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We can't know what it actually means to fight a dragon or to master an arsenal of weapons, but in gaming, we experience thrills so rich and essential that it feels like we do. The keyboard we use to transmit our intentions into action must match our skill and experience and integrate into our gaming cathedral to help us better fight those dragons. For us, gaming and technology are at the core of who we are, how we spend our free time, and what we look forward to. We also know that choosing from the current offerings in gaming keyboards can feel overwhelming. We want to offer expert guidance in choosing a product that fits your needs and helps you to have all kinds of extraordinary experiences in the virtual world. So, we bought 17 of the top-reviewed gaming keyboards and went deep into creating the best test plan in the review industry. We are confident that this comparative analysis is your ultimate guide in making an informed decision for a range of gaming styles, experiences, and budgets.
At the pinnacle of our top gaming keyboards list, the Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard reigns supreme, boasting exceptional performance and unparalleled versatility. This keyboard has earned its top spot due to a perfect balance of innovation and practicality, catering to the needs of avid gamers. One of the key features that sets the Corsair K100 apart is its dedicated macro keys and a customizable control wheel. This thoughtful design allows gamers to streamline complex commands and execute them with ease, enhancing overall convenience and adaptability during intense gaming sessions. Whether it's executing a series of in-game actions swiftly or triggering complex commands with a single press, the K100 delivers an outstanding user experience.
However, no product is without its flaws. While the Corsair K100 excels in numerous aspects, it does fall short in on-the-fly macro capabilities. This limitation might be disappointing for users seeking quick customization and adjustment on the fly. But if you aren't deterred by a couple of minor flaws, we highly recommend the K100. For a quick, customizable alternative, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT earned a top award for its feature-packed ability combined with a nice price tag that won't hurt your bank account.
Overall, our testers were blown away by how well the Corsair K100 RGB performed in our tests.
Membrane doesn't last as long as mechanical switches
Clip in palm rest
The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT gaming keyboard is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on features and functionality. With its highly customizable keys and dedicated macro buttons, gamers can tailor their gaming experience to suit their preferences and playstyle. The spill-resistant design ensures durability, providing peace of mind during intense gaming sessions, while the captivating RGB lighting adds a vibrant and immersive atmosphere to the gaming setup. The convenience of IP42 protection further enhances the keyboard's durability, safeguarding it against spills and dust. With six dedicated macro keys, users can gain a competitive edge by programming complex macros or assigning streaming commands. This full-featured gaming keyboard is a cost-effective choice, offering everything gamers need to excel without stretching their budget.
However, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT does have some drawbacks worth mentioning. The membrane switches, while functional and responsive, may not provide the same satisfying tactile feel and durability as mechanical switches. This may concern users who prioritize long-term reliability and prefer the mechanical keyboard experience. Additionally, while the included clip-in palm rest offers some comfort, some users may find it less desirable compared to the integrated or detachable palm rests found on other keyboards. Despite these drawbacks, the keyboard's affordability and feature-rich design still make it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly gaming keyboard with customizable features. If rubber dome switches are not an acceptable feature for you, and you prefer the tactile feel of mechanical switches, you might find the Redragon K552 to be just what you are looking for. You'll also appreciate the lower price of this keyboard compared to other models with mechanical switches.
The K55 uses rubber dome membrane switches rather than mechanical ones.
In gaming, our connection with the virtual world is critical, and we have some concerns about wireless connectivity where keyboard input is concerned. In the case of the Logitech G915 Lightspeed, however, our concerns were quickly put to rest. We didn't experience any issues with latency, and we were delighted by the extensive features of this keyboard. With rich lighting enhancements, the G915 Lightspeed offers a variety of settings that will suit gamers who want to create individualized RGB effects. The dedicated media keys and programmable macro keys are additional reasons we appreciated this keyboard.
The area where the G915 Lightspeed didn't thrill us was with the macro key assignment. It is possible to record macros on the fly, and we could record any key combination we could contrive, but the software was clunky in this area and you can only reassign the 5 “G” keys. The lack of a palm rest is another downside to the G915 Lightspeed. This was an interesting issue for us, however, because although we like and need a palm rest with other keyboards, we didn't miss it with the G915 Wireless. For those gamers who feel some trepidation about relying on a wireless keyboard for their MMO or MOBA battles, we recommend the excellent Corsair K100 RGB, a wired model with N-key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting, superb responsiveness, and a host of other features in the same price range as the G915.
