Why should you buy a gaming keyboard? The one budget offering that you purchased from the local PC shop for a tenner does the job with emails and essays - so, why not gaming? If you want to have a look through the best keyboards, we have that covered, too.
Whilst even the best budget gaming keyboards look incredible, there are several specialist technical features found onboard pricier keyboards that can give gamers a tactical edge over standard designs. They're more accurate – thanks to inconspicuous but essential mechanical functions, like anti-ghosting and rollover tech, that work to keep your keystrokes accurate and ordered. The ergonomics are refined, allowing you to stay free from hand fatigue for hours on end.
The best gaming keyboards at a glance:
• Best gaming keyboard: Corsair K95 Platinum Mechanical Keyboard – View at Amazon
• Best budget gaming keyboard: Logitech G512 Mechanical Keyboard – View at Amazon
• Best TKL gaming keyboard: SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Mechanical Keyboard – View at Amazon
• Best gaming keyboard for streaming: Logitech G915 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard – View at Amazon
Multifunction and multimedia keys help to streamline system operation and user experience, and programmable macro keys can be customised to perform…well, whatever you like. Many keyboards also come with some form of software suite, allowing for even more detailed customisation, colour synchronisation, and game-by-game personal layout profiles. Often, these suites will control multiple devices from the same brand, including a gaming mouse, speakers, and gaming headset.
If you're keen to find out more about these features, check out our guide at the bottom of the page. In the meantime, to help you find your next gaming companion, we've rounded up the very best gaming keyboards around.
Best overall
Corsair knows gaming, and the K95 Platinum is a distillation of this experience, from design through to execution. The keyboard carries the ever-reliable Cherry MX Blue mechanical keyboard switches, delivering a rapid and accurate performance from underneath Corsair's carefully crafted and sturdy PBT double-shot keycaps.
There are six dedicated macro keys, which can be programmed with in-game and stream controls (via Elgato Stream Deck software). The metal body not only looks marvellous but also adds a firm rigidity to the board, reducing bounce and vibration.
Pros
- Excellent responsive key switches
- Great RGB lighting
- Perfect for streamers
Cons
- Not ideal for beginner gamers
Dimensions: | 46.5 x 17.1 x 3.6 cm |
Keyboard type: | Mechanical |
Switches: | Cherry MX Speed |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best budget
Logitech's G512 is a pro-tier mechanical budget keyboard, and it's not likely to be beaten. We were blown away by its excellent features, switches and G-Hub software capability when we reviewed the keyboard, and still is to this day.
Editor Will picked one up for testing, and had this to say:
"The keyboard itself feels bombproof, with the aluminium chassis and rigid moulded-plastic underside combining to create a durable and sturdy construction. Even the non-slip risers, which are often a weak point for any keyboard, are deep-set and wide, providing a stable and reliable footing.
"Considering the array of high-performance features and affordable price point of the 512 SE, it’s hard to see what could be improved. At a push, we’d liked to have seen a braided cable and a little less start-up impact from G-HUB.
Whatever your need, whatever your budget, the Logitech G512 SE is going to exceed expectations. Don't miss out on the chance to pick one up, but if you're still not convinced, read the full review here.
Pros
- Great value keyboard
- Wonderful responsiveness
- Easy to use
Cons
- Loud clicking while typing from brown switches
Dimensions: | 44.5 x 13.2 x 3.43cm |
Keyboard type: | Mechanical |
Switches: | GX Brown switches |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best tenkeyless
One of the best TKL keyboards of the year, the APEX 7 boasts a significant list of features. The case is an aircraft-grade aluminium alloy with a choice of red, blue, or brown SteelSeries mechanical ultra-fast key switches.
What's more, there are also five custom macro key profiles, a USB passthrough port, RGB per-key illumination, and 100% anti-ghosting; dedicated media control. In conclusion, it's brilliant. Also available in a full configuration with the ten-key number pad.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Excellent key switches
- Excellent RGB lighting
Cons
- Loud ringing from key presses
Dimensions: | 43.7 x 13.92 x 4.03 cm |
Keyboard type: | Mechanical |
Switches: | Red switches |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best for streaming
The Logitech G915 will please anyone looking for a streamlined and clutter-free PC gaming setup. The G915 has a stunningly low profile and, as a wireless board, is free from cables. You won't notice any performance drop-off from this wireless connection either, with a 1ms report rate (hence the well-deserved Lightspeed moniker).
