Unveiling the Ultimate Gaming Keyboards of the Future - Top Picks for 2023
Enhance your gaming experience with our curated collection of the finest gaming keyboards Elevate your gameplay with vibrant colors and unbeatable performance Still undecided? Explore our FAQ section for expert insights on switch types, compatibility, and more
When shopping for a gaming keyboard, it's important to keep in mind that the best ones not only enhance gameplay but also add a stylish touch to any modern PC setup. While their impressive RGB lighting may catch the eye, it's their performance that truly sets them apart from ordinary office keyboards. With features such as tactile feedback and responsive input, gaming keyboards empower competitive gamers to achieve their best. To make the right choice, it's helpful to establish a budget and consider other distinguishing factors that vary between different models.
When comparing membrane keyboards to their mechanical counterparts, it becomes evident that membrane keyboards are more budget-friendly. However, they do lack the ability to provide satisfying feedback when keys are pressed, as well as the advanced features present in premium gaming keyboards.
In terms of form factor, gamers have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a gaming keyboard. These options include full-sized keyboards, as well as smaller ones such as tenkeyless or 60 percent form factors. It is important for buyers to consider whether they require number pads and a complete set of function keys, or if they would rather prioritize saving desktop space.
Wireless keyboards, despite their higher cost, now offer low latency performance comparable to wired devices. However, due to their clever cable management solutions, some gaming keyboards with cables remain preferred among competitive gamers.
Regarding customization, there are gaming keyboards that allow users to remap all keys, while others have more limited customization options. Additionally, certain mechanical keyboards provide a wide selection of switches with varying typing sensations and noise levels.
Regardless of price and features, there is the perfect gaming keyboard for any buyer among the following contenders.
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
Best Overall Gaming Keyboard $200 at Amazon
Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard $48 at Walmart
SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Mid-Range Gaming Keyboard $116 at Amazon
ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Best High-End Gaming Keyboard $220 at Amazon
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard $150 at Amazon
See More
Razer Ornata V3 Gaming Keyboard
Best Membrane Gaming Keyboard $60 at Amazon
Logitech G915 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard $170 at Walmart
HyperX Alloy Origins Gaming Keyboard
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard $87 at Walmart
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Ergonomic Gaming Keyboard $146 at Best Buy
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard
Best Compact Gaming Keyboard $45 at Amazon
Corsair K65 RGB Mini
Best 60% Gaming Keyboard $80 at Amazon
Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard
Best RGB Gaming Keyboard $36 at Best Buy
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is an exceptional gaming keyboard priced at $200, originally sold at $250, allowing you to save $50. This wired keyboard takes advantage of analog switches, placing it among the top-tier mechanical gaming keyboards offered by Razer. Alongside its USB-C connectivity, this keyboard also boasts features like USB 3 Passthrough, customizable switches, and dedicated media keys.
Brand: Razer
Wireless: Yes
Backlight: No
RGB: Yes
Media Controls: Yes
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Razer Analog Optical Switches
Replaceable Keys: Yes
Number of Keys: 108
Dimensions: 3.55 x 17.53 x 1.2 inches
Keycaps: Razer Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
Polling Rate: 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
Pros: Superior build quality
Keypresses: Satisfying but not overly loud.
Versatile media control buttons
Ability to assign multiple actions to single keys
Cons Gamepad functionality needs improvement
Expensive for a wired keyboard
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog surpasses expectations and earns the title of the best gaming keyboard among 2023 options. With its exceptional build quality and innovative features, it outshines even the top mechanical keyboards.
The Huntsman V2 Analog is equipped with optical analog hardware instead of ordinary mechanical switches, offering numerous advantages. Unlike traditional switches that require physical contact, these switches use a beam of light to measure input travel distance. Additionally, this keyboard features durable Doubleshot PBT Keycaps that resist fading, ensuring long-lasting keys and switches.
