Gaming on PC is becoming more popular day by day and if you are a highly professional gamer or a YouTube live gaming streamer, you know how important it is to have the best gaming keyboard in your collection.
In gaming, you don’t need just a simple keyboard to do your daily work. You need a such keyboard that allows you to use it as a gaming controller. The gaming world demands a professional type of keyboard that will allow you to interface with high-definition games.
Well, a gaming keyboard is like a backbone for every gamer that can make a huge difference while playing games. If you want to take your gaming experience to the top level, then you have to select the right gaming keyboard for your gaming PC.
If you are facing difficulty selecting the best gaming keyboard, then this buyer’s guide will help you select the best gaming keyboard for your PC but you have to spend more time on this article.
List of 10 best gaming keyboards 2022
- Razer Huntsman Elite
- Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
- Razer BlackWidow
- Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo
- Logitech G513
- Corsair K63 Wireless
- Cooler Master MK850
- SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Corsair K59 RGB Platinum
- Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
1. Razer Huntsman Elite – the best optical gaming keyboard
The huntsman elite is one of the smallest keyboards introduced by Razer in the past decade. Razer introduced a frameless design in this keyboard which helps to reduce the size of the keyboard. Other types of Razer keyboards have a thick layer of plastic on the frame of a keyboard which makes a huge impact on their size, so they decided to remove the thick plate in the production of Huntsman Elite.
Furthermore, the anodized metal deck is jet black to the eye, and the keycaps float on top of it which is much similar to all the frameless keyboards. The most interesting thing that makes this keyboard different to others is that you will see an additional lightning track around the keyboard and have an RGB light palm as well which looks beautiful.
However, if you are concerned about the looks of your keyboard, then this is the best option to have in your collection. Well, the track lightning around this gaming keyboard gives you a different vibe as it covers all the keys and gives soft vibrant light around the perimeters of the keys.
In this gaming keyboard, you will find all the media keys with a fast and accurate response. On the edges, you will find the volume wheel which impresses me a lot as it makes it easier to adjust the volume. As you start to increase the volume, you will see the white light of the inner ring start to increase the brightness of the light as you increase the volume.
Well, above the arrow keys, there are caps-lock lights which are accurately installed in this place to cover the keyboard. If you see in other keyboards, there is a free space above the arrow keys but in this gaming keyboard, they cleverly covered up the free space.
In this razer version, they have installed an optical switch keyboard which works lightning fast as compared to other optomechanical keyboard switches. Moreover, you will see purple switches under the keycaps which gives you a mechanical feeling.
The most valuable and amazing feature of this gaming keyboard is that it uses an optical mechanism which increases the typing speed that allows you to type accurately and smoothly. However, most of us are slow typists but if you get the experience to type on this keyboard, then you would love to type on this amazing human-made machine and you feel that you are typing fast on this keyboard as compared to your previous one. This typing speed not only helps you to type fast but it also helps you in playing games.
The manufacturers also claim that the switches of this keyboard are 30% faster than the general keyboards. Razer also claims that its keys can last for 100 million clicks.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 448 x 140 x 36 mm
- Weight: 1224 g
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: detachable soft leather
- Switches: Razer optical switches
- Key type: Opto-mechanical
- Cable length: 200 cm
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ The quickest actuation I’ve ever witnessed ✔️ The switches on the keys are loud and tactile ✔️ The keyboard arrangement is almost ideal | ⭕ Sharp edges are on the palm rest ⭕ Power requires two USB ports. ⭕ Slippery Keys |
2. Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB – most comfortable gaming keyboard
This keyboard is one of the finest keyboards that kinesis has produced over the years as this is a split keyboard that works the same as any standard keyboard but it is split into 2 halves. Psychologically, when you type on the standard keyboard, your wrists face some pressure on them but when you use this gaming keyboard, you feel more comfortable and can place your hand in any direction while using this split gaming keyboard.
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGD looks weird because of its split but it gives you great comfort while playing games. The left side of the keyboard is used for a game bank in which you will see 9 blank keys. In those blank keys, you can store the hotkeys of your game so that you can easily able to control your game.
On the right side, you will see lots of navigation keys which are arranged differently as compared to ordinary keyboards. You also find 2 spare function keys for remapping and macros. While F1 to F6 keys are on the left side and from F7 to F12 keys are on the right side of this keyboard. Moreover, at the top of the right side, you also find programming keys to perform remaps, macros editing and more.