The G915 Lightspeed is heavy on features that distinguish it from other keyboards. The fact that it is wireless is an additional enhancement that makes it an excellent choice for gamers who want to create a sleek gaming set-up.
While the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro gaming keyboard didn't earn our best overall award, it undeniably stands as a close and formidable contender. This keyboard offers a wealth of customization options, complemented by an innovative light-up palm rest that enhances the overall gaming experience. A notable addition is the volume roller, allowing for quick audio adjustments, and the highly customizable layout that contributes to exceptional performance in various gaming scenarios. Crafted through a dual-shot molding process, the keyboard's keycaps ensure durable labeling for enduring intense gaming sessions, reflecting Razer's commitment to a reliable product. The cushioned wrist rest, adorned with Chroma RGB lighting, enhances comfort and reduces wrist strain during extended gameplay.
However, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro has a couple of minor drawbacks. Some users might find the media key icons less visible during fast-paced gameplay, and macro creation could be less intuitive compared to alternative options. But, if customization is a high priority for you, this could be your best option. If high visibility is important to you, we suggest the radiant Redragon K552. This keyboard is a beaut. The keys individually light up to create a more reliable setup for your gameplay. All this is included with a cheap price tag.
The palm rest on the Razer V4 lights up in addition to the keyboard.
Central to the SteelSeries Apex Pro's acclaim is its revolutionary adjustable actuation feature, enabling users to tailor their keystroke sensitivity with precision, harmonizing seamlessly with their distinct gaming approach. This unparalleled level of control and responsiveness equips gamers with the tools to fine-tune their gaming encounters, forging a distinct competitive advantage in every digital showdown. Beyond its remarkable performance, the Apex Pro extends a considerate embrace of comfort, ensuring that protracted gaming sessions remain physically accommodating. The inclusion of a well-crafted palm rest offers a respite to fatigued wrists and hands, reaffirming the keyboard's commitment to a comfortable gaming experience. Lastly, the Apex Pro is the most affordable option of our tested premiere gaming keyboards.
Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge a minor limitation of the Apex Pro, centered around its non-detachable cable. While this aspect might mildly inconvenience some users, this keyboard's exceptional performance and feature-rich design unequivocally overshadow this drawback, cementing its status as a great choice for discerning gamers seeking an immersive and precision-driven gaming keyboard. If the non-detachable cable is a deal breaker, then we suggest our best overall, the Corsair K100 RGB keyboard.
The extensive customization capability is a notable feature, granting users substantial control over the keyboard's radiant lighting.
Making its mark on our list of top gaming keyboards, the Redragon K552 impresses with its remarkable array of solid features and performance, all at an incredibly low price point. This budget-friendly mechanical keyboard exceeds expectations with its N-Key rollover and individual key lighting, offering a straightforward yet effective solution for gamers seeking a reliable and affordable option. The ergonomic design adds an extra layer of appeal, ensuring gamers can embark on extended play sessions without sacrificing comfort or experiencing fatigue. With its high-quality and durable construction, the Redragon K552 guarantees a consistent and reliable gaming experience, providing gamers with the confidence to engage in intense battles and demanding gameplay.
Despite its commendable features, the Redragon K552 does have a few minor drawbacks that warrant consideration. During our testing, we discovered that the lighting modes' names could be somewhat obscure, which might lead to confusion for users attempting to customize their lighting preferences. While the individual key lighting is a positive aspect, the lack of accompanying software for further customization or programming might disappoint some users who desire more intricate and personalized setups. Nonetheless, the Redragon K552 remains a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and reliable mechanical keyboard with impressive features and durable construction. If you'd like to invest more in your future keyboard to get additional customizations, then we suggest the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. This keyboard stands out for its additional customizable audio adjustments.
The lighting customization option on the K552 is limited but it excels in individual key lighting.
Wooting has come out with a HE+ version of the original HE keyboard that we tested. Suffice it to say that the difference between the two, however, won't make a difference to most gamers. The HE+ includes two small holes in the printed circuit board for screw-in stabilizers to satisfy the needs of keyboard enthusiasts. Wooting will soon discontinue the HE and will only offer the HE+, but there won't be any need for HE users to upgrade to the HE+ unless they need to install stabilizers.
Positioned as one of the leading contenders in the gaming keyboard market, the Wooting 60 HE stands out with an impressive array of features designed to cater to gamers seeking unparalleled control and performance. The highly customizable features pack a punch with its adjustable actuation and rapid trigger key response giving gamers a level up in performance. The added convenience of an NKRO toggle for console compatibility is a perk we liked for multi-gameplay. Its compact 60% size, complemented by hot-swappable keys, adds to its appeal, while the inclusion of a carry strap adds practicality for on-the-go gamers.
