The 9 Best Gaming Keyboards for Next-Level Play

10 min readAs much as we’d like to believe the old adage about a carpenter and their tools, better equipment is a necessity if you want to take your gameplay to the next level. Just as a great gaming mouse ensures rocksteady aim, a proper gaming keyboard has quick, responsive keys to execute your movements precisely.From strafing to crouching to placing items, not just any old keyboard will do. Dedicated gaming keyboards offer more comfort, precise control, and added functionality over our favorite ergonomic keyboards, making it easy to streamline abilities in MMOs, dodge bullets in online shooters, or move players around in strategy games.The keyboards we recommend are highly rated by both reviewers and consumers, delivering top gaming performance with responsive touch and high customizability so you can dial in the perfect profile for each game.For more great keyboards, check out our picks for the best gaming speakers, best gaming monitors, best gaming chairs, and best gaming desktops.Best Overall: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 Gaming Keyboard​Best Budget: Logitech G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard​Best Compact: Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Gaming Keyboard​Best Wireless: Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard​Most Programmable: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Gaming Keyboard​How We Selected As Popular Mechanics’ resident consumer tech expert and a lifetime gaming enthusiast, I’ve tested some of the most popular gaming keyboards over the years. I prefer the snappiness of mechanical switches, but I’ve come around to membrane options for their quiet and fast keys.This article reflects my own list of the best gaming keyboards that I created to narrow down my next keyboard purchase. Beyond our consumer tech experts' personal experience, we also researched reliable sources such as TechRadar, PC Mag, and PC Gamer, and read consumer reviews to select the top gaming keyboards. We’ve included a range of options to meet different budgets and preferences so you can find the one that’s right for you.Full ReviewsProsAdjustable actuation from 0.1 to 4.0mmRapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and Protection ModeOLED smart displayConsMixed reports on battery lifeKey SpecsSizeTenkeylessKey Switch TypeOmniPoint 3.0 analog magnetic (Hall effect)ConnectivityWireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)The Apex Pro has long led the pack thanks to its tunable actuation, and the third generation goes further. Its OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic switches give you 40 actuation levels per key, from a hair-trigger 0.1 mm to a deliberate 4.0 mm. You can set it shallow for fast play or deeper to cut down on typos.The Gen 3 also adds three competitive features. Rapid Trigger resets a key the moment you let go. Rapid Tap snaps to your most recent key press so you can strafe and dodge faster. Protection Mode reduces accidental presses of neighboring keys. SteelSeries' QuickSet presets load pro-level settings automatically when your game launches, and the OLED screen lets you change actuation and profiles on the fly without opening software.The tenkeyless layout leaves more room for your mouse. Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless connects over lag-free 2.4GHz for gaming or Bluetooth for your other devices. Some owners say the battery life is only middling, and at about $300 it's a real investment. Still, few keyboards can match its speed and customization.ProsSturdy brushed aluminum-magnesium top caseDurable PBT keycapsConsWhite-only backlightingKey SpecsSizeFullKey Switch TypeTactileConnectivityWiredFor an entry-level mechanical keyboard that won't break the bank, the Logitech G413 SE is a great pick. You won't get all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but its tactile mechanical switches give each keystroke a satisfying bump. Six-key rollover anti-ghosting means even your most frantic key combinations register.The SE also upgrades to PBT keycaps, which resist heat, wear, and the shiny fade that cheaper keycaps develop over time. Twelve function keys handle volume, play/pause, track skipping, lighting, and Windows lock. A brushed aluminum-magnesium alloy top case keeps flex to a minimum and gives the board a sleek look. If you'd rather have more desk space, Logitech also makes a tenkeyless version, the G413 TKL SE.ProsUltra-slim, low-profile designBright, customizable RGB lightingConsSwitches aren’t hot swappableKey SpecsSizeTenkeylessKey Switch TypeClicky, linear, or tactileConnectivityWireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), wiredThe G915 X TKL