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Gaming is no longer an outdoor sport. There are a plethora of people who want to be the absolute best at the games they play. This means they are always on the lookout for exceptional gaming keyboards.
These are often hard to find, but if you look hard enough, you might come across a review that gives you a list of the best options. Here is such a review for you.
All the gaming keyboards on this list are equipped with advanced and unique features that make your experience stand out, among others. You will also find a well-structured buying guide that will help you make a wise choice.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Gaming Keyboard
- OUR TOP PICK: HAVIT Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard
- RUNNER-UP: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Corsair K63 Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Comparison Chart of the Best Gaming Keyboards
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What is a Gaming Keyboard, and is There a Difference Between Gaming Keyboards and Normal Keyboards?
This has been an age-old question, and not many people understand the difference between a gaming keyboard and a normal one. Although these differences aren’t very stark, it is always good to invest in a model made specifically for gaming purposes. The best way to do this is to look for keyboards that cater to a gamer’s needs.
Normally, a good gaming keyboard will have great LED lights that can change color as you please. These not only add clarity to your visuals but also make your experience a lot more enjoyable.
Moreover, having an extra screen on your keyboard can also come in handy and make your experience more competitive. However, gamers often spend a lot of time contemplating these features and they get distracted from the main purpose.
You should always choose a keyboard that feels the most comfortable. These should be easy to use, and the keys should be durable and strong in order to resist the weight of your fingers. Moreover, they shouldn’t require cleaning very often, as that can become exhausting. Moreover, having a spacious keyboard also helps in the task.
What to Look For in a Gaming Keyboard
We have already discussed the main differences between a normal keyboard and one used for gaming. But what are the key features that separate these keyboards from the ordinary? This section is going to highlight the main features you need for gaming purposes.
Anti-Ghosting Effect and Key Rollover
These words might sound strange to you, but if you intend to use your keyboard for gaming, then it's better you understand these terms.
The key rollover is the measure of how many key presses you can easily register at your keyboard at one time. Most standard keyboards in the market only offer one to two rollovers. Failure to register more presses is known as ghosting. You can avoid this by investing in a good keyboard with more effects.
Build Quality
This is also very important as this ensures the durability and strength of your keyboard. When you are a gamer, these things come in handy, because you don’t want to get too aggressive with your equipment, only to lose some important keys in the end.
Therefore, it is important you choose a model that is at less risk of breaking or bending. Hence, having metal or ultra-durable plastic as the construction material can help cater to the issue.
Backlighting
This is a word that you will repeatedly come across while reading this review. It refers to a unique feature that is part of most gaming keyboards. These come in either single colors or full RGB colors. Single colors allow you to have more say in customization and allows you to choose the brightness. Having different RGB colors let you shift between a range of beautiful colors.
Review of the Best Gaming Keyboards
When it comes to gaming, no feature should be overlooked. For an ordinary viewer, gaming might only be an activity, but for that particular gamer, it feels like life and death situations. If you are someone who’s passionate about winning too, then we advise you to invest in one of the spectacular models from this list.
Best Overall:
HAVIT Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
With so many wonderful features at its side, it’s no wonder that this product is considered the best overall in the market. It comes with the latest Kih blue switch, which is a 6 mm ultra-thin and super-suspended keycap. Buyers have reported that this feature adds to the unique mechanical feel and gives them more control over their games.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most attractive feature of the model is its ice-blue LED lights. Gamers care about aesthetics as much as anyone else, and they enjoy it when lighting complements their videos. This special feature contains multiple backlight modes that can be customized easily. Not only this, but they are also used for either saving your settings or presenting different modes.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a universal model that can be used for a range of different purposes. It can be used with Windows models, Mac, and even other PCs suitable for gaming. Moreover, it is also a good model for gamers who like to have relatively more control over their settings. The model isn’t very long, either. This makes it relatively compact and hence, easy to handle in certain situations.
Bottom Line
With its high compatibility, we always knew this model was going to go places, and it most certainly did. It is not only compact but extremely thin, which makes it suitable for high-end gaming.
Not only this, but it also offers higher durability to the gamers. This prevents it from breaking or bending, no matter the usage. All this, coupled with a detachable USB, makes it the best overall model in the market.
Runner-up:
Corsair K95 RGB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are particularly happy with its high actuation and programmable keys. They have complemented its high-end construction, too, which puts them at ease and keeps them from worrying about maintenance. Moreover, they also like the inclusion of an extra 8 Mb profile storage, which ensures a relatively higher macro playback.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model is for people who don’t hesitate to spend a good amount of money on their gaming equipment but, in return, expect a lifetime of gaming.
The model is made with a special anodized aluminum frame. This has been brushed certain times, which further enhances its capabilities. This aircraft and high-end construction material add extra durability to your design, thus making it withstand any kind of pressure.
Who Will Use This Most
The model is known to cater to a range of different gamers, however, its unique features help provide simplicity, yet efficiency to amateurs.
