Best mechanical keyboard 2022: 15 picks for gaming, typing and coding

Which are the best mechanical keyboards on the market? That was the question I tried to answer in our feature on whether mechanical keyboards are good for gaming, and how they became popular in the first place. I ended that piece with three keyboard recommendations, but the response to the article made it clear that you wanted to see more recommendations for different use-cases than we considered - particularly full-fat gaming keyboards with features like macro and media keys, programmable RGB lighting and game-state integration or quieter models that can be used in a busy office. We've updated this article as of fall 2022 after testing more than three dozen new keyboards, adding new options for wireless and low profile models, modular keyboards offering deep customisation and high-end premium keyboards with unique features and eye-catching designs. Whether you're looking for the ultimate gaming keyboard, a surprisingly solid budget offering or just something to code on, we've got you covered. Let's take a look at the ten best mechanical keyboards on the market, all tried and tested by Digital Foundry. Note: The pictures of each keyboard show either a UK or US layout, but I've linked to the appropriate regional layout wherever possible - so don't worry if you see a keyboard with a different-sized Enter key than what you're used to! Click the links below to jump right into the category you're most interested in. We've chosen keyboards for programming, gaming, building yourself and much more, so take a look. If you're not sure, scroll on to browse our full selection of recommendations!

Best full-size gaming keyboard: Corsair K95 Platinum XT When it comes to mechanical keyboards, few can match Corsair's high-end models for pure depth of features. The £190/$158 full-fat K95 Platinum XT keyboard has super-programmable RGB backlighting and edge lighting that can reflect in-game stats, plus dedicated macro, volume and media controls, a USB port and a plush wrist rest. The actual typing experience hasn't been forgotten either, with a wide range of switches - including hard-to-find MX Speed options alongside more usual Cherry switches. The keyboard is well-built too, with an aluminium chassis and PBT keycaps that should provide excellent longevity. Of course, everything comes at a cost - and for the K95 Platinum XT, that includes a substantial footprint and a premium price tag. Thankfully, a cheaper option is also available. The £156/$160 K70 RGB Pro offers its own advantages - namely an 8000Hz polling rate of interest to competitive, high-refresh-rate gamers and a detachable USB-C cable - but comes without the macro keys, USB passthrough and the added RGB lighting strip of the K95 Platinum XT. Given that you still get the same core features like a full-size layout, PBT keycaps and excellent RGB lighting, the K70 RGB Pro is a strong alternative - especially as more price drops are likely to come as the keyboard gets a bit older.

Best compact mechanical keyboard: Fnatic Streak 65 The £95/$110 Fnatic Streak 65 is our new favourite compact keyboard, offering all of the functionality you need for competitive games in a small, convenient form factor that gives you plenty of space for your mouse and superior ergonomics. The keyboard uses Fnatic's own silent, linear and low profile 'speed' mechanical switches, allowing extremely rapid key presses and making double-taps easier. The layout is slightly wider than the 60 percent size Razer Huntsman Mini below, but adds dedicated arrow keys and four programmable keys - I think most people will benefit from these inclusions. As well as not taking up much desk space, a 22mm height and 420g weight means that this keyboard will fit in a bag or even the front pocket of a hoodie easily. The compact dimensions and aluminium frame contribute to a very sturdy feel too. Beyond the form factor, Fnatic have done well to nail the details here as well. The stabilisers on larger keys are pre-lubed for silent and easy operation, the USB-C port is offset to the left to ensure the cable doesn't interfere with your mouse and the legends on each keycap are inscribed with a legible font that feels more grown-up than those on most gaming keyboards. The switch housings are even transparent and two extra LEDs are embedded beneath the space bar to ensure that the customisable RGB lighting is evenly distributed throughout the board. I particularly liked the inclusion of a 'competition mode', which sets to the lighting to dim orange and locks the Windows key. The only downsides I've discovered while testing the Streak 65 have concerned the 'Fnatic OP' software, which is still in active development. The app crashed a few times while changing lighting modes, didn't permit a single colour to be set and didn't offer an option to change the four numbered macro keys to act as their listed secondary functions (Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down). (There's a Function lock key combo, but this also changes the arrow keys to control the music - not ideal for text editing.) None of these are dealbreakers, but considered together they represent the only minor forthcomings I have about recommending this narrow keyboard to a wide audience. Altogether, this new tiny Streak is every bit as easy to love as its bigger brothers and certainly among the best gaming keyboards on the market.

