Top 8 Best Gaming Keyboards
Gaming performance is often assumed to be based on playing skill and hand coordination. But while this is common knowledge, it is also fairly understood that hardware can also make or break a gaming session. For keyboards, it is essential to get that smooth user experience, so that input lag is never in the actual hands of the players themselves.
Whether you are gaming on a casual afternoon with friends, or competitive gaming against other teams during official tournaments, it is always important that you use the best keyboard that would unleash the best of your skills.
Gaming Keyboards Overview
(in no particular order)
- Razer Huntsman Elite
- Steel Series Apex 7
- HyperX Alloy Origins
- Razer Blackwidow Elite
- Logitech G613
- SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Corsair K100
- Roccat Vulcan 122 Aimo
1. Razer Huntsman Elite
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | Razer Opto-mechanical |
| Input Interface | Wired |
| Key Programmability | Standard, Manual |
| Passthrough | None |
- PROS: Potentially longer laster due to key switch technology, very clean and quiet key clicks
- CONS: Wrist rest plug isn’t fitted solidly, would detach as soon as the keyboard is lifted
The technology used by the Razer Huntsman Elite is by far one of the most interesting (and perhaps exclusive) of all mechanical keyboards, gaming or not. “Opto-mechnical keys”, as catchy as that sounds, simply means key switches that use both mechanical elements and light. They are touted as having response and delay reduction times that are 30% better than traditional key switches. However, during actual play, the difference isn’t that noticeable. It is probably more useful as a lifespan lengthening feature more than anything else.
As for its other features, it has this very subtle, simple, almost non-gaming look (except for the RGBm of course). The clicks are very nice and clean, not your typical mechanical keyboard clack. Dial is programmable, and macro settings can be made even without a software interface simply by using the Function + F9 keys.
Search Razer Huntsman Elite on Amazon
2. SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL
| Key Layout Type | TKL |
| Key Switch Type | SteelSeries QX2 |
| Input Interface | Wired |
| Key Programmability | Standard |
| Passthrough | USB |
- PROS: Super customizable profile switching system
- CONS: Keycap type used isn’t as premium as its price
Apex 7 might be on the higher end of price compared to other SteelSeries mechanical keyboard, but unlike Apex Pro, it has the chops to prove its price’s worth. It starts with its premium aluminum plating, a staple of high-end mechanical keyboards. It has a very nifty small OLED screen at the top right. Typically it is used to change keyboard settings, But with custom software on your PC OS, image files can be brought directly to that screen, to be used for either notifications or switching profiles.
As with any Apex series mechanical keyboard, you can freely orient the wire under the unit changer where it goes out for your table layout. It also features a USB passthrough, making it easier to plug temporary USB devices on your PC. A standard full size keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 7 is also available for those with the deskspace for it.
Search Steel Series Apex 7 TKL on Amazon
3. HyperX Alloy Origins
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | HyperX (Red, Aqua, Blue) |
| Input Interface | Detachable wired (USB Type-C) |
| Key Programmability | Standard |
| Passthrough | None |
- PROS: Easier to set up on desks, three-level rear height adjustment
- CONS: Keycaps feel kind of cheap-ish (comparatively)
If you really need to buy a gaming keyboard on the fly, then perhaps your go-to option is the Alloy Origins. As far as features go, this is your typical mechanical keyboard, even with the introduction of their “proprietary” HyperX key switches. But the build quality itself is by far one of the most impressive. Its full-aluminum housing most likely even surpasses some of the premium offerings from the likes of Corsair and Logitech.
One thing that’s a bit odd though, is its price, which is roughly the same as the Alloy FPS RGB. With both having slightly different features, one might wonder if this particular model is made to compete with its brand. Another thing is that as premium as the housing is, the keycaps aren’t built to be as premium-feeling. Really weird for such a good combination of components.
Search HyperX Alloy Origins on Amazon
4. Razer Blackwidow Elite
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | Razer Green |
| Input Interface | Wired |
| Key Programmability | Standard, Manual |
| Passthrough | USB, Audio |
- PROS: Perfect comfort with prolonged use. Palmrest included.
