Best Gaming Keyboard (Review) in 2024
If you are passionate about gaming, you need the right PC gaming equipment. The keyboard is one of the components a gamer interacts most with when playing a game. It will also directly contribute to the way you experience your gameplay, which is why we also explain what features to look for and why. We’ve chosen the top 10 best PC gaming keyboards of 2024. You’re bound to find something to love.
Types Of Gaming Keyboards
There are three types of gaming keyboards. Membrane, mechanical, and scissor keyboards.
- Membrane: The simple membrane keyboard has a rubber membrane closing the contact on the typing plate under the keys. They are relatively cheap compared to the other keyboard types. This is because even the best membrane keyboards often lag, making them less well-suited for gaming. This is caused by the technology used in them, not the brand.
- Scissor: This technology is common in laptops. The keyboards are known for their deep embedment of keys. If you have bought a gaming laptop, this would be the keyboard to give you that extra comfort when gaming.
- Mechanical: Mechanical keyboards use the oldest technology associated with the ancient IBM systems. They are, by far, the most attractive keyboards for gamers and also quite affordable, given the features and capabilities that they come with.
What To Look For When Choosing A Gaming Keyboard
Because keyboards have such a direct impact on your gaming experience, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Ergonomics
The most over the top, expensive keyboard still won’t benefit your gaming life if it’s not comfortable to use. This is why the best gaming keyboards come with features such as wrist stands, to keep wrists comfortable after hours of gaming.
Another important feature is smart key locations. This means rubberized keys and/or the absence of some unimportant keys. An example is the WIN key, next to the CTRL key, which can be accidentally pressed during gaming – this leads to the main gaming window being minimized right in the middle of everything.
Manufacturer
There are many great lesser-known manufacturers, but there’s plenty of heavy hitters with the big brands too. That said, brand name and price don’t always correlate with quality. Do some quick research to see if other gamers like the products. If they aren’t worthwhile, it’s pretty easy to run across why.
Keyboard Illumination
Most gaming keyboards come equipped with bright backlighting with about sixteen million colors. To get a better experience, look for the keyboards that have a dynamic illumination. For example, if you are playing a racing game and your car hits something, the keys turn red. Do note that the price gets higher with more illumination.
Special Software
Some gaming keyboards come with special software to facilitate your gaming experience. For example, these keyboards will allow you to reprogram the keys and save different configuration profiles. This gets very useful when several people use one keyboard.
Other important features to pay attention to include Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting, and Customization and Macro Buttons.
The Best Gaming Keyboards of 2024
Best overall: Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
This is our overall favorite gaming keyboard on this list. With a 96% layout, you get more room on your desk. It also has hot-swappable switches, low-latency, and great quality manufacturing. Here are some other worthwhile features:
- Tri-Mode connection for up to 3 Bluetooth devices
- Pre-lubed NX Snow linear switches and ROG NX Storm clicky switches
- Walled stem design to improve keystroke stability
- Integrated sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads to reduce unwanted acoustics and echoes
- ROG Omni receiver connects wirelessly to multiple devices
- Removable wrist rest and three tilt positions make this particularly comfortable
- Smoother keystrokes thanks to pre-lubed keyboard stabilizers that reduce friction
- Multi-wheel for media playback and a multi-function button
- UV-coated spacebar has 3 underside RGB LEDs
Best wired TKL: Logitech G915 TKL
Tenkeyless keyboards are well-loved by gamers, as the 10 key area is eliminated, leaving more room for important keys while also saving space. This Logitech option is wired and has per-key RGB lighting for extra pizzazz and content synchronization. Other things to love:
- You can personalize key colors or animations via Logitech G HUB software
- Lightspeed wireless runs 40 hours on a single charge
- Tenkeyless means more room for your gaming mouse
- Low-profile mechanical switches give all the performance and accuracy of other keyboards but at half the height
- Can choose between GL Tactile, GL Linear, or GL Clicky
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
- Built-in media controls to pause, mute, play, etc.
- Can play while you charge by plugging in with a USB
- Game mode and onboard profiles
Best wired: Glorious PC Gaming Race GMMK Pro
We love this keyboard for its hot-swappable switch options and all the customizations you can choose, including a plethora of switch choices and sizes. Here are some other extras you’ll appreciate:
- 5-Pin Hot-swap that doesn’t require soldering. Comes with a switch puller to streamline switch replacements
- Can choose various appearance customizations, including rotary knob, frame, and cable replacements in a number of colors
- Made from aluminum with high scratch resistance and damage prevention
- Includes 2M black braided USB-C cable, keycap and switch pullers, GMMK PRO 75% barebone frame
- Switch plate can be changed out to other styles, such as brass or polycarbonate
- Acoustics can be adjusted with foam additions or removal
Best wireless: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
The Razor BlackWidow v4 Pro is our pick for the best wireless keyboard. This full-sized choice also has plenty of customizations, along with per-key RGB lighting and Razer mechanical switches. The other great features go on and on:
- Programmable macros
- Yellow mechanical switches have rapid-fire inputs with quiet sound dampeners
- Programmable command dial and 8 dedicated macro keys
- Wrist rest with plush, cushioned feel and Razer Chroma RGB lighting underglow
- Doubleshot ABS keycaps so that repetitive use doesn’t wear off the labeling
- Can choose between green or smooth yellow switches, both with a 100 million keystroke rating
- Multi-function roller and 4 media keys
- 8 customizable modes
- Programmable with Razer Synapse so you can assign shortcuts, keybinds, etc.
