We tested over 245 keyboards in our lab, and finding the Best gaming keyboards isn’t as simple as most people think.
The gaming keyboard market offers impressive technological advances. The Wooting 80HE delivers record-breaking low latency, while the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL features an impressive 0.1mm actuation point. Gamers seeking an 8000Hz polling rate can choose the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, and budget-conscious players have plenty of solid options too.
We got a full picture of each keyboard’s performance through hands-on testing. Our team assessed build quality and features to guide your choice. The recommendations include premium mechanical keyboards and value options that match different gaming styles and budgets.
Razer Huntsman V2: The Ultimate Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Huntsman V2 revolutionizes gaming with its optical switch technology that delivers near-zero input latency. This keyboard pairs optical switches with an impressive 8000Hz polling rate and responds in just 0.125ms.
Razer Huntsman V2 Features and Performance
Razer’s second-generation optical switches are the keyboard’s core technology. These switches use light beams instead of mechanical contacts for actuation. They last for 100 million keystrokes and the linear switches have a 1.2mm actuation point – much shorter than regular mechanical switches. The keyboard can store up to five onboard memory profiles and comes with dedicated media controls and a multi-function digital dial.
Razer Huntsman V2 Build Quality
The Huntsman V2’s premium build uses aircraft-grade aluminium with a clean matte finish. The sound-dampening foam inside the casing cuts down unwanted noise. Doubleshot PBT keycaps resist wear and last longer, while the magnetic wrist rest keeps you comfortable during long gaming sessions.
Razer Huntsman V2 Gaming Experience
Optical switches combined with 8000Hz HyperPolling technology create a super-responsive gaming experience. The keyboard shines in competitive gaming and works great with all game types. Razer’s Synapse software lets you program macros, customize RGB lighting, and set up game-specific profiles. The keyboard delivers stable performance with low single-key and multi-key latency, making it perfect for competitive gaming at the highest level.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL: Best for Competitive Gaming
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL sets new standards in competitive gaming with its OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic switches. These switches give players unmatched customization and speed.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Features
An OLED Smart Display sits at the keyboard’s heart and works as your command centre. You can adjust settings and switch profiles quickly. The keyboard’s aircraft-grade aluminum frame comes with a magnetic wristrest. You’ll find three-position adjustable tilt legs that add comfort. The PBT keycaps have a unique texture that makes keystrokes feel better and typing more accurate.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL OmniPoint Switches
OmniPoint 2.0 switches perform remarkably well – they’re 20x faster in actuation and respond 11x quicker than traditional mechanical keyboards. These switches let you customize with 40 different actuation levels from 0.1mm to 4.0mm. Magnetic sensors in the switches ensure up to 100 million keystrokes.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gaming Performance
The keyboard excels at competitive gaming with its Rapid Trigger technology. This tech adjusts key activation based on travel distance. You can program two different actions to a single key – walk with a light press and sprint with a deeper press. The keyboard delivers stable performance with low latency, which works great for fast-paced games like Counter-Strike 2.
Mountain Everest Max: Most Versatile Gaming Keyboard
The Mountain Everest Max is reshaping the scene with its trailblazing modular design that changes how gamers use their peripherals.
Mountain Everest Max Modular Design
This keyboard’s lifeblood is its adaptable architecture. A detachable numpad connects through USB-C and magnetically attaches to either side. The media dock works with the same flexibility and mounts to the left or right top side. The patent-pending riser feet give better stability than typical plastic solutions. Users can add a magnetic palm rest to complete their setup, though it works separately from the numpad section.
Mountain Everest Max Customization Options
A hot-swappable PCB that works with three-pin switches makes this keyboard highly customizable. Base Camp software gives you detailed control with macro programming and RGB options across 16.7 million colours. The numpad features four programmable display keys that work like a Stream Deck to launch macros and applications quickly. You’ll find a 240×240-pixel colour display dial on the media dock with five physical buttons that monitor and control your system.
Mountain Everest Max Performance
Sound-dampening foam sits between the PCB and case to improve acoustics. Cherry MX switches come pre-installed and factory-tuned with Glaze GPL 205 Grade 0 stabilizers that eliminate rattle. The keyboard’s OBS Studio integration helps content creators control recording, streaming, and transitions directly. N-key rollover technology ensures accurate input registration and delivers consistent performance in all gaming situations.
