The very best gaming keyboards can deliver a larger sense of consolation and management to your PC play time, whether or not you’re luxuriating with a prolonged RPG or sweating by a web based shooter. Whereas they don’t all the time really feel as premium for typing as a very good customized mechanical keyboard, they’re often a pleasant improve over a typical membrane mannequin. To assist these seeking to improve, I’ve spent extra time researching gaming keyboards than any individual fairly ought to, testing dozens of well-reviewed choices alongside the best way. Whether or not you need one thing mini, analog, wi-fi or simply plain low cost, these are the very best I’ve discovered.
What to search for in a gaming keyboard
To be clear, any keyboard is usually a “gaming keyboard.” In the event you play numerous video video games right this moment and have by no means sighed to your self, “man, this keyboard is holding me again,” congratulations, you most likely don’t have to pay additional for a brand new one. Self-proclaimed gaming keyboards typically come at a premium, and whereas the very best provide high-quality designs, snazzy RGB lighting and some genuinely worthwhile options, none of them will provide you with god-like ability, nor will they abruptly flip dangerous video games into good ones.
Mechanical vs non-mechanical
Now that we’ve touched grass, I did prioritize some options whereas researching this information. First, I largely caught to mechanical keyboards, not laptop-style membrane fashions. They are often loud, however they’re extra sturdy, customizable and broadly satisfying to press — all optimistic traits for a product you might use for hours-long gaming periods.
Measurement
Subsequent, I most well-liked tenkeyless (TKL) or smaller layouts. It’s completely fantastic to make use of a full-size board in case you actually desire a quantity pad, however a compact mannequin offers you extra space to flick your mouse round. It additionally permits you to maintain your mouse nearer to your physique, which might scale back the strain positioned in your arms and shoulders.
Switches, keycaps and construct high quality
Linear switches, which are sometimes branded as “crimson,” are usually favored by avid gamers. These give keystrokes a easy really feel from high to backside, with no tactile “bump” that would make quick, repeated presses much less constant. They often require little drive to actuate, and so they are usually quiet. Nonetheless, in case you favor the texture and/or sound of a extra tactile or clicky change, get a type of as a substitute. You may lose some velocity in esports-style video games, however nothing is extra necessary than your consolation.
Some gaming keyboards are based mostly on totally different mechanisms totally. Optical switches, as an example, use a beam of sunshine to register keystrokes, whereas Corridor impact switches use magnets. These typically really feel linear, however they will enable for a extra versatile set of gaming-friendly options, resembling the flexibility to set customized actuation factors. (You’ll be able to learn extra about how this works under.) Basically, they’re quicker and extra sturdy too. However keyboards with these additional options sometimes aren’t low cost.
Regardless, you desire a body that doesn’t flex beneath stress, keys that don’t wobble and stabilizers that don’t rattle if you hit bigger keys just like the spacebar. I favor double-shot PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps over people who use cheaper ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, as they gained’t develop a greasy shine over time and their icons gained’t fade. A hot-swappable PCB (printed circuit board) that makes it simple to alter switches if the temper arises is right, as are devoted media keys.
For the sake of simplicity, I solely thought-about prebuilt gaming keyboards for this information, although lots of the picks under enable for personalization down the road. In the event you (and your checking account) actually wish to go wild, take a look at our information to constructing a customized keyboard.
Software program, connectivity and RGB
If a keyboard has companion software program, it ought to allow you to program macros and customized key bindings for video games with out frustration. For comfort, a wired keyboard ought to join by a removable USB-C cable. A very good wi-fi keyboard gained’t add severe lag, however provided that it makes use of a USB receiver, not Bluetooth. (It’ll most likely price extra as properly.) Some gaming keyboards promote super-high polling charges — i.e., the velocity at which a keyboard experiences to a pc — to cut back latency, however except your monitor has an particularly quick refresh price, the same old customary of 1,000Hz must be fantastic. And whereas no person wants RGB lighting, it’s enjoyable. Shopper tech may use extra of that, so the cleaner and extra customizable the RGB is, the higher.