One of the notable features of the Huntsman V2 Analog is its ability to customize key reaction to varying degrees of key presses. Through the Razer Synapse app, users can adjust actuation levels from 1.5 mm to 3.6 mm and assign multiple commands per key based on applied force. Moreover, the keyboard's flexible switches allow for 360-degree movement, granting players enhanced directional control during gameplay. However, it's important to note that this functionality may cause conflicts in certain games, as the Huntsman V2 Analog may override the primary recognized controller.
The Huntsman V2 Analog is a robust peripheral, weighing 2.64 lbs, featuring a sturdy plastic body strengthened by a steel plate. Enhancing its premium appearance, the keyboard showcases impressive RGB effects with per-key lighting, as well as colorful illumination along the sides, accompanied by a magnetic wrist rest. Furthermore, Razer's software allows gamers to synchronize the lighting with their wide range of complementary mice, headsets, and speakers.
While the Huntsman V2 Analog may be one of the pricier wired keyboards available, its exceptional build quality and innovative switches make it worth the investment. For a comprehensive analysis of the gaming features and capabilities of the Razer keyboard, refer to GameRant's detailed review.
The Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard: Enhance Your Gaming Experience at an Affordable Price
Experience the ultimate gaming keyboard with the Logitech G213 Prodigy. With its customizable RGB lighting system, you can effortlessly customize the keyboard's colors to match your gaming setup or adapt to different games. Moreover, this keyboard seamlessly synchronizes with other Logitech devices, creating a captivating lighting setup that enhances your gaming environment.
Featuring a slim and durable construction, the G213 Prodigy is built to last. Its robust design repels liquids and dirt, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. Additionally, this full-sized keyboard offers an integrated palm rest and adjustable feet, providing optimal comfort during intense gaming sessions.
Upgrade your gaming gear today and save $20 off the original price. Don't miss out on this incredible deal for the Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard, the best budget-friendly choice for gamers. Order now!
Logitech's Wireless Multi-zone RGB Keyboard features a sleek design with no backlight, making it perfect for gaming and PC use. With 104 keys and a number pad, this keyboard provides a comfortable and efficient typing experience. The membrane switch type ensures smooth and responsive key presses. Compatible with gaming consoles and PCs, its dimensions of 8.58L x 17.8W x 1.3H inches make it compact and easy to use. Made with ABS keycaps and a built-in wrist rest, this keyboard offers both durability and comfort. Additionally, it boasts five individual lighting settings and soft key presses, adding to its appeal and user-friendly design.
Ergonomic-friendly
Cons Attached wrist rest
Not the best build quality
$50 at Amazon $48 at Walmart $50 at Best Buy
If you're a budget-conscious gamer, you understand how quickly the costs of building a new gaming rig can escalate. However, there's no need to compromise on quality or performance when it comes to choosing a mouse and keyboard for your setup.
Introducing the Logitech Prodigy Gaming Keyboard, a compact and practical device that will enhance your gaming room or home office. This keyboard is equipped with a wrist rest for added comfort and ample backlighting, ensuring a pleasant experience. Its stable wired connection makes it a dependable piece of equipment, even for hardcore gamers. The keys on the G213 Prodigy are not only comfortable but also durable, designed to withstand both gaming and productivity demands. The slim body of the keyboard has been specially designed with gamers in mind, providing a rugged exterior that can handle spills, crumbs, and dust.
Purchasing a Logitech G213 Prodigy as part of your Logitech keyboard brings added benefits, including compatibility with Logitech gaming software. The Logitech G Hub allows you to personalize your G213 experience by customizing lighting, keymapping, and more. With dedicated media controls, you can conveniently adjust the volume of other applications and the brightness of different windows without interrupting your game. The G213's performance offers a tactile feel for each button press, rivaling top gaming keyboards and ensuring quick response times. To learn more about this feature-packed budget keyboard, check out our Logitech G213 Prodigy review.
SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The SteelSeries Apex 7 is an outstanding mid-range gaming keyboard that offers incredible features. With an OLED smart display, this keyboard serves as an integrated command center, allowing users to easily adjust settings and access real-time information from various applications like games, Spotify, and Discord.
