HomeHardwareBest gaming keyboard 2024: Full size, TKL or mini?

Best gaming keyboard 2024: Full size, TKL or mini?

Arming your setup with the greatest gaming keyboard will make a distinction, whether or not you’re into first-person shooters or epic RPG adventures. Certain, you’ll be able to technically get by utilizing WASD keys on any outdated keyboard, however your fingers will thanks should you arm them with high-quality mechanical switches and attractive keycaps.

’s peripherals specialists have examined a variety of wi-fi keyboards, mechanical keyboards, wired keyboards, and optical-mechanical keyboards to carry you a listing of the perfect. It doesn’t matter what your funds or choice is, you’ll find the suitable gaming keyboard to satisfy your wants.

Nice gaming keyboards will pair properly with the greatest gaming mouse, and can in the end assist bolster your desktop expertise. For those who’re particularly in search of the most effective wi-fi mechanical keyboard, somewhat than wi-fi or membrane ones, then try that information for a full vary of choices.

Why you’ll be able to belief our recommendation ✔ At , our specialists spend hours testing {hardware}, video games, and VPNs. We share trustworthy, unbiased opinions that can assist you purchase the most effective. Discover out how we take a look at.

Greatest gaming keyboards 2024:

Greatest gaming keyboard general

Razer Huntsman V2 specs:

Variety of keys Full-size with 104 keys
Switches Razer optical
Connectivity Wired
Media keys Devoted
Causes to purchase

  • Razer optical switches
  • Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
  • Extraordinarily snug wrist relaxation
Causes to keep away from

  • Costly
  • No USB passthrough
  • Fastened USB cable

Razer is aware of a factor or two about keyboards, and the Huntsman V2 is a terrific testomony to that reality. Armed with optical switches, delectable doubleshot PBT keycaps, and refined beauty, this board is an ideal ten in our eyes. It even goes above and past by wielding built-in dampening foam, which helps ditch rattling and clattering whereas preserving pleasing ASMR clicks.

The Razer Huntsman V2 is dearer than most, and it’s arguably designed with keyboard fanatics in thoughts. However, it is going to nonetheless present any gaming PC setup with correct and speedy enter, because of its 8,000Hz polling fee.

That’s going to matter should you’re trying to improve your abilities in the most effective FPS video games, as you’ll be capable to swiftly dip, dive and dodge your approach to security throughout standoffs with out worrying about latency. You’ll be able to even swap out its keycaps to provide it an aesthetic edge – a characteristic that’ll inject a little bit of character into your PC gaming house. It’s top-of-the-line quiet gaming keyboards, and should you can afford it, is properly definitely worth the cash.

Learn the Razer Huntsman V2 overview.

Greatest modular gaming keyboard

Mountain Everest Max specs:

Variety of keys Full-size with 104 keys, 4 show keys
Switches Swappable, Cherry MX, or Mountain pre-installed
Connectivity Wired
Media keys Devoted through attachment
Causes to purchase

  • Modular
  • Scorching-swappable switches
  • LCD macro buttons
Causes to keep away from

  • Wrist relaxation is a bit skinny
  • Collectively expensive, however you should buy part-by-part

We’re a giant fan of modularity, and the Moutain Everest Max absolutely embraces the thought of hot-swappable addons. Whereas many different gaming keyboards on the market characteristic detachable switches, the Everest Max helps an extra numpad and media bar, each of which elevate its performance past what you’d count on from customary PC peripherals.

For those who’re a streamer, you’re going to dig the non-compulsory Mountain Everest Max Displaypad, because it basically features like a Stream Deck alternative. Outfitted with LCD keys, we reckon the addon’s macro talents may give Elgato a run for its cash, all whereas taking on much less treasured floor house by being successfully a part of the keyboard’s footprint.

A whole setup will set you again a hefty quantity, however the core keyboard is available in at $150. Not unreasonable contemplating it packs Cherry MX switches and nice construct high quality besides, and it definitely makes extra of a press release than most of its premium rivals in the marketplace.

Learn our Mountain Everest Max overview.