Best 60% mechanical keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini The 60 percent size is a favourite of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, but one that saw remarkably little attention from major gaming brands before 2020. Now, we've found enough great examples to dedicate a whole article to the best 60 percent keyboards, but for now let's focus on one: the £83/$90 Razer Huntsman Mini. Like other 60 percent boards, there's no f-key row, no num-pad, no nav cluster and no arrow keys. That results in a beautifully clean keyboard that takes up minimal desk space, while still allowing access to the excised functions via a Function layer. As 60 percent is an aesthetic as much as a practical choice, it's nice to see Razer offer both black and white colour options for the keyboard's chassis and keycaps - and a completely standard layout that allows for custom keycap sets to be installed. Similarly, it's great to see a removable USB-C cable, allowing fans to install custom-made cables to further customise their board. Of course, the Huntsman Mini doesn't get a spot on our list just for looking nice. It also feels great to use, with Razer's individually-stabilised optical switches delivering consistent feedback with minimal key wobble. We tested a unit with soft linear red switches with a 1mm actuation distance and 40g actuation force, but clicky purple switches with a 1.5mm actuation distance and 45g actuation force are also offered. The keycaps themselves are also unusually high quality, made from PBT with shine-through legends, so they feel great and won't succumb to the shiny patches that can afflict lower-quality ABS keycaps. As well as these unique switches, the Huntsman Mini also sets itself apart with its Synapse software, which allows you to set intricate custom lighting modes - something impossible on keyboards that can only switch between a few preset effects. You can also synchronise your lighting with other RGB-encrusted Razer peripherals or supported Razer Chroma games, which is a nice bonus.

Best wireless keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL The £143/$210 Logitech G915 TKL is the fusion of two growing trends from the very companies that promulgated them: dependable, low-latency wireless connectivity from Logitech and low-profile, laptop-like mechanical switches from Kailh. The combination is an impressive one, allowing the construction of an ultra-thin keyboard for gaming and typing that feels great to use and looks super clean on your desk - especially in this new compact form factor. There are three low profile switch types offered here right off the bat - clicky, tactile and linear - so you can opt for the amount of tactile and audible feedback that makes sense to you. The Lightspeed wireless connection worked perfectly in our testing, providing the same wired feel as Logitech's G Pro Wireless gaming mouse. Battery life was also strong, at around 40 hours with backlighting at max brightness - ten more hours than the full-size G915. (If you turn down the backlight, the G915 TKL manages over a thousand hours!) Bluetooth is also available, which adds more latency but allows the keyboard to work with devices like phones and tablets; it's possible to switch between Bluetooth and Lightspeed connections with a press of a button which makes it a convenient companion for a smartphone, iPad or laptop without a full-size USB port. Elsewhere, Logitech has paid an impressive amount of attention to detail. The aluminium alloy body of the G915 TKL feels incredibly robust despite its thin design, with softly rounded corners and a comfortable "zero friction" volume roller in the upper right corner. The tenkeyless design means that there's no dedicated macro keys or number pad, as we saw on the full-size G915, but there are still media controls beneath the volume roller and various profile settings along the top. RGB backlighting is included beneath each key, which of course can be set to a single colour, turned down or disabled entirely if you prefer. Full-height alternative: Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro If you prefer the feel of full-height mechanical switches, the £154/$230 Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is your best bet. It sports a gorgeous full-size layout, a wrist rest, a convenient volume wheel and media keys, a long-lasting battery and your choice of 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth support. Razer's software is more advanced than Logitech's, so this might be a better choice if you want to set intricate or game-specific RGB lighting effects. Both clicky/tactile (Razer Green) and linear/silent (Razer Yellow) switch options are available; we used the clicky version in our testing and had a lovely time typing and gaming at maximum volume.

Best quiet mechanical keyboard: Epomaker Lite The $100 Epomaker Lite, aka the Skyloong GK61S Lite is a supremely quiet 60 percent size mechanical keyboard with a stylish look. The soft key feel is down to the keyboard's unique 'shallow gasket' design, which places a 2mm silicone pad between the keyboard's metal plate and the PCB. This gives every key a soft landing, and together with sound absorbing foam drastically cutting the noise that normally accompanies typing on a mechanical keyboard. I'm a big fan of how this keyboard looks too, with keycaps in retro-inspired yellow or red colourways and a weighty aluminium chassis. The feature list is strong as well, with wired and wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches and accompanying software for PC and Mac. The Lite has been great fun to use - the muted, raindrop-like sound it produces is brilliant - and it's so rare to find something unique like this in the keyboard space. If you can get on with the relatively restrictive 60 percent size layout, then this innovative indie keyboard is well worth a look.

