A gaming keyboard is a specialized input device designed for gaming with responsiveness, durability, and ergonomic features. It offers unparalleled accuracy and comfort for peak productivity in intense battles or work tasks. With customizable backlighting and dedicated macro keys, it caters to unique gaming demands. Ergonomic design, wrist rests, and adjustable angles promote healthy typing habits during extended sessions. Investing in a gaming keyboard is an investment in optimized performance and well-being for gamers and professionals alike.
Things to Consider
Selecting the best PC gaming keyboard is a pivotal decision for both avid gamers and productivity enthusiasts. A high-quality computer gaming keyboard is not only essential for achieving top-notch performance in virtual realms but also a crucial tool to enhance productivity during extended work sessions. With a plethora of options available in the market, it becomes imperative to carefully consider several key factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable gaming and computing experience. In this guide, we will explore the essential aspects to keep in mind when choosing the ultimate gaming companion, the PC gaming keyboard.
Quality
When seeking the best PC gaming keyboard, the first and foremost aspect to evaluate is its quality. Opting for a keyboard constructed with premium materials guarantees durability and longevity, withstanding the intensive usage that gaming and demanding tasks entail. Robust key switches and a sturdy frame not only ensure keycap longevity but also provide a satisfying and consistent typing experience. The best pc gaming keyboard should be able to withstand the test of time and deliver reliable performance in every gaming session or work assignment.
Design
Design is another crucial factor when choosing the best gaming keyboard pc. Consider the layout and arrangement of the keys, especially if you have specific gaming preferences or need extra macro keys for in-game actions. Some gaming keyboard PCs feature customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to create personalized lighting effects to match your gaming setup. Additionally, look for keyboards with a comfortable wrist rest or adjustable feet to maintain a comfortable posture during extended gaming sessions.
Ergonomics
In order to avoid discomfort and strain when gaming, ergonomics are crucial. To lessen wrist stress, the best gaming keyboard pc should have an ergonomic design with a small curve. Look for keyboards with a tactile feel that enables accurate typing and a comfortable key spacing. To choose a position that suits your typing and gaming style, take into account the keyboard’s adjustable height and angle.
Switch
The type of switch is a critical aspect of a computer gaming keyboard. There are three main types: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. Tactile switches offer a slight bump when a key is actuated, providing feedback to the user. Clicky switches have an audible click sound in addition to the tactile bump. Each switch type has its advantages, so choose the one that matches your gaming preferences and typing style.
Size
Size matters when it comes to PC gaming keyboards. Full-size keyboards feature the standard layout with a number pad, while Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards omit the number pad for a more compact design. Compact keyboards, such as 75%, 65%, 60%, or 40% keyboards, further reduce the size by removing additional keys. Some gamers prefer a compact keyboard for a clutter-free and ergonomic setup, while others might require the additional keys for productivity tasks.
Connectivity Technology
Connectivity technology is an essential consideration for gaming keyboards. Wired keyboards offer a reliable and instant connection, ensuring no input lag during gameplay. wireless gaming keyboard pc provides more flexibility and freedom of movement, but they might introduce slight latency, which could impact competitive gaming. Choose the connectivity option that best suits your gaming environment and preferences.
TOP 8 Best PC Gaming Keyboards
Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Logitech G | Switch: Clicky (GX Blue Click switches) | Size: Tenkeyless Keyboard (TKL) | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: No | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The Logitech G Pro Keyboard is designed with esports athletes in mind, offering competition-level performance, speed, and precision. It features durable GX Blue Click switches that provide an audible and tactile click for a secure keypress. The ultra-portable compact tenkeyless design saves table space for unhindered mouse movement, making it convenient to pack up and take to tournaments.
The keyboard’s LIGHTSYNC feature allows users to highlight keys and program static lighting patterns to the onboard memory, making it ideal for tournament systems where G HUB installations are not allowed. It also comes with a detachable Micro USB cable with a three-pronged design for secure connections and easy transport.
