The perfect gaming keyboards of 2024

Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 60 p.c | Switches: Gateron Lekker Linear60 | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north or south-facing) | Software program: Wootility

With most gaming keyboards, claims of “enhancing your play” are simply advertising and marketing fluff. With the Wooting 60HE+, it’s really true — or no less than, it may be. The bottom line is its analog Lekker switches, which may reply to various ranges of stress, very like the triggers on a PlayStation or Xbox controller. These use magnetic Hall effect sensors, in order that they have fewer bodily contact factors that may undergo from put on and tear over time.

This setup permits a couple of genuinely helpful options. For one, you may regulate the actuation level of every key wherever between an ultra-low 0.1mm and 4mm, in 0.1mm steps. With a fast-paced FPS, setting the actuation level low makes the keys extra delicate and thus exceptionally conscious of fast actions. For a turn-based RPG or just typing, elevating that pre-travel distance makes every press extra deliberate and fewer susceptible to errors. It’s also possible to combine and match, making your WASD keys sooner to actuate however leaving the remainder at a much less sensitive stage.

One other characteristic, “rapid trigger,” registers the actuation and reset factors of a key press dynamically. This allows you to re-actuate a key mid-press, earlier than it has to go all the way in which again up, so you may repeat inputs sooner. It’s a boon for capturing and rhythm video games particularly: In a 1v1 shootout in Halo Infinite, you may strafe, cease and begin with just a little extra pace and granularity. We’re nonetheless speaking milliseconds of distinction, however generally that’s all that separates defeating a foe and leaving them with a sliver of well being.

Past that, you may tie as much as 4 actions to 1 key based mostly on how far it’s pressed. In Halo, as an illustration, I’ve made it so I can mark enemies and swap grenades by long-pressing Q and E, respectively — i.e., the keys proper subsequent to WASD. Quick-pressing these keys, in the meantime, nonetheless lets me use their default bindings. In one other recreation, you would flippantly press a key to tug out a grenade, absolutely press to throw it, then launch to reequip your major weapon. All of this requires some mind retraining, nevertheless it in the end lessens the necessity to contort your fingers to carry out a full set of instructions. Which, in flip, can prevent extra valuable seconds throughout a battle.

As a result of the keys are pressure-sensitive, you may as well set them to imitate an Xbox controller. With a racing recreation Forza Horizon 5, the W and S keys may stand in for the LT and RT buttons, whereas A and D replicate the left joystick. Does this really feel as pure as utilizing actual joysticks or a good wheel? In fact not. However for video games that don’t anticipate you to make use of a mouse alongside the keyboard, it’s actually not as clunky as you’d anticipate.

That caveat is essential: Loads of video games aren’t designed with analog keyboards in thoughts, so don’t anticipate the 60HE+ to interchange your gamepad. Proudly owning this gained’t magically make you a top-tier participant both. If you’re up towards different individuals round your ability stage, although, the additional little bit of precision these options present is tangible.

There’s been a wave of Corridor impact keyboards launched within the final 12 months, however the 60HE+ stands out for getting a lot of the fundamentals proper. Whereas there are actually nicer-feeling mechanical keyboards, its double-shot PBT keycaps really feel crisp, its keys are well-spaced and the pre-lubed, linear-style switches are clean and satisfying to press. (They’re technically hot-swappable too, although the 60HE+ is barely designed to just accept Corridor impact switches.) It sounds a smidge chattery, nevertheless it’s nonetheless pleasing to the ear and never particularly loud. The compact case doesn’t flex or wobble. Crucially, the charmingly-named Wootility software program makes it straightforward to remap keys, assign macros, create profiles and or regulate the RGB lighting. Refreshingly, it’s additionally solely accessible through the web. That per-key backlighting is tidy, and altering profiles proper from the keyboard is easy.