How we examined
The easiest way to guage a keyboard is to simply… use it, in order that’s what I did. To cowl quite a lot of use instances and design kinds, I’ve researched dozens of keyboards over the previous a number of months that’ve broadly obtained excessive marks from skilled reviewers and customers alike. I’ve then used every mannequin I’ve introduced in as my day by day driver for quite a few days. Since I write for a residing, this gave me sufficient time to get a powerful sense of every keyboard’s typing expertise.
For gaming, I give particular focus to every keyboard’s responsiveness in quick, reaction-based on-line shooters resembling Halo Infinite, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2 and (extra lately) XDefiant, as many would-be gaming keyboard consumers get one within the hopes that it’ll assist with that style particularly. I made certain every keyboard felt comfy with different forms of video games, although, resembling Baldur’s Gate 3 (a turn-based RPG), Hello-Fi Rush (an motion sport with an emphasis on timing and rhythm) and Forza Horizon 5 (an arcade racing sport). I used the latter to higher consider the pressure-sensitive options of the analog keyboards I examined.
If a keyboard could possibly be configured with a number of change varieties, I received the linear mannequin. Upon receiving every keyboard, I eliminated a number of keycaps to make sure none had been chipped or damaged. I famous whether or not any keys felt wobbly, whether or not the case flexes beneath stress, whether or not the feel and end of the keycaps modifications after use and whether or not bigger keys just like the spacebar felt significantly rattly or hole. I typed on every keyboard in fast succession in a quiet room to get a way of the place they ranked when it comes to noise. For wi-fi fashions, I checked whether or not the battery drain at 50 % RGB brightness aligned with a producer’s estimate. I appeared to outcomes from websites like Rtings to make sure nothing was out of order with latency. I did my very own testing on a 144Hz monitor with my private rig, which features a Tenth-gen Core i9 CPU and an RTX 3080 GPU.
This helped me guarantee every keyboard met a baseline of total high quality, however to reiterate, a lot of this course of is subjective. I can inform you if a keyboard is loud based mostly on how I slam my keys, as an example, however you will have a lighter contact. What my tastes discover “comfy,” “pleasing,” and even “helpful,” you might dislike. As I’ve written earlier than, keyboards are like meals or artwork in that method. So, maintain an open thoughts.
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 60 % | 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 at the very least, it may be. The secret’s its analog Lekker switches, which might reply to various ranges of stress, very like the triggers on a PlayStation or Xbox controller. These use magnetic Corridor impact sensors, in order that they have fewer bodily contact factors that may endure from put on and tear over time.
This setup allows just a few genuinely useful options. For one, you possibly can 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 attentive to fast actions. For a turn-based RPG or just typing, elevating that pre-travel distance makes every press extra deliberate and fewer liable to errors. You may also combine and match, making your WASD keys quicker to actuate however leaving the remaining at a much less sensitive stage.
One other function, “fast set off,” 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 best way again up, so you possibly can repeat inputs quicker. It’s a boon for capturing and rhythm video games particularly: In a 1v1 shootout in Halo Infinite, you possibly can strafe, cease and begin with slightly extra velocity and granularity. We’re nonetheless speaking milliseconds of distinction, however typically that’s all that separates defeating a foe and leaving them with a sliver of well being.
Past that, you possibly can tie as much as 4 actions to at least one key based mostly on how far it’s pressed. In Halo, as an example, I’ve made it so I can mark enemies and change grenades by long-pressing Q and E, respectively — i.e., the keys proper subsequent to WASD. Brief-pressing these keys, in the meantime, nonetheless lets me use their default bindings. In one other sport, you possibly can calmly press a key to tug out a grenade, absolutely press to throw it, then launch to reequip your foremost weapon. All of this requires some mind retraining, however it finally lessens the necessity to contort your fingers to carry out a full set of instructions. Which, in flip, can prevent extra treasured seconds throughout a battle.