If you place these 2 halves together, the width of the keyboard is about 15.5 inches same as the standard keyboard. In between 2 halves, you can see a large 12 inches long cable which attaches to both halves. This means that you can place both halves at a distance of 12 inches.
In this gaming keyboard, you will find Cherry MX switches which allow you to switch into red, blue and brown colors. This colorful keyboard is full of RGB and has a beautiful mat-black texture. It also gives you additional features to add mouse clicks and many more.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 6.7 x 1.4 inches
- Type of Key: Mechanical
- Type of Switch: CHERRY® MX
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: Detachable, foam-lined
- Weight: 3lbs
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ The split keyboard configuration is quite ergonomic ✔️ Include choices for a lift kit and wrist rests ✔️ Extremely adaptable | ⭕ Too much expensive ⭕ A separate purchase of a lift kit is required ⭕ Steep curves |
3. Razer BlackWidow – Most Affordable Gaming Keyboard
There are 110 keys on this full-size keyboard, including the number keys. Even with all those keys, it appears to be very small and not too big when you consider its size. It also appears to be rather thick, but I put that down to the hue (matte black). Given that gaming keyboards have a propensity to take up space, the thick appearance isn’t always a negative thing. The BlackWidow is more respectful of my desktop real estate, which I enjoy.
Nevertheless, this keyboard has several distinctive design elements that make it a Razer product. To allow your wrists some breathing room, the casing slides downward at the bottom. Right in the centre of the slopes is an illuminated logo. You may pick the slope you want because the rear feet come in two sizes as well. The keyboard has built-in cable management on the bottom so you can tuck the braided cord away. This creates a tidy appearance.
On this gaming keyboard, the key switches are Razer’s exclusive Green key switches, which behave similarly to Cherry MX Blue switches. They have a loud click and are very light actuators. They are excellent at games that need a quick trigger hand because of this, but they are poor at typing.
The sad point is that dedicated media keys on the BlackWidow were another feature I was sorry to miss. I’ve become accustomed to having media keys and volume sliders, so not having either kind of left me feeling empty. Additionally, this keyboard lacks a USB pass-through, so you’ll have to connect your mouse to the computer instead of the keyboard. When trying to play from a distance, keep an eye to make sure the mouse has adequate slack.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.73 x 6.5 x 1.58 inches
- Type of key: Mechanical
- Type of switches: Razer green Mechanical switches
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: No palm rest available
- Weight: 2.3lbs
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Extremely compact ✔️ Excellently constructed ✔️ Studio lighting is fantastic | ⭕ There are no macro keys ⭕ Without USB pass-through ⭕ Media keys are absent |
4. Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo – Most effective mechanical gaming keyboard
Starting with the appearance, this keyboard is stunning. Even though it has a somewhat conservative design, especially for a gaming keyboard, this did not detract from its beauty. If anything, it made it better. It boasts an aluminium casing and RGB illumination, which are features I now take for granted on any keyboard intended for serious gaming.
The most watchable thing about this keyboard is the design of the keycaps which stand out the most in it. In Vulcan 120 Aimo, the top keys are covered by keycaps which increases the beauty of this gaming keyboard. Additionally, it offers the keyboard an appealing old typewriter vibe that everyone will enjoy.
Well, Don’t assume for a second that this typewriter appears too dated despite its classic aesthetic. That is taken care of by the RGB lights. With the exposed keys, it is even more striking since the illumination shines through the translucent keycaps and around the exposed keys, giving it a very futuristic appearance.
Additionally, there is a dial knob with three buttons next to it in the upper right corner of the keyboard. Three buttons are present: an FX key, a volume button, and a button for muting the device’s volume. Turning the knob while holding down the FX key will allow you to cycle among the various keyboard illumination choices. Using the knob to increase or decrease the volume is possible while the volume button is pressed.
This keyboard lacks macro keys, which may be a problem for certain users but, in my opinion, is a positive thing because it clears up space on the keyboard. You may apply macros to the F1, F2, F3, and F4 keys if you want to.
The Vulcan 120 Aimo ,performance-vise, is one of the finest in the business. Roccat decided to forsake Cherry MX switches in favour of their own Roccat Titan Switches. With a 1.8mm actuation point, these switches behave extremely similarly to Cherry MX Brown switches.
