Gaming Keyboards can change your gaming experience by a mile. A gaming keyboard has a better response and overall smoothness that offers you a perfect gaming session. Among many reputed brands, some gaming keyboards are just ahead of others. Even though most of them are a little bit expensive, the quality will be worth the spending. Thus, we will mention the best gaming keyboards from popular brands.
Another advantage is that a popular keyboard brand always tries to maintain its product quality. So, you will not be deceived by the gorgeous look. The overall qualities will rather impress you quite a bit. Make sure that you are comparing gaming keyboards according to your budget. Let’s check out our recommendations and their exclusive features. Besides, there will be step-by-step guidance that you need before buying any gaming keyboard.
Best Gaming keyboards
Best Overall
- SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Razer Huntsman Elite
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
- Logitech G915 Lightspeed
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2
Best Customization
- Mountain Everest Max
- Roccat Vulcan Aimo 121
Best RGB
- Razer Huntsman Elite
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2
- HyperX Alloy Origins 60
- Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
Best Alternatives
- Corsair K100 RGB Optical
- Razer BlackWidow Elite
- Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
- Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
Best 60%-TKL
- HyperX Alloy Origins 60
- Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series
Gaming Keyboard Shopping Tips
While going to buy gaming keyboards, you need to understand the major and minor features. Because they are the ones that make the overall performance difference. So, we have some professional tips on gaming keyboards. Consider each section as an important option to compare your keyboard condition.
- Always check the features before brand value. As many keyboards are there that provide more features and performance than reputed brand products.
- Check out performance tests from online reviews.
- Check out the sound test. Thus, you can get if the switches are good enough for you. Sometimes, extra sound becomes a bother if you are a linear user.
- Check software compatibility with different platforms.
- RGB control and color combination.
- Build material and overall adjustments. Programmable keys, macro are part of it.
- Check out the keycaps because their quality and surface determine how smooth your gaming experience will be.
- Connectivity as if you have more options like wired, WiFi, or Bluetooth then it will help a lot during gaming.
- Check out user experience from Amazon or other online marketplaces.
- Contact local distributors to learn the warranty period.
- Compare each product with its features and prices. Make sure to compare among multiple gaming keyboards to determine the best value.
These are basic tips you should follow while choosing a gaming keyboard. There is more to it but that needs experience. You should check the keyboards up close. It will give you a better idea of them. Follow our recommendations if you have a hard time choosing a good one.
Best Gaming Keyboards to Buy in 2021
You already know the expected feature from different gaming keyboards. So, all you need is to jump into the best gaming keyboards we have here. The best gaming brands like corsair, razer, logitech, hyperX have quite a large set of professional gaming keyboards. Usually, the initial gaming experience doesn’t have a significant difference.
You may get only a few more features. In most cases, they are not that useful during gaming. Gaming performance solely depends on the base response time, layout design, keycap smoothness, and similar features. You can get the proper idea from our previous buying guide section. Let’s review the best gaming keyboards we have in our hands right now.
SteelSeries Apex Pro
SteelSeries is one of the best brands for gaming keyboards. You can’t just ignore their build quality. Although, it is not cheap. With a detachable Wrist Rest, the cost will be close to $200. Besides, the full RGB and actuation control are pretty appealing. You can even do that for each key. Moreover, the build quality is durable enough to stay perfect for a long time. This is what every gamer wants and they need constant usages.
Specification
- Brand: SteelSeries
- Model: Apex Pro
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Weight: 2.14 lbs
- Actuation Control Range: 0.4-3.6 mm
Reasons to buy
- OLED smart display
- Adjustable switch for better actuation accuracy
- Premium build quality
- Professional grade components
- Smooth feeling for typing
- Single key actuation control for the best gaming experience
- Customizable 0.4-3.6mm actuation point
- Full adjustable RGB
- Includes detachable wrist rest
- Durable switch lifetime (100 million keypresses)
Reasons to avoid
- Price is pretty high
Razer Huntsman Elite
Razer is a widely known name in the gaming industry. There is hardly any gaming component that Razer doesn’t offer. Certainly, the Huntsman series is one of the best. This razer huntsman elite has all the features you need for gaming.