Despite its remarkable performance and flexibility, it's worth noting that macro creation requires separate software, which might present a slight learning curve for users accustomed to integrated solutions. Additionally, while the lighting customization is solid, it may not offer the extensive options provided by some of its competitors in the market. We like the Corsair K100 RGB for those looking for better lighting options because it goes beyond the standard options. This keyboard includes captivating color sequences that make it alluring to the user.
The Wooting 60HE offers a generous selection of customizable lighting effects.
Earning a notable mention on our esteemed gaming keyboard roster, the HyperX Alloy Core RGB stands out with its remarkable simplicity and commendable functionality. While we didn't find this to be the best overall in terms of features and customization, we do feel that those who just want a straightforward option that gets the job done will appreciate this model. The Alloy Core comes with a spill-resistant design that ensures durability for both casual and intense gaming sessions. With user-friendly features, this keyboard offers hassle-free setup and immediate usability, appealing to gamers seeking an uncomplicated yet efficient experience.
However, we noted that the Alloy Core RGB does not come with a palm rest. This could impact comfort during extended gameplay. Despite not receiving an award, the HyperX Alloy Core's straightforward design and performance make it a notable choice for gamers seeking a reliable keyboard for gaming. This is similar to the G.Skill KM250 RGB, another simple but effective keyboard at a great price.
The HyperX Alloy Core is notable for its simplicity and performance.
The ability to customize a gaming keyboard is a quality that many gamers are looking for, but it often comes with a higher price tag. In the case of the G.Skill KM250 RGB, however, you get hot-swappable switches at a low price. There is only one type of switch available when you buy the keyboard, but you can easily install any 3-pin or 5-pin switch. We particularly like this option for customization because you can change the keyboard to suit different types of games or styles of play over time, and you have the option of experimenting with switch types for different keys. You also get an N-key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting, and a volume control knob.
Features such as macro keys, lighting software customization, macro recording, and media keys (other than the volume knob) are what a user exchanges for the lower cost of the KM250 RGB. That being said, the lighting is easily controlled from the keyboard, and lighting is per-key (also unusual at this price). The KM250 is a %65 keyboard, which is an additional consideration, but unlike a full-size console like the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, it has a smaller footprint with more space for the mouse or other devices.
The KM250 keycaps and switches are hot-swappable using the included tool. We appreciate that G.Skill developed a keyboard with this feature at a price that is within reach on a tight budget.
Credit: Austin Palmer
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Why Trust GearLab
To give you the best advice on gaming keyboards, we bought the top models on the market and put them through a rigorous but practical series of tests. We objectively assessed lighting customization, performance, ease of programming and macros, convenience, and palm rest comfort while playing many hours of MMOs, MOBAs, RTSs, ARPGs, and FPSs.
To give you the most comprehensive review out there, we broke down our testing into five rating metrics:
Lighting Customization (35% of overall score weighting)
Performance (25% weighting)
Convenience (20% weighting)
Key Assignment and Macros (15% weighting)
Palm Rest (5% weighting)
Senior Research Analyst Austin Palmer is a dedicated gamer in his free time and an electronics specialist during the workweek. Over the last decade, he has been on the leading edge of testing everything from VR headsets to gaming mice. All told, Austin spends the majority of his waking hours with his fingers dancing across a keyboard. Likewise, Senior Review Editor Nick Miley uses a keyboard for work and recreation. While not a passionate gamer, Nick uses macros for administrative work and, having typed millions of words over the course of his career, knows quality switch action and well-laid out features when he uses them. Brian Pidduck, a writer and science teacher, also contributed to this review and applied his background in science and enthusiasm for data analysis to discern which keyboards performed the best based on our criteria.
We measure every aspect of these keyboards to give you accurate dimensions on what you are to expect when you buy.
Analysis and Test Results
We immersed ourselves in intense gaming sessions with the keyboards we bought, but we also invested effort in the more tedious aspects of product testing: measuring dimensions, understanding the manufacturer guidelines, swapping switches and keys (where possible), exploring software functionality, and evaluating the durability of components such as palm rests, cords, the keyboard chassis, and ABS vs. PBT keycaps. Our evaluation covered every aspect of product performance, ranging from comfort and ease of operation to the degree of customization possible. In the categories below, we discuss the results of our work and highlight the keyboards that excelled.