The build is minimalistic, with the simple metal construction holding the board sturdy, even during furious in-game button smashes. The switches are something to be admired also – Logitech Pro Performance low profile models are half the height of traditional mechanical switches, delivering the same keystroke feel but with considerably less movement - it's not only the wireless connection that'll be moving at lightspeed now.
All-in-all, the Logitech G915 is perhaps one of the best Logitech keyboards of the year, not to mention one of the best gaming keyboards for streaming.
Pros
- Minimalistic design for a simpler setup
- Wireless connection always a bonus
- Rapid response rate
Cons
- Typing experience is a little cheap-feeling
Dimensions: | 49.29 x 17.4 x 4.4 cm |
Keyboard type: | Wireless mechanical |
Switches: | Low-profile GL-tactile key switches |
Battery life: | Up to 30 hours |
Best under £50
When we reviewed the HyperX Alloy Core, we found it to be a great gaming keyboard that compromises on some flashier features, to focus on delivering what counts.
The membrane keys are quiet yet clunky, offering a pleasing tactile response not too dissimilar from some mechanical switches. All function is built-in, so there's no additional software needed to run the keyboard. For the price, the Alloy Core is a great offering.
Reviewer Will had some thoughts on the keyboard:
"The HyperX Alloy Core is a great gaming keyboard that compromises on some flashier features, to focus on delivering what counts. A model to consider for entry-level gaming builds and anyone on a budget."
Read the full review here.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Great RGB lighting optionality
- Comfortable and quiet
Cons
- Not quite as accurate as a true mechanical keyboard
Dimensions: | 44.3 x 17.5 x 3.6 cm |
Keyboard type: | Membrane |
Switches: | N/A |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best entry-level
As we said in our review, "for a gamer on a budget looking to try out the world of mechanical gaming keyboards, the Redragon Kumara K552 is a good place to start." Redragon's mechanical switches, modelled on the Cherry X Blue, provide great durability, tactility, and that important clicking sound.
It's a sturdy and surprisingly accomplished mechanical keyboard, considering the price. The aluminium base has liquid run-off holes, protecting you against any accidental spills.
Pros
- Excellent budget mechanical keyboard
- Great size
- Ideal for beginner gamers
Cons
- Full-size might not be appealing to all gamers
Dimensions: | 43.5 x 12.4 x 3.8 cm |
Keyboard type: | Mechanical |
Switches: | Red switches |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best with RGB
The BlackWidow range is home to some of the all-time best-selling keyboards, and this iteration is one of the highlights. Keystrokes are smooth and reliable, with the tactile and clicky Razer Green switches being amongst the best we've seen.
Powerful customisation is possible with this keyboard, too, as you can reassign and configure every single one of the keys, with five whole-board configurations being storable for quick, on-the-fly access. On top of this, the Razer HyperShift is a key-activated function which doubles the functions available for each key.
The RGB Chroma lighting effects also add to the game immersion, with integrated game profiles activating specific lighting events to reflect on-screen actions. If you're looking for a gorgeous keyboard wristrest, you'll certainly find a great one with the Razer Blackwidow.
Pros
- Fantastic lighting
- Comfortable design
- Easy to use
Cons
- Loud switches aren't ideal for everyone
Dimensions: | 49.2 x 20.1 x 7.3 cm |
Keyboard type: | Mechanical |
Switches: | Green switch |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best for hardcore players
The German-built DAS 4 is a high-grade keyboard, presented in an anodised aluminium robust casing with a black-on-black design. The Cherry MX Brown key switches will support fast and accurate keystrokes, while the dedicated media keys, instant sleep button, oversized volume control, and two USB 3.0 ports provide extra functionality for increased user functionality.
Everything this keyboard does, it does with accuracy and distinction. You'll have to know your QWERTY layout pretty well though, as the keys are completely blank, giving it an undeniably awesome aesthetic.
Pros
- Great keyboard design
- Ideal for intense gaming
- Brilliant tactile switches
Cons
- Not entirely necessary for casual gamers
Dimensions: | 46 x 18 x 2.1 cm |
Keyboard type: | Mechanical |
Keyswitches: | Cherry MX Brown |
Battery life: | N/A |
Best high-end
If you want a high-end gaming keyboard without the high-end price, the Galaxy70 from Epomaker has everything you'll need. With a fully aluminium outer case, high-quality PBT keycaps and pre-lubed mechanical switches, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's expensive. But at only £99, it offers great value as well as great materials. Though it lacks options such as Snap Tap, it is highly customisable, allowing you to tune it to your game and your setup.