Most customizable gaming keyboard

Corsair K70 Max specs:

Variety of keys 104
Switches MGX Magnetic Key Switches
Connectivity Wired
Media keys Devoted
Causes to purchase

  • Each key may be custom-made individually
  • Fashionable, premium design
Causes to keep away from

  • A pricier choice
  • Comes with form of ineffective Twin-point actuation

If you wish to go all out and seize a keyboard that you would be able to tailor to your particular wants, you gained’t do significantly better than the Corsair K70 Max. It is a implausible little bit of {hardware} that allows you to customise each single key, permitting you to vary their RGB results, their macros, and even their actuation level.

It’s nearly a case of providing you with greater than you want although. Whereas having the ability to alter the actuation level is one thing they frolicked on and which contributed to the excessive value, we don’t suppose it’s going to be that helpful to most players. Certain, if you’d like/want that stage of customization, it’ll be superb, however should you do, you’re within the minority.

After all, it bodes properly for the Corsair K70 Max that one of many solely issues we will say in opposition to it’s that it does an excessive amount of. For those who can afford it, this can be a implausible keyboard and one which proves that each internal and outer magnificence usually are not mutually unique.

Learn our Corsair K70 Max overview.

Greatest gaming keyboard for modding

Drop CSTM80 specs:

Variety of keys 88 keys
Switches Gateron Brown or Yellow
Connectivity Wired
Media keys N/A
Causes to purchase

  • Gateron change selections at level of buy
  • Extremely customizable with out costing over the chances
  • Unbelievable typing really feel
Causes to keep away from

  • Gaming efficiency is nothing spectacular

As keyboard modding turns into extra in style, Drop is main the cost together with a number of different manufacturers like Ducky, in creating merchandise {that a} re easy to customise and make distinctive. Before everything, we referred to as the Drop CSTM80 one of many prettiest keyboards we’d ever seen, and praised it’s really feel whereas typing.

The gasket mounting offers a lightweight really feel, however there may be nonetheless loads of suggestions within the mechanical switches to make sure you don’t undergo from any missclicks. It’s additionally very responsive, however past that, the gaming advantages are gentle, because it’s constructed for a distinct objective and we respect that.

We additionally highlighted the driverless method from Drop, which means you’ll be able to plug the CSTM80 in without having to obtain any further software program. Must you want to customise the inputs, you’ll be able to obtain software program, however it isn’t required underneath any circumstances.

Learn our Drop CSTM80 overview for extra.

Corsair K70 TKL specs:

Variety of keys TKL with 87 keys
Switches Cherry MX Purple, Silent, or Velocity
Connectivity Wired
Media keys Devoted
Causes to purchase

  • Compact TKL design
  • Absolutely-featured
  • Nicely-built
Causes to keep away from

  • No wrist relaxation
  • Costly when not on sale

Not everybody wants a numpad, and the Corsair K70 TKL ditches its right-hand keys whereas retaining every thing that makes the unique mannequin so nice. It wears the identical aluminum shell as its full-sized sibling, wields Cherry MX switches, and provides an 8,000Hz polling fee – a combo that helps the tenkeyless K70 commerce blows with keyboard rivals large and small.

The K70 TKL avoids cluttering its floor with fancy bells and whistles, but it surely does supply a pleasant set of media keys and a nifty quantity curler. That’s to not say it fully forgoes flamboyancy, as its spectacular RGB backlighting provides a shocking splash of shade, and it’ll sync up together with your Corsair PC case and different peripherals utilizing iCue. Nevertheless, showboating isn’t this board’s precedence, with most of its options (fairly rightly) catering to esports efficiency and performance.

Learn our Corsair K70 TKL overview.

Greatest compact gaming keyboard

Mountain Everest 60 specs:

Variety of keys Redesigned 60% with 64 keys
Switches Mountain switches
Connectivity Wired
Media keys Built-in
Causes to purchase

  • The smallest keyboard with arrow keys
  • Quiet however satisfying typing expertise
  • Mountain mechanical switches are satisfying

Mountain saves the day but once more with its modular design, because the Everest 60 is a 60% gaming keyboard with an non-compulsory numpad. Naturally, meaning should you ever remorse investing in a board with out quantity keys, you’ll be able to treatment the difficulty by selecting up a nifty attachment, somewhat than having to choose up a alternative.