Pros:
- Responsive keys
- Comfortable wrist rest
- Durable build
- Smooth typing experience
Cons:
- Limited compatibility
- Bulky design
- Non-detachable cable
- Loud keypress noise
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: SteelSeries | Switch: Red Mechanical (Linear & Quiet) | Size: Tenkeyless Keyboard (TKL) | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: Yes | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Red
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a compact mechanical gaming keyboard with an OLED smart display for adjusting settings and accessing on-the-fly information. Its durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction and customizable RGB illumination with 16.8 million colors per key offer both durability and stunning lighting effects. The keyboard includes a premium magnetic wrist rest for comfortable gaming, and the Red Mechanical Gaming Switches ensure consistent and fast performance for up to 50 million keypresses.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a compact, high-performance mechanical gaming keyboard with an OLED smart display and customizable RGB lighting for enhanced control and visual appeal. It comes with a premium magnetic wrist rest for ergonomic comfort during long gaming sessions and features Red Mechanical Gaming Switches for consistent performance and fast actuation, perfect for competitive gaming. With its durable aluminum alloy construction, integrated multimedia controls, USB passthrough port, and 100% anti-ghosting with 104 key rollover, this keyboard offers both style and functionality for gamers.
Pros:
- OLED Smart Display
- Aircraft-grade Aluminum
- RGB Illumination
- Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited Key Rollover
- Non-Standard Layout
- No Dedicated Macro Keys
Razer Ornata V3 X Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Razer | Switch: Membrane | Size: Full Size | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: Yes | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The Razer Ornata Gaming Keyboard is a top choice for PC gamers, offering a combination of functionality and style. The low-profile keys and silent membrane switches provide a comfortable and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for long gaming sessions or work tasks. The ergonomic wrist rest aligns perfectly with the keyboard, providing essential support for your wrists during extended periods of use. Additionally, its spill-resistant design ensures durability, capable of handling intense gaming sessions and minor spills without any adverse effects. The cable routing options keep your desktop clutter-free and neat, allowing for easy cable management.
As one of the best pc gaming keyboards, the Razer Ornata is powered by Razer Chroma RGB, offering 16.8 million color options and a variety of lighting effects to choose from. This feature allows you to personalize your keyboard and access dynamic lighting effects for over 150 Chroma-integrated games. The Classic Black color gives it a sleek and timeless look that will complement any gaming setup. Overall, the Razer Ornata Gaming Keyboard delivers a premium gaming experience, making it a fantastic option for both casual and competitive gamers.
Pros:
- Low-Profile Keys
- Silent Membrane Switches
- Ergonomic Wrist Rest
- Spill-Resistant Design
- Cable Routing Options
Cons:
- Keys stick occasionally
- Razer Synapse problems
- Complex lighting customization
- Inconsistent performance
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: SteelSeries | Switch: Whisper Quiet – Tactile & Silent | Size: Tenkeyless Keyboards (TKL) | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: No | Wristrest: No | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is a compact tenkeyless keyboard designed with esports pros in mind. Its low friction whisper quiet gaming switches offer near-silent use and unmatched durability, ensuring over 20 million keypresses of guaranteed performance.
The keyboard features IP32 water and dust resistance, making it durable and resilient against spills and particles. With PrismSync RGB Illumination, you can customize the lighting with millions of colors and effects, taking RGB to the next level. The dedicated multimedia controls, including a clickable volume roller, provide easy access to adjust brightness, rewind, skip, or pause with a single touch. Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5, this keyboard offers versatility and cutting-edge gaming technology.
Pros:
- Compact TKL design
- Whisper quiet switches
- IP32 water & dust resistant
- PrismSync RGB illumination
Cons:
- No wrist rest
- Limited customization
- Some keys may stick
- Software issues
Corsair K70 PRO RGB Optical-USB-C Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Corsair | Switch: OPX Optical-Mechanical (Linear) | Size: Full Size | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: Yes | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The Corsair K70 PRO RGB Optical-USB-C Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high-performance gaming keyboard designed for PC gaming enthusiasts. It features Corsair’s OPX optical-mechanical keyswitches, providing hyper-fast input with a 1.0mm actuation distance and smooth linear travel, making it perfect for competitive gaming. The keyboard also boasts per-key RGB backlighting and PBT double-shot keycaps, ensuring durability and vibrant lighting customization.