As a result of the keys are pressure-sensitive, you may also set them to imitate an Xbox controller. With a racing sport 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 very good wheel? In fact not. However for video games that don’t count on you to make use of a mouse alongside the keyboard, it’s actually not as clunky as you’d count on.
That caveat is necessary: Loads of video games aren’t designed with analog keyboards in thoughts, so don’t count on the 60HE+ to exchange 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 yr, however the 60HE+ stands out for getting many of the fundamentals proper. Whereas there are definitely 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 easy and satisfying to press. (They’re technically hot-swappable too, although the 60HE+ is simply designed to just accept Corridor impact switches.) It sounds a smidge chattery, however 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 simple to remap keys, assign macros, create profiles and or regulate the RGB lighting. Refreshingly, it’s additionally totally accessible by the online. That per-key backlighting is tidy, and altering profiles proper from the keyboard is easy.
That stated, there are just a few downsides. The case, whereas sturdy, is basically plastic and solely has one incline setting. It doesn’t include a wrist relaxation (although you should buy one individually for $30), and the 60 % structure 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 % mannequin referred to as the 80HE can be on the best way, although it’s solely up for pre-order as of this writing. Simply know which you could solely purchase every system from Wooting, which sells its gear in batches.
Additionally value noting: We beforehand advisable an older model of this system, the 60HE, in our high spot. The “Plus” mannequin is a really minor revision that provides assist for screw-in stabilizers however is in any other case similar.
- Analog switches are quick and deeply versatile for gaming
- Straightforward-to-use software program
- Sturdily constructed
- Snug for typing
- Clear RGB lighting
- Wired-only
- 60 % design is not for everybody
- Solely in the stores in batches
- Does not sound fairly as good as finest conventional mechanical keyboards
$175 at Wooting
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 % | Switches: Razer Linear Optical Purple (examined), Purple | Sizzling-Swappable: No | Materials: Plastic with aluminum high plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: Razer Synapse 3
In the event you don’t want all the additional options of an analog keyboard just like the Wooting 60HE+ and simply need one thing rather less expensive, think about the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. There’s no fast set off, analog enter or customized actuation right here — only a strong, well-built keyboard from a significant model that works reliably for gaming.
The very best 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 gentle 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 by the keycaps neatly. Nearly each key’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 all the time 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 crimson linear switches; one other model has purple clicky switches, however these sound harsher and have a barely increased actuation level (1.5mm as a substitute of 1.2mm). There are different shortcomings, too: There is no hot-swap, and bigger keys like on the area bar, backspace and enter are a tad extra wobbly than all the things else. The keyboard can technically assist as much as an 8,000Hz polling price, however that’s largely a gimmick. Devoted media keys could be good, too.
The Huntsman V2 TKL is just a few years outdated, and Razer has since launched a brand new Huntsman V3 Professional line (which we observe under). Razer sells full-size and analog variations of the Huntsman V2, however these are often priced too near the extra versatile Wooting 60HE and Two HE to advocate. (Shortly earlier than this information was revealed, the corporate did announce a brand new Huntsman V3 Professional line with a extra Wooting-esque function set; we plan to check that quickly, although Razer is retaining the V2 fashions round at a lower cost.) At its preliminary MSRP of $160, we’d skip it, however today it’s typically accessible for $50 to $60 much less. At that value, it’s a fantastic worth in case you should have a gaming-branded keyboard. Do observe, nevertheless, that we spotlight a extra conventional mechanical keyboard on this value vary under.
- Linear switches are quiet and responsive
- PBT keycaps
- Comfortable wrist relaxation
- Comparatively fundamental function set
- Some wobbly keys
$100 at Amazon
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 % | Switches: Kailh Purple | 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 potential for a suitable, honest-to-goodness gaming keyboard, get the G.Ability 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 showcase these RGB results. The linear Kailh Purple switches are fast and easy sufficient, with out the pinging noise that always plagues finances keyboards. Its 65 % structure doesn’t chew up area, however it nonetheless matches in a set of arrow keys. Although there’s no devoted software program for programming the KM250, you possibly can shortly swap by lighting results proper from the system. Avoiding potential bloatware could also be higher at this value 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, strengthened stems or pre-lubed springs you’d discover in a extra premium keyboard. Key presses sound hollower and really feel a bit stiffer if you backside out consequently. Plus, whereas having PBT keycaps in any respect on this vary is nice, they aren’t as pleasingly textured as costlier choices.