The Everest 60 follows within the premium footsteps of the Max, with implausible construct high quality serving to to justify its price ticket. We predict your fingers will agree, as its proprietary switches and silicone layer present every key with a satisfying sound and really feel. Simply remember the fact that the modular numpad will set you again an extra $50, and it’s not appropriate with Max mannequin modules.

Learn the Mountain Everest 60 overview.

Greatest wi-fi gaming keyboard

Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed specs:

Variety of keys 65% with 68 keys
Switches Razer switches
Connectivity Wired/Wi-fi
Media keys Devoted
Causes to purchase

  • Alternative of two.4GHz Razer Hyperspeed or Bluetooth wi-fi
  • Excessive-quality Doubleshot keycaps
  • One of the snug wrists rests

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is a mouthful to say, however this dinky keyboard is one in every of our wi-fi favorites. Armed with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, the board embodies the corporate’s dedication to high quality and aesthetics, all whereas taking on much less room in your desk.

That final level is extra essential than you suppose, particularly with regards to the most effective wi-fi choices. In spite of everything, a part of the enchantment is having the ability to simply decide up your board and but it away with out coping with cords, one thing that makes it simpler to make use of elsewhere.

Whether or not you’re in search of a board that’ll additionally pair with the most effective Steam Deck dock in your front room, or a cordless companion to stay in your backpack, the BlackWidow V3 Mini understands the project. With a flick of a change, you’ll be capable to pair up with Bluetooth units or embrace the advantages of ‘Hypersense’ low latency whereas utilizing a standard PC. For those who’re in a pinch, you’ll be able to even add a USB C wire again into the combination, however its 200-hour battery life could stop that state of affairs completely.

Learn Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini overview.

Greatest low-profile gaming keyboard

Razer Deathstalker V2 Professional specs:

Variety of keys Full-size with 104 keys
Switches Razer optical switches
Connectivity Wi-fi
Media keys Devoted
Causes to purchase

  • Low-profile
  • Nice RGB
  • Wi-fi
Causes to keep away from

  • Very costly
  • Keys could really feel barely rattly

Gaming keyboards are normally pretty chunky, however the Razer Deathstalker V2 Professional packs tons of options right into a pleasantly flat bundle. Whereas the unique mannequin makes use of membranes, its successor is kitted out with optical switches and ABS keycaps that someway handle to keep away from standing too tall. The outcome? A beautiful low-profile keyboard that avoids the same old compromises.

The Deathstalker V2 Professional is admittedly expensive, however that doesn’t preserve it from being top-of-the-line low-profile gaming keyboards we’ve used. Dwelling inside its 19.9cm aluminum shell there are acquainted options like Hypersense wi-fi connectivity and the aforementioned optical switches, which means it shares DNA with the likes of the Huntsman and Deathstalker sequence. It additionally seems gorgeous, because it makes room for dazzling Chroma RGB backlighting underneath its quick caps.

The Deathstalker V2 Professional may be a gaming keyboard, but it surely pulls a low-profile aesthetic that’ll mix in wherever. We’re not essentially saying it’s best to take this costly peripheral to work, however should you did, it gained’t stick out like a sore thumb. The identical goes for when you have a desk in your front room, and its nifty quantity wheel serves a sensible objective for these with a PC media middle offering their TV with leisure.

Learn our Razer Deathstalker V2 Professional overview.

Greatest keyboard for each modding and gaming

Razer Blackwidow V4 75% specs:

Variety of keys 82 – TKL
Switches Razer Orange Tactile
Connectivity Wired
Media keys Two plus scroll wheel
Causes to purchase

  • Designed for gaming and modding with little compromise
  • Simple to customise and reassemble
  • Responsive gaming efficiency
Causes to keep away from

  • Might get costly when including switches and keycaps

Modding a keyboard is nice, not solely can it refresh the design, however you’ll be able to isolate points that come up and doubtlessly repair them with out having to fret about changing an entire keyboard. The Razer Blackwidow V4 is a good instance of attempting to enchantment to 2 markets and leaving no options on the reducing room ground.