With the tournament switch, players can focus on crucial games with distraction-free static backlighting and disabled accidental macro activations. The K70 PRO sets a new bar for performance with AXON technology, delivering processing speeds up to 8x faster than conventional gaming keyboards, and it’s built with a durable aluminum frame, offering both style and functionality.
Pros:
- Durable aluminum frame
- Hyper-fast input
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- PBT double-shot keycaps
- Tournament switch
Cons:
- Pricey
- No wrist rest
- Limited OS compatibility
- No multimedia controls
Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Redragon | Switch: Mechanical Brown Switches | Size: Full Size | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: No | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a top-notch PC gaming keyboard that offers a satisfying tactile typing experience with its mechanical brown switches. It is a versatile and high-performing computer gaming keyboard suitable for both office work and gaming sessions. The 18 backlit modes with adjustable RGB LED lighting, including 6-themed backlights and a 9-color single backlit mode, allow for personalized aesthetics and enhanced visual experience while using the keyboard. The N-key rollover and ergonomic, durable design, made of full metal material with a matte-finish texture, ensure reliable and accurate performance, enabling multi-keys to work simultaneously with high speed.
As one of the best PC gaming keyboards, the Redragon K556 features a fully anodized aluminum frame brushed for extreme durability, offering a long-lasting keyboard that can handle intense gaming and regular use. Additionally, the keyboard comes with 8 spare switches, including blue, brown, red, and black switches, giving users the opportunity to try different mechanical key switches and enjoy a unique and customizable typing experience. It is compatible with various computer systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Pros:
- Satisfying typing
- Customizable lighting
- Accurate performance
- Durable Aluminum Frame
- 8 Spare Switches
Cons:
- Audible keystrokes
- Few hotkeys
- Lack of support
- No Wireless Option
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Razer | Switch: Yellow Mechanical Switches (Linear & Silent) | Size: Full Size | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: Yes | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a top-tier gaming keyboard designed for PC gamers seeking high-performance input. Equipped with smooth Yellow Mechanical Switches, this keyboard offers quick execution and quiet keystrokes. Its per-key RGB backlighting and immersive 3-side underglow create an exciting visual experience, perfect for enhancing gameplay immersion. The keyboard features a command dial and 8 dedicated macro keys, allowing gamers to customize functions and gain an edge in their gaming sessions. The plush leatherette wrist rest with underglow provides comfort and support during extended gaming hours while also featuring Razer Chroma RGB lighting for added style.
The durable Doubleshot ABS keycaps ensure long-lasting visibility of labels, making them ideal for prolonged and intense use. With its multi-function roller and 4 media keys, adjusting settings like volume and brightness becomes convenient during gaming and everyday use. For those seeking a high-quality gaming keyboard PC, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro delivers exceptional performance and an enhanced gaming experience.
Pros:
- Yellow Mechanical Switches (Quick & Silent)
- Immersive Underglow & Per-Key Lighting
- Command Dial & 8 Dedicated Macro Keys
- Magnetic Plush Wrist Rest (Chroma RGB)
- Doubleshot ABS Keycaps (Durable)
Cons:
- Some keys may stick
- Software glitches
- Wrist rest can move
- Pricey
Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical Wired Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Corsair | Switch: Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical (Linear & Hyper Fast) | Size: Full Size | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Media Controls: Yes | Wristrest: Yes | Backlight: Yes | Colors: Black
The Corsair K100 RGB is a top-of-the-line gaming keyboard for PC gamers seeking cutting-edge performance, style, and customization. Its durable aluminum frame and dynamic per-key RGB backlighting with a 44-zone three-sided LightEdge make it the centerpiece of any gaming setup. Powered by Corsair AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, the K100 RGB delivers an advanced gaming experience with up to 4x faster throughput, 4,000Hz hyper-polling, and 4,000Hz key scanning, all while driving impressive 20-layer lighting effects.
