If you are a serious gamer, you know how essential high-quality gaming gear is. The controller, the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and the latency of your connection, everything could make the difference between a resounding victory and a crushing defeat. So today, we bring you the definitive list of the best gaming keyboards you can buy in 2021. We will also list the best inexpensive gaming keyboards for folks on a budget.
Best Gaming Keyboards You Can Buy
The gaming keyboards listed below span across different price points, ranging from sub-$50 affordable devices for folks on a budget to over $200 decked-up cutting-edge keyboards with all the bells and whistles one can ask for. So without further ado, let’s check out the best gaming keyboards (mechanical, membrane, TLK, and more) you can buy right now. Do note that we have only included mainstream devices with standard layouts and QWERTY keypads.
Note: We have covered all types of gaming keyboards in this list, including the best mechanical, membrane, TKL, mini and more. Check out our detailed gaming keyboard guide to learn more about different switch technologies in gaming keyboards.
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro: Best Full-sized Linear Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Possibly the best full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard you can buy right now, the SteelSeries Apex Pro comes with OmniPoint adjustable switches. You can adjust each key in the keyboard to meet your preferred sensitivity level, whether for gaming, work, or anything else. The actuation distance can range from 0.4 millimeters to 3.6 millimeters, depending on the user’s preference. It also comes with a clickable metal roller and media keys that allow users to adjust volume and settings such as brightness, rewind, skip, pause, and more.
The Apex Pro also features an OLED smart display that acts as a command center for adjusting settings and tracking real-time information from games, Spotify, Discord, and more. The SteelSeries Apex Pro is built out of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that makes it highly durable. It also comes with stunning RGB Illumination that the company claims delivers up to 16.8 million colors per key. The keyboard also comes with a premium magnetic wrist rest that provides full palm support for a comfortable and ergonomic feel.
- Pros: Per-key actuation, Minimalist full-RGB deck, Vast array of features, TKL variant available
- Cons: Relatively Expensive
Buy From Amazon: ($199.99)
2. Razer BlackWidow Elite: Best Tactile Mechanical Keyboard
While most people prefer linear keys for gaming, some folks swear by tactile switches. If you’re one of them, the Razer BlackWidow Elite is the keyboard for you. It comes with Razer’s in-house Orange mechanical switches that offer tactile feedback with a quieter click. These switches require 45 g of actuation force, making them ideal for most gaming and typing purposes. If tactile isn’t your thing, you can also choose between the clicky Razer Green and the linear Razer Yellow switches. At just under $100, it is also one of the best budget mechanical keyboards for gaming right now.
The BlackWidow Elite comes with fully programmable macros. Razer calls it Hypershift, and it allows gamers to remap all keys and keypress combinations. The keyboard also comes with Razer Chroma RGB support. The RGB lighting not only syncs with popular games but also other Razer hardware, Philips Hue bulbs, and gear from 30+ partners. Further, Razer claims up to 80 million clicks per-key, which should make it durable and long-lasting. The keyboard also comes with an ergonomic magnetic wrist-rest made of plush leatherette to maximize comfort over extended gaming sessions.
- Pros: Well-built and sturdy, Full RGB backlighting, Macro-programmable keys, Available in three different switch options
- Cons: Software-based customization only available on Windows
Buy From Amazon: ($99.99)
3. Cooler Master CK552: Best Budget Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Cooler Master CK552 is a great mechanical keyboard at an incredible price. It comes with an option of Gateron Red, Blue, or Brown mechanical switches, all of which offer rapid response times for quick in-game action. It also features attractive RGB backlighting that includes per-key LEDs with multiple lighting modes and effects. The keyboard also features on-the-fly controls that allow for real-time adjustments to the lighting and macros with no additional software. If you want more granular control, you can rely on the company’s software for advanced customization. It lets you map over 16.7 million colors to any key, customize lighting modes, and fine-tuning macros.
Cooler Master CK552 comes with a brushed aluminum minimalistic design that includes a curved top plate and floating keycaps. The Gateron red mechanical switches have a durability rating of up to 50 million clicks per key, ensuring long-lasting reliability. With its extensive set of features, high-quality construction, and unbeatable price, the Cooler Master CK552 is an easy choice for folks looking to buy a high-quality gaming keyboard without breaking the bank.