Their exclusive razer optical switch has the highest response rate in the current market. With RGB and other media control, it also has a soft wrist rest. Besides, you buy other gaming products like a mouse from razer. It allows you to do one of the best gaming mouse and keyboard combo for RGB sync.
Specification
- Brand: Razer
- Model: Huntsman Elite
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switch: Razer Optical Switch
Reasons to buy
- Professional brand
- Unique optical switch
- Different switch choices available
- Perfect for professional gaming
- Amazing Build quality
- Huge RGB color control
- Soft and comfortable wrist rest
- Great software support
- 2-year official warranty
Reasons to avoid
- Quite expensive
- Start showing issues after a year
- Only wired connection
- Features comparing the price are low
- No actuation point setting like SteelSeries Apex Pro
Corsair K100 RGB Optical
Corsair gaming keyboards stand at a new level. This K100 is not only durable but also pretty amazing from the overall perspective. But, it is a bit costly as you have to pay around $200! Although, it offers you the Cherry MX switch which provides the highest level of smoothness. The processing capability and overall standard are perfect to try. Surely, this is one of the best gaming keyboards for an expensive price.
Specification:
- Brand: Corsair
- Model: K100
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switch: Cherry MX
Reasons to buy:
- Highest level of build quality
- Smooth experience
- Cherry MX switch
- Perfect for any type of professional gaming setup
- Support icue software for RGB control
- Includes wrist rest
Reasons to avoid:
- No switch adjustment
- A bit high sensitive
- Quite expensive
Razer BlackWidow Elite
This is another cool gaming keyboard from the Elite series. Its design is much better than most flashy keyboards. Its pressing smoothness and fast response suit any hardcore gaming session. The overall construction makes it one of the top gaming keyboards on our list.
Although, it does not have razer’s exclusive optical switch. This keyboard uses a different yellow switch which is just better than regular switches.
Specification
- Brand: Razer
- Model: BlackWidow Elite
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switch: Yellow
Reasons to buy
- Great build quality
- Looks stunning
- Smooth typing and pressing experience
- Pretty affordable comparing our previous keyboards
- Full RGB control
- Unique switch that is better than regular ones
Reasons to avoid
- Features are pretty limited
- Quite a downgrade comparing the Huntsman series
- Only wired connection
- No razor optical switch
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
The Corsair K95 is pretty similar to our previous K100 in many aspects. Although, it has several individual standards. Besides, this one also offers Cherry MX switch. You can also use macro keys for unique programmable features. The durable build quality will be enough to support any hardcore gaming. Moreover, you will get a comfortable wrist rest to reduce pressing stress.
Specification
- Brand: Corsair
- Model: K95 RGB Platinum XT
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switch: Cherry MX Silver
Reasons to buy
- Much better switch than K100 series
- Fastest cherry MX switch for ultra gaming
- Improved overall build quality
- Pretty beautiful a
- nd eye-catching
- Durable and perfect for a long session
- 6 Macro keys for unique command setup
- Low actuation point (1.2mm)
Reasons to avoid
- Too expensive
- Response is too fast
- Suitable for gaming but not perfect for typing
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
HyperX is considerably the best gaming keyboard brand out there. Alloy Elite 2 has the smoothest feeling you can ask for. Besides, it is much cheaper even though the features rival any premium gaming keyboard. It has pudding keycaps which is quite unique for any of these keyboards. Thus, the best RGB output will be there. In addition, it is more durable because of the steel frame. Surprisingly, all these are under $100!
Specification
- Brand: HyperX
- Model: Alloy Elite 2
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: No
- Connectivity: Wired
Reasons to buy
- Extremely affordable comparing previous keyboards
- PBT Pudding keycaps
- Great Build Quality
- Impressive mechanical switch
- Includes media control
- Steel frame
- Smooth RGB output and control
Reasons to avoid
- No wrist rest
- No Cherry MX switch as most HyperX gaming keyboards offer it
- Softwares need better support
Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Logitech G915 is one of the hottest topics in gaming keyboard portals. It is surely one of the best gaming keyboards. From the design to performance, it rivals itself. The slim design is one of the unique features it has. Moreover, this one is wireless.