Logitech G915 TKL: Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G915 TKL brings a new standard to wireless gaming with its ultra-thin profile and exceptional connectivity options.
Logitech G915 TKL Wireless Technology
This keyboard comes with Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology that delivers a remarkable 1ms response time. Users can easily switch between LIGHTSPEED wireless via a USB receiver and Bluetooth with just one button press. The keyboard smoothly connects to Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS platforms.
Logitech G915 TKL Battery Life
Your battery life will depend on RGB lighting settings:
- 42 hours at 100% RGB brightness
- 149 hours at 50% brightness
- Up to 1000 hours with lighting turned off
The keyboard’s battery indicator light alerts you when power drops to 15%. You can fully recharge it in under four hours through micro USB, and keep gaming while it charges.
Logitech G915 TKL Gaming Experience
High-performance low-profile GL mechanical switches make this keyboard special. These switches are half the height of traditional ones but don’t compromise on speed or accuracy. The LIGHTSYNC RGB technology lets you customize lighting from 16.8 million colours with per-key control. Logitech G HUB software helps you create custom animations and pick from preset effects. The keyboard performs reliably in any gaming scenario and never drops the connection, even with multiple wireless devices running at once.
ASUS ROG Azoth: Best Premium Gaming Keyboard
Image Source: ROG – ASUS
The ASUS ROG Azoth combines premium features with excellent gaming performance in a 75% form factor keyboard.
ASUS ROG Azoth Build Quality
A metal top cover with a textured dark grey finish forms the keyboard’s core design. The original build weighs 1186g and provides a rock-solid typing platform. A three-layer dampening system with silicone gaskets and PORON foam reduces noise and vibration significantly.
ASUS ROG Azoth Features
The keyboard connects through multiple options:
- USB Type-C wired connection
- 2.4GHz SpeedNova wireless technology
- Bluetooth 5.1 multi-device pairing
The ROG NX mechanical switches are pre-lubed at the factory and deliver smooth keystrokes without scratch or ping problems. The hot-swappable PCB works with both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. The keyboard comes with a complete DIY kit that has a switch opener, lube station, and Krytox 205g0 lubricant.
ASUS ROG Azoth Gaming Performance
A 1000Hz polling rate makes this keyboard excel at gaming. SpeedNova wireless technology delivers uninterrupted, low-latency performance that matches wired keyboards. The battery lasts over 2,000 hours in 2.4GHz mode when RGB and OLED are turned off. The programmable OLED display shows system information and keyboard settings quickly, while a three-way control knob makes adjustments easy during gameplay.
Ducky One 3: Best Hot-Swappable Gaming Keyboard
The Ducky One 3 takes mechanical keyboard customization to new heights with its hot-swap capabilities and premium gaming features.
Ducky One 3 Design Features
Multiple layers of sound-dampening foam make this keyboard acoustically optimized. An EVA foam pad sits beneath the PCB to reduce unwanted noise. The case design includes strategic padding that suppresses sound effectively. The keyboard’s balanced weight distribution and lower case height provide rock-solid stability during intense gaming sessions.
Ducky One 3 Customization Options
A hot-swappable PCB with Kailh sockets lets users install various mechanical switches. The keyboard comes with these Cherry MX switch options:
- RGB Clear: Unique tactile switch with 65g actuation force
- Cherry MX variants: Linear, tactile, and clicky options
The PBT double-shot keycaps have a frosted surface that won’t stain or shine. Users can program complex macros and customize RGB lighting effects through the Ducky Macro V2.1 system across multiple profiles.