Constructed using high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, this keyboard guarantees long-lasting durability and stability. Additionally, it provides exceptional customization options with its RGB illumination, offering a staggering 16.8 million colors for each key.
To further enhance the gaming experience, the Apex 7 includes a premium magnetic wrist rest. This wrist rest not only provides full palm support but also ensures an ergonomic feel, allowing for comfortable and extended gaming sessions.
With its impressive features and superior design, the SteelSeries Apex 7 is undoubtedly the best mid-range gaming keyboard available. Don't miss the chance to save $36 and get your hands on this remarkable keyboard now!
Brand: SteelSeries
Wireless: Yes
Backlight: No
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Mechanical
Number of Keys: 104
Dimensions: 5.5 x 17.2 x 1.6 inches
Polling rate: 1000 Hz
Pros: The OLED display is a delightful surprise. The SteelSeries Engine is both robust and user-friendly.
Flexible cable management
Cons Keys feel a bit spongey
The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a high-quality gaming keyboard available at various prices. It offers many advantages that make it a worthwhile upgrade from a cheaper alternative. This keyboard is quite large, especially with the attached magnetic wrist rest. However, the space on the keyboard is used efficiently, particularly in the upper right corner. It features an unique OLED display, volume rocker, and versatile media key. The OLED screen is not just decorative; it can be used to display active profiles or personalized logos, capturing the attention of gamers.
The Apex 7 offers a selection of Red, Blue, and Brown switches with a precise actuation distance of 2.0 mm. Although not as groundbreaking as the OmniPoint switches found in the Apex Pro, these keys are designed to withstand 50 million clicks and complement the durable aircraft-grade aluminum used throughout the device. However, some gamers may find the keys to be lacking the satisfying clickiness typically associated with mechanical switches.
In contrast to many gaming peripheral apps that consume excessive system resources, the SteelSeries Engine is refreshingly lightweight and user-friendly. Users have the ability to customize virtually every aspect of the keyboard, including the OLED display and per-key RGB effects that can be synchronized with other SteelSeries mice and headsets. Additionally, the Apex 7 can store up to 5 onboard profiles, catering to those who prefer not to rely on key remapping software.
SteelSeries deserves acknowledgement for its commendable cable management implementation. The keyboard features three pathways underneath to strategically route the attached cord, granting gamers the flexibility to position the wire on the left, right, or center of the device. Additionally, the inclusion of a USB passthrough port enables the connection of dongles without occupying ports on the front or back of gaming PCs. The SteelSeries Apex 7 boasts exceptional build quality, powerful software, and an OLED display that one would typically expect to find only on the finest gaming keyboards, making it an appealing choice for buyers.
Experience the ultimate gaming keyboard with the ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. This high-end gaming powerhouse is currently available at a discounted price of $220, down from its original price of $250, allowing you to save a whopping $30.
Asus has taken a fresh approach with the ROG Azoth, aiming to redefine their presence in the wireless mechanical gaming keyboards market. This premium offering boasts a TKL-esque design, delivering a compact yet powerful keyboard that pushes the boundaries of both price points and customizability for avid gamers.
ASUS brand offers wireless connectivity at both 2.4GHz and BT frequencies. It also features RGB backlighting, but lacks media controls. The battery life can last up to 2000 hours without RGB or OLED usage. Bluetooth connectivity is available, while a wrist rest and num pad are not included. The polling rate is 1000Hz. The device provides a premium feel and comes with several additional features. Surprisingly useful information is displayed on the OLED screen.
Tri-mode connectivity and 2,000 hour battery life
Cons Requires a serious investment
Bloated Armoury Crate app
$220 at Amazon $222 at Best Buy $250 at Newegg
The Asus ROG Azoth is a premium mechanical keyboard that offers wireless connectivity, making it a great choice for PC enthusiasts who enjoy custom peripherals. It provides a smooth typing experience and is packed with features. While mechanical keyboards are known for their tactile feedback, they can also be loud. However, Asus has addressed this issue by using a silicone gasket mount and layers of foam to absorb vibrations, making typing a quieter experience on the ROG Azoth.