That mentioned, there are a couple of downsides. The case, whereas sturdy, is essentially plastic and solely has one incline setting. It doesn’t include a wrist relaxation (although you may buy one individually for $30), and the 60 p.c format gained’t be for everybody. If you wish to add devoted arrow keys and a numpad, get the full-size Wooting Two HE as a substitute. A brand new 80 p.c mannequin known as the 80HE can also be on the way in which, although it’s solely up for pre-order as of this writing. Simply know which you can solely purchase every gadget from Wooting, which sells its gear in batches.

Additionally value noting: We beforehand really helpful an older model of this gadget, the 60HE, in our prime spot. The “Plus” mannequin is a really minor revision that adds support for screw-in stabilizers however is in any other case equivalent.

Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 p.c | Switches: Razer Linear Optical Pink (examined), Purple | Sizzling-Swappable: No | Materials: Plastic with aluminum prime plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: Razer Synapse 3

When you don’t want all the additional options of an analog keyboard just like the Wooting 60HE+ and simply need one thing rather less dear, contemplate the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. There’s no fast set off, analog enter or customized actuation right here — only a stable, well-built keyboard from a serious model that works reliably for gaming.

The perfect factor in regards to the Huntsman V2 is that it’s unusually quiet, as an inside layer of sound-dampening foam offers it a pleasant muffled tone with no audible pinging. The linear optical switches are mild and responsive, however bottoming out doesn’t really feel stiff. The double-shot PBT keycaps have an agreeable texture, whereas the aluminum-coated case doesn’t creak or flex. The per-key RGB lighting shines via the keycaps neatly. Nearly each secret’s macro-programmable, the entire thing connects over a removable USB-C cable, and it comes with a plushy leatherette wrist relaxation within the field. The latter isn’t magnetic although. And whilst you can sneeze and discover 1,000,000 complaints about Razer’s Synapse software program across the net, I’ve at all times discovered it simpler to learn than many competing apps. That claims extra in regards to the state of gaming software program than Synapse, however nonetheless.

I particularly advocate the mannequin with Razer’s purple linear switches; one other model has purple clicky switches, however these sound harsher and have a barely greater actuation level (1.5mm as a substitute of 1.2mm). There are different shortcomings, too: There isn’t any hot-swap, and bigger keys like on the area bar, backspace and enter are a tad extra wobbly than the whole lot else. The keyboard can technically help as much as an 8,000Hz polling rate, however that’s largely a gimmick. Devoted media keys can be good, too.

The Huntsman V2 TKL is a couple of years previous, and Razer has since launched a brand new Huntsman V3 Professional line (which we word beneath). Razer sells full-size and analog versions of the Huntsman V2, however these are normally priced too near the extra versatile Wooting 60HE and Two HE to advocate. (Shortly earlier than this information was revealed, the company did announce a brand new Huntsman V3 Pro line with a extra Wooting-esque characteristic set; we plan to check that quickly, although Razer is preserving the V2 fashions round at a lower cost.) At its preliminary MSRP of $160, we’d skip it, however today it’s typically out there for $50 to $60 much less. At that worth, it’s a high-quality worth if you happen to will need to have a gaming-branded keyboard. Do word, nonetheless, that we spotlight a extra conventional mechanical keyboard on this worth vary beneath.

Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 p.c | Switches: Kailh Pink | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: None

If you wish to pay as little as attainable for a suitable, honest-to-goodness gaming keyboard, get the G.Skill KM250 RGB. For $45, it presents PBT keycaps, hot-swappable switches, per-key RGB backlighting, adjustable toes, a removable USB-C cable and even a devoted quantity management knob. Its translucent “pudding” keycaps look funky however assist exhibit these RGB results. The linear Kailh Red switches are fast and clean sufficient, with out the pinging noise that usually plagues finances keyboards. Its 65 p.c format doesn’t chew up area, nevertheless it nonetheless suits in a set of arrow keys. Although there’s no devoted software program for programming the KM250, you may shortly swap via lighting results proper from the gadget. Avoiding potential bloatware could also be higher at this worth anyway.

