Nothing will take you out of the action quicker than a gaming keyboard with janky switches, high latency, and poor build quality. That’s why our experts are here to ensure you invest in something that’s a great value for the money and full of the features you want. Whether you’re looking to keep a more compact setup with a tenkeyless keyboard, want a clutter-free deskspace by going wireless, or are after something with a wealth of customizations, we’ve found the best gaming keyboards to satisfy your needs.
TL;DR – These are the Best Gaming Keyboards:
- Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Best overall
- SteelSeries Apex 5 – Best budget
- Alienware Pro Wireless Keyboard – Best compact
- Corsair K70 RGB Pro – Best wired
- Roccat Vulcan II – Best mechanical
- Razer Ornata V3 – Best membrane-mechanical
- Higround Basecamp 65 – Best tenkeyless
- Razer Huntsman V2 – Best optical
- Corsair K70 Max RGB – Best high-end
- Wooting Two HE – Best analog
The best gaming keyboards include reliable switches, a solid polling rate, a sturdy build, and a low latency connection. After nailing the basics, it’s time to decide what else you want. Extra programmable keys for pulling off multiple actions or casting spells are helpful in RPGs, while specialized switches may completely change the experience as you ferociously tap. Want your battle station to shine? A healthy dose of RGB lighting is sure to do just that. Even a solid budget keyboard is ready to bump up your K/D ratio. So, we’ve taken all your wants into account, bringing you 10 top gaming keyboards below – click here to see them in the UK.
Best Gaming Keyboards
1. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Best Gaming Keyboard
The aptly named Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, which we reviewed earlier this year, is killer keyboard full of features that’ll make macro enthusiasts swoon. Its size puts your average full-size keyboard to shame and leaves room for a wealth of extra controls while still remaining well-built and comfortable, with two incline settings and a well-padded wrist rest. The customizable RGB lighting is fit for an alien spaceship with a lovely glow under the board and the see-through legends on the full-height, Doubleshot ABS keycaps. However, we wish Razer used more durable PBT caps to combat inevitable wear more effectively.
Under those flashy keycaps sits either Razer’s linear or clicky switches. But in our review, we found those linear switches sounded a little uneven, even with the lubricated stabilizers and sound-dampening foam already in place. Unfortunately, the switches are not hot-swappable like the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%. Still, no matter which ones end up making the cut, expect the keystrokes to register nearly instantaneously thanks to the wildly speedy 8,000Hz polling rate sure to deliver an edge in FPS.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro truly shines in customizability, aided by Razer’s excellent Synapse software. Beyond four media controls, on board is a “Command Dial” with eight default settings, including brightness, screen zoom, and browser tab switching, but the dial can be programmed to do up to 100 other things. Eight dedicated macro keys are perfect for assigning keybindings, and there’s space for up to five on-board profiles. That’s not even it, as HyperShift functionality essentially lets each key have a secondary command – talk about macro freedom.
Given all that’s happening on this keyboard, Razer stuck with only wired connectivity. All those features, especially the RGB lighting and high polling rate, would drain the battery far too quickly. A USB passthrough is also included to prevent losing a port on a gaming PC, but there’s a catch, the board will need to be plugged into a power outlet when the port is in use. That may make for a less tidy desk setup.
2. SteelSeries Apex 5
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
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. Alienware Pro Wireless Keyboard
Best Compact Gaming Keyboard
Compact 75% keyboards are more popular than ever, thanks to how much room they can save on your desk. And while they generally mean you have to go through life without a numpad, they make for excellent gaming keyboards, especially if you like to take your keyboard with you wherever you go. In fact, that's why Alienware, when designing this latest generation of its Pro wireless keyboard, consulted with esports professionals to figure out how to design the best wireless gaming keyboard for folks that are constantly traveling to and from gaming events.
What you get is a sturdy, yet portable, gaming keyboard from Alienware that very much looks like its from the future-obsessed tech manufacturer. The Alienware Pro Wireless Keyboard comes in a gorgeous white colorway that'll fit in wonderfully with the laptops and gaming PCs the company has been putting out over the last couple of years. And thanks to a durable aluminum chassis, you don't need to worry about your keyboard breaking when you're on the way to a gaming event.