Despite its compact 75 percent form factor, which excludes number keys, the ROG Azoth makes efficient use of its surface area. Weighing 2.6 lbs, it sits securely on desktops without being hindered by cords. The Tri-mode Connectivity feature allows users to seamlessly switch between RF, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity options. Additionally, the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2,000 hours without charging, assuming minimal usage of the OLED display and RGB lighting.
The OLED display on the upper right section of the unit serves more than just a gimmick. It provides valuable information to gamers about battery life and the current button mapping profile in use. In addition to these essential features, users have the ability to personalize the keyboard by programming their own logos or lettering.
Unlike many other mechanical keyboards, Asus goes the extra mile by including key-pullers in the box. This allows gamers to easily swap keycaps or access hard-to-reach areas for cleaning purposes. Furthermore, Asus provides tools to lubricate switches located underneath the keys, as well as the option to remove and replace them with a different switch type. To cater to the preferences of various gamers, the keyboard is available with three switch types – Red, Brown, and Blue – each offering different actuation points and levels of clickiness.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
Pros: Compact design and responsive keys.
Full RGB lighting control
Macro keys and media controls
Cons Wrist rest is not detachable
App is powerful but complex
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT, priced at $150 on both Amazon and Walmart, is widely regarded as the top choice among gamers in search of a new mechanical keyboard. This keyboard boasts resilient switches capable of enduring prolonged use and keys that offer prompt and gratifying clicking responses to user inputs.
To find the perfect match for a new Corsair keyboard, check out our guide to the best Corsair mice.
Razer Ornata V3 Gaming Keyboard
Introducing the Razer Ornata V3, the ultimate gaming keyboard at an unbeatable price of $60, discounted from $70 for a saving of $10. This top-of-the-line keyboard is equipped with low-profile keys that boast slimmer keycaps and shorter switches, allowing for a more comfortable and natural hand positioning during extended gaming sessions. The innovative Mecha-Membrane switches combine the satisfying clicky feedback of a mechanical switch with the familiar feel of a conventional keyboard.
Enhanced durability is ensured by the UV-coated keycaps, which offer fade-resistant legends and provide additional protection against wear and tear caused by frequent use. The Razer Ornata V3 also features a dedicated set of backlit media keys for easy configuration of tasks such as pausing, playing, skipping, and adjusting settings like brightness and volume.
With its sleek and slim low-profile design, this wireless keyboard from Razer guarantees an exceptional gaming experience. It comes complete with a wrist rest for added comfort and support, and boasts a polling rate of 1000 Hz for ultra-fast responsiveness. Don't miss out on this extraordinary keyboard loaded with features, perfect for avid gamers.
Comfortable wrist-rest
All keys remappable
Cons Very loud for a membrane keyboard
RGB effects are per zone
Amazon: $60
Walmart: $69
Best Buy: $70
While membrane keyboards may be dismissed by gamers, they still remain a popular choice for casual gamers. One common criticism of these keyboards is the soft and unsatisfying keypress response, which is typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, Razer's wired Ornata V3 attempts to bridge the gap between membrane and mechanical switches with its innovative Mecha-Membrane keys. These keys not only offer the satisfying clickiness of mechanical switches, but also provide a cushioned feel for enhanced comfort.
The Ornata V3 is a slim and low-profile full-sized keyboard, but its keys feel like they require more effort to press compared to traditional Cherry MX mechanical switches. The latency of this membrane keyboard is decent, but it falls short of the high standards set by competitive gamers and streamers. However, the ability to remap almost all the keys in the Razer Synapse software is impressive, offering customization on par with the best gaming keyboard of 2023.
The Razer Ornata V3 features impressive Chroma RGB lighting that enhances its streamlined design. However, the lighting effects are limited to specific zones, rather than individual keys. While there isn't a volume rocker, the Ornata V3 does have illuminated media keys in the top right section. The magnetic wrist rest adds a touch of luxury to this affordable peripheral, elevating the Ornata V3's overall premium feel beyond its price tag.