takes everything we loved about the original G915 TKL and refines it. At just 0.9 inches tall, it's one of the slimmest mechanical gaming keyboards around. Its brushed aluminum alloy plate also keeps flex to a minimum, so it's tougher than its size suggests.Lightspeed wireless delivers lag-free play, and Bluetooth and wired modes let you switch between your gaming rig and your other devices. The tenkeyless layout drops the number pad, so your mouse has more room, while dedicated media and volume controls stay within reach. If you're heading to a tournament or just moving your setup to another room, the G915 X TKL is still the portable powerhouse to beat.ProsUp to 1,500 hours of battery lifeNumber pad in a space-saving layoutConsSqueezed layout takes some getting used toKey SpecsSize96 percentKey Switch TypeLinear or tactileConnectivityWireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), wiredThe ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless gives you nearly everything a full-size keyboard does, number pad included, in a body only about 1 cm wider than a typical 80 percent board. That leaves you more room for your mouse without giving up the keys you use for work.Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless keeps gameplay lag-free. Bluetooth lets you pair up to three other devices, and you can plug in over USB-C when you need to. Battery life is the standout, with Asus rating it at up to 1,500 hours with the lighting off and about 90 hours with RGB on.An aluminum alloy top plate, sound-dampening foam, and double-shot PBT keycaps give it a solid, refined feel. The hot-swappable board lets you swap in different switches whenever you want. A multifunction key and clickable roller handle volume, media, and lighting, and a padded magnetic wrist rest comes in the box for marathon sessions.ProsEight dedicated macro keys plus a programmable Command DialPlush magnetic wrist rest with RGB underglowConsTakes up a lot of desk spaceKey SpecsSizeFullKey Switch TypeClicky or linearConnectivityWiredIf you play MMOs or want shortcuts for streaming and editing, the BlackWidow V4 Pro has more programmable controls than almost any keyboard around. It has five dedicated macro keys down the left side, three more macro buttons along the edge of the chassis, and a multifunction Command Dial that can hold up to 100 custom modes. Razer's HyperShift adds a second layer to nearly every key, and the keyboard can save up to five profiles.It's no slouch in-game, either. Full N-key rollover means every key registers even when you're mashing several at once, and an 8,000 Hz polling rate helps cut input delay. You can choose loud, satisfying Razer Green clicky switches or smooth Razer Yellow linear switches. Machined metal media keys and a volume roller sit in the top right corner, and an aluminum alloy top plate keeps the board sturdy.The padded leatherette wrist rest snaps on magnetically and extends the keyboard's underglow, so the whole setup glows as one. It's big, so make sure you have the desk space, but if you want every command a single keypress away, the BlackWidow V4 Pro is the one to get.ProsAnalog optical switches with adjustable actuationTiny 60 percent footprint leaves plenty of room for other peripheralsConsNo arrow keys, function row, or number padKey SpecsSize60 percentKey Switch TypeAnalog opticalConnectivityWiredIf desk space is tight, or you want as much room as possible for your mouse, a 60 percent keyboard is the way to go. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini trims the keyboard to the essentials without sacrificing features. Its analog optical switches let you set how far each key travels before it registers, so you can set it to shallow for hair-trigger movement or deeper to avoid accidental presses.Rapid Trigger resets each key the moment you start to let go, so you can repeat inputs faster. Snap Tap prioritizes whichever direction you pressed most recently, making strafing quicker in shooters. The keyboard also has dual-purpose modifier keys that let one key do two jobs, which helps make up for the missing keys. Doubleshot PBT keycaps resist the shine that cheaper keycaps get over time.The trade-off is that arrow keys, F-keys, and the number pad all move to a secondary layer, so expect a short adjustment period. For competitive players who want a small, fast keyboard, it's an excellent pick.ProsTranslucent green shell inspired by the original XboxTwo programmable arcade-style Super Buttons includedConsWorks with Windows and Android only, not Xbox consolesKey SpecsSizeTenkeylessKey Switch TypeKailh Jellyfish XConnectivityWireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), wiredIf you grew up with an original Xbox, this keyboard will