Best 60% wireless: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless
If you’re looking for a compact gaming keyboard, this is a strong contender. The 60% size gives you extra space on your desk. It also has customizations for how far you need to press to register your keystrokes, thanks to SteelSeries’ actuation switches. Other bonuses include:
- Rapid trigger reduces latency
- 2-in-1 action keys are programmable to do two different things with one key, depending on how hard or soft you press
- OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagentic switches make it very fast and fully customizable
- Compared to regular mechanical keyboards, this SteelSeries choice has 11 times faster responses and 20 times faster actuation
- 40 levels of per-key actuation
- Reduced lag Quantum 2.0 Dual wireless with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.0
- Durable frame
Best low cost: Cooler Master MK770
If you don’t want to break the bank, the Cooler Master mechanical keyboard is a great blend of budget pricing and useful features. It’s durably built, has red LED backlighting, and Cherry MX mechanical switches. Other extras:
- Hot-swappable Kailh Box V2 Switches with reinforced stems
- Gasket structure and cushions reduce noise and vibration, along with EVA materials and silicone dampers
- 98 key layout with a streamlined function area to save desk space
- Hybrid wireless connectivity so you can use with or without a wire
- Lag-free 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.1
- 3-way roller lets you cycle through volume control, lighting modes, etc.
- Customizable RGB
- 95% layout saves space
Best mid-range price: G.Skill KM250 RGB
For anyone wanting to save a little money but still find a quality product, the G. Skill is a good fit. It’s much simpler than some of the other choices, but it gets the job done reliably and with a fair price. RGB backlighting and mechanical switches are some simplistic features, along with these others:
- PBT Dual-injection Pudding Keycaps for durability
- Hot-swappable keyswitches
- 67-key layout with 65% compact design
- Detachable USB Type-C cable
- 2-stage standoff feet
- Volume control knob
- Lighting is adjustable through keyboard combos. No need to download software
Best for MOBA and MMMO: Razer Naga Pro Trinity
If you play a lot of multiplayer online battle games, you’ll need a reactive keyboard to give you a fighting chance. The Razer Naga has three interchangeable side panels with various buttons so you can customize abilities and macros. Depending on where you buy it, availability can vary. Here’s another link to try if you’re having trouble finding one in stock. Meanwhile, here are other reasons it’s so popular:
- Modular design
- Razer’s Chroma RGB lighting that syncs with popular game titles
- Pressure-sensitive inputs via Razer analog optical switches
- 8 way directional thumbpad gives ergonomic control, especially for players used to consoles
- Rapid trigger mode
- Press and release keys at faster rates than most other keyboards, perfect for MMO
- Remappable/programmable macros for complicated commands
- Adjustable actuation
- 2-functions to a key
- Quick-toggle profiles (up to 8), that can swap with a push of a button
Best for FPS: HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
First-person shooters are wildly popular for PC gamers. The HyperX Alloy keyboard with Cherry MX Red linear switches, is a perfect fit if you find yourself drawn to these kinds of games. It is tenkeyless, to free up valuable space, and is simple yet well made. The problem is it can be a bit tricky to find, especially new. If you run into trouble, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core is very similar, and equally well-loved by gamers. Features both models share:
- Tenkeyless for extra space
- Red LED backlighting
- Portable, with detachable cable
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Dynamic lighting effects
- Game mode gives you 100% anti-ghosting along with N key rollover
- Ultra minimalistic design
Best minimalist/compact: Leopold FC980M
While not as small as some of our picks, the simplicity of the Leopold FC980M makes it a winner. This 98% keyboard is very well made and has extras like Cherry Double Shot PBT Keycaps and mini USB connectivity. Other things we love:
- Comes with a keycap puller and cable
- Space saving 1800 layout
- Cherry MX mechanical switches
- Customizable layout with dip switches
- Retro color scheme
Conclusion
Gaming has gained a lot of popularity recently. For PC gamers, especially, it can be an overwhelming experience to pick the best gaming products. Hopefully, this list gives you a good place to start.