Ducky One 3 Gaming Experience
The keyboard responds at a 1000Hz polling rate, which means it sends input signals to the PC 1000 times per second. N-key rollover ensures accurate input registration during complex gaming moves. The multi-layered padding design brings out pure switch acoustics while cutting down unwanted noise. Three different tilt angles from the two-step keyboard feet help optimize comfort during long gaming sessions.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core: Best Mid-Range Gaming Keyboard
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core hits the sweet spot between performance and value. This compact tenkeyless keyboard packs premium features while staying under USD 100.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Features
The keyboard comes with customizable RGB lighting and exposed LEDs that create brighter illumination. We designed it with a detachable USB-C cable that makes it portable, though the connector follows strict compatibility standards. You can store custom lighting effects and macros in three onboard profiles. The keyboard’s adjustable feet let you choose between three tilt angles – 3°, 7°, and 11° – so you can find your perfect typing position.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Build Quality
An aircraft-grade aluminium frame gives this keyboard rock-solid durability without any flex. The matte black finish looks professional and keeps fingerprints away. You can pick from three proprietary HyperX switch options:
- HyperX Red: Linear switches with 45g actuation force
- HyperX Aqua: Tactile switches with smooth feedback
- HyperX Blue: Clicky switches for audible response
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Gaming Performance
Gaming feels responsive thanks to the 1.8mm actuation point and 3.8mm total travel distance. The INGENUITY software lets you customize RGB lighting, program macros, and adjust Game Mode settings. The keyboard showed excellent responsiveness when we tested it with fast-paced games like Doom Eternal and Apex Legends. N-key rollover combined with 100% anti-ghosting makes sure every keypress registers during intense gaming sessions.
Glorious GMMK Pro: Best Enthusiast Gaming Keyboard
The Glorious GMMK Pro stands out as a premium DIY keyboard that gives enthusiast gamers exceptional customization options.
Glorious GMMK Pro Build Quality
A CNC machined aluminium body makes this keyboard weigh 1510 grams (~3 lb). The anodized finish resists scratches and delivers a smooth, velvety texture with a premium cold-touch feel. The gasket-mounted design isolates typing sounds effectively, and sound-dampening foam between the PCB and case creates superior acoustics.
Glorious GMMK Pro Customization
The hot-swappable PCB works with both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. Users can pick from these plates:
- Polycarbonate plate that boosts RGB diffusion and works best with tactile switches
- The brass plate that suits linear switches perfectly
- Aluminum plate that delivers balanced performance
The Glorious CORE software gives users detailed control over RGB lighting, key remapping, and performance settings. The programmable rotary knob adds user-friendly media control with customizable functions.
Glorious GMMK Pro Gaming Experience
The keyboard delivers consistent gaming performance with its 1000Hz polling rate. South-facing RGB LEDs light up custom keycaps perfectly without interference. QMK/VIA firmware support allows advanced macro programming and customization options. The frame lets users take it apart repeatedly, which appeals to enthusiasts who love trying different configurations.
Conclusion
We’ve tested hundreds of gaming keyboards and seen amazing improvements at every price point. The Razer Huntsman V2 and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL challenge what’s possible with their innovative switches and ultra-low latency. Budget gamers can get great performance from keyboards like the Corsair K55 RGB Pro that packs essential gaming features without cutting corners.
Your specific needs will determine the best choice. Fast polling rates and quick actuation points should be top priorities for competitive gamers. The Glorious GMMK Pro’s hot-swappable design makes it perfect for enthusiasts who love to customize. Players wanting wireless freedom without losing performance will love the Logitech G915 TKL or ASUS ROG Azoth.
A keyboard’s build quality and switch type shape the gaming experience. Premium aluminium construction combines sound dampening and reliable switches to create a solid base for long gaming sessions. The newest optical and Hall Effect technologies deliver unmatched speed and customization options.
Our extensive testing shows these keyboards perform well in gaming scenarios of all types. This piece helps you pick the right one based on solid performance data and ground testing, whether you’re competing in esports or gaming casually.
FAQs
Q1. What is currently considered the best overall gaming keyboard?
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is widely regarded as the top gaming keyboard, offering an excellent mechanical feel and a compact full-size design.
Q2. How long can I expect a gaming keyboard to last?
A quality gaming keyboard can typically last between 5 to 10 years, with high-end models often lasting longer. Most are rated for 50 to 70 million keystrokes.
Q3. What features should I look for in a gaming keyboard?
Key features to consider include the switch type, polling rate, build quality, customization options, and any special technologies like optical switches or Hall Effect sensors.
Q4. Are wireless gaming keyboards as responsive as wired ones?
Modern wireless gaming keyboards, like the Logitech G915 TKL with its LIGHTSPEED technology, can offer performance comparable to wired keyboards with 1ms response times.
Q5. What’s the difference between optical and mechanical switches in gaming keyboards?
Optical switches use light beams for actuation, offering faster response times and longer lifespans compared to traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact points.