The nicest thing I can say about this keyboard is that it is ideal for both working and enjoying games. The Cherry MX Red Switches on some other high-end mechanical gaming keyboards may not be as good as the Roccat Titan Switches, but in reality, Cherry MX Red Switches aren’t good for typing. The Vulcan 120 Aimo is the greatest mechanical keyboard because of this, if for no other reason than its versatility.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 9.3 x 1.3 inches
- Type of keys: Mechanical
- Type of switches: Titan Switches
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: detachable plastic made
- Weight: 1150 g
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best design ✔️ Outstanding tactile feedback ✔️ The dial knob is really useful. ✔️ Amazing for typing and gaming | ⭕ Apply pressure on wrists ⭕ Bit pricey |
5. Logitech G513 – Most effective full-size gaming keyboard
Since the Logitech G513 is the G413’s replacement, not many significant design advancements have been made. The keyboard is still rather small, and the top plate is still constructed of aerospace quality 5052 aluminium with a sturdy plastic frame.
The fact that brushed metal peripheral coatings attract fingerprints is one of the issues I have with them. After a while, the finish loses its sheen and becomes irksome. The G513 from Logitech solves this issue by combining aluminium with magnesium, which deters fingerprints. The frameless design and floating keycaps make it easy to clean with compressed air both literally and figuratively.
Additionally, this specific model adds customizable RGB illumination for each key. It has the same high quality and brilliant lights that Logitech uses in its more expensive gaming peripherals. With the aid of their patented Light Sync technology, you can also synchronize the lighting effects on your setup.
In this keyboard, the palm rest is made up of soft and light textured leather that gives your palm relaxation by not applying any kind of pressure on it. Well, I’m a little bit disappointed when I see there are no media buttons.
Two USB-A connectors are located on a sturdy six-foot braided wire that extends from the keyboard. Fortunately, the keyboard has a pass-through connector, so you aren’t completely losing both ports, although it would be wonderful if it utilized USB-A 3.0 instead of USB-A 2.0.
A palm rest covered in faux leather and padded with memory foam is also included in the set for added comfort. It performs a decent job of decreasing wrist pain even if it isn’t attached to the keyboard and has the same anti-slip feet for some traction. Overall, this keyboard has a high-end appearance and makes excellent use of the available space for proper key spacing.
No more macro keys are available for customization. Role-playing game (RPG) gamers frequently locate a row of additional keys on the far left side of the keyboard, which are programmed with specific commands. It’s important to bear in mind that these are both minor annoyances that may be resolved by selecting a different keyboard that fits your playstyle.
Specification
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches
- Type of Keys: Mechanical
- Type of switches: GX Blue Mechanical Switches
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: Detachable soft foam
- Weight: 2.1lb
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Comfortable for typing and gaming ✔️ Provides palm rest ✔️ RGB lights on every key ✔️ Linear and tactile switch options are available | ⭕ Only USB 2.0 is supported via USB pass-through ⭕ Media shortcuts are not available ⭕ Discreet RGB lighting |
6. Corsair K63 Wireless – Most effective wireless gaming keyboard
A superb and adaptable keyboard is the Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. For convenient multitasking, it can connect to two devices simultaneously utilizing Bluetooth or its wireless USB receiver for pairing. It boasts linear Cherry MX Red switches that are very responsive and offers good cross-platform compatibility. Although it’s available separately and we haven’t examined it, the Corsair Lapboard is meant to slot into the keyboard and offers stability and support when using the keyboard with a home theatre PC. Sadly, it is only a single blue backlight and neither onboard memory nor cloud syncing allows you to transfer your customization preferences.
One of the most elegant and contemporary keyboard designs in the business is that of Corsair. The frameless design is uncomplicated and has a classy top bezel that adds just the right amount of flare and provides room for separate media controls. Despite the K63 Wireless’ lack of the metal top frame seen on the K70 and K95 keyboards from the same manufacturer, the peripheral’s premium plastics are strong and sturdy throughout.
The floating keycaps are covered by a blue backlight that is subtle yet effective. Given that most wireless keyboards frequently do away with backlighting systems altogether in favour of longer battery life, we are amazed that Corsair preserved the functionality. A K63 Wireless Special Model with ice blue backlighting that is intended to match the lighting on the Corsair One is also available, and it is equally-priced to the standard edition.
