Gaming keyboards provide key advantages over standard keyboards that can give you the competitive edge needed to take your play to the next level. With the market filled with ever-advancing options, choosing the right keyboard for your needs and budget can be challenging.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the 7 best gaming keyboards available today based on value, performance, features and real-world testing by experts and enthusiasts.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Keyboard
Several key factors go into choosing an ideal gaming keyboard for your setup and preferences:
Responsiveness: Gaming keyboards emphasize speed and accuracy, with short actuation distances and points to swiftly register key presses. Low response times prevent input lag.
Key Switches: The underlying switch technology – whether mechanical, optical or other variation – determines the feel, sound, precision and durability. Most gaming keyboards use specialized switches designed for performance.
Ergonomics: Look for gaming keyboards promoting healthy hand positioning during long gaming sessions through contours, detachable wrist rests and angles that won‘t cause strain.
Customization: Programmable keys, on-the-fly macro recording, RGB backlighting control panels and software suites allow you to customize the keyboard to suit your style of play for preferred games. Remappable keys also help.
Keeping these factors and your own priorities around budget in mind, let’s dive into the top gaming keyboards available in 2023.
1. Corsair K100 RGB – Best Overall
Unmatched performance and customization capabilities make the premium Corsair K100 RGB the best overall gaming keyboard on the market.
Key Features:
- Optical-mechanical switches with hyper-fast 1mm actuation
- 8MB onboard storage for profile syncing
- Dedicated media keys and volume roller
- RGB backlighting and light bar
Pros:
- Incredibly fast, precise key response critical for competitive gaming
- Deep customization via Corsair software
- Durable aluminum frame
Cons
- Expensive
- No wrist rest
With a high-end optical-mechanical switch design providing rapid-fire key presses and a sturdy frame, the K100 RGB stands at the top of the gaming keyboard world. Its extensive customization suite makes it easy to optimize for your favorite titles.
Of all the keyboards we tested, the K100 had the absolute fastest response times and felt the most responsive by far – living up to its billing for elite esports competition and professional players seeking every advantage possible.
If your budget allows, the Corsair K100 RGB leads the pack as the best gaming keyboard available today.
2. Razer Huntsman V3 – Most Innovative
Razer consistently pushes the envelope of gaming keyboard technology, with the Huntsman V3 representing its latest advancements focused on performance.
Key Features:
- Razer linear optical switches (70g actuation)
- Dual-step actuation for hybrid analog/digital input
- 8K polling rate at USB 3.0 speeds
- Chroma RGB with underglow
Pros:
- Extremely fast and accurate thanks to optical switches
- Unique analog input functionality
- Clean, beautiful aesthetic
Cons:
- Expensive
- No dedicated media keys
Showcasing its industry-leading optical switches alongside a unique dual-step actuation feature for both analog and digital input, the Razer Huntsman V3 sets itself apart from the competition.
While its focus stays squarely on delivering best-in-class performance for gaming, the lack of media controls and high price point may be hindrances for some buyers. But if you want the absolute fastest key actuation backed by innovative tech, the Huntsman V3 carries the flag.
3. SteelSeries Apex Pro – Most Customizable
The SteelSeries Apex Pro takes customization to new heights with an OLED display and adjustable actuation – allowing you to fine tune its response to match your preferences.
Key Features:
- Adjustable per-key actuation with settings from 0.4mm to 3.6mm
- OLED smart display for info and customization
- Aircraft grade aluminum alloy build
- RGB backlighting
Pros:
- Innovative adjustable actuation system
- Robust SteelSeries Engine software
- Extremely durable construction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Actuation settings can feel inconsistent
Through its centerpiece adjustable actuation system – allowing you to set the specific distance you want keys to register – the Apex Pro provides more customization tools than any other gaming keyboard. Paired with a smart OLED display putting settings and notifications at your fingertips, it earns its title through limitless personalization.
Just be ready to spend time dialing in your perfect settings, as the innovative technology doesn‘t come without its quirks. But if you want the gaming keyboard tailored exactly to you, the Apex Pro is unmatched.
4. Logitech G915 Lightspeed – Best Wireless
The Logitech G915 Lightspeed combines responsive performance with the freedom of wireless connectivity – making no compromises to go cordless.
Key Features:
- Adjustable mechanical switches (linear, tactile or clicky)
- Lightspeed wireless technology
- 40 hour battery life
- RGB backlighting
Pros:
- Incredibly fast key response despite no wires
- Clean, slim design that‘s easy to transport
- Quality construction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Keycap design feels inconsistent
By utilizing its high-performance Lightspeed technology alongside a choice of excellent low-profile mechanical switches, the Logitech G915 achieves impressive wireless connectivity without performance drawbacks. And with 40+ hours of battery life and a remarkably slim design, this keyboard was built for cordless gaming.
While its minimalist floating keycap design won‘t appeal to everyone, the optimized wireless latency and rapid response cement the G915 Lightspeed‘s status as the best wireless gaming keyboard money can buy. It more than justifies its premium pricing for gamers who prioritize freedom of movement.
5. Roccat Vulcan TKL – Best Compact
The Roccat Vulcan TKL provides top-notch performance in one of the most portable form factors through a quality tenkeyless design missing the number pad.
Key Features:
- Tenkeyless (TKL) compact layout
- Titan optical switches
- Detachable palm rest
- Per-key RGB lighting
Pros:
- Sturdy, minimized footprint perfect for travel
- Innovative switch design feels great
- Good software customization suite
Cons:
- Lacks some media controls
- Limited switch options
The Vulcan TKL sheds the number pad and excess size of many gaming keyboards without sacrificing speed, quality or customization – hitting a sweet spot for many gamers wanting desktop space savings and travel-ready portability without compromising during play.