The higher actuation rates mean you can enjoy certain competitive advantages in the field without much effort. It also ensures that the overall design of the model isn’t very complex, hence, it requires less time for maintenance.
Bottom Line
Quality and effectiveness come together in the making of this amazing model. It is constructed with the help of a special anodized and brushed aluminum, which gives it added strength. This not only makes it strong but also more reliable. Moreover, it comes with dynamic multicolor modes, which make the experience of the game more worthwhile.
Best for the Money:
Corsair K63
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Featuring large font keycaps and better control over LED lighting, this model already promises a lot. But recent buyers who have had the pleasure of using the device confirm that the praise is not exaggerated at all. These models are equipped with superior buttons and a compact shape, which makes its operation easier. Moreover, it is less pricey, which makes it even more appealing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It was hard deciding the standout feature of this model because there are simply so many. The gold contact Cherry MX mechanism already delivers ultimate performance to all its users. It also gives gamers a competitive edge, which makes them enjoy the game more.
With its anti-ghosting feature, it also gives you a full key rollover that gives you more command over the keystrokes, registering them whatever way you want.
Who Will Use This Most
This model is the epitome of comfort and ease, and most users prefer it precisely for these features. It is designed with the K63 windows key lock system, which has the ability to eliminate distractions to the gamer. It does this by disabling Windows keys while you are in action. Moreover, this model also comes in handy for people who do not want to spend lavishly on a new keyboard.
Bottom Line
With vibrant backlighting and an advanced and dynamic look, this model is already winning hearts in the market. It offers larger keycaps that are easier to identify and use, especially for amateurs. But that’s not all; you can get these larger caps and so much more at a relatively lesser price. Moreover, the model is also very lightweight, which makes its operation smoother.
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard:
CORSAIR K57 RGB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers adore this model simply because it offers them amazing volume and multimedia controls. This has the ability to take your gaming to an ultra-level by providing you a boost in audio and video quality. Buyers are also pleased with the inclusion of six programmable keys which especially to cater to the needs of high-end gamers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of a plethora of things, but if we had to pick one particular feature, we’d choose the extreme comfort. As gamers, you tend to get stressed and tired often, both mentally and physically.
One way to ensure it doesn’t get on your nerves is to use a comfortable keyboard. This model comes with a palm rest that is detachable. You can use it under your arms to reduce pressure on the wrist and allow you to enjoy your game for a longer time.
Who Will Use This Most
People who like to stay comfortable will love this model. It is the best wireless gaming keyboard that frees you from the hassle of wired connections. You can connect it to super-fast and sub-1 ms slipstream wireless connection.
Not only this, it also has the ability to be connected to Bluetooth of low latency. But unlike other models, it doesn’t limit you to only one kind of connection. It can also be wired with a USB.
Bottom Line
You can light up your wireless gaming experiences with the help of this supreme model. It comes with amazing RGB lighting, which takes your gaming to the next level. Moreover, it has six dedicated and specialized keys that give you a gaming edge in different situations. You get all this and a lot more whilst also ensuring you use less relative power.
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming:
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of recent buyers had no complaints when it came to this model. They call it one of the best manual keyboards that can be used for gaming purposes, and that’s certainly saying something. The model comes with adjustable switches that offer better customization to gamers. Moreover, fans are really pleased with the inclusion of actuation distances that have a very good range.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For any product to stand out, it should have features that make it distinct from other models. One such feature of this keyboard is the OLED smart display. This is a specialized and integrated command center that allows for adjusting of the settings. Not only this, it also ensures tracking on the fly info from your game straight to the display.
Who Will Use This Most
The model comes with a USB pass-through and a special cable routing that makes it suitable for diverse gamers. These also avoid crawling behind or under your desk. You can simply insert a flash drive and a wireless transmitter into the keyboard and choose where the cable needs to exit the keyboard.
Moreover, the high LGB customization allows you to change brightness and have more control over your gaming mechanisms.
Bottom Line
When it comes to gaming equipment, one thing is certain, and that is good reliability. This is important because gamers tend to get really impatient when they have to face delays or problems because of the inefficiency of their gaming equipment. With this model, any such problem is completely gone as gamers can get a range of different colors and greater control over the commands.
Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50:
Redragon K552
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have had significant difficulty in deciding which feature to praise most. This model is full of so many surprises, and it certainly delivers on the company name.
The mechanical keyboard is fully black and comes with special custom switches that offer longevity to the whole device. Buyers have so forth also complimented the precise tactile feedback they get while they indulge in their favorite games.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most noteworthy feature about this model has to be its ergonomic design. This has been perfected, keeping in mind the specific needs of the gamers.
The Steel Series keyboards feature a compact design with high durability metal. This, coupled with ABS construction and plate mounting keys, helps achieve stability in the design. Moreover, the plethora of special switches also enhances the experience of the gamer.
Who Will Use This Most
This model is relatively cheaper than most other models in this review and in the market. Hence, it is for those who do not like to invest heavily in their gaming equipment. But even with a cost below $50, it still offers a lot of incredible features.