Furthermore, its palm rests are one area in particular where I wish Corsair would do better. They have always been made of stiff plastic with a top surface made of a thin sheet of textured rubber that attaches to the clipboard. The clips are rather thin. It isn’t comparable to the excellent magnetic palm rests with plush cushions seen on Razer and Cooler Master devices. I dislike having to remove the clipped palm rest each time I wish to connect it to the lapboard for PC gaming on the sofa.
Specification
• Dimensions: 14.37 x 6.73 x 1.61 inches
• Type of Keys: Mechanical
• Type of switches: CHERRY® MX Red
• Backlight: Blue
• Palm rest: Plastic made but optional
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Good and effective wireless connection ✔️ More features than its wired version ✔️ Excellent for sofa gaming when combined with a lapboard ✔️ Reliable and consistent performer | ⭕ Heavier than other keyboards ⭕ No RGB lights option ⭕ Only offers Cherry Red switches ⭕ Bit expensive |
7. Cooler Master MK850 – Best gaming keyboard for analogue
First impressions are excellent with this keyboard. It is big and features a gunmetal grey top plate made of aluminium. I think it’s a lovely touch that the real finish is brushed on top and sandblasted on the sides and angles. Also included is some plastic that has been brushed to a glossy sheen.
It may be found on the top, sides, Aimpad, and area just above the number pad. There are five rubber feet on a black plastic bottom. Cables that are directed left, right or centre can also be routed. There’s no denying that the keyboard has a fantastic design that makes you grin.
The switches are Cherry MX switches, and there is just one Linear MX Red model available. It works well with the analogue QWER and ASDF keys, which often don’t require tactile feedback. However, it isn’t particularly effective for typing.
The switches are visible underneath the keycaps due to the floating key arrangement. This is quite typical of keyboards and seems rather contemporary on the MK850. To increase the lighting’s brightness, even more, light bars are also included. The underflow is very glitzy. The Lightbars’ lack of current customization is the only drawback. With time, perhaps, this function will be included.
In this amazing keyboard, a magnetic hand rest is installed which is made from faux leather making it a very comfortable and relaxing keyboard. Moreover, 18 PTB extra keycaps are available with a keycap puller. The Aimpad on this keyboard allows for analogue controls that can be added to mechanical switches which makes them much more convenient. It works like same as any joystick as it gives you proper control on your gaming keyboard compared to the regular keyboards.
Specification
• Dimensions: 18.7 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Type of Keys: Mechanical
• Type of switches: CHERRY® MX Red
• Backlight: RGB
• Palm rest: Detachable soft leather made
• Weight: 2.27 lbs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has analogue controls ✔️ Uses unique technology ✔️ Provides wrist rest ✔️ Have full macro keys | ⭕ Requires a lot of setup and fiddling ⭕ There is a third level of input, developers should presumably plan their programs accordingly ⭕ Accessing media keys is rather difficult ⭕ Will face high resistance in switches |
8. SteelSeries Apex Pro – Best gaming keyboard with customization
In most gaming keyboard, there is a similar problem I face because the developers of keyboards become over-ambitious and start to add new features to their gaming keyboard that make the keyboard too large and heavy.
They only focus on the addition of the new feature but forget that this can make the keyboard design more complicated and large. Well, in SteelSeries, I have never seen this situation because the developers of this gaming keyboard have avoided this trap and made an elegant light weighted beautiful gaming keyboard.
In this keyboard, you will find an amazing aluminium frame in perfect size. No excess space is present on the sides of the keyboard and the keys on it end where the keyboard ends as there is no extra space present which makes it light in weight and different to any other gaming keyboard.
If you compare it with the normal keyboard, the wrist rest is the only thing which lengthens the size of this gaming keyboard but otherwise, it gains the same space as any simple keyboard takes. Interesting thing is that you can detach the wrist rest from your SteelSeries apex pro as it is magnetic and you can remove it easily. However, I’ll recommend you to not detach this faux-made wrist raster.
Well, the way keycaps float over the deck gives the keyboard a sleek and contemporary look. The keys are made up of plastic but they are stiff, solid and look of premium quality. The OLED display on the keycaps made it a more beautiful and eye-catching gaming keyboard. You can also adjust light brightness with the help of software and can adjust the force limit on the keycaps.
Performance-wise, it is one of the best gaming keyboards available in the market. You can adjust the actuation according to your need. This mechanical keyboard allows you to turn it according to your preference.