The Ornata V3 stands out with its distinctive Mecha-Membrane keys, making it a remarkable choice for gaming enthusiasts. It offers a comprehensive set of features and serves as a practical substitute for costly mechanical keyboards.
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard: Save $60 on the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed, a professional-grade gaming keyboard. It provides reliable, fast wireless connectivity for even the most demanding esports gamers. With a single charge, the keyboard can last up to 40 hours. Customize RGB lighting animations and control each key's lighting separately with Lightsync technology. Choose from three mechanical switch options: GL Tactile, GL Linear, and GL Clicky, to find your preferred feel and noise levels. The Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed is a flagship product from Logitech, known for its sturdy and compact design.
Premium build quality
Excellent Battery life with 40 hours on max brightness
Cons Replacement keys difficult to find
Uses Micro USB instead of USB-C
$170 at Walmart, $194 at Amazon, $174 at Best Buy
Wireless keyboards and gaming keyboards were once considered completely separate entities due to the sluggish and unresponsive nature of cord-free devices compared to their wired counterparts. However, this is no longer the case, largely thanks to Logitech's G915 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This sleek, fully mechanical keyboard is not only visually appealing for any setup, but it also boasts an impressive battery life of 30 hours. Moreover, if you desire to prolong the battery life even further, you have the option to disable the RGB lighting and achieve a remarkable 100 hours of battery life.
Logitech's Lightspeed wireless technology ensures a lag-free gaming experience, even in the most fast-paced games. With its easy plug-and-play capability using a USB A dongle, simply plug it in and your computer will recognize the device, allowing you to start gaming right away. Although laptop users without a spare USB A port can connect via Bluetooth for a decent experience, most gamers will prefer the Lightspeed connection. The only drawback is that the slim keycaps on this keyboard cannot be replaced. Therefore, for DIY and customizable enthusiasts, it would be worth considering the best mechanical keyboards that offer more customization options to meet your specific needs.
Improved Wired Gaming Keyboard$87 $110 (Save $23) Experience the best with the HyperX Alloy Origins, a mechanical gaming keyboard equipped with specially-designed key switches that guarantee a remarkable lifespan of 80 million key presses. The Clicky HyperX Blue switches provide a satisfying feedback to enhance your gaming experience. Take full control over the RGB lighting system with an easy-to-use app. With its full-sized design and compact form factor, you can expect both functionality and durability thanks to its rugged aircraft-grade aluminum body. Additionally, the detachable cable ensures convenient portability.
Specifications:
- Brand: HyperX
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Yes
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Mechanical
- Dimensions: 442.5mm x 132.5mm x 36.4mm
- Wrist rest: No
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
Pros: Affordable when considering both its exceptional build-quality and performance.
RGB lighting more visible than other keyboards
Compact with removable braided USB-C cord
Cons Lacks extras like wrist rest and media keys
Software could be improved
The HyperX Alloy Origins is a cost-effective wired mechanical keyboard that offers excellent performance. With a slim design and no dedicated media controls or volume rocker, it provides a clean and minimalist look. Although it is not wireless, the keyboard comes with a detachable USB-C cable, making it more portable. Available for $87 at Walmart, $95 at Amazon, and $90 at Best Buy.
HyperX has developed its own switches instead of relying on Cherry mechanical switches, offering a balance between typing accuracy and the desired instant feedback for gamers. Buyers can still choose between Red Linear, Blue Clicky, and Aqua switches for their keyboards. Most gamers may not notice a difference, but the keys are exceptionally responsive with a short actuation level of 1.8 mm.
RGB lighting on mechanical keyboards has become quite advanced, making it challenging for manufacturers to improve further. However, HyperX has risen to the challenge by designing their switches to allow maximum light to shine through the exposed areas between keys. This results in a keyboard that looks equally dazzling from the sides as it does from the top. With the HyperX NGENUITY app, gamers can customize per-key lighting and activate Game Mode, which temporarily disables distracting lighting and the Windows key to prevent accidental disruptions during competitive gaming.