However come on, it’s $45. For that value, all the things right here is past useful. And in case you ever wish to improve a few of its lesser components, you possibly can.
- Glorious worth
- Sizzling-swappable
- Rotary knob
- Respectable PBT keycaps
- Plastic body
- Hole sound
- Keystrokes really feel considerably stiff
$45 at Amazon
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 % | Switches: SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 | Sizzling-Swappable: No | Materials: Plastic with aluminum high plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: SteelSeries GG
If you would like a gaming keyboard you possibly can tackle the highway, otherwise you simply despise cable muddle, take a look at the SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi. 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’ll be able to elevate or decrease the actuation factors of particular person keys wherever between 0.1mm and 4mm, allow a fast set off mode to repeat presses quicker and bind a number of instructions to at least one key based mostly on how far it’s pushed. (To offer one other instance, you possibly can calmly press W to stroll, then maintain it to run.) There’s no full-on analog mode, and you may “solely” assign two actuation-based instructions to a key without delay, 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 properly. The double-shot PBT keycaps keep away from grime and aren’t overly sculpted, in order that they’re simple to achieve. The aluminum-plated chassis is powerful, and the per-key RGB appears fantastic. You’ll be able to 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 information from sure apps.
You’d purchase this for gaming at the start although. The Corridor impact switches are comfortable, however there’s an audible, mildly sharp click on to every press. It’s not harsh, however it’s not soothing. The area bar, nevertheless, is noticeably louder and extra hollow-sounding than all the things else. (The switches aren’t hot-swappable both, although that’s not a shock given their distinctive design.) SteelSeries’ GG software program 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 a listing value of $250, none of this comes low cost. If typing and key really feel is your major concern, now we have a pair higher values in our honorable mentions under. However for gaming particularly, the Apex Professional TKL’s function set and quick keys give it the sting. SteelSeries makes a number of different Apex Professional keyboards in numerous kind elements, however we’d advocate considered one of Wooting’s choices over these except you could go wi-fi.
- Quick and deeply versatile magnetic switches
- Useful OLED show
- A number of connection modes
- Magnetic wrist relaxation
- Expensive
- Mediocre acoustics
- Battery life could possibly be higher
$190 at Walmart
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 %, 75 % (customary or Alice structure), 80 % (examined), 96 %, 100% | Switches: Gateron Jupiter Brown (examined), Purple, Banana | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA
In the event you aren’t intense about esports-style on-line play and simply desire a good mechanical keyboard you may also 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 Purple (linear), Brown (tactile) or Banana (extra tactile) switches; the Jupiter Reds are sufficiently gentle 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 change 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 unintended inputs, although they’ve a considerably a considerably excessive profile, to allow them to really feel slightly extra in the best way 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 accessible with the Wooting 60HE+ or Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi, however it must be responsive sufficient for all however probably the most aggressive gamers. A built-in change permits you to swap between Home windows and macOS modes, and there are OS-specific keycaps within the field. You’ll be able to program the board by the free VIA software program, which can take a second to determine and isn’t loaded with gaming-specific methods, however nonetheless permits you to remap keys, create macros or regulate the backlight throughout OSes. It is also accessible over the online.
The V3 Max’s keys are individually backlit, and you may regulate its RGB results proper from the board. This appears 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 be fabricated from plastic, so it’s laborious to name “premium.” And the stabilizers could possibly 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 all the things else. Nonetheless, this can be a comfy and customizable entry level for these seeking to get into mechanical keyboards as a interest, 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 measurement and structure choices within the V Max collection as properly. We beforehand advisable the Keychron V3, an older wired mannequin, and that one continues to be strong if you wish to save a bit extra. However the Max’s wi-fi connectivity and improved acoustics make it a greater purchase.