Now, this isn’t a miracle. The plastic body is light-weight and surprisingly sturdy, however you don’t get the extent of sound-dampening foam, bolstered stems or pre-lubed springs you’d discover in a extra premium keyboard. Key presses sound hollower and really feel a bit stiffer while you backside out because of this. Plus, whereas having PBT keycaps in any respect on this vary is nice, they aren’t as pleasingly textured as dearer choices.

However come on, it’s $45. For that worth, the whole lot right here is past useful. And if you happen to ever wish to improve a few of its lesser components, you may.

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 p.c | Switches: SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 | Sizzling-Swappable: No | Materials: Plastic with aluminum prime plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: SteelSeries GG

If you need a gaming keyboard you may tackle the highway, otherwise you simply despise cable litter, take a look at the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless. Just like the Wooting keyboards above, its linear-style switches use magnetic Corridor impact sensors, which open up a variety of legitimately helpful gaming options. You may elevate or decrease the actuation factors of particular person keys wherever between 0.1mm and 4mm, allow a rapid trigger mode to repeat presses sooner and bind a number of instructions to 1 key based mostly on how far it’s pushed. (To provide one other instance, you would flippantly press W to stroll, then maintain it to run.) There’s no full-on analog mode, and you’ll “solely” assign two actuation-based instructions to a key directly, however the Apex Professional TKL nonetheless permits for finer management than most wi-fi keyboards.

The “keyboard” a part of the Apex Professional TKL is passable as effectively. The double-shot PBT keycaps keep away from grime and aren’t overly sculpted, in order that they’re straightforward to achieve. The aluminum-plated chassis is strong, and the per-key RGB appears to be like high-quality. You may join over a 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth or a removable USB-C cable. There’s a set of toes with two incline angles across the again and a magnetic wrist relaxation within the field. On the entrance is a quantity curler and a mini OLED show, the latter of which helps you to verify the battery, shortly swap profiles, regulate the actuation, set macros, change backlight brightness and even see data from certain apps.

You’d purchase this for gaming firstly although. The Corridor impact switches are comfortable, however there’s an audible, mildly sharp click on to every press. It’s not harsh, nevertheless it’s not soothing. The area bar, nonetheless, is noticeably louder and extra hollow-sounding than the whole lot else. (The switches aren’t hot-swappable both, although that’s not a shock given their distinctive design.) SteelSeries’ GG software is a bit wonkier to navigate than Wooting’s Wootility app, too; I typically needed to go away it open to make sure my customized actuation profiles weren’t overridden. The battery life, estimated round 40 hours with the wi-fi dongle, isn’t all that lengthy both.

And with an inventory worth of $250, none of this comes low cost. If typing and key really feel is your main concern, now we have a pair higher values in our honorable mentions beneath. However for gaming particularly, the Apex Professional TKL’s characteristic set and quick keys give it the sting. SteelSeries makes several other Apex Professional keyboards in several kind components, however we’d advocate one in every of Wooting’s choices over these except you could go wi-fi.

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 p.c, 75 p.c (normal or Alice format), 80 p.c (examined), 96 p.c, one hundred pc | Switches: Gateron Jupiter Brown (examined), Pink, Banana | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA

When you aren’t intense about esports-style on-line play and simply desire a good mechanical keyboard you may as well use for video games, strive the Keychron V3 Max. For lower than $100, it presents a wi-fi body with hot-swappable switches, double-shot PBT keycaps and a quantity knob. By default, it comes with Gateron’s Jupiter Pink (linear), Brown (tactile) or Banana (extra tactile) switches; the Jupiter Reds are sufficiently mild for on a regular basis gaming and, with the assistance of an inside gasket mount and a number of layers of sound-dampening foam, largely quiet. Every swap comes pre-lubed, which helps maintain the out-of-the-box typing expertise from feeling or sounding low cost. Presses make a beautiful little pop. The keycaps are comfortably spaced and gently rounded, making it simpler to keep away from unintentional inputs, although they’ve a considerably a considerably excessive profile, to allow them to really feel just a little extra in the way in which than the keys on the Apex Professional or Huntsman V2 TKL for fast actions. All of it connects over a detachable USB-C cable, Bluetooth or a wi-fi adapter, and there are USB-C and USB-A dongles within the field.