Moreover, the model is super-compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Its compatibility isn’t limited to these, as it can be used with a range of other computer brands like MSI, Dell, and others.
Bottom Line
With an ergonomic design and a relatively lower price, this model is already close to becoming a fan favorite. It comes with customized switches that give more control to the gamer. It also has higher durability, which isn’t very common in cheaper models. This durability not only adds to the overall longevity of the model but also helps maintain it after continuous usage.
Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100:
Dell Alienware Pro (AW768)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers agree that it was hard for them to shift to a relatively expensive model from their old one, but none of them regret making this decision. Dell is one of the most trustworthy companies which offer amazing light color options, along with a slightly longer cable cord that makes your workplace cleaner.
Not only this, buyers have also praised the inclusion of high actuation, which further adds to the appeal of the model.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Smoothness, responsiveness, and fair gameplay are the three terms repeatedly used with this model. The anti-ghosting mechanism in it is pretty advanced and allows for a better rollover. This not only gives you more control over the device but also makes your responses super-accurate. It also helps save valuable time and makes you stand out in the competition.
Who Will Use This Most
This model is made for people who like to keep things clean and stable. The longer six-foot cable means you no longer have to see your wire rolling under or behind your desk. Moreover, it also comes with three leg angles that offer full customization and allow for a more relaxing armrest. This is to ensure that gamers don’t get tired while beating their competition.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is slightly more expensive than some other models, but its superior features make it worth the extra money. It comes with a better ambiance than most other options. Its inclusion of 16.8 RGB lighting enhances the visuals of the gaming experience, thereby giving an adrenaline rush to the users.
Moreover, it comes with a longer cable cord and weighs less, which make it all the more attractive for under $100.
How to Clean a Gaming Keyboard
The performance of a gaming keyboard, like all other equipment, depends on a number of factors. One very important prerequisite is cleaning. Doing this requires only a small amount of effort. Here are a few tips for you to follow to effortlessly clean your gaming keyboard:
- You should clean your keyboard daily. This is because small particles of dirt or snacks can get stuck in it. This is also a way to ensure that your keyboard doesn’t require hefty cleaning after a couple of weeks.
- Before you start cleaning, make sure your keyboard is totally unplugged. Although having it plugged in isn’t dangerous either, it is always good to be on the safe side of things.
- First off, remove any obvious dust you see on the keyboard plate. You can do this with a cloth or by using a handheld vacuum. Using the latter will help you do the task quickly. Make sure you thoroughly go through all the keycaps and don’t press the vacuum’s tube too hard. If it is possible, you can also use an anti-static cleaner.
- Next off, you can use a microfiber cloth to simply wipe the rest of the keyboard. You can even dampen the cloth lightly. Make sure it’s not too damp. Also, you can use a disposable cleaning wipe and discard it afterward. Moreover, it is important not to exert too much pressure on the keys while cleaning.
- Once the second step is done, make sure you get another cloth. This should be totally dry to avoid any dampness. Moreover, you should avoid using paper towels, as they usually tend to leave some particles on the keyboard.
This is a simpler version of what you can do. If you want a more detailed list of instructions, then refer to this video given below.
Conclusion
The best gaming keyboard is not one particular size that fits all devices. Every gamer has their own preference and likes to have certain features. Therefore, there isn’t one particular model we advise.
Our list contains different models, each has different LGB customization, different sizes, and even different prices. You can compare each model with the ones you want, and then decide on your favorite brand. But rest assured, whatever model you purchase is going to be worth your money.
People Also Ask
People are obsessed with gaming and one thing that helps them regulate this obsession is scouring the internet for information. In their bid to know the most, these passionate gamers leave a lot of questions behind. To help you choose the right model, we have decided to answer some of the most recurrent questions asked by buyers.
Are Gaming Keyboards Good For Typing?
One of the main features of keyboards, and especially gaming keyboards, is that they come with high durability and strength. This means they can be used for a range of different purposes. Gaming keyboards can hence, be used for typing. You can also press the keys really hard without fearing any damage.
Are Gaming Keyboards Worth It?
A lot of gamers who use normal keyboards face this dilemma. They can’t decide whether they should switch to a gaming keyboard or continue using their old ones. Switching to a good brand of gaming keyboard can significantly enhance your experience. It can also open your doors to a competitive environment that you are bound to enjoy more.
Are Smaller Keyboards Better For Gaming?
This really depends on the gamer’s preference. Some people prefer using keyboards that are smaller and hence, more portable. They are also easier to handle and much faster. However, with bigger keyboards, you can get more durability and better maintenance options. So, in the end, it really boils down to an individual’s choice.
What Gaming Keyboard Does Ninja Use?
We found this question strange, but the internet was flooded with similar questions, hence we decided to dig in and find the answer for you guys. The Corsair K70 RGB is undoubtedly one of the best and most sophisticated that exists in the market. It is also the one used by Ninja.
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Gaming Keyboard Reviews
To help you quickly find what you need, we have organized all of our gaming keyboard buyer guides into one place. Feel free to browse around. Thanks for reading!