Replacing that old cheap membrane keyboard every time you bang on it too hard in the heat of the battle royale session gets old fast. You need something durable, something that understands the gamer mentality— something that will help you win. You need the best gaming keyboards.
Because as it turns out, gaming keyboards can be just as important as gaming mice when it comes to improving your gameplay– especially in a competitive multiplayer game.
One thing to note is that like premium and competitive gaming mice, the best gaming keyboards tend to be pricey as they are packed with features and new tech. That’s something to consider with the following options.
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Corsair K70 RGB PRO
PROS
- PBT keycaps
- Full-size layout allows for more key bindings
- Ultra-fast polling rate
- Lots of other switch options
- More mature font
- Build-in palm rest
- Durable
- Included volume wheel
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Full size means it occupies a lot of space on your desk
- Loud keyboard switches
Specs:
- Keyboard Layout: Full
- Cherry MX RGB Red mechanical switches
- Polycarbonate Keycaps
- 8,000Hz Hyper-Polling
- Palm rest
The Corsair K70 RGB PRO is the successor to the reputable and legendary K70 keyboard from years past. This time around, there are more lighting options, and the keyboard’s response rate and latency are made even better.
Unlike most other gaming keyboards, the keycaps are also made out of PBT plastic, which is of higher quality and won’t wear out soon, unlike the more standard and cheaper ABS plastic. A lot of professional gamers and content creators swear by this one and its durability.
Corsair K70 RGB PRO
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 Ed.
PROS
- PBT keycaps
- Customizable switch actuation point
- Mature font
- OLED screen adds premium feel
- TKL layout is handy for more space
- Built-in palm rest
- Easier macro programming
- Included volume wheel
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Expensive
- Odd software issues with RGB
Specs:
- Keyboard Layout: TKL
- Customizable switch actuation point
- OLED screen
- Built-in palm rest
- PBT keycaps
Turns out that being able to customize the actuation point of each and every keyboard switch or key is essential to ensuring responsiveness and hand-eye coordination. What this means for the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is that your key presses can be registered milliseconds faster, giving you a reaction-time advantage.
At the same time, there’s also an OLED display to show you some handy information that is useful when switching profiles or controls. Of course, all this comes at a price premium but it’s worth it alone for the advantage you get.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 Ed.
Logitech G915 TKL
PROS
- Wireless
- Logitech Lightspeed wireless tech claims to be faster than wired
- Included volume wheel
- TKL layout is handy for more space
- Lots of other switch type options
- Quick recharge
- Syncs with other Logitech devices easily
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Expensive
- Punctiation symbols are not RGB and are hard to read
- Small letters and numers
Specs:
- Keyboard Layout: TKL
- Low-profile switches
- Volume dial
- Wireless option
- 40-hour battery
If you need something that can go wireless but still offers the precision and low latency of wired options– perhaps even better, then you ought to go with Logitech. Its LIGHTSPEED technology for its 2.4GHz wireless devices is nigh-unparalleled.
Moreover, the keyboard’s low-profile switches eliminate the travel time needed to actuate or activate the keys or switches. That leads to better accuracy and reaction time, especially when paired with the LIGHTSPEED wireless tech.
Logitech G915 TKL
Razer Huntsman Mini
PROS
- PBT keycaps
- Small form factor, perfect for space saving
- Optical switches are fast and responsive
- Lots of switch tactility options
- RGB pairs well with other Razer products
CONS
- Lots of missing buttons for specific macros
- Razer Synapse is janky and annoying
Specs:
- Keyboard Layout: 60%
- Razer Linear Optical switch
- PBT keycaps
If TKL keyboards are still too big for you, then head on over to the smallest gaming keyboard on the market, the Razer Huntsman Mini. It sports a 60 percent layout, which means there’s no function row and neither is there an arrow key partition.
The logic is that a lot of gamers don’t need those anyway. So you’ll be saving a lot of space here. The Razer Huntsman Mini is also famed for its optical switches which are a step above mechanical switches when it comes to responsiveness as they activate at a keypress by tripping off the light sensor, meaning the response rate is light-speed.
Razer Huntsman Mini
Redragon K552 Kumara
PROS
- Hotswappable sockets
- Dust-proof
- Splash-proof
- Sturdy build for the price
- Cheap price
CONS
- Can only accommodate Outemu switches
- Loud and rattly
- Try-hard gamer font
Specs:
- Keyboard Layout: TKL
- Dust-proof
- Spill-resistant
- Hot-swappable sockets
Of course, you have to start somewhere and if you’re not up for those expensive models above, you can always opt for the good old reliable Redragon K552 or Kumara. A lot of gamers love it since it’s advertised as splash or spill-proof and dust-proof.
That speaks a lot for its durability and build. This keyboard is also built well and has lots of customization options compared to other more expensive keyboards. It’s a good starting point for those who want to try out gaming keyboards.
Redragon K552 Kumara
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can gaming keyboards help you perform better in games?
Yes. Some of these recommendations allow you to set the key actuation point higher or lower depending on your comfort. This allows you to perform in-game actions faster. Key or switch tactility also plays a big factor in gaming. -
Why are gaming keyboards more expensive?
Because compared to the regular membrane keyboard, they're more durable and the parts are usually made of high-quality plastic and metal. Moreover, the technology they incorporate are more advanced.