This gaming keyboard is equipped with Alienware's own linear switches, that are similar to Cherry MX Reds, so get a really sturdy typing experience with a 'thocky' sound profile. A huge improvement over some other Alienware gaming keyboards that sound like you're clipping your toenails while typing. The switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes, which will definitely take years to reach. But unlike other high-end keyboards in recent years, you won't be able to swap out the switches if they fail.
Alienware is hoping to get around some of the stigma around wireless gaming keyboards, especially for pro gamers, by using a 2.4GHz connection that's able to maintain a constant 1KHz polling rate while gaming. Luckily, if you'd rather not trust in the keyboard's dongle, you can simply connect it via USB-C for a rock-solid connection. The keyboard also supports Bluetooth, and there's a handy little switch that'll let you swap between the connection modes, meaning you can connect this gaming keyboard to multiple devices at the same time. If you have multiple devices, particularly if you do a lot of streaming, this means you don't need to worry about fiddling with multiple keyboards just to get your work done.
The only real downside here is the software. You don't need to use it, but if you want to customize the lighting and key assignments, you'll have to download the Alienware Control Center, which can be a bit finnicky sometimes. However, if you're pairing this keyboard with an Alienware PC, this software will already be installed.
Read the full review: Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard
4. Corsair K70 RGB Pro
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
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
5. Roccat Vulcan II
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
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. If you're after a smaller option, be sure to check out the Roccat Vulcan II Mini Air.
6. Razer Ornata V3
Best Membrane-Mechanical Hybrid Gaming Keyboard
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.
7. Higround Basecamp 65
Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard
Save on gaming desk space by grabbing one of the best tenkeyless gaming keyboards, the Higround Basecamp 65. This unique option features a 65% layout, hence the name, forgoing num pad and F-keys. However, you still get number keys along the top row and even dedicated arrow keys, which reside in a durable aluminum or polycarbonate plate featuring dual silicone to help with acoustics and add weight to the board. As for the design, there is a variety to choose from, so whether you’re a fan of Naruto or Yu-Gi-Oh! or you’re after something a little more universal, Higround has a keyboard for you. And don’t worry; every option allows the customizable RGB lights to shine through.
You can’t deny how great the Higround Basecamp 65 looks, but does it actually perform well? Luckily, yes. The linear switches come pre-lubed for buttery-smooth typing and are hot-swappable if you’re after a different feel. The tools for swapping are even included in the box. Its 1,000Hz polling rate is plenty responsive for most gamers, though the software for programming keys could be a little more user-friendly. But overall, this keyboard offers tremendous value.
8. Razer Huntsman V2
Best Optical Gaming Keyboard
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, beyond being the best optical gaming keyboard. 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
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
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.
How to Choose 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.
Gaming Keyboard FAQ
Should I get a gaming keyboard and mouse or a PC controller?
The biggest—and most obvious—difference between the best PC controllers and gaming keyboards is the physical design of the two peripherals. A great controller rests in your hands, putting all the inputs in an easy-to-reach location, making it ergonomic and simple to use. Its buttons and triggers are also often remappable. A keyboard and gaming mouse combo is larger and more spread out, requiring you to use a gaming desk or lapdesk when playing. However, you get an excess of possible inputs at your fingertips, and oftentimes, many keys are customizable.
Where a keyboard and mouse pairing often pulls ahead of controllers is in precision and responsiveness, so most will turn to this trusty combo when playing competitive FPS. But the analog sticks on a gamepad deliver smoother control over certian movements, which is a boon in racing games. Modern controllers even offer haptic feedback for a more immersive gaming experience.
Still, whichever input device you choose, it’s more a matter of personal preference than anything else. While playing the best PC games with a comfortable controller might seem sacrilege to accuracy-focused keyboard and mouse enthusiast, you just need to do you.
Are wireless keyboards good for gaming?
Yes. Even if many of our favorite gaming keyboards are wired, a wireless option can be just as responsive and reliable. Just be sure the wireless keyboard offers a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless dongle for a dedicated link to your PC. That type of connection is far superior to Bluetooth and delivers a similar latency to a wired gaming keyboard. However, with wireless comes the possibility of signal interference, and you’ll need to deal with batteries.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
