Shopping for a gaming keyboard that best suits your needs can be confusing, but we're going to keep it simple. The most important factors to consider are the latency (how responsive a keyboard is), switch types (the feeling of the keypress and the noise it makes), and the overall comfort and feel. From there, you can decide if you'd like additional features like RGB backlighting, media controls, or software customization options that help you make your board feel just right for you. Most gamers look for mechanical keyboards as they typically offer lower latency, more features, and better build quality, so our recommendations lean more toward mechanical offerings.
We've tested over 190 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best non-mechanical and best mechanical keyboards for gaming. If you're looking for a keyboard that isn't strictly gaming-focused, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards or the best mechanical keyboards. Alternatively, if you're looking for a gaming keyboard on a strict budget, check out our recommendations for the best budget gaming keyboards.
Best Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Size:TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity:Wired
Mechanical:Yes
The best gaming keyboard we've tested is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023). This keyboard has an adjustable pre-travel distance feature, meaning you can set the sensitivity of your keypresses or even assign two inputs depending on how far down you press your key. Whether you want a nearly instant actuation point for competitive gaming or a longer pre-travel distance for general typing, you can customize each key individually within a pretty wide range to best suit your needs.
This keyboard also includes a detachable wrist rest for added support, which is a rare feature for keyboards of its size. Speaking of size, if you're interested in this keyboard but looking for an even more compact version to give you the most room for sweeping mouse movements, check out the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. Or, if you prefer a version that includes a Numpad, look no further than the full-size SteelSeries Apex Pro. Also, if you prefer wireless keyboards so you don't have cables cluttering up your desk, most of the Apex Pro boards have wireless versions available.
Best Mid-Range Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
Size:TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity:Wired
Mechanical:Yes
At a mid-range price point, we recommend the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. In addition to its outstanding gaming performance, the K70 RGB TKL features excellent build quality with a hard plastic chassis, durable PBT keycaps, and ergonomic kickstands that open sideways, so you don't accidentally collapse them if you accidentally nudge your board. Performance-wise, this keyboard has a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, which means it reports your keystrokes to your computer much more often than most gaming keyboards. This feature contributes to this keyboard's near-millisecond latency and provides a very fluid and responsive in-game experience, especially when combined with the light-to-press Cherry MX switches. You can get this keyboard with either classic Cherry MX Red switches or Cherry MX Speed switches. Both switches feel very light and smooth, but the Speed switches have a slightly shorter pre-travel, making them very quick to actuate.
This keyboard is part of a larger Corsair K70 lineup that features keyboards of different sizes with slightly different features. While we recommend the TKL size here, as it gives you the most space on the side for mouse movements, you might prefer a larger board like the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, which costs a little more but also includes a wrist rest.
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Size:TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity:Wired
Mechanical:Yes
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is our recommendation for a budget model that doesn't compromise performance. This keyboard is an older model from Razer's flagship Huntsman lineup, meaning it features exceptionally low latency and gaming-focused optical switches that combine for a very fluid and responsive in-game experience. The Razer Optical switches have a linear feel with a very short pre-travel distance and a feather-light actuation force. While these switches are excellent for gaming, you might find yourself making more typos while chatting with friends because even a light touch can accidentally register a keypress.
However, since it's a budget model, it's missing a few extra features found on something a bit more premium, like the Corsair K70 RGB TKL mentioned above. For example, the Razer doesn't have dedicated media keys, a volume wheel, or a higher-than-average polling rate. So, if you don't mind the more stripped-down nature of the board, it's the best bang for your buck.
Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard
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SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL
Size:TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity:Wired
Mechanical:No
For a cheaper option, look no further than the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. Its TenKeyLess form factor leaves you plenty of space on your desk for sweeping mouse movements, and while most options on this list use more mechanical switches, this keyboard has rubber dome switches. These switches are fairly light to press, and they're very quiet compared to most mechanical switches. This switch type is also more resistant to small spills and debris. However, they have a longer pre-travel, so they feel a bit less responsive.
The latency on this keyboard is higher than on more premium options, so we don't recommend it for high-stakes competitive play, but it's more than suitable for casual gaming in any genre. It also has some extra features which are rare at this price point, including the ability to set macros to any key, dedicated media keys, and a volume wheel. It has RGB lighting, but the keys aren't individually lit, so you only have eight customizable zones. If you'd prefer a more traditional form factor, there's a full-size version of this keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3. It's virtually identical apart from its size, but it also includes a wrist rest and is typically only a bit more expensive.
Best Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts
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Wooting two HE
Size:Full-size (100%)
Connectivity:Wired
Mechanical:Yes
The Wooting two HE pushes gaming keyboards in a different direction, and it's our recommendation if you're an enthusiast looking for the best gaming board you can find. Like our top pick, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless, the Wooting two HE has proprietary switches that allow you to control the pre-travel distance of each key. However, the Wooting gives you a few more millimeters range when customizing the pre-travel distance: from an ultra-sensitive 0.1mm to a lengthy 4.0mm. As an added plus, the companion software has a web-based version, so you don't have to load your PC up with bloatware to customize your keyboard.
There are tons of software features to play around with, including not one but two multi-input features, so you can dial in your keybinds exactly the way you want for playing competitive titles where every millisecond counts. On top of it all, this keyboard has an Analog Mode, which mimics the inputs of a gamepad controller and provides very fine control over inputs, making it a great choice if you're also a fan of racing games or flight sims. It's important to note that this keyboard isn't available through any popular online retailers. Instead, you'll have to order the keyboard on Wooting's website.
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