- Pros: Customizable RGB, Premium build quality, Great pricing
- Cons: Nothing
Buy From Amazon: ($79.99)
4. Logitech G915 LightSpeed TKL Wireless: Best TKL Gaming Keyboard
Logitech G915 is an excellent keyboard known for its build, ergonomics, and feature set. While the full-sized wired, linear variant is the most popular, Logitech also offers a ten-key-less (TKL) variant. It boasts low-profile mechanical switches for speed, accuracy, and performance. The Logitech G915 TKL features a compact form factor, LightSpeed wireless connectivity, low-profile GL switches, and LightSync RGB. It comes in 3 options: GL Tactile, GL Linear, or GL Clicky, and all three are among the best in their respective categories.
The G915 TKL uses an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to offer gamers a thin, rigid, and durable chassis. Logitech also claims a 40-hour battery life, which promises extended gaming sessions without plugging-in the keyboard. One of the best features of this keyboard is that it doesn’t sacrifice the discrete media keys despite its small profile. Overall, the Logitech G915 TKL is one of the best gaming keyboards in the market for folks looking for a tactile mechanical keyboard for gaming.
- Pros: Slim profile, Sturdy build, Discrete media keys, Comfortable low-profile switches
- Cons: No G-keys for programming, No wrist rest, Prohibitively expensive
Buy From Amazon: ($213)
5. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro: Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
The BlackWidow V3 Pro is one of the best wireless mechanical gaming keyboards you can buy. It comes with an option between clicky and tactile Green switches or the smooth and silent Yellow models. The latter is the more popular one for gaming and offers great speed and precision, thanks to an actuation point of just 1.2mm. They offer no tactile feedback and include sound dampeners to reduce any audible clicks. It also comes with a clean design that enables better immersion in integrated games and lighting setups.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro comes with double-shot ABS keycaps that ensure durable labeling. It also comes with an ergonomic, magnetic wrist-rest made of plush leatherette to maximize comfort over extended gaming sessions. The V3 Pro includes a military-grade metal top plate, and much like other Razer gaming keyboards, it also comes with a lifespan of up to 80 million clicks per key.
- Pros: Doubleshot keycaps, Premium wrist-rest
- Cons: No macro keys, Expensive
Buy From Amazon: ($229.99)
6. Corsair K100 RGB: Best Cherry MX Linear Mechanical Keyboard
The Corsair K100 RGB is one of the best linear mechanical gaming keyboards money can buy. It offers cutting-edge performance, style, durability, and a whole host of customization options. It features Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB key switches that provide lightning-fast response times with an actuation distance of just 1.2mm. The switches come with a guarantee of up to 100 million keystrokes and register key presses up to 4x faster than standard mechanical gaming keyboards.
The Corsair K100 RGB comes with a durable aluminum frame, dynamic per-key RGB backlighting, and a 44-zone three-sided LightEdge. It is powered by Corsair’s AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, which helps deliver up to 4x faster throughput with native 4,000Hz hyper-polling and 4,000Hz key scanning while simultaneously driving up to 20-layer lighting effects. The keyboard also comes with a programmable iCUE control wheel that gives you command over backlighting, media jogging, and more through Corsair iCUE software.
- Pros: Responsive low-latency switches, Programmable RGB, Premium build
- Cons: Expensive
Buy From Amazon: ($229.99)
7. Mountain Everest Max: Best Modular Gaming Keyboard
The Everest Max from German peripherals manufacturer Mountain is an 80% TKL keyboard that you can expand with modular components like a numeric keypad or a media dock. Both can be attached either to the right or the left of the base model for ultimate customization. Other features include customizable display keys and hot-swappable switches, as well as keycaps. It comes with many different switch types, including Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, Speed Silver, and Silent Red. Of course, there’s also the customary RGB and programmable macro keys.
The Mountain Everest Max is aimed at a niche audience, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on any standard features. It comes with a squishy magnetic palm rest, a media dock with a customizable IPS display, and discrete media keys. It also features a whole host of built-in apps for displaying component performance, time and date, stop-watch, lighting, brightness, volume, and more. The Mountain Everest Max is a highly-customizable keyboard that offers you features you didn’t know you needed. High pricing notwithstanding, it is one of the best options for folks looking for a modular gaming keyboard.
