t get the same bonuses that come with a gaming-specific keyboard, this is a great middle ground.

 Pros

• RGB Lighting
• Professional Design
• KBT Switches

Cons

• Not as Responsive as Some

5. Corsair K95 RGB – The Best Gaming Keyboard for Versatility

 A few keyboards featured here are quite specific in their features, like key by key actuation. However, you might just want an all-rounder. If that’s the case, then the Corsair K95 RGB is definitely the one to go for. This is a keyboard that features a wide array of extra features to make things easier, a great build quality, and a clean look. The K95 is also pretty popular with a lot of competitive gamers, which is a pretty good testament to its quality. 

In terms of build quality, this feels like it is a high-quality device. The wrist supports can be removed which helps it be useable for more people for longer periods. You get a set of textured keys for WASD too if you need that extra tactile feedback while playing. The response time of keys is pretty good here too, with great tactile feedback for each press. This is definitely one of the best gaming keyboards in 2020.

Pros

• Great Build Quality
• Extra Keys
• Quick Response

Cons

• Some Users Have Issues with Connectivity 

6. Logitech G Pro Mechanical – The Best Gaming Keyboard for Esports

The Logitech G Pro Mechanical is a companion keyboard to the G Pro Mouse, and they have one special thing in common; their popularity with competitive players. The G Pro Mechanical Keyboard is a really solid choice. The keys use Romer G Switches; this gives a 25% faster response time than the majority of even mechanical keyboards. They’re also reinforced for durability, tested for 70 million presses.

That response time is really impressive. As far as mechanical keyboards can go, you get a quick response time with feedback to avoid mistakes. This keyboard isn’t as packed with gimmicks as some of the others here. However, it gets the fundamentals exactly right. This is a keyboard built for competitive gamers and their needs, so if its what you’re looking for then this is the right keyboard for you.

Pros

• Designed for Competitive Players
• Fast Response Time
• Sleek and Compact Design

Cons

• Lacks the Novelties of Other Keyboards

7. Logitech G810 Orion – The Best Gaming Keyboard for Customization

This is another gaming keyboard made by Logitech, so you’re getting a quality product that has a great build quality. On top of this, it is really responsive with mechanical switches for the keys. What sets this model apart from others though is the level of customization you can get. You can customize the lighting and brightness of individual keys. You can also map programmable custom macros to a number of keys with some included software. This lets you set up macros on a system-wide level.

This will help you completely control how you use your keyboard over the exact games that you play. In terms of extras, you get some easy access media buttons on this keyboard and it is designed for maximum comfort. If you’re looking for an easily customized keyboard, this is a great choice.

Pros

• Customizable Function Keys
• Customizable Lighting
• Mechanical Key Switches

Cons

• No Actuation Control

8. ASUS ROG Claymore Core – The Best Gaming Keyboard for ASUS Gaming PC Builds

Some gaming keyboards work great in pretty much any scenario, but others like this one work best when combined with a specific set. This ASUS ROG Claymore keyboard can integrate into other ASUS Aurea products, being able to sync itself up with compatible mice, motherboards, and graphics cards. It can give an overall visual effect that is much more impressive than any of these can individually.

Outside of this, it uses mechanical cherry switches for a great response time. You also get optional macros that can be attached on the left or the right. You can switch profiles and control your cooling or overclocking within keystrokes on the keyboard itself. This is a great addition to a gaming PC if you’re putting a lot of work into building one that is entirely cohesive. 

Pros

• Syncs Up with Other PC Components for Cooling and Performance Control
• Fast Response Switches
• Impressive Lighting Effects
• Wired or Wireless

Cons

• Some Features Lack Wide Compatibility
• High price

9. Corsair K65 Rapidfire – The Best Gaming Keyboard for Durability

Do your sessions on games like Warzone put your equipment through some torturous conditions? Then, the corsair Rapidfire might be the right keyboard for you. It is constructed from brushed aircraft-grade aluminum. This is a keyboard that is really built to last. While that might seem like overkill, you can at least be satisfied that your new gaming keyboard is going to last quite a while.

Outside of the materials used and build quality, this is a high-end keyboard. It uses cherry mechanical switches for a fast response time and has the option of a USB pass-through to cut down on lag with other peripherals. You can use the software included to sync the keyboard controls to other peripherals or cooling too. This is one of the best gaming keyboards available at the moment, although it does have a price tag to match

Pros

• Durable
• Fast Response
• Can Sync to Other Components

Cons

• Some Compatibility issues
• Higher Price than Most 

10. Logitech G915 Lightspeed – The Best Quiet Gaming Keyboard

 Gaming keyboards have a bit of a reputation for their incredible ability to make noise. Responsive and delicate switches are loud; this is apparently unavoidable when it comes to getting a good performance. However, it doesn’t have to work like that. A gaming keyboard can actually run at a reasonable noise level. This Logitech keyboard can manage to be responsive and keep the volume down a bit.