Yet, you will get no-lag performance and a much better gaming experience. With media control, programmable buttons, and soft RGB, this is a perfect alternative to any of our top picks. The only drawback is not having a wrist rest.
Specification
- Brand: Logitech
- Model: G915 Lightspeed
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: No
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Battery Life: 30 hours/full charge
Reasons to buy
- Fast Wireless connectivity
- 30 hours of working period from a single charge
- Slim design
- Durable and climate pledge friendly build
- Smooth pressing experience
- Precise performance for professional gaming
- Media and programmable control
Reasons to avoid
- Highly expensive
- No wrist rest
- Tactile switch so not good for linear users
Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
Huntsman v2 Analog is quite a dedicated gaming keyboard. It has an analog design that works for gamepad-supported games. Although, this additional feature doesn’t change the gaming experience that much. But, the price gets higher than any of our previous picks. It also has the razer optical switch. All the other features are pretty identical to the Razer Huntsman Elite series.
Specification
- Brand: Razer
- Model: Huntsman v2 Analog
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
Reasons to buy
- Comes with analog control support
- Suitable for in-game 360 control
- Beautiful build with RGB
- Includes wrist rest for relaxing gaming session
- Razer optical switch for the best click response
Reasons to avoid
- Most expensive option
- Price/performance ratio is the lowest
- Analog is only useful for games that support gamepad configuration
Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series
Corsair Champion Series gaming keyboards are specialized for constant rough gaming sessions. With lots of testing, they confirm that each keyboard can deliver a perfect gaming control.
Its build quality and other features are similar to the K95. Although, it is quite affordable and does not have a wrist rest. Besides, it is not a full keyboard. This is a TKL version without the Numpad section.
Specification
- Brand: Corsair
- Model: Champion Series K70 TKL version
- Size: TKL
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: No
- Connectivity: Wired
Reasons to buy
- Highly durable
- Comes with decent switch for better response
- Compatible with software
- High quality keycaps
- RGB and media control
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive comparing the features
- Lower features
- No wrist rest
- Pretty high with extra media keys
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
HyperX Alloy Origin 60 is one of the best 60% keyboards for gaming. The performance is so smooth that it is one of the top rated gaming keyboards on Amazon. 60% has fewer keys so it reduces the space requirement. You can easily carry it anywhere. Besides, it also has printed designs on each key’s side.
Considering the original HyperX quality and these factors, it is the best and cheapest gaming keyboard we have. Not to mention, you can get in under $100!
Specification
- Brand: HyperX
- Model: Alloy Origin 60
- Size: 60%
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: No
- Connectivity: Wired
Reasons to buy
- Pretty cheap and affordable comparing other options
- Premium build quality
- Amazing size and structure
- HyperX switch of improved response
- Side prints
Reasons to avoid
- No wrist rest
- 60% design so avoid if you want full or TKL
- No Cherry MX switch
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
If you want an absolute gaming keyboard with 100% key customization then Kinesis Freestyle is for you. You may didn’t even know about this one. It has a split design that allows you to separate the keyboard into two pieces. It will give you enough space to operate for typing and gaming.
Besides, every key is customizable so you can use a single half only for gaming settings. This is a unique keyboard with high potential. The board comes with Cherry MX brown switch. Although you can select other switches like Blue, Red, or Silver. The price will be depending on that choice.
Specification
- Brand: Kinesis
- Model: Freestyle Edge RGB
- Size: Custom
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switch: Cherry MX Brown, Red, Blue & Silver
Reasons to buy
- Unique and perfect for gamers
- Exotic design
- All key programmable
- Split design to save space
- Full RGB
- Cherry MX switches
- User friendly setup (Plug-and-Play)
Reasons to avoid
- Design can be unpleasant for many users
- Only wired connection which is a huge drawback
- Quite expensive
Mountain Everest Max
Looks like unknown brands have more unique features than our trendy brands. This keyboard has every detachable. You can detach the Numpad section, media control, and wrist rest as well. Besides, it is also hot swappable. So, you can easily change the switch and keycaps as per choice. But, it is not a cheap gaming keyboard. So you better be careful before buying.