Compared to other wired mechanical keyboards in its category, the HyperX Alloy Origins offers a highly competitive price. While it may lack media controls and a wrist rest, HyperX has incorporated plenty of innovative features to appeal to potential buyers. With its emphasis on maintaining a number pad while delivering the qualities of a mechanical keyboard, the HyperX Alloy Origins stands out as the ultimate gaming keyboard for avid gamers.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 is a high-quality gaming keyboard that offers durability and precision. It features a lightweight aluminum frame and CHERRY MX gold plated contact key switches. With the CORSAIR iCUE software, you can customize macros, enjoy dynamic multicolor illumination, and synchronize the lighting with your entire system. It also offers 8MB of onboard memory for easy portability of your settings. Additional features include USB pass-through, multimedia controls, a detachable wrist rest, and special FPS and MOBA keycaps for improved gameplay. The K70 RGB MK.2 is truly an exceptional gaming keyboard.
Durable: Built with aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum
Many switch options
Cons Not budget friendly
$146 at Best Buy
The K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by Corsair offers exceptional comfort and durability for an optimal gaming experience. Its aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame ensures long-lasting performance without compromising on speed. With customizable RGB options, the keyboard effortlessly complements any gaming setup. Additionally, the K70 is available in five switch types, including Brown, Speed, Red, Blue, and Silent, making it highly versatile. For those who spend extended hours gaming, investing in ergonomically designed accessories like gaming chairs, mice, and keyboards is crucial. The K70 RGB MK.2 features a low-profile design, short-travel keys, and a wrist rest, promoting strain-free gameplay. Furthermore, the keyboard's tilt adjusters allow users to personalize their typing angle for maximum comfort.
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 offers a solution for gamers who want to maintain a tidy setup. With a USB passthrough and a cable routing tunnel, pesky wires will never obstruct your gaming experience. Additionally, dedicated media keys allow you to easily control the flow of your gaming session. This gaming keyboard also has the capability to save up to three profiles, so you can quickly switch between keyboard setups for different types of gaming sessions. If you're interested in a similar Corsair keyboard with AXON Hyper-Processing technology for ultra-fast inputs, check out our review of the Corsair K70 RGB Pro.
Experience Enhanced Gaming with the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard
Designed for the avid gamers, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard delivers unparalleled performance and reliability. With its compact and ergonomic design, this gaming keyboard is the ultimate choice for competitive gaming. Compatible with both PC and most console systems, it ensures seamless gaming experiences without the need for any additional drivers. Simply plug in the keyboard and immerse yourself in your favorite game right away.
SteelSeriesWireless brand offers a compact and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to handle. With its water and dust resistant feature, you can use it without worrying about any potential damage. It has a membrane switch type, 87 keys, and is equipped with media controls, allowing you to conveniently manage your media playback. The absence of a backlight and num pad enhances its simplicity and increases its portability. The keycaps are made of ABS material, ensuring durability. Additionally, it has a high polling rate of 1000 Hz. Note: The dimensions of the keyboard are 14.3"L x 5.9"W x 1.57"H.
Quiet membrane switches
Cons Lacks full RGB control
No wrist rest
$45 at Amazon $45 at Walmart $45 at Best Buy
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard offers versatility and functionality for both gaming PCs and console systems. Its compact and streamlined tenkeyless design allows for fast and seamless gameplay with minimal space between keys. The brown key switches provide a near-silent experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter gaming session. The durable and sturdy keys ensure long-lasting performance, with a robust keypress limit of 20 million. Additionally, the keyboard is dust and water-resistant, providing extra protection. With Prism Sync, the RGB lights can sync with other items on your desk, creating a unified and immersive gaming setup. Convenient dedicated multimedia controls allow for easy adjustment of volume, lighting, and screen brightness from one centralized location.