The V3 isn’t as centered on ultra-low latency as a devoted gaming keyboard, and it doesn’t have any of the particular options out there with the Wooting 60HE+ or Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi, nevertheless it ought to be responsive sufficient for all however probably the most aggressive gamers. A built-in swap allows you to swap between Home windows and macOS modes, and there are OS-specific keycaps within the field. You may program the board via the free VIA software, which can take a second to determine and isn’t loaded with gaming-specific methods, however nonetheless allows you to remap keys, create macros or regulate the backlight throughout OSes. It is also accessible over the net.

The V3 Max’s keys are individually backlit, and you’ll regulate its RGB results proper from the board. This appears to be like odd with the default, non-translucent keycaps although. There’s a pair of foldable toes on the again, however this can be a high-profile keyboard with no included wrist relaxation, so it’s not the most ergonomic setup. The chassis can also be manufactured from plastic, so it’s laborious to name “premium.” And the stabilizers may very well be higher: There’s a faint however audible rattle when urgent the backspace or enter keys, whereas the area bar is louder and extra hollow-sounding than the whole lot else. Nonetheless, this can be a snug and customizable entry level for these trying to get into mechanical keyboards as a passion, one which’s nicer for typing than the Huntsman V2 TKL. It’s a powerful worth for non-twitchy video games.

The V3 Max is a tenkeyless mannequin, however Keychron sells a number of different size and layout options within the V Max collection as effectively. We beforehand really helpful the Keychron V3, an older wired mannequin, and that one continues to be stable if you wish to save a bit extra. However the Max’s wi-fi connectivity and improved acoustics make it a greater purchase.

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 60 p.c, 75 p.c (examined), 96 p.c | Switches: NuPhy Aloe, Cowberry, Wisteria, Moss; Gateron Low-Profile Pink 2.0, Brown 2.0, Blue 2.0 | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Aluminum and plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA

A low-profile keyboard combines the flatter form of a laptop computer keyboard with the extra gratifying really feel of mechanical switches. In comparison with typical mechanical keyboards, low-profile fashions aren’t as tall, and their switches have a shorter journey distance. This will make it tougher to sort precisely, however since low-profile switches normally require little drive to actuate, they’re virtually inherently well-suited for gaming.

When you like this type of design, get the NuPhy Air75 V2. Just like the Keychron V3 Max, it’s not outright marketed for gaming, so it’s not as feature-rich as our different picks, nevertheless it’s adequate on the necessities to be worthwhile. Latency is low sufficient for on-line shooters, and the linear “Daisy” switches in my check unit are mild and responsive throughout video games. They backside out shortly, to allow them to pressure your fingers over time, however they’re quick. The keys additionally sound good, with a gentle clack to every press. If you need one thing extra tactile, clicky and even lighter, NuPhy sells the Air75 V2 with a number of different swap choices as effectively. (NuPhy technically would not pre-configure the gadget with the Daisy switches, however the “Cowberry” mannequin ought to really feel comparable, if a bit sooner.) The switches are additionally hot-swappable, although the marketplace for low-profile keycaps and switches isn’t tremendous intensive.

The board itself is impressively slim, so that you don’t should contort your wrists to sort comfortably. It is a 75 p.c mannequin, so it saves area but squeezes in arrow keys and a full Fn row. (The format can really feel just a little overstuffed, however I’d fairly have extra devoted keys than fewer.) Whereas the chassis will flex a tiny bit if you happen to push down laborious, the keys are steady, the stabilizers don’t rattle and the fold-out toes are agency. The huge, double-shot PBT keycaps give ample room for every press. Plus, all of it appears to be like sort of cute. There’s per-key RGB as effectively, however the default keycaps aren’t shine-through, so the impact appears to be like clumsy — plus it’ll drain the battery sooner.