The programmable iCUE control wheel provides convenient control over backlighting and media functions through Corsair iCUE software, making it highly customizable for both gaming and applications. The keyboard also features six dedicated macro keys that are fully programmable for complex macros and key remaps, allowing users to gain a competitive advantage in games or program special streaming commands through Elgato Stream Deck software. With exclusive Corsair OPX optical-mechanical keyswitches, the K100 RGB offers hyper-fast input with just a 1.0mm actuation distance and smooth linear travel for optimal gaming performance.
Pros:
- Cutting-edge performance
- Durable aluminum frame
- Dynamic per-key RGB backlighting
- Programmable iCUE control wheel
Cons:
- Expensive price
- No wrist rest included
- May be too large for some setups
- Software setup can be complex
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which keyboard is best for gaming?
When it comes to gaming, the best PC gaming keyboard is the one that offers a seamless and immersive experience. The best gaming keyboard for PC enthusiasts should feature exceptional build quality, responsive and customizable key switches, and gaming-centric design elements like dedicated macro keys or multimedia controls. Additionally, customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of personalization and enhances the gaming ambiance. Ultimately, the best gaming keyboard for PC gaming depends on individual preferences and gaming style, but the key lies in finding a reliable, comfortable, and feature-packed keyboard to elevate the gaming performance to the next level.
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Do keyboards matter for PC gaming?
Absolutely, computer gaming keyboards matter a great deal for PC gaming. A gaming keyboard designed specifically for PC gaming can significantly enhance the overall gaming experience. These keyboards usually feature mechanical switches, which provide tactile feedback and faster response times compared to standard membrane keyboards, resulting in quicker and more precise key presses during intense gameplay. Moreover, gaming keyboards often come with customizable features, such as programmable keys and RGB lighting, allowing gamers to optimize their setups and create personalized gaming profiles for different games. In essence, investing in a high-quality gaming keyboard for PC gaming can make a noticeable difference in performance and enjoyment, making it an essential consideration for serious gamers.
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What keyboard do pro gamers use?
Pro gamers often use the best PC gaming keyboards available in the market. These keyboards are designed to meet the demanding needs of professional gaming, offering features like mechanical switches for better tactile feedback and responsiveness. The best PC gaming keyboards are also highly customizable, allowing pro gamers to fine-tune their key bindings and macros for optimal performance in different games.
Additionally, these keyboards often come with advanced anti-ghosting and N-key rollover technology to ensure every key press is registered accurately, even during fast and complex in-game actions. Overall, pro gamers rely on the best PC gaming keyboards to gain a competitive edge and perform at their highest level during competitive gaming events.
Final thoughts and recommendations
A superb gaming keyboard is essential for any serious gamer or computer lover, I can say with confidence after researching different possibilities and talking about the important things to take into account when buying the best PC gaming keyboard. A top-notch gaming keyboard for your computer will greatly improve your overall gaming experience by giving you accurate control, comfort, and durability over those lengthy gaming sessions.
When looking for the best PC gaming keyboard, it’s essential to prioritize features such as build quality, key switches, and ergonomic design. A well-constructed gaming keyboard with durable materials and reliable key switches ensures longevity and consistent performance, allowing you to focus on your gameplay without worrying about hardware issues. Additionally, finding an ergonomic keyboard that supports a comfortable wrist position is vital to prevent fatigue and strain during intense gaming sessions.
Among the top considerations, the type of switch plays a pivotal role in the performance of a gaming keyboard. Whether you prefer linear, tactile, or clicky switches, choosing the one that suits your gaming style and typing preference is crucial. Furthermore, keyboard size and connectivity technology should not be overlooked. Deciding between full-size, Tenkeyless, compact keyboards, or wireless options depends on your space requirements and whether you prioritize mobility and a clutter-free gaming setup.
In conclusion, as a seasoned gamer who has experienced the advantages of a well-designed gaming keyboard, I highly recommend investing in the best PC gaming keyboard that suits your preferences and gaming needs. The right gaming keyboard not only improves your in-game performance but also ensures long-term comfort and health, allowing you to game for hours on end without discomfort or strain. Whether you opt for a wired or wireless gaming keyboard, remember to choose a reputable brand known for producing top-quality peripherals. With the right gaming keyboard by your side, you can elevate your gaming prowess to new heights and enjoy an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience like never before.