Corsair K65 RGB Mini
The Best 60% Gaming Keyboard, priced at $80 instead of $110, allows you to save $30. The K65 RGB MINI is designed to offer all the essential features in a compact 60% size, making it suitable for even the smallest gaming setups. Equipped with CHERRY MX SPEED RGB Silver Mechanical switches, this keyboard provides lightning-fast response times, thanks to a 1.2mm actuation distance. It also boasts an impressive polling rate of 8,000 Hz, which is approximately four times faster than most keyboards in the market.
Here are the specifications of the Corsair 60% Gaming Keyboard:
- Brand: Corsair
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Per Key RGB
- Media Controls: No
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: CHERRY MX SPEED
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Number of Keys: 61 Keys
- Dimensions: 294mm x 105mm x 44mm
- Polling rate: Up to 8,000Hz
Pros: The keyboard offers a highly responsive experience with the option of an 8,000 Hz polling rate.
Premium feel and build quality
Shortcut customization makes up for lack of keys
Cons Lacks wrist rest or adjustable feet
Quite loud
$80 on Amazon, $81 at Best Buy, $89 on Newegg.
For those who find the SteelSeries Apex 3 tenkeyless keyboard not compact enough, Corsair offers a solution with their new Corsair K65 RGB Mini. This 60 percent form factor keyboard eliminates the number pad and condenses the top row of keys to only the essentials. While gamers will need to familiarize themselves with key combinations for additional commands, the advantage of the 60 percent form factor is its space-saving capabilities, perfect for small gaming desks. The sides of the polycarbonate keycaps display default shortcuts activated by function keys, but with the iCue software, users have the ability to create an almost unlimited number of macros. Furthermore, users can store up to 50 onboard profiles, allowing for seamless switching between different game or application settings.
The Corsair K65 RGB Mini not only offers high performance and numerous features, but also boasts a compact and durable design. By providing the option of Cherry MX speed switches, Corsair elevates key responsiveness with a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz, surpassing some pricier and larger alternatives. However, the advantages of Corsair's Axon Hyper Processing technology may go unnoticed by most gamers during regular usage. It's important to note that raising the polling rate to such a high level can potentially impact a PC's available resources, as warned by Corsair in the software.
True to its name, the Cherry MX Silver Speed mechanical switches have a mere 1.2 mm actuation distance, making keystroke registration effortless and requiring minimal exertion. While some gamers may prefer switches that are less responsive, the K65 RGB Mini also offers Cherry MX Brown, Blue, Red, and Silent switches, but availability may vary. It's worth mentioning that the majority of switches on the keyboard produce loud, high-pitched sounds, particularly when combined with the frequent use of function keys to activate shortcuts.
The K65 RGB Mini stands out primarily for its compact size, lacking many notable features. However, the optional radiant spacebar enhances the keyboard's per-key RGB lighting. Corsair could have chosen zone lighting due to the small layout, but the iCue software offers ample customization for RGB effects. The keyboard is wired but comes with a detachable USB-C cable for convenience. Sadly, no wrist rest is included, and ergonomic adjustability is limited without raised feet. Nevertheless, with its impressive processing speed and flexible shortcuts, the Corsair K65 RGB emerges as the top gaming keyboard of 2023 among its compact competitors.
Enhance Your Gaming Experience with the Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard
Elevate your gaming sessions with the Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard. This top-notch RGB keyboard, priced at $40 (originally $52), offers a remarkable $12 savings. Available in both elegant white and bold black, it effortlessly complements any office setup, allowing you to create your desired aesthetic. Explore the freedom of customization with its 7 distinct RGB settings, ensuring your gaming gear matches your unique style.
Equipped with advanced anti-ghosting technology, this keyboard delivers precise feedback, ensuring each keystroke is accurate and responsive. Additionally, the Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard boasts 10 dedicated multimedia keys, granting easy access to volume control, screen adjustments, and RGB customization.
Upgrade your gaming setup today and experience the ultimate in functionality and style with the Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard.
Brand: Redragon
Wireless: Yes
Backlight: No
Media Controls: Yes
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Membrane
Replaceable Keys: No
Number of Keys: 114
Dimensions: 17.91 x 7.2 x 0.91 inches
Pros: Includes optical gaming mouse
Convincing RGB lighting at an affordable price.