- CONS: Excessive software dependability can be downright obnoxious
No, this is not a double-entry. The outer design does look almost exactly like the Huntsman keyboard, keycap design, media station buttons, and all. However, there is one very important difference: the opto-mechanical key switches were ditched in favor of the more traditional Razer Green clicky type keys. This most likely did drive the cost down for the keyboard, and to be fair, it is still very much usable in the “exact same manner”. Also gone is the RGB wrist rest, replaced by a simple cushiony wrist rest etched with the Razer logo.
But for all the things it had changed, the addition of passthrough ports is indeed a very welcome plus. You get both USB and audio passthrough in a single package, so it really is perfect for gamers.
Search Razer Blackwidow Elite on Amazon
5. Logitech G613
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | Romer-G |
| Input Interface | Wireless |
| Key Programmability | Standard |
| Passthrough | None |
- PROS: Dual-device switching with just a press of a button
- CONS: For its price, the lack of backlighting is very inconvenient (though understandable)
If the latest Logitech G915 is too elusive, and the Razer Turret is too premium for you, then you may settle for a middle ground and choose the good ol’ Logitech G613 instead. We know, we know. It’s not exactly the newest of the bunch. But it is still a very serviceable wireless gaming keyboard in 2020, with abundant stock too!
As for its popular specs, it uses advanced wireless connectivity technologies that significantly reduce input lag for games, even if it is a wireless keyboard. Logitech is renowned for having wireless peripherals that lasts for many months, and this again is a staple for the G613. Best of all, the two separate 2.4Ghz dongle/Bluetooth buttons that allow the device to switch between two different devices almost instantly (hence the strange inclusion of a smartphone stand when you order one).
Search Logitech G613 Keyboard on Amazon
6. SteelSeries Apex Pro
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | Omnipoint |
| Input Interface | Wired |
| Key Programmability | Standard |
| Passthrough | USB |
- PROS: Free per-key actuation point adjustment
- CONS: Somewhat more expensive for its total worth
True, Apex 7 may be the best bang-for-the-buck model of the bunch. But when it comes to overengineered maximized features, nothing beats the Apex Pro. For one thing, it has dazzling RGB, which actually competes with the higher-end models in terms of pattern variety and contrast brightness. Combining the visual “tactile” feel of input-triggered RGB, is Apex Pro’s defining speciality is its actuation point adjustment for every single key. Oh, and don’t forget that multi-function tiny OLED screen for showing off those custom profiles!
Again, the Apex Pro might be significantly more expensive. But if money’s not an issue, it is definitely the “Apex” choice.
Search SteelSeries Apex Pro on Amazon
7. Corsair K100
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | Cherry MX Speed Silver |
| Input Interface | Wired |
| Key Programmability | Standard, Manual |
| Passthrough | None |
- PROS: A very premium-level investment in both productivity and extracurricular tasks
- CONS: Some features seemed there only to jack up its price
Speaking of maximized features, the Corsair K100 finally exceeds being a keyboard, becoming a dedicated “key input computer” on its own. It is powered by Corsair Axon, which is yes, a freaking system on a chip (SoC). This theoretically quadruples its throughput, all the while keeping that RGB lighting triggers and patterns in its multi-layered function. This is supposedly even more reinforced by the Cherry MX Speed Silver key switches, but at this point we have resigned ourselves to the limits of human perception.
Additional notable functions include that programmable wheel at the upper center, which is surprisingly far better at productivity than gaming (hint: media creation tools).
8. Roccat Vulcan 121 Aimo
| Key Layout Type | Full-size |
| Key Switch Type | Roccat Titan |
| Input Interface | Wired |
| Key Programmability | Standard, Manual |
| Passthrough | None |
- PROS: Has all of the most dazzling (and functional!) RGB features
- CONS: Some features seemed there only to jack up its price
Some say that the Vulcan 121 Aimo is overpriced for the features that it has. But in terms of build quality, it doesn’t let itself lose against its equally-premium competitors. Especially not with its AIMO intelligent lighting system. It may sound like some fancy marketing term, but it really does its job well of providing very vivid key-illumination, with the power management efficiency that could convincingly last for years. Plus all the RGB trigger-pattern features that it can possibly throw at its users of course!
Lastly, while it is definitely no Razer Huntsman, the subdued sound and satisfying tactile feedback of its Titan switches is quite good enough to consider it a bonus feature.
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