We loved our time with the Blackwidow V4 75% massively, praising how easy it was to mess around with and disassemble whereas nonetheless managing to supply responsive gaming efficiency. There was at all times the chance that interesting to 2 hobbies may create a Frankenstein monster of a large number, however no such end result is current right here.

If you wish to give modding a go however retain the core gaming efficiency, there could also be no higher choice. We might have favored to have extra pre-purchase customization choices, to forestall the necessity to buy new switches and keycaps after the very fact, but it surely’s a small value to pay in the long run.

Learn our Razer Blackwidow V4 75% overview for extra.

How to decide on the most effective gaming keyboards

When in search of the suitable keyboard (both amongst these on this listing, or elsewhere) we suggest contemplating all the next factors earlier than making a choice:

  • Pricing: We perceive that some individuals are going to should decide completely primarily based on what they will afford. If that’s you, we suggest not going under round $30 (£25). For those who do, you’ll doubtlessly end up paying extra in the long term when it finally ends up being an inferior product that wants changing.
  • Media keys: These could make it a lot simpler to regulate quantity ranges on the fly and would possibly do rather a lot to boost your gaming expertise should you’re enjoying one thing the place one minute every thing is useless silent, and the subsequent it’s stuffed with motion. When enjoying on-line, it may assist to decrease the amount throughout key moments when it is advisable hear your teammates too, so media keys are positively helpful.
  • Mechanical vs membrane: For those who purchase a mechanical keyboard, you’ll have an especially satisfying clicking sound while you press a key, and also you’ll have the data that you just’ve obtained a high-quality piece of {hardware} that may final a very long time. A membrane, in the meantime, shouldn’t be fairly so sturdy, however is designed for quiet operation and gained’t make wherever close to as a lot noise. You can even discover hybrid choices that aren’t actually mechanical, however really feel rather a lot nearer to it.
  • RGB lighting: Is it a vital addition, or just a flashy extravagance? We are able to definitely perceive eager to have RGB lights in your keyboard, however we will additionally perceive not wanting the additional expense. All the time verify whether or not the lights are current, to what extent they’re coated and appropriate with different units.
  • Wired vs wi-fi: A wired keyboard will present better ranges of precision, however will even imply that it is advisable issue extra wires into your setup. In the meantime, a wi-fi alternative will create much less litter, however gained’t be fairly as exact, and would require you to maintain a detailed eye on the battery ranges (particularly when enjoying on-line).

For those who’re nonetheless left with questions, we’ve answered a number of keyboard-related FAQs under:

Do I would like a gaming keyboard?

Not like typical peripherals, gaming keyboards supply a wide range of options that may assist enhance your efficiency in-game. From mechanical switches that enhance responsiveness to programmable macro buttons, keyboards designed for gaming can provide the edge in a wide range of PC genres, like MMOs and aggressive shooters.

What are mechanical switches?

has a complete information on mechanical keyboard switches, which can rapidly make you an skilled on all issues clicky, linear, and tactile.

In a nutshell, there are two most important varieties of keyboard switches: mechanical and membrane. The latter has some worth in typing should you just like the squishy rubber dome really feel, however you’ll need the quicker response occasions of mechanical switches when attempting to get one up in your enemies in-game.

Can a gaming keyboard make you sport higher?

It definitely can. Along with sturdiness (that’ll cease you getting tripped up by dodgy keys) they supply a stage of precision not seen in customary keyboards (particularly should you get a mechanical one). What number of video games have you ever misplaced as a result of enter lag? What number of occasions have you ever been certain you pressed a button, however nothing occurred in-game? You’ll be able to remove these issues with a gaming keyboard, making certain you’re in full management.

Do I would like an costly gaming keyboard?

That will depend on your intentions. Would you like one thing for common use, when gaming casually at residence? In that case, a funds gaming keyboard will probably be completely effective. The identical is true for lots of players. Nevertheless, should you’re extra aggressive, play rather a lot on-line, get pleasure from speed-running, or something like that, then you definitely’ll need all the advantages that the dearer choices present.

If you need extra assist in constructing the proper gaming set-up, learn our article on the most effective gaming PC. Even an incredible keyboard gained’t make a distinction should you’re utilizing it on a potato that hasn’t even been baked.

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