This uses Romer-G Mechanical switches. These allows for precise registering of typing in a quick way, but without that incredible noise hat normally comes with it. This keyboard also features a speedy Bluetooth connection and programmable keys. Logitech makes some of the best gaming keyboards, and this quieter entry is no exception to that.

Pros

• Great Build Quality
• Quiet
• Responsive Switches

Cons

• Lacks Cosmetic Options

What to Know Before Buying a Gaming Keyboard

 A gaming keyboard is an important part of your set-up. Like a gaming mouse, it determines how you interact with the game. A slow or unresponsive keyboard can put a hard limit on how quickly you can actually interact with your game. Choosing the right one is kind of important, especially if you want the keyboard to last quite a while. To make sure that it does, you need to keep some things in mind to find the right one for you. This is what you need to consider:

What to Consider Before Choosing a Gaming Keyboard 

• Price – The price of this kind of equipment isn’t inconsequential. Some of the bigger gaming keyboards can really get up there in price, so keep your budget in mind.
• Mechanical? – These are trendy, but not essential for everyone. We’ve covered this in more detail below if you’re unsure which is right for you.
• Anti-Ghosting – Anti-ghosting is featured on most high-end gaming keyboard, which can cut down on mistakes and errors in-game.
• Extra keys – These are helpful for extra keybinds or controlling other functions on your PC, think about if you need one of these.
• Lighting – Backlighting isn’t just for cosmetic reasons, it might be helpful for you to get the feedback you need from a keypress to process your movements quicker.
• Switches – The key switches and their sensitivity can affect how you play, consider which type is right for you.
• Extra Features – The best gaming keyboards listed above have a lot of different features and things going on. If you’re trying to decide which is right for you, consider if you actually need extra features like controlling the lighting of each key by itself.
• Size – The size of a keyboard is important if your space is limited go for a compact device.
• Ergonomics – Make sure you can find a keyboard that is actually comfortable for you to use.
• Cosmetics – Get a keyboard that looks good to you, it isn’t shallow to consider this part of your purchase before you decide which is right for you. After all, you’ve got to look at it for a while.

Mechanical Keyboards Vs Membrane

Mechanical keyboards are a pretty common sight in gaming PCs, but rarely seen elsewhere. This can leave newcomers a bit in the dark about what mechanical keyboards actually are, and their benefits. Compared with a normal keyboard, a mechanical keyboard has some significant advantages in measuring the accuracy of when you hit a key and communicating that to your computer. This might seem like a small difference. After all, how often do you find yourself waiting for your PC to notice you’ve hit a key? The difference is small, but it can make all of the difference when you’re playing a game.

The major difference between a mechanical keyboard and an ordinary one is the way that they understand their input. A mechanical keyboard has individual switches underneath every key. Every time you press a key down, it activates the switch for that key This registers a press. A regular keyboard has a membrane-like sheet under the keys, below this is a circuit board. Pressing down on a key pushes the membrane down into the circuit which registers a keypress.

A mechanical keyboard has a significant advantage since it can be more accurate. Compared with a membrane, a switch will register a press much quicker, and it can be more accurate in the exact timing of how you use it. This makes the keys considerably more responsive than a regular keyboard. When you’re playing a game, those small delays in inputs registering matter. For competitive and high-level gamers, they can allow for significantly quicker input to the game than a player with a regular keyboard.

What Keyboard do Pro Gamers Use?

Pro gamers can use the best gaming keyboards, and pretty much have their choice of equipment. Since they’re playing at the very top level, they need the most reactive equipment to facilitate that. Pro gamers use a great variety of different devices. However, if you’re looking for one specific keyboard the Logitech G Pro is favored by quite a lot of pros. It is a solid and reactive keyboard and it matches up with the Logitech G Pro Mouse, which is also popular with Esports players.

Outside of that, pro gamers use a lot of different keyboards. Our guides to the full set-ups and settings of the top payers can show you which of the best gaming keyboards each individual pro gamer uses:

• Fortnite Players
• Apex Legends Players
• PUBG Players
• Warzone Players

Is a Gaming Keyboard Worth it?

A gaming keyboard will usually come in at a higher price than your standard keyboard. This can lead to those who haven’t used one before wondering if a gaming keyboard is actually worth it. That really depends on what your needs are going to be, but for most gamers the advantages are worthwhile.

A gaming keyboard is significantly more responsive than your standard keyboard. This can make a real and noticeable difference to your performance when playing games. On top of this, features like anti-ghosting, controlling your PC components, and more function keys to bind things to can be really helpful.

If you’re wondering if a gaming keyboard if worth it, a good way to assess things is by looking at their durability and lifespan. If you find the best gaming keyboard that is built to last, it is going to be quite a bit more durable. This can mean your gaming keyboard lasts significantly longer than a normal keyboard, which definitely justifies the higher price since standard keyboards will exceed that price in the long run.