Value
We consider value to be a balanced ratio of performance and price. Depending on your needs and budget, there are options in our lineup that meet that criteria. For example, if you are an advanced gamer and want the technology that will take your battle station to the next level, then the Corsair K100 RGB is what you are looking for. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is also an excellent choice but costs less. If you need to be mindful of how much you can spend but still want the awesome features and customization that the K100 has, we recommend the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT. We also get a lot for our money with the Redragon K552, which offers mechanical switches and great performance on a tight budget. Hats off to these manufacturers for making products with features that gaming enthusiasts want at prices that are affordable.
We had fun running through our expansive testing plan, digging deep into important aspects of a gaming keyboard.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Lighting Customization
Many of the keyboards in this review come with an array of lighting customization options ranging from multi-layer effects to simple static colors. With this technology, gamers can create visually immersive gaming experiences that are nothing short of thrilling. We assessed this metric by considering the ease of customization, degree of adjustments, variety of colors, and number of presets.
The K100 RGB and its cheaper counterpart, the K55 RGB Pro XT, offer an impressive level of customization. With the iCUE software, gamers are empowered with an extensive array of options to create lighting scenarios and effects. The speed, direction, and starting/stopping points of different effects can be adjusted, as can their integration with the games being played.
Want to feel like you're at a rave while you're playing? Each gaming keyboard gives you a certain range of lighting options.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The HyperX Alloy Origins is remarkable, offering users a high degree of freedom to pre-select all lights in the keyboard or choose specific keys for individual effects. This level of granularity allows gamers to create unique lighting configurations that are perfectly tailored to their gaming style and setup. Additionally, the ability to adjust the speed of the effects adds a delightful touch of personalization, giving users additional control of lighting dynamics.
Having a high number of presets to work with makes it quick and simple to access a wide selection to choose from. The G.Skill and Redragon K552 top the charts here, giving you the most options. However, this is likely done to overcompensate for the fact that they don't have integrated software into their keyboards. This can be helpful for beginner gamers just starting out, but if you truly want the most versatility, look to products that offer software to see an exponential growth of options for ultimate customizability.
Some keyboards extend the fun to their palm rest, giving you a full lighting spectacular.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Performance
A gaming keyboard may have all the cosmetics in the world, but if it does not have strong overall performance, it fails to be useful. For this metric, we evaluated performance by measuring latency and N-Key rollover/anti-ghosting for each keyboard. Latency is the measure of the time it takes for your keystroke to transmit to your computer. N-Key rollover/anti-ghosting is a feature that guarantees the keyboard can accurately detect and process multiple simultaneous key presses without any signal conflicts or missed inputs.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out for its at least 50 key rollover capabilities and remarkable input speeds. The V4 Pro offers a choice between two switches, each catering to different preferences. The Green Switch boasts precise actuation with clicky, tactile feedback, which is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress response. The Yellow Switch, on the other hand, is a linear switch that is smooth all the way to the bottom of the keypress.
Another great option is the SteelSeries Apex Pro, which has 104-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting. The HyperX Alloy Origins, the Wooting HE, and the Redragon K552 also scored similarly to the Apex Pro in terms of anti-ghosting and input speeds.
Critical key combinations need to run flawlessly to ensure we're playing at our prime. We go through them all during our gameplay to make sure these keyboards can handle our quick responses.
Credit: Austin Palmer
We emphasize how important performance is in a keyboard, but our testing tells us that it isn't the metric you need to pay attention to when choosing a keyboard. Most keyboards scored similarly. In our opinion, you'll want to first consider price or available lighting customization before using our other metrics to make your decision.
Getting back to the issue of performance, we don't recommend the SteelSeries Apex 3 and the Razer Ornata V3 for gaming. We discovered several issues with key rollover and key combinations that wouldn't work. For example, on the Apex 3, we couldn't use the “space bar + w + t” combo, which we use for a run, jump, and stun action. We found that in some keys and combinations, the Ornata did better than the Apex, but in other areas, the Apex did better than the Ornata. SteelSeries also indicates that the Apex 3 has a 24-key rollover, which we couldn't get in our tests. We didn't hear back from the manufacturer when we looked into this issue.
During our performance testing, we played a wide variety of games, from first-person shooters to MOBA, to make sure we give you results based on your own individual gaming preference.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Convenience
Our convenience metric is based on the available switch types, the ability to swap keycaps, the layout of media keys, and whether or not a USB passthrough is included in the keyboard. Switch type is a matter of personal preference, so the capacity to install linear, tactile, or clicky switches is an important consideration. We also recognize that some gamers seek an even higher degree of customization and want to install specific switches for specific keys. In addition, access to media keys offers a lot of convenience when listening to music. In fact, once you become accustomed to dedicated media keys, we don't think you'll want to go back to a keyboard without them. A USB passthrough is a nice feature, but it isn't essential for most gamers, in our opinion, and most keyboards don't have them.
