The Best Gaming Keyboards
We PC gamers love a good keyboard. Between custom keycaps, RGB lighting, key switches, and more, there's a lot to nerd out over. But with so many factors to consider, choosing a keyboard with the right tactile feel and satisfying sounds can be a challenge. That's why we've reviewed some exceptional gaming keyboards, so click through to find the right one for you.
What to Look For
When buying a gaming keyboard, there are some important questions to consider: Is it wired or wireless? Does it use a membrane or mechanical keys? And does it have RGB lighting? In regards to that last question, you can find laptops that can run dark or light up colorfully based on your preferences. For a great wired keyboard that doesn’t break the bank, we found Redragon’s to hit the perfect balance between price and performance. Meanwhile, for something more portable but pricier, Logitech’s G915 definitely wins out with its slim design and premium mechanical keys. Read on and we’ll go into more detail on each keyboard.
Redragon S101 Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
Click and clack with confidence
This beautiful keyboard checks all the right boxes for gaming, working, and browsing. We found the keys to be quite responsive. Even though they’re not mechanical switches, they still feel snappy and easy to type on. And because this keyboard uses a membrane instead of mechanical key switches, it’s quieter and less disruptive to others.
Pros:
- This works with console games as well as PCs. It uses USB-A so it works on almost any device, and can use a USB-A to USB-C converter for more modern electronics.
- The keys are responsive and don’t require much force to press. This makes typing or gaming for long periods less strenuous and can also reduce typing errors.
Cons:
- The mouse isn’t great for gaming because of its low scanning speed.
MageGee K1 LED Rainbow Backlit Keyboard
The ultimate control setup
Getting a gaming keyboard and mouse setup doesn’t have to break the bank. This affordable keyboard and mouse combo from MageGee works great for gaming, work, and everyday use. The membrane keyboard is much quieter than mechanical ones, so there’s no loud “click-clack” sound. The result is a soft and satisfying typing experience. The keys travel quickly and without much resistance, so you can really let your fingers fly.
Pros:
- The mouse has extra buttons for macros. It also has a DPI button to change the mouse sensitivity with a click.
- The keyboard feels weighty and sturdy. It stays in place, doesn’t slide around when typing, and won’t break easily.
Cons:
- There is unfortunately no kickstand on the back to change the height.
Klim Chroma Wireless Gaming Keyboard with RGB Lighting
Cut the cords
For many of us, we’re over wires. With this budget wireless keyboard, you can enjoy a clean desk that’s ready for gaming. And, it can be used for gaming on the go as well. It’s lightweight enough to fit into a backpack. The slim design really helps there. And unlike most keyboards on the market, this one is water-resistant. Splashes and spills won’t damage the keys. Plus, it makes it super easy to clean, too.
Pros:
- Installation is a breeze. For almost every device (from laptops to tablets), it’s a simple plug-and-play process.
- This is one of the quietest keyboards on our list. The membrane buttons don’t click and the low profile means the keys don’t hit the bottom as loudly.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, only USB.
Anne Pro 2 Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard
Small package, huge performance
The Anne Pro 2 keyboard is our go-to wireless gaming keyboard. The key switches feel amazing — they’re lightning-quick and make a satisfying sound. Another admirable feature is the four programmable memory slots. These let you use the keyboard across multiple devices without having to unpair and reconnect every time. For a lightweight, portable gaming keyboard that delivers the full mechanical key experience, this is definitely our top choice.
Pros:
- This keyboard includes extra keycaps and a tool to replace them. The extra keycaps come in bright colors and the keyboard works with custom keycaps as well.
- The spacebar is one of the best on a mechanical keyboard. This is thanks to the extra guides under the spacebar that keep it from leaning too far on one side, resulting in smooth action no matter where it’s struck.
Cons:
- The is no kickstand on the back, so the angle is non-adjustable.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
King of keys
This is easily one of the top keyboards on the market in both wired and wireless categories. It costs a bit more, but it’s well worth it. We love the thin profile keys which are silky smooth — they really shine for long work periods with a lot of typing. One of our favorite features is the addition of a rolling bar that lets us control our PC volume with a quick swipe. This isn’t found on most keyboards and comes in handy more often than we thought it would.
Pros:
- The G915 can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or a USB-A dongle (a wired connection via USB is also an option). It pairs easily with tablets, phones, and other Bluetooth devices.
- The lighting on this keyboard can be linked to games or movies. You can even map certain game functions like a health bar to areas of the keyboard.
Cons:
- This keyboard is a bit on the pricier side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are key switches on a keyboard?
Key switches are the actual mechanical and electrical parts of the keys while keycaps sit on top of these switches. Types of key switches include tactile, clicky, and linear. Clicky and tactile switches have a noticeable sensation when pushing down on a key while linear switches are smooth the whole way up and down.
Are wired keyboards faster than wireless keyboards?
Wired keyboards will often have less input lag than wireless keyboards. However, this is only really noticeable at professional levels of gaming. For most of us, the input lag difference between wireless and wired keyboards is negligible.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.