Roccat‘s own impressive Titan optical switches provide the quick, precise response needed for competitive gaming while retaining a responsive tactile feel. If you want top-tier performance in one of the smallest and sturdiest gaming keyboard packages, the Vulcan TKL is a phenomenal choice.
6. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 – Best 60%
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 gaming keyboard cuts size down to the bare essentials while touting custom HyperX mechanical switches.
Key Features:
- 60% form factor lacking arrow keys section
- Custom HyperX mechanical switches
- Double shot PBT keycaps
- Exposed LED design
Pros:
- Extremely compact and portable
- Quality switch design and keycaps
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Lack of arrow keys inconvenient for some
- Limited switch options
By going down to a 60% layout containing only alphanumeric and modifier keys, the Alloy Origins 60 gaming keyboard reaches minimalist height. But don‘t let its size fool you – armed with impressive custom mechanical switches and durable PBT keycaps, it sacrifices nothing in terms of performance and build quality.
For gamers wanting to maximize desktop space or take their keyboard on the go, the added challenge of accessing arrows through function keys is a reasonable price to pay for this keyboard‘s compact footprint and typing experience. The Alloy Origins 60 punches well above its weight.
7. Ducky One 3 – Best Budget
Despite its reasonable pricing, the Ducky One 3 gaming keyboard doesn‘t hold back on quality – offering robust build and typing feel without going overboard on features.
Key Features:
- Multiple Cherry MX switch options
- Double shot PBT keycaps
- Detachable USB-C cable
- White LED backlighting
Pros:
- Top-tier materials and construction
- No frills workhorse performance
- Good value
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features of premium boards
- Fixed white backlighting only
Rather than aiming to wow with all the latest tech tricks, Ducky focuses on nailing the fundamentals – with a strong aluminum frame matched by quality keycaps, and a wide selection of acclaimed Cherry MX mechanical switches. The result is an affordable workhorse ready to keep up with gaming needs for years, no RGB required.
While lacking the customization of higher end keyboards, discerning mechanophiles on a budget will appreciate the care Ducky took into getting the essentials right with the One 3 – making key presses snappy and satisfying thousands of clicks down the road.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Right Gaming Keyboard for Your Needs
Alongside considering the options above, keep the following in mind while choosing your ideal gaming keyboard to match play style and setup:
Game Genres
MOBA/RTS: Look for programmable macro keys for quick commands and compact tenkeyless (TKL) size to reduce unnecessary reach.
MMO: Prioritize ergonomics and durability for long play sessions alongside macro support. Number pads also convenient.
FPS/Shooters: Emphasize response time above all else – low actuation switches make a difference. Tenkeyless sizes popular for more mousing space.
Fighting Games: Leverage analog key inputs for precision control on special commands. Standard layouts tend to work best over compact form factors.
Size Considerations
The shape and footprint of your keyboard can significantly influence ergonomics and how you play:
Full-size: Complete layouts include number pad but take up more desk space. Best for typists or number crunchers.
Tenkeyless (TKL): Compact format well suited for gaming by increased mousing room without over-condensing.
60-65%: Extremely space efficient at the cost of arrow keys. Great for travel but can impact gameplay requiring those inputs.
Finding your ideal balance of size and functionality is key – analyze your available space and game needs.
Key Switches
The underlying switch technology not only determines the tactile feel upon pressing keys, but also the performance:
Mechanical switches feature separate press and release points alongside physical springs for precise control. Tactile bump or audible click options available.
Optical switches utilize light beams to register ultra-fast actuations excellent for gaming, without susceptibility to wear like mechanicals. Quieter operation.
Understanding switch types helps inform expectations around responsiveness, feedback and longevity. Prioritizing what feels best aligns with performance needs.
Other Considerations
RGB lighting control, wrist rests, media functions, USB passthrough ports and software suites round out secondary considerations that come down to personal preferences around aesthetics and features. Identifying gaming keyboard priorities makes settling on the right option easy.
The Future of Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards continue advancing quickly year over year, with optical mechanical switches, wireless performance and creative ergonomic designs representing the bleeding edge today – bringing speed, freedom of movement and comfort to new heights.
Expect even faster polling rates surpassing 8000Hz to land alongside full wireless-first execution eliminating unnecessary latency. More radical form factors may also emerge offering either further size reductions or integrated displays and controls taking inspiration from Macros pads.
For now, finding the gaming keyboard balancing your feature wants, performance needs and budget delivers the ideal setup. But the innovation driving the gaming peripheral market ensures today’s cutting edge tech paves the way for tomorrow’s standards. The advancement never stops.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Gaming Keyboard
Choosing your next gaming keyboard ultimately comes down to identifying the combination of responsiveness, ergonomics and functionality best suited for how you play – not what works for someone else. But going hands-on with any of the strong contenders we covered will undoubtedly take your play to the next level.
Once you decide on the right gaming keyboard after researching the latest options, make sure to spend time customizing and tuning it to your favorite games and style. The personalization and muscle memory building pays dividends enabling next-level speed and accuracy as the hardware melts away.
Whether trying out new technologies like optical switches or optimizing legacy mechanical designs, your ideal gaming keyboard is out there – ready for your most epic gaming achievements yet at whatever skill level you may be.