Premium braided cable
Cons Soft keystrokes won't please all gamers
Questionable build quality
$36 at Best Buy $38 at Walmart $40 at Amazon
Redragon is known for manufacturing affordable RGB speakers, mice, and keyboards. The Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard is specifically designed for PC gaming. It is a compact wired keyboard that is perfect for intense gaming sessions, with closely spaced keystrokes for quick gameplay. Each keycap has suitable backlighting to enhance visibility, and users have the option to disable certain backlight functions, like RGB breathing and flowing motions, in order to improve performance.
But the Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard offers more than just gaming control. It features 10 dedicated multimedia control keys, allowing users to adjust screen lighting, volume, and other PC settings without switching between screens. Additionally, it has 12 additional Fn-based keys that can be programmed to perform various functions. Whether you prefer a simple or more advanced setup, the Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard offers full key control for both coordinated gameplay and everyday use. And with the added bonus of an optical gaming mouse included in the bundle, it provides an impressive amount of RGB lighting options.
Still Can't Decide on a Gaming Keyboard?
Once upon a time, gaming keyboards did not exist, and instead we had the humble office keyboards in beige or white, which now look rather dull in comparison. Thankfully, manufacturers soon realized that gamers were being overlooked, leading to a boom in the gaming peripherals market. However, this abundance of options has also resulted in a dilemma for gamers – making a choice becomes confusing.
For those on a limited budget, premium gaming keyboards may be out of reach. In such cases, gamers may have to settle for a membrane keyboard like the Logitech G213 Prodigy. However, even lower-priced keyboards offer impressive durability and build quality. If you have more money to spare, you can explore mechanical gaming keyboards with a wide range of switches, varying in noise levels and actuation points. The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a prime example of a mechanical gaming keyboard that comes with a hefty price tag but offers innovative features like dual-action keys that respond differently based on the force applied.
Gaming keyboards come in various form factors, such as the SteelSeries Apex 7 which is a full-sized model with an OLED display, but it requires more space on a desktop. However, if a gamer doesn't need a number pad or dedicated top row of function keys, they can opt for a 60 percent keyboard like the Corsair K65 RGB Mini, which allows more freedom for mouse movement.
While wired gaming keyboards already have a high price range, wireless versions can be even more expensive, sometimes exceeding $200. The Asus ROG Azoth is a premium investment that offers Tri-Mode wireless connectivity and the flexibility to customize not only keycaps but also the switches. On the other hand, for those who prefer wired keyboards, the HyperX Alloy Origins is a compact peripheral that offers the same features as more expensive keyboards and is a reliable choice.
Regardless of what keyboard a buyer settles on, there has never been a more diverse selection of gaming keyboards than we enjoy today.
FAQ
Q: What are the differences between blue and brown switches?
When it comes to keyboards, there are generally two types of switches that significantly impact the sound produced while typing. Blue switches provide a more robust and tactile tone, resulting in a satisfying clacky feel. On the other hand, brown switches offer a softer and quieter experience, making them ideal for individuals seeking a keyboard with minimal noise.
Q: Can I use a gaming keyboard with a console?
Indeed! It is crucial to thoroughly examine compatibility settings while conducting online research on keyboards and systems. Verify that there is a logical connection between them and ensure that the keyboard information explicitly mentions the consoles it is compatible with and the method of connection. Not all keyboards offer this option, so exercising caution when making purchases can be both time and cost-effective.
Q: Should I get a keyboard with RGB lighting?
Opinions on RGB lighting are divided, with some individuals embracing its vibrant colors while others despise its presence. The decision to incorporate RGB lighting into your keyboard ultimately boils down to personal preference. This illuminating feature can significantly enhance key visibility, thereby facilitating a more efficient typing experience. Furthermore, certain keyboards offer the flexibility to adjust the brightness of the lights, ensuring that it can be tailored to one's specific requirements—be it a dazzling radiance or a more gentle and soothing glow.