- Pros: Fantastic hardware, Great modularity
- Cons: Software still a work-in-progress, Extremely expensive
Buy From Mountain: (Base: $129.99; Full Setup: $269.99)
8. HyperX Alloy Elite 2: Best RGB Gaming Keyboard
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard, and you have a choice of Cherry MX Blue, Brown, and Red switches. It also features translucent ABS pudding keycaps that enable the RGB lighting to shine through for a more immersive gaming experience. The Cheery MX switches themselves are the perfect balance between responsiveness and accuracy, with short travel time and actuation distance. They also feature an exposed LED for brighter, more luminous RGB lighting.
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is built around a solid steel frame that not only provides durability but also gives the keyboard some heft. It comes with dedicated media keys and a large volume wheel that allows gamers better control over their keyboard. The keyboard also comes with the company’s HyperX Ngenuity software that lets users customize the signature light bar and create personalized lighting profiles. Overall, if you want the best RGB gaming keyboard with Cherry MX switches, this is the one you should pick.
- Pros: Great features, Multiple Cherry MX switch options, Stunning RGB, Relatively affordable
- Cons: No detachable wrist-rest
Buy From Amazon: ($117.99)
9. Razer Cynosa V2: Best Membrane Keyboard
The Razer Cynosa V2 is a membrane keyboard that offers the best price to performance ratio right now. It is a full-featured gaming keyboard with membrane switches, full RGB lighting, a programmable Game Mode, and discrete media keys. The keyboard can execute up to ten commands at the same time with built-in key rollover anti-ghosting. It also offers a high degree of personalization and gaming immersion with Razer Chroma RGB that syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners.
The Razer Cynosa V2 comes with individually backlit keys with support for 16.8 million colors. Like most premium Razer gaming keyboards, it also comes with fully-programmable macros that allow gamers to remap all keys and keypress combinations. The keyboard comes with a spill-resistant design and supports up to 80 million clicks with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. At just $75, it is also one of the best budget gaming keyboards in the market. Do note that if you have a slightly higher budget for membrane keyboards, you can opt for the Razer Ornata V2 that comes with the best hybrid mechanical-membrane switches.
- Pros: Profiles and Game Mode, Impressive RGB lighting, Affordable pricing
- Cons: Plain design, Poor software optimization
Buy From Amazon: ($75.29)
10. HyperX Alloy Origins 60: Best Mini Mechanical Keyboard
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a 60% gaming keyboard with a sturdy build, responsive mechanical switches, and RGB backlighting support. It includes HyperX Red switches with a short travel time and low actuation force and per-key RGB lighting. The switches are rated for 80 million keypresses, making them among the most reliable in the market. The keyboard comes with an aircraft-grade aluminum body that provides long-term durability and structural stability.
The Alloy Origins 60 also has double-shot PBT keycaps with side-printed secondary functions for quick recognition. Built out of durable PBT, the keycaps are resistant to wear, friction and solvents. Other notable features of the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 include a Game Mode, 100% anti-ghosting, and N-key rollover functionalities. There are also three different adjustable keyboard angles and a detachable USB-C cable for enhanced personalization. If you swear by Razer and want a 60% keyboard, you could also go for the Razer Hunstman Mini ($99.99) as well.
- Pros: Small form factor, Premium build quality, Responsive low-latency switches
- Cons: Niche 60% keyboard, Relatively expensive for a mini
Buy From HyperX: ($99.99)
Enjoy Pro Gaming Keyboards at All Price Points
The list above not only includes the best professional-level gaming keyboards (mechanical, membrane, TLK, and more) but also more budget-friendly options suitable for all. So pick the best gaming keyboard that suits your budget and tickles your fancy. In the meantime, check out our list of the best budget SSDs for gaming and the best gaming RAM you can buy right now. Also, check out how you can speed up your Windows 10 PC to give you that added edge while gaming. Finally, make sure that your PC is not running too hot and avoid thermal throttling.