- Good worth
- Typing feels and sounds nice
- Sizzling-swappable switches
- USB-C and USB-A wi-fi receivers
- Rotary knob
- Plastic design
- Some rattle with bigger keys
- Keycaps neuter RGB backlight
$99 at Amazon
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 60 %, 75 % (examined), 96 % | Switches: NuPhy Aloe, Cowberry, Wisteria, Moss; Gateron Low-Profile Purple 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 could make it more durable to sort precisely, however since low-profile switches often require little drive to actuate, they’re nearly inherently well-suited for gaming.
In the event you like this form 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, however 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 gentle 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 light clack to every press. If you would like one thing extra tactile, clicky and even lighter, NuPhy sells the Air75 V2 with a number of different change choices as properly. (NuPhy technically does not pre-configure the system with the Daisy switches, however the “Cowberry” mannequin ought to really feel comparable, if a bit quicker.) The switches are additionally hot-swappable, although the marketplace for low-profile keycaps and switches isn’t tremendous in depth.
The board itself is impressively slim, so that you don’t should contort your wrists to sort comfortably. It is a 75 % mannequin, so it saves area but squeezes in arrow keys and a full Fn row. (The structure can really feel slightly overstuffed, however I’d relatively have extra devoted keys than fewer.) Whereas the chassis will flex a tiny bit in case you push down laborious, the keys are steady, the stabilizers don’t rattle and the fold-out toes are agency. The extensive, double-shot PBT keycaps give ample room for every press. Plus, all of it appears form of cute. There’s per-key RGB as properly, however the default keycaps aren’t shine-through, so the impact appears clumsy — plus it’ll drain the battery quicker.
On a associated observe, that is one other wi-fi mannequin that may join over a USB dongle, Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable. I did discover just a few connection hiccups with the dongle at launch after I had a wi-fi mouse paired on the similar time, however firmware updates appear to have mounted these points. The system works with Home windows, macOS and Linux, with system-specific keys within the field and a change 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, identical to the Keychron V3 Max. (As of this writing, you might have to perform a little additional setup to get VIA to acknowledge the keyboard, however not a lot.) With the backlight off, NuPhy says it may last as long as 220 hours; with it on, that drops between 35 and 57 hours. Simply observe that it comes from a smaller firm, so it might take slightly longer than common to ship.
- Slim, sturdy and engaging design
- Nice typing expertise
- Spacious, high-quality keycaps
- Configurable with a number of change choices
- Low-profile design can result in typos and fatigue, particularly for first-timers
- Inventory keycaps aren’t shine-through
$130 at NuPhy
Honorable mentions
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 75 % | 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 basically the gaming variant of Keychron’s Q Max collection, which is the highest choose in our information to the very best mechanical keyboards. It’s a wi-fi mannequin with Corridor impact switches and a 75 % structure that sits between the 60HE+ and Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi when it comes to measurement. On uncooked construct and typing high quality alone, it blows our high 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 all the things 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 at least one key and a gamepad-style analog mode.
Alas, Keychron’s new Launcher software program — 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. Really setting your profiles isn’t as intuitive as it’s in SteelSeries’ GG app or (particularly) Wooting’s Wootility both, and you may 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 implausible for on a regular basis use, the sculpted keycaps can take simply that little bit longer to achieve if you’re frantically shifting round. The keycaps aren’t shine-through, both, so any RGB results are muted. (In the event you tie sure RGB results to particular profiles, this will additionally make it more durable 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 at the start.