On a associated word, that is one other wi-fi mannequin that may join over a USB dongle, Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable. I did discover a couple of connection hiccups with the dongle at launch once I had a wi-fi mouse paired on the similar time, however firmware updates appear to have fastened these points. The gadget works with Home windows, macOS and Linux, with system-specific keys within the field and a swap on the highest for swapping between the primary two platforms. No matter OS, it makes use of the VIA software program for remapping keys, assigning macros and the like, similar to the Keychron V3 Max. (As of this writing, you could must do a little extra setup to get VIA to acknowledge the keyboard, however not a lot.) With the backlight off, NuPhy says it might probably last as long as 220 hours; with it on, that drops between 35 and 57 hours. Simply word that it comes from a smaller firm, so it could take just a little longer than standard to ship.

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 75 p.c | Switches: Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Aluminum | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: Keychron Launcher

The Keychron Q1 HE is actually the gaming variant of Keychron’s Q Max series, which is the highest decide in our information to the best mechanical keyboards. It’s a wi-fi mannequin with Corridor impact switches and a 75 p.c format that sits between the 60HE+ and Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi by way of dimension. On uncooked construct and typing high quality alone, it blows our prime picks out of the water. Its full aluminum body has zero flex, whereas its double-gasket mount design and pre-lubed magnetic switches make keystrokes really feel springy. Layers of noise-dampening materials maintain the whole lot sounding nice, minor rattling on the area bar apart. Like different Corridor impact keyboards, it presents customizable actuation, a fast set off mode, the flexibility to assign a number of instructions to 1 key and a gamepad-style analog mode.

Alas, Keychron’s new Launcher software — which the corporate debuted alongside the Q1 HE — doesn’t fairly match as much as its {hardware}. As we write this, for one, Launcher gained’t acknowledge the keyboard except you join it with a cable. Truly setting your profiles isn’t as intuitive as it’s in SteelSeries’ GG app or (particularly) Wooting’s Wootility both, and you’ll solely save three profiles to the onboard reminiscence.

The adjustable actuation vary (0.5mm to three.8mm) is technically shorter than both the 60HE+ or Apex Professional, and I ran right into a bug the place the keyboard would keep in sleep mode if left idle for a number of minutes except I switched it on and off once more. And whereas the design is incredible for on a regular basis use, the sculpted keycaps can take simply that little bit longer to achieve while you’re frantically shifting round. The keycaps aren’t shine-through, both, so any RGB results are muted. (When you tie sure RGB results to particular profiles, this could additionally make it tougher to inform which profile you’re really utilizing.) None of those quirks are deal breakers, however the Apex Professional TKL is a barely smoother expertise in order for you a premium wi-fi keyboard for video games firstly.

Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 96 p.c | Switches: ASUS ROG NX Snow (examined), Storm | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic with aluminum prime plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: Armoury Crate

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (phew) is one other sturdy different to the Apex Professional collection if you wish to go wi-fi. It’s a pleasure to sort on, with very good sound dampening, pre-lubed ROG NX switches, an impressively sturdy case and steady, PBT-coated keys. It’s hot-swappable, its battery life score is way greater than the Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi (90 hours with RGB on) and it has a multi-function key that places quantity, media and RGB controls in a single place. At $180, it’s additionally $70 cheaper than our SteelSeries decide. That mentioned, it doesn’t have the fast set off or customized actuation methods of Corridor impact keyboards just like the Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi, and ASUS’s Armoury Crate software program is a little bit of a large number. However if you happen to care about typing expertise greater than additional gaming-friendly options, it’s wonderful.