Best Gaming Keyboards 2023: These Keyboards Will Bring You Victory
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is well-designed and full of features, making it our top gaming keyboard, but we’ve found tons of other great options to help you up your K/D. Jump to detailed looks at the best gaming keyboards, or check out our list below:
TL;DR – These are the Best Gaming Keyboards:
Razer BlackWidow V4 ProSteelSeries Apex 5Corsair K70 RGB ProRoccat Vulcan IIRazer Ornata V3Logitech G Pro XRazer BlackWidow V4 75%Razer Huntsman V2Corsair K70 Max RGBWooting Two HE
From wireless keyboards for a flexible setup to a high-end gaming keyboard with clicky mechanical switches or something cheaper—and quieter—like a membrane option, there’s an endless variety. To help narrow your search, we’ve tested and researched a range of gaming keyboards, bringing you ten worth consideration – and click here to see them in the UK.
Best Gaming Keyboards
1. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Best Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Razer Green Mechanical, Razer Yellow Mechanical | Features: RGB lighting, 5 onboard profiles, dedicated media buttons, 8 macro buttons, detachable wrist rest, doubleshot ABS keycaps | Size: 18.25″ x 6″ x 1″
Razer’s BlackWidow V3 Pro was an outstanding keyboard, and the newest model, the BlackWidow V4 Pro, only improves upon its greatness. This wired mechanical keyboard is slightly larger than most full-size keyboards, leaving room for a volume roller, four media keys, eight dedicated macro controls, and a handy “Razer Command Dial” with eight default modes and 100 custom modes. All the keys are also programmable, so you can customize settings to your gaming preferences and save up to five profiles onboard.
When purchasing the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, you get to choose either tactile green or linear yellow switches, ensuring responsive gameplay, and the 8,000Hz polling rate can give you that extra bit of speed to edge out opponents. The full-height, doubleshot ABS keycaps that cover those switches are attractive and feel great, though PBT would’ve been nice to combat inevitable wear. And Razer didn’t forget about comfort as you frantically hit keys by including two incline settings and well-padded wrist rest.
2. SteelSeries Apex 5
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: SteelSeries Hybrid Mechanical (Tactile) | Size: 17.43″ x 5.48″ x 1.59″
Sure, you can get cheaper keyboards than the SteelSeries Apex 5, and you can even get cheaper mechanical ones, but the quality compared to price make it the best budget option. SteelSeries uses hybrid switches in this design, which offer a similar tactile feel to mechanical switches and the smoothness of membrane switches while saving on the cost. Those keys are housed in a sturdy aluminum frame built to last.
By keeping the price of the switches low, SteelSeries manages to offer some great value everywhere else. You get a magnetic wrist rest, full RGB lighting that you can customize on a per-key basis, an OLED screen to display game info and messages, and dedicated media controls. You won’t find many other keyboards offering this much for under $100, which is why it’s the best cheap gaming keyboard money can buy.
3. Corsair K70 RGB Pro
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: OPX Optical-Mechanical | Features: Per-Key RGB, 8MB onboard memory, 50 onboard profiles, dedicated media buttons, detachable wrist rest, PBT keycaps | Size: 17.48″ x 6.54″ x 1.57″
The Corsair K70 RGB Pro is an updated version of the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, and it’s ready to take on all of the intense action in your favorite games on your gaming PC. This wired gaming keyboard comes geared up with optical-mechanical switches, ensuring speedier actuation and a longer lifespan than traditional mechanical switches. That means you’ll have a competitive edge, while a polling rate up to 8,000Hz and super low latency let you go even further.
Naturally, the Corsair K70 RGB Pro offers all the other features you’d expect in a quality gaming keyboard, including anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover for accurate inputs and dedicated media keys to quickly dial in the volume or skip a track. There’s even 8MB of onboard memory, letting you store up to 50 profiles to take your custom keymaps and macros on the go. It doesn’t miss out of style points either, thanks to per-key RGB lighting that shines through the reliable double-shot PBT keycaps
4. Roccat Vulcan II
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Roccat Titan II Red Linear | Features: RGB, four onboard profiles, Easy-Shift+, dedicated media buttons, detachable palm rest | Size: 18.23″ x 9.29″ x 1.32″
Roccat’s Vulcan II is a standout in both looks and functionality. You get Titan II Red linear switches for long-lasting durability, a smooth feel, and minimal resistance. There’s full N-key rollover. Plus, the keys are remappable, so you can make custom bindings and macros, storing up to four profiles on board. A button duplicator technology called Easy-Shift+ makes it simple to swap key functions, while dedicated media controls come in handy.