- Feels and sounds nice for typing
- Versatile magnetic switches
- Premium aluminum chassis
- Software program wants polish
- Keycaps neuter RGB backlight
$219 at Keychron
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 96 % | Switches: ASUS ROG NX Snow (examined), Storm | Sizzling-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic with aluminum high plate | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north-facing) | Software program: Armoury Crate
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi (phew) is one other robust 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 ranking is far increased 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 choose. That stated, 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 multitude. However in case you care about typing expertise greater than additional gaming-friendly options, it’s wonderful.
- Glorious typing high quality
- Sizzling-swappable
- Good battery life
- Not as versatile or feature-rich as Wooting 60HE+ or SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi
$150 at Amazon
Different gaming keyboards we examined
ASUS ROG Azoth
The ASUS ROG Azoth is sort of a smaller model of the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi with just a few extra fanatic touches, resembling a gasket-mounted design — which supplies keystrokes a softer really feel — a programmable OLED show and a toolkit for lubing switches within the field. It’s exceptionally well-made by any customary, not simply “for a gaming keyboard.” However its function set nonetheless isn’t as versatile because the Wooting 60HE or SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi, which makes its $250 price ticket a troublesome ask.
Keychron C3 Professional
The tenkeyless Keychron C3 Professional is the highest finances choose in our mechanical keyboard information, and it stays an awesome stand-in for the G.Ability KM250 RGB if you wish to keep beneath $50. With its gasket mount design, inside foam and pre-lubed switches, it feels and sounds fuller to press. The bottom model we examined lacks hot-swappable switches and solely has a crimson backlight, however Keychron lately launched revised fashions that handle that and add full RGB. That stated, their ABS keycaps really feel cheaper and may develop a shine over time, plus there’s no quantity knob. Some could discover KM250’s smaller measurement extra handy for gaming, too.
NZXT Operate 2 and Operate 2 MiniTKL
The total-size NZXT Operate 2 and tenkeyless Operate 2 MiniTKL are completely strong midrange choices with quick optical switches and the flexibility to swap between two common actuation factors, however they’re let down by mediocre stabilizers on the bigger keys.
Razer Huntsman V3 Professional
The Razer Huntsman V3 Professional is a line of wired analog keyboards that is available in 60 %, TKL and full-size choices. They’ve nearly all of the options we like on the Wooting 60HE+, however their optical switches are noisier and extra hollow-feeling.
Razer Huntsman Mini
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a fantastic alternative in order for you a 60 % keyboard and don’t want Wooting-style software program methods, with textured PBT keycaps, a sturdy aluminum high plate and the identical quick optical switches we praised with the Huntsman V2 TKL. The 60HE+ is rather more versatile, although, whereas the KM250 RGB is a extra interesting worth.
Corsair K70 Max
The Corsair K70 Max is one other one with magnetic switches, however making an attempt to program its extra superior options by Corsair’s iCue software program was a ache.
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is an honest if fundamental midrange mannequin, however it’s additionally on the noisy aspect in comparison with the Huntsman V2 TKL, and it’s saddled with middling software program.
Logitech G Professional X TKL and G Professional X 60
The wi-fi Logitech G Professional X TKL and G Professional X 60 are constructed properly however too costly to lack hot-swappable switches and the analog options of gadgets just like the Wooting 60HE+. There isn’t a lot sound-dampening foam in both board, too, in order that they don’t sound nice.
Logitech G915 TKL
The Logitech G915 TKL is a wi-fi low-profile keyboard with a steel body, however its skinny ABS keycaps really feel too low cost for one thing that’s often priced round $180. Logitech launched a brand new wi-fi low-profile mannequin referred to as the G515 Lightspeed TKL in late June; we secured a evaluation unit simply earlier than our newest replace was revealed, so we’ll embody our ideas within the subsequent refresh to this information.
Latest updates
June 2024: We up to date this information with a brand new “conventional mechanical keyboard” choose, the Keychron V3 Max, plus a pair new honorable mentions and extra notes on different gaming keyboards we’ve tried. Be aware that we’ve examined — and can proceed to check — a number of different keyboards that aren’t explicitly marketed towards gaming, however we’ll direct you to our normal mechanical keyboard shopping for information for more information on these.