Specification
- Dimensions: 17.2 x 1.9 x 4.4 inches
- Type of Keys: Mechanical
- Type of switches: Adjustable Ominpoint
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: Detachable Plastic made
- Weight: 2.14 pounds
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent aluminium construction ✔️ Fast keyboard ✔️ Actuation settings can be customised ✔️ Soft touch magnetic wrist rest that is removable | ⭕ Expensive ⭕ Soft switches ⭕ OLED screen adds little |
9. Corsair K59 RGB Platinum – RBG gaming keyboards’ Rolls Royce
As we are familiar with its predecessor K70, Corsair K59 RGB Platinum have much of the same design but there are some interesting changes made in this model. The difference between these two same-brand gaming keyboards is that the k59 has just 6 macro keys which helps to make this keyboard slimmer and narrow as compared to its predecessors. For some people, it is a drawback to have fewer macro keys but on the other hand, you can reach the keys of a laptop easier as compared to their predecessors.
On this keyboard, you will find gaming mode, media controls, a volume wheel and toggles of lighting that you can easily reach. Even though the keyboard has reduced its macro keys, it has 8MB of built-in memory that helps to program at least 3 sets of macros.
If you look at the wrist rest of this keyboard, it is not up to the mark if you compare it with other keyboard’s wrist rest. It has the same military-grade aluminium construction as the keyboard and an extremely plush rubber-padded wrist rest. The rubber is magnetic and reversible, giving you a smooth surface on one side and a rough texture finish on the other. This rubber wrist rest’s ease of cleaning is the only drawback I could find with it. It draws almost everything, including oil, dust, food particles, and other debris. It requires continuous cleaning.
If you talk about the speed of this keyboard, it is much similar to its predecessor. The switches are accurately responsive and entitled with Cherry linear MX speed. You don’t have to put more pressure to activate the switches because they are actuated with 45g force. It is best for a gamer because they need fast and instant reflexes. If you are looking for a gaming keyboard, this is an ideal option but if you are looking for typing keyboard, then it is not for you.
Specification
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 6.7 x 1.4 inches
- Type of Keys: Mechanical
- Type of switches: CHERRY® MX
- Backlight: RGB
- Palm rest: Detachable foam made
- Weight: 2.92 pounds
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightning is exceptional ✔️ Lots of short keys and media keys ✔️ Made with high-quality Aluminum ✔️ 8MB profile storage ✔️ Good quality switches | ⭕ Audio pass-through is weak ⭕ Bad quality Palm rest ⭕ The program is not particularly user-friendly |
10. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 – Best gaming keyboard for low profiles
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is available in full size in which they will provide you with a wrist rest. The developers worked hard to fill up all the space in this keyboard. You will see that it is a few inches smaller in size than another gaming keyboard. You can easily work on it as this gaming giant has more space between the keys as compared to any other gaming keyboard.
If you look at the material, it is made up of solid aluminium which makes the keyboard quite durable. This keyboard is stylish enough to look good on your business desk and edgy enough to fit in with your gaming setup, especially with the floating keys that give the design some more flair.
Furthermore, if you look at the key switches, corsair does its best to only use Cherry MX switches. In this gaming laptop, you are allowed to select from 5 different MX switches. You can choose according to your need from these 5 Cherry switches. With the help of this feature, you can convert your gaming keyboard into a typing keyboard.
If we look at the software, corsair K70 RGB MK.2 has the iCUE software which has quite steep learning but you can do some great stuff while using this software. The interesting thing is that you can tweak lights, create profiles and can even record macros.
Specification
• Dimensions: 17.2 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Type of Keys: Mechanical
• Type of switches: CHERRY® MX Red
• Backlight: RGB
• Palm rest: Detachable soft touch
• Weight: 1.25 kg
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent design ✔️ Components are made with high quality ✔️ Allows you to select 5 different key switches ✔️ RGB Lightning ✔️ Versatile software | ⭕ Hardly any changes from its previous predecessor ⭕ Bit expensive |
Conclusion
Now, we have completed our assessment of the gaming keyboards. No matter what your budget is, these gaming keyboards will be able to perform better than any other keyboard and you will not regret buying these keyboards. However, I hope you found all the information about buying the best gaming keyboard , hence, now you able to select the best gaming keyboard for you.