feel instantly familiar. Its design is based on the console's Transparent Green Edition. RGB lighting glows through the jade-like translucent shell and double-layered keycaps, and the arrow keys are made of crystal-clear plastic. Taller, retro-style keycaps and a top-mount design finish the throwback look. It's officially licensed by Xbox, and the dedicated Xbox button opens the Windows Game Bar.It also comes with 8BitDo's Dual Super Buttons, a pair of giant arcade-style buttons that plug into the keyboard. You can map them to a macro or any key without installing software, and up to four sets can connect at once. An aluminum plate keeps the 87-key layout sturdy, and the hot-swappable board lets you swap out the Kailh Jellyfish X switches later. A control panel at the top handles volume, connection mode, and button mapping with a simple turn and click.It connects over 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, or USB. The 4,000 mAh battery lasts up to 280 hours over 2.4GHz and 300 hours over Bluetooth. Despite the branding, it works only with Windows PCs and Android devices, not Xbox consoles. If you want a PC keyboard that stands out in your setup, though, it's hard to beat.ProsCompatible with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S|X, and Xbox OneAircraft-grade aluminum bodyKey SpecsSize65 percentKey Switch TypeLinear or tactileConnectivityWiredMost keyboards will plug into a console, but they won’t always work. HyperX lists the Alloy Origins 65 as compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. It's a wired keyboard, so there's no Bluetooth pairing or wireless receiver to troubleshoot.The 65 percent layout is small enough to sit on your lap, but it keeps dedicated arrow keys, Page Up, Page Down, Home, and Delete for moving through menus and stores. The full aluminum body is sturdy, and the double-shot PBT keycaps have secondary functions printed on their sides, so the shortcuts are easy to find.HyperX's switches come in linear Red or tactile Aqua, are rated for 80 million keypresses, and actuate at 1.8 mm. N-key rollover registers every keypress, and per-key RGB lighting shines through the exposed switches. The NGENUITY software only runs on PC, so set up your macros and lighting there, then save them to one of the keyboard's three onboard profiles.ProsFoam and silicone dampening for a muted soundHot-swappable switchesConsKeycap legends don’t light upKey SpecsSize75 percentKey Switch TypeLinearConnectivityWireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), wiredMost gaming keyboards clack loudly enough to bother everyone in the room. The K65 Plus Wireless is much quieter, with Corsair putting a layer of foam and a silicone pad inside the case to absorb vibration. Combined with factory-lubed MLX Red linear switches, that turns each keystroke into a low, muted thock instead of a sharp clack. It's quiet enough for late-night sessions in a shared apartment or for typing during voice calls without your coworkers hearing every key.The switches are light and smooth, and the hot-swappable board lets you swap in silent switches if you want to make it even quieter. The 75 percent layout keeps dedicated arrow keys and a function row in a compact frame, and a knurled metal knob in the corner can be programmed for volume or other controls.Connect over 2.4GHz wireless for gaming, Bluetooth for a work laptop, or USB-C for charging. Battery life reaches up to 266 hours with the lighting off. The plastic case and plain keycaps give it a less premium feel, and the RGB lighting doesn't shine through the legends. Still, if you want a quieter keyboard without giving up gaming performance, it's an excellent choice.What to ConsiderShort of building a mechanical keyboard with your own layout design and keycaps, purchasing a factory gaming keyboard gives you plenty of advanced customization options.CustomizationBeyond aesthetic choices like lighting, you can program key bindings to perform menu shortcuts with a single press. These streamlined commands help you better focus on the in-game action.Outside of gaming, macro keys (programmable keys) can help you create productivity shortcuts in all your programs. If you often use video editing software to edit gameplay clips, you can assign actions to macro buttons to create content faster. This is especially handy if you plan to use your gaming keyboard for everyday tasks, too.Beyond individual key settings, some gaming keyboards include keyboard profiles with specific key functions and lighting tailored to each game you play. For example, a Cyberpunk-themed profile might set your keyboard to a neon yellow glow with the Q button bound to a quick attack.Most first-person shooters map the Q button to a special