Specification
- Brand: Mountain Everest
- Model: Max RGB
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired (Type C)
- Switch: Hot swappable Cherry MX
Reasons to buy
- Hot swappable and customizable
- Supports Cherry MX switches
- Detachable NumPad and Media Control
- Amazing build design
- Full RGB control
Reasons to avoid
- Highly Expensive
- Build quality is not as durable as others
- Adjustments have some issues
- Driver support needs improvement
Roccat Vulcan Aimo 121
Roccat Vulcano is pretty similar to our picks from razer and corsair. Its design and overall performance also rival them. This full sized gaming keyboard has tactile brown switch. Even more, the aluminum build is quite durable. Even more, you can get it for around $150. From the price point, it is already a win. The detachable wrist rest is also there to make you feel comfortable for long gaming or typing periods.
Specification
- Brand: Roccat
- Model: Vulcan Aimo 121
- Size: Full
- RGB: Yes
- Wrist rest: Yes
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switch: Titan Brown (tactile)
- asons to buy
- Impressive build with aluminum
- Beautiful design and easy control
- Media control
- Detachable wrist rest
- Easy to control RGB effects
- Affordable and worth the price
- An amazing alternative to popular gaming keyboards of the same range
Reasons to avoid
- Lack in few overall design and quality
- Better switch and keycap combination is necessary
- Still not suitable for hardcore professional gaming
How to Choose Best Gaming Keyboard
Choosing a gaming keyboard requires experience. If you are a newbie in these expensive gaming keyboards then the selection can become quite tough. We have mentioned some tips to follow before buying. But, if you want to learn deeply then follow here. We are going to mention the factors that indicate a keyboard’s overall performance.
Switch & Keycap
It may sound weird but switches and keycaps are the things that determine a keyboard’s performance. If the switches have lower accuracy or performance then you have no use for them. Gaming requires the best response and performance. There are many switches like regular ones, Razer optical, Cherry MX, Akko, Gateron, Fl.cmmk, and more.
Depending on the switch quality, you will also see if they are tactile, clicky, or linear. As for keycaps, the smooth they are, the better feel you will get. Musy or low quality keycaps will make it harder for gaming or typing.
Size
There are full size, TKL, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60% or even smaller. If you don’t need a full sized keyboard then selecting one of the smaller versions will be better. It will save you a lot of money and space as well.
RGB
Even though RGB doesn’t have any effect on the keyboard performance, it is still an important feature. Most gaming keyboards come with RGB and the color combination makes it look cooler. If you have a custom gaming setup then the RGB control will let you customize it depending on the overall setup.
Wrist Rest
It is quite important and you should not buy any expensive keyboard without a wrist rest with it. From wood to leather, there are many types of wrist rests available. Leather would be perfect for a smoother experience. Although, you can buy them separately as well.
Programmable Key and Macro
A programmable key allows you to customize each key and assign it a distinct command. Macro is pretty similar but it has a wide application. Depending on the command type, you can execute certain commands with macro.
Build Material & Durability
Durability depends on the keyboard’s build material. The stronger material you can get, the longer it will work. Aluminum, steel, plastic, and other components are available. Overall, you need dust resistance, water resistance, and similar attributes. It will also determine how heavy the board will be.
Wired, or Wireless?
Wired or Wireless is a question about gaming keyboards. Both are equally the same in terms of usages. Although, if you don’t like wires and carry the keyboard from place to place then wireless will be better. Many gamers also love to design wireless setups for more flexibility. In that case, wireless is the choice. Else, wired is pretty suitable. Because we don’t really carry gaming keyboards pretty often. So, it depends on your choice and usages. Wired keyboards are more popular among gamers than wireless ones.
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Final Word
Gaming keyboards are indeed a compulsory part of gaming. You can play on pc or support without a keyboard. Even more, many games can’t be played without a keyboard. You need one anyway. Having a gaming keyboard gives you a lot of room to perform better. Better response and precise performance are what you need to reach higher MMR or competitive success. Thus, we have this review on the best gaming keyboards from the best brands.
Usually, they are pretty expensive. Even though there are cheaper alternatives, the performance goes down. But, consider your preference first and select one of those. Always try to be on your budget. We have brands like Razer, hyper X, Corsair, Logitech, and their exclusive collections. Check them out and get the best gaming keyboard for your professional gaming carrier.