The Logitech G915 Lightspeed has one of the highest convenience scores because it has three switch options (linear, tactile, and clicky), and the dedicated media keys (and volume roller) are excellent. The keycaps are also swappable, and there is a software setting that allows you to disable any key (except for the macro and media keys) in Game Mode. It is important to note that while the Logitech has switch options, they are not hot-swappable. In addition, the G915 Lightspeed does not have a USB passthrough, although we didn't weigh this metric as highly as switch type and media keys.
The layout media keys were a critical component of our assessment of convenience. In our opinion, dedicated media keys that are intuitive to use are the gold standard for gaming keyboards.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The strength of the SteelSeries Apex Pro lies in its diverse switch options, including the innovative OmniPoint switches. This feature gives users the advantage of adjustable actuation distance and provides a highly customizable typing and gaming experience. While the tactile switches may lack this adjustable actuation feature, this cutting-edge technology truly sets the Apex Pro apart from other keyboards. Honorable mentions in this metric include the HyperX Alloy Origins, the Cooler Master MK730, the Ducky One 3 Mini, and the Corsair K100 RGB.
Some keyboards feature small OLED screens on the keyboard that show information about media or RGB settings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Key Assignment and Macros
We expect top-performing gaming keyboards to have the ability to remap keys and assign macros. While we enjoy gaming without macros, there are scenarios where they are essential, such as with repetitive actions.
The Corsair K100 RGB and the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT utilize the iCUE software for programming macros on the fly and assigning macros for six designated macro keys. We appreciated the software's intuitiveness, the variety of options, and how we could edit macros in list view (which we prefer over sentence view).
Behind the Corsair keyboards, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro and Razer Ornata V3 offer a wide variety of programmable buttons, which enable users to assign custom functions to the keys. Although the initial setup is a little tricky, the keyboard's options remove the need for re-recording macros, resulting in a user-friendly programming experience.
Macro recording, editing, and specific macro keys are important considerations in gaming keyboards.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Palm Rest
A palm rest is a useful feature of a gaming keyboard since we spend a lot of time on our keyboards, and comfort affects our ability to focus and perform at our best. That being said, not all palm rests, or third-party palm rests are comfortable to use. A well-designed and well-proportioned palm rest, however, is a delight to use and can make a world of difference during epic gaming sessions.
The palm rest on the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless was comfortable and positioned so that our fingers could easily reach the keys. On other keyboards, we felt like we had to allow some time to get accustomed to a new hand position, but in this case, our position on the palm rest just felt natural. We also liked the overall width, which will support most hand sizes. One of our favorite features was the magnetic attachment, which is less likely to break than clips. We did find, however, that our hands got a little sweaty on the faux leather material. This will depend upon the person, but other palm rests we tested seemed to have better airflow.
A palm rest adds a necessary degree of comfort during prolonged gaming sessions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
There are several keyboards, however, that don't come with a palm rest. These include the Wooting HE, the Ducky One 3 Mini, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed, the HyperX Alloy Origins, the Redragon K552, the Asus ROG Azoth, the G.Skill KM250, the HyperX Alloy Core RGB, and the Redragon S101. There are third-party palm rests that will work well, but in our experience, it can be tricky to find the right one since the palm rest needs to match the height, width, and angle of the keyboard. It is interesting to note that we didn't miss the palm rest in some cases. This appears to be due to the overall design of keyboards and the height of the keys.
With Each update, we add more and more to our review to give you a wide selection to choose from.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
In our evaluation of gaming keyboards, we looked at the programming software, the types of switches, N-key rollover capability, latency, the availability of media and macro keys, the comfort of the palm rest, the ability to modify the keyboard (switches and keycaps) and the depth of lighting customization. High-performance gaming keyboards must perform at a higher standard than office keyboards, so we looked for limitations in the models we tested and were skeptical of new enhancements. We want to make sure that when we recommend a product, we can fully stand behind our work and that our advice is the only advice you'll need to seek. Ultimately, our intention is to help you find the best keyboard that meets your needs while staying within your budget. If you need a mouse to complete your gaming setup, we've tested those as well in our our gaming mice review.
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Nick Miley, Jared Eastlick, Austin Palmer, and Brian Pidduck