Olivia reviewed the keyboard, and had this to say:
"When I first saw the Galaxy 70, for the price it was advertised, at first I was admittedly very sceptical. I’d heard of the keyboards before, but never used one, and it all seemed a little too good to be true. As someone who knows far more about the workings of keyboards than any normal person, I have never been so happy to be proven wrong.
"When it comes to recommending it, to me, this is the best keyboard on the market for the price right now. Yes the software may be a bit clunky, but that's a very forgivable flaw when you look at the sum of the keyboard's parts. I wish I'd discovered this keyboard before I sunk money into another brand, as this offers everything I want in a keyboard, with great materials and a great cost."
You can read the full review here if you want to find out more.
Pros
- Smooth and satisfying typing experience
- Highly customisable, from the lights to the switches
- Included RGB is bright and vivid
Cons
- Software to configure macro keys and lighting is a little clunky
Size: | 398 x 189 x 62 mm |
Connectivity: | Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired |
Backlighting: | Yes |
Switches: | Epomaker Zebra (linear), Epomaker Petal (tactile) |
Hotswap: | Yes, 5-pin support |
Best mechanical
An excellent full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard from budget gaming keyboard manufacturer, Epomaker, the RT100's uniquely retro aesthetic is truly special. Paired with enticingly futuristic features such as a mini-LED screen, RGB lighting and several connectivity modes for excellent device accessibility, the EPOMAKER RT100 has a functionality and aesthetic that far exceeds its reasonable price point.
Tech writer and reviewer, Ryan Houghton, had the pleasure of conducting anEPOMAKER RT100 keyboard review, here are some of his thoughts:
"Epomaker's RT100 keyboard is possibly the most featureful mechanical keyboard we've ever used. Not just a retro-futuristic keyboard with a mini display, volume controls, and an inviting blend of RGB lighting, but one of the very best keyboards of the year, those who haven't yet considered the RT100 for their gaming PC setup seriously need to."
Pros
- Excellent retro design
- Highly customisable mini TV screen
- Fantastic clicky sound and responsive actuation
Cons
- Some difficulties in connecting the keyboard initially
Dimensions | 147 x 397 x 30 mm (H x W x D) |
Keyboard type | Full-size mechanical keyboard |
Keyswitches | Wisteria Linear switches |
Battery life | Up to six days when fully charged |
Mechanical vs. Membrane
Typical typing keyboards tend to use a membrane (a rubber-looking mat that sits under the keys) to register keystrokes. If you're typing quickly, this membrane can cause rollover issues, both skipping and incorrect key activations.
This is in part due to membranes needing a very precise pressure activation and sharing the component used to register. When compared with a mechanical switch, a membrane can feel vague or mushy. On average, membrane keyboards have a short lifespan and are hard to clean, but some stand by the membrane board as they are often lighter, quieter, and more affordable than most mechanical boards.
Mechanical switches (and there are multiple types) are well-loved in the gaming community as they offer accurate and rapid key response even during moments of really high input. The feeling of a mechanical switch is tactile and reassuring, and the higher activation point means that the keys don't need to be completely pressed down to register. As each key has a dedicated switch, there's no accidental registering of other keys. The volume of individual switches can increase the weight and size of the keyboard.
Compact and TKL keyboards
Another quick concept to be familiar with is compact, or TKL (ten-keyless), gaming keyboards. These keyboards do not have the right ten-key number pad and accompanying function keys. This reduces the size and cost of keyboards, but for some, the removal of functionality will be too much greater sacrifice. It all comes down to personal preference.
Anti-ghosting and rollover tech
Rollover refers to a keyboard's ability to handle multiple keystrokes. X-rollover means that a keyboard should be able to register all keys being pressed simultaneously.
Ghosting is what happens when you've pressed multiple keys simultaneously, and some of the keys aren't reported at all – they disappear, hence 'ghosting'. Anti-ghosting means that the keyboard can handle and organise these keypresses.
When it comes to high-octane gaming situations, the instructions you give your gaming rig come thick and fast. With anti-ghosting and rollover tech, a keyboard can handle a significant number of quickly occurring keystrokes and delivery them accurately to your system.