Rather than having keycaps cover up the key switches, the Vulcan II only has caps over the top of the key, leaving the rest exposed. Therefore, the keys look like they’re just floating above clear switch housings full of RGB lighting, like some sort of cyber-age typewriter. In fact, this keyboard offers almost all the features of its more expensive sibling, the Roccat Vulcan II Max, only you lose the higher-end optical-mechanical switches, the 24 RGB smart keys, and not much else.
5. Razer Ornata V3
Best Membrane-Mechanical Hybrid Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Razer Hybrid Mecha-Membrane | Features: fully programmable keys, dedicated media controls, magnetic wrist rest | Size: 17.46″ x 5.68″ x 1.23″
You scored a great gaming PC deal, and now you’re looking for a quality budget-friendly keyboard. The Razer Ornata V3 is that thanks to its membrane-mechanical hybrid switches that help keep the costs low while still providing a tactile, pleasant user experience. That switch combo offers the feel of a mechanical keyboard with its snappy feedback while each keystroke remains accurate and smooth, like your average keyboard.
Beyond those hybrid switches, you’ll find the Razer Ornata V3 makes some changes to its predecessor, the Ornata V2, by offering slightly lower-profile keys for a more ergonomic typing experience that may also help with quicker actuation. All the keys are also fully programable with durable fade-resistant caps, and dedicated media controls are on board which is surprisingly handy once you get used to it. Plus, it’s a Razer keyboard, so there’s no shortage of RGB LEDs to make it shine.
6. Logitech G Pro X
Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Logitech GX Blue, GX Brown, GX Red | Size: 14.2″ x 6.02″ x 1.3″
Tenkeyless gaming keyboards are a great option for gamers who don’t need a numeric keypad or have a lot of desk space, or simply want to play with their hands closer together. The Logitech G Pro X is a stand-out option in its class in part thanks to its detachable key switches. This allows you to install a mix of clicky, tactile, or linear switches anywhere you please—even on the arrow keys. You can even customize commands for the F1-F12 keys. And, all the keys shine with the programable RGB lighting, which can be used to highlight important keys or add a bit of flair to a live stream.
Beyond the astounding level of customizability, the Logitech G Pro X keyboard is built like a tank. This keyboard is meant to tote along to gaming events with its fully detachable cable and inner steel frame. Stable feet with three angles to choose from let you find the ultimate position to annihilate your opponents. All the while, you don’t have to worry about banging this keyboard up on your way to LAN parties and tournaments.
7. Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
Best Compact Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches | Features: Detachable wrist rest, five onboard profiles, dedicated media keys, hot-swappable PCB, 8,000Hz polling rate | Size: 12.6″ x 6.1″ x 0.9″
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a real boon from its compact form factor and sturdy build to the hot-swappable board and tactile switches. This option offers a 75% layout, so you still get all the keys you need, including function and arrow controls, along with a configurable multifunction roller and multimedia buttons. While gaming, you’ll also enjoy an 8,000Hz polling rate, N-key rollover, anti-ghosting, and subdued per-key RGB lighting.
Keyboard enthusiasts or those looking to get into the hobby will appreciate the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% hot-swappable PCB that lets you easily swap out three and five-pin switches without soldering. But be prepared for the slightly cramped aluminum case to make removing some keycaps and switches a bit tricky. The factory-lubricated stabilizers, two layers of sound-dampening foam, and a pre-installed tape mod also make this keyboard sound and feel great straight out of the box.
8. Razer Huntsman V2
Best Optical Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Razer Liner Optical switch | Features: 8,000Hz polling rate, Per-key RGB lighting, plush wrist rest, media controls | Size: 17.6″ x 9.2″ x 1.4″
So, you’re looking for a gaming keyboard to pair with your gaming mouse because you want to go fast and get a competitive edge? Mechanical keyboards are a strong start, but the Razer Huntsman V2 lets you go even further with optical switches and an 8,000Hz polling rate. By using optical key switches, Razer avoids one of the main things slowing traditional mechanical keyboards down: debounce. Debounce can add a few milliseconds of delay to a mechanical switch registering an input, and in competitive games, every millisecond counts. Instead, the Huntsman offers two optical switch options; clicky for a snappy response and satisfying sound or linear for a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Of course, the Razer Huntsman V2 goes well beyond having technically excellent switches. It offers up a solid design that looks dazzling on your desk with custom RGB lighting options for each key. You’ll find a comfortable plush wrist rest on deck as well, though it attaches with magnets, so you can easily add or remove it as you please. There’s even enough onboard memory to store up to five profiles, and you’ll be able to make quick adjustments to your audio with dedicated media controls.