ability or cover, but with individualized profile bindings, you can program each button to do what you want. Some titles, such as Diablo III, can even use your keyboard’s RGB lighting to indicate when you cast a spell or when your character is low on health, increasing immersion.Keyboard SizesWith tons of keys and lighting options, your keyboard’s body size determines just how many extra buttons or light sections can fit.Understanding Keyboard SizesBest for Big HandsFull-sizeBigger, longer, and uncut, full-sized keyboards include every single key you'll see on a typical keyboard (and more) for access to extra action buttons, a number pad, and dedicated media keys. There's more room to spread out, but full keyboards are less portable—well worth the compromise if you'll use your keyboard to type for work or if you need plenty of command keys for RTS or MOBAs.CorsairBest Typing-Gaming HybridTenkeyless (TKL)Tenkeyless boards axe the right-hand number pad for a tighter shape. The result is a compact keyboard (at least 20 percent smaller than a full-size model) that’s easy to move and leaves you with more space on your desk to operate your mouse. If you don’t have to work with data entry and don't mind losing extra inputs, a tenkeyless board transports with ease and offers an organic typing experience.LogitechMost CompactCompactDitching the number pad and F-keys, compact keyboards are limited to the alphanumeric zone. They’re still capable of comfortable typing, but if you often use F commands, you’ll have to assign a number key to use with the function key. Once you have your compact keyboard configured, it’s by far the easiest keyboard to wield, albeit with extra steps for pulling up shortcuts.ObinslabBest Gaming-OnlyGaming keypadStreamlined for command efficiency, one-handed keyboards trim the fat of all characters on the right half of your keyboard. With dead keys gone and game inputs in reach of your left hand, you have more precision than any other keyboard type. You’re still going to need a daily keyboard, however, as this style is meant to supplement your main keyboard, not replace it.RedDragonKey Switch TypesMechanical keyboards use three switch types for feedback: tactile (usually brown), clicky (usually blue), and linear (usually red).TactileTactile switches provide a small bump and subdued clack to confirm registered keystrokes. They are the most popular because they offer the feedback of clicky switches with speed similar to linear switches.ClickyClicky switches have a higher actuation pressure requirement to reduce typos while writing, a big bump for validation, and a signature loud click that’s music to any typist’s ears but a bane to coworkers’ and housemates’.LinearLinear speed switches are great for gaming because they’re smooth, offer minimal resistance, and have none of the noise of a brown or blue switch. People often bottom out on these red or silver keys since there’s no clear indication you’ve triggered their actuation point. Linear keys fire off on all cylinders, but they’re not so great for typing because their zippiness can cause typos.Non-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard OptionsMembrane keys aren’t mechanical and rely on a single mechanism under the keys to register presses. Some people complain that membrane inputs feel mushy, but they last longer than mechanical keys and cost much less because they don’t have an intricate system of moving parts.DurabilityIt can be tempting to go for a cheap gaming keyboard and save the extra cash for a better gaming PC or monitor, but higher-quality mechanical switches—along with more durable materials like aluminum—can improve performance, provide a sturdier base, and increase reaction speed.Hunter Fenollol, our resident expert of all things consumer tech, from smart home to VR gaming headsets, has years of knowledge creating product explainers, in-depth reviews, and buying guides to help you get the most from the latest electronics. Throughout college, he covered and reviewed the latest gadget releases for sites like Tom’s Guide, Laptop Magazine, and CNN Underscored. If he’s not elbow-deep in the latest hardware, you can find Hunter at one of Long Island’s many beaches, in Manhattan, or gambling away his paycheck. Stephen Slaybaugh is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience. He specializes in covering consumer tech, and in addition to Popular Mechanics, has written for such publications as Digital Trends, DealNews, and TechRadar. He is also a published music writer and has contributed to Paste, The Village Voice, and The Big Takeover, among others. Stephen holds an MA in Digital Media from London Metropolitan University and in his free time publishes a music webzine, The Agit Reader.