9. Corsair K70 Max RGB
Best High-End Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Corsair MGX | Features: 8,000Hz polling rate, dedicated media controls, RGB lighting, 8MB storage, detachable wrist rest, magnetic switches | Size: 17.4″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″
A PC controller can only go so far, so you might want a gaming keyboard full of high-end features, like the Corsair K70 Max RGB. This keyboard takes all the great from past K70 keyboards and improves upon them. To start, you get magnetic linear switches, and you can adjust the actuation and reset point of every key, giving you a massive advantage over the competition. Corsair’s iCue software makes those adjustments simple, and it’s possible to save up to 50 profiles and 20 lighting layers on board thanks to 8MB of storage.
The Corsair K70 Max RGB covers up those impressive linear switches with durable double-shot PBT keycaps that still let all the flashy RGB lighting shine through. Also on board are dedicated media controls and a unique “Tournament Mode” toggle limiting RGB lighting and disabling macros. Corsair didn’t forget about sound with two layers of silicone sound-dampening foam to help prevent the common clanging on aluminum boards.
10. Wooting Two HE
Best Analog Gaming Keyboard
Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Gateron x Lekker linear | Features: onboard memory, RGB lighting, Dynamic Keystroke, adjustable actuation point, Tachyon mode for lower latency | Size: 18.11 x 5.9 x 1.5″
Ask any true keyboard afficionado and they’ll tell you the best keyboards are analog keyboards. Every single key on the Wooting Two HE is analog, similar to the buttons on your Xbox controller. That means you can configure exactly how far down they have to be pressed in order to activate. This is awesome if you have a tendency to “fat finger” keys while typing or if you want some of your keys to be more sensitive than others. This will also allow some games to read key switches similarly to how they read controller button input, for example pressing a button a bit lighter to walk instead of run.
The Wooting Two HE, just like any other gaming keyboard, also features a per-key RGB lighting effect. But realizing that some comptetive gamers might prefer a lower latency experience than one with colorful lights, there’s a profile you can enable through the Wootility software to boost responsiveness at the cost of lighting. This is a grown-up’s gaming keyboard, and has some of the best key switches you’ve ever used if you’ve spent your life up to now only using big-name gaming keyboards like Razer or SteelSeries.
Where to Get the Best Gaming Keyboard in the UK
Completing your set up with the perfect gaming keyboard could be one of the most important steps. Thankfully, those in the UK have plenty of brilliant keyboards to choose from, as the vast majority included in the article are also available from select retailers.
What to look for in a Gaming Keyboard
Before you even start looking at gaming keyboards, you should consider what type of key switch you want, after all, you’ll be typing and gaming with this peripheral every day.
When it comes to key switches there are two major types: membrane and mechanical.
Membrane keyboards employ a rubber or silicon dome at the end of every key press to register a keystroke and provide the user with a small amount of tactile feedback. Due to the simplicity of a membrane keyboard, they usually are more affordable than mechanical keyboards, so they’re suitable for users on a budget. On the flip side though, the rubber or silicon used as a membrane will inevitably break down faster than a mechanical switch.
Mechanical key switches are known for delivering a much stronger and more satisfying amount of feedback. Unlike membrane switches, this type involves many more components including a stem, spring, and metal contact leaves, the last of which is what actually registers a keystroke.
There’s a wide variety of mechanical key switches to choose from, so we’ll start by looking at the most common ones available, Cherry MX.
Cherry MX Red: Linear action that delivers fast actuation with very little tactile feedback.Cherry MX Black: Cherry’s other linear switch that offers a bit more resistance.Cherry MX Silver: Otherwise known as Cherry MX Speed, this type of key switch offers linear action with a shorter actuation height and lower resistance than a Cherry MX Red.Cherry MX Brown: This type of switch actuates with a tactile bump for a noticeable amount of force feedback.Cherry MX Blue: Actuates with an even greater amount of tactile feedback and an audible click.
At this point though almost every major gaming hardware maker has moved on to developing its own key switches including Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, Cooler Master, and Roccat. All these companies have developed their own keyboard switches designed specifically for gaming. They all have varying actuation force and points as well as a distinct travel distance. For the most part, all of these unique key switches all act like variations of Cherry MX switches usually with shorter debounce rates that make them feel faster.
Another thing to consider about gaming keyboards is the height of your keycaps. For the most part, keyboards use full-sized or regular height keycaps, which sort of require you to curl your fingers over to reach the top of the keys. Mid-height keycaps give you a slightly more relaxed typing experience. Lastly, low-profile keycaps are perfect for users who prefer to have their fingers hovering over their keys like they would on a gaming laptop.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
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