Best mechanical keyboard for coding or typing: Drop CTRL The $149 Drop CTRL is the best-built and most cleanly designed mechanical keyboard for gaming we've tested. Available in a compact yet convenient TKL (tenkeyless, aka 'no numpad') layout, the CTRL has a minimal footprint, with no extra keys for macros, media controls and the like; these functions are handled by a Fn layer. The keyboard comes in black or grey with six different switch options; I opted for the delightfully light and clicky Kailh Box Whites rather than alternatives from Cherry or Kailh. The switch mounts are hot-swappable, so you can fit any other standard MX-style switches in if you prefer. The aluminium used on the top and bottom makes the keyboard extremely resistant to deck flex; it feels as well-built as an old IBM Model M but in a much more compact form factor. USB-C is also included, with a non-recessed port that means that pretty much any USB-C data cable can be used. The black and grey PBT keycaps provided with the board look great, and the entirely standard layout means that you can swap them for a set of custom keycaps in the colour or material of your choice without difficulty. An RGB wave lighting effect is enabled by default, but there are several calmer presets available and you can use Drop's configurator to make your own custom key layouts and lighting settings. This is a powerful option for advanced users, but lacks the accessibility of software from more prominent keyboard brands. All things considered, the CTRL is a fantastic keyboard for gaming or programming with a nice clean aesthetic. For something a bit cheaper, more widely accessible and with easier (if more limited) software, consider our previous picks for this category - the HyperX Alloy Origins or Alloy Origins Core.

Best value mechanical gaming keyboard: Xtrfy K4 TKL The £78/$99 Xtrfy K4 TKL is one of the best mechanical keyboards on the market when it comes to gaming, and given its feature set and build quality it's surprisingly affordable at less than £100. We like its high quality Kailh Red plate-mounted switches for fast-paced FPS games like Counter-Strike and Valorant, which provide a soft and linear feel ideal for quick taps or double-taps. They're quite comfortable for typing too, with a good amount of feedback despite not having a tactile bump or click like Brown or Blue switches. The bright RGB backlighting looks great too, especially as you can control all of the effects on the keyboard with no software required. As well as backlighting controls, you can also adjust the volume, access media controls or launch common programs using the Function (Fn) layer. Xtrfy's attention to detail is also impressive. For example, rather than using expensive but trendy PBT keycaps that would raise the price, the Swedish company has found a middle ground with thicker-than-normal ABS keycaps that provide more durability and a nicer feel than standard ABS caps. Each stabiliser is oiled to reduce noise, and combined with foam padding in the bottom of the chassis, the K4 TKL is actually reasonably quiet for a mechanical keyboard. The key legends are also neat and tidy, with even the secondary functions clearly visible. These small details are often ignored, so it's great to see them taken care of here. There are three colour schemes available for the K4 TKL: black, white and "retro". We tested the latter, and the off-white, grey and red keycaps provide a unique look that we really dig. If you're after a well-made keyboard for gaming that doesn't cost the earth, then the Xtrfy K4 TKL comes highly recommended. A full-size model, simply titled the Xtrfy K4, is also available.

Best cheap mechanical keyboard: Redragon K551/K552 The Redragon K551/552 are some of the most popular budget mechanical keyboards available, thanks to their low price, good range of regional layouts and full complement of mechanical switches. The keyboards are available in a variety of switch configurations, from clicky Blues to tactile Browns and soft linear Reds, with the £45/$34 K551 being a full-size board and the £38/$33 K552 being the more compact TKL variant. (The K551-R and 552-R add RGB lighting, rather than single-colour.) Despite its low price, the keyboard feels reasonably well built, with an aluminium frame, plate-mounted switches and decent backlit ABS keycaps. There are few advanced features here; this is just a simple keyboard that delivers a great typing and gaming experience for the money.

Best compact keyboard: Keychron K2 The best compact keyboard I've tested is the £81/$80 Keychron K2. Originally on Kickstarter, this 84-key mechanical keyboard comes with a choice with Brown, Blue or Red switches and - unusually - both macOS and Windows keycaps in the box. This keyboard has an 80 percent layout, so it misses out the numpad but still has arrow keys on the bottom right, F keys at the top of the keyboard and a single column of navigational keys on the right side. That provides considerable space savings compared to a standard or tenkeyless design, while still keeping the most important keys within easy reach. As you'd hope for such a portable keyboard, the K2 supports both Bluetooth and USB-C connections, so it can be used in both wired and wireless modes with a range of devices. The Keychron K2 performed excellently in my testing, with a satisfying feel from the Brown Gateron switches, while the aluminium frame looks great and ensures this keyboard can survive quite a bit. This model also comes with full RGB backlighting, including a number of different effects. Given this keyboard's long feature list and great build quality, it's a surprise to find that it's also among the most affordable keyboards in its category. The deluxe model with an aluminium frame and RGB costs $89 plus shipping. Swap the metal frame for plastic to save $10, and chop another tenner off the price by opting for white backlighting instead of RGB.

Best mechanical keyboard for Mac: Das Keyboard MacTigr The Das Keyboard MacTigr is an excellent choice for Macs, with a brilliant typing experience, plenty of nice touches and tank-like build quality... as long as you can look past its $219 list price. The fact remains that there simply aren't a lot of dedicated mechanicals for MacOS, which is arguably why the MacTigr exists in the first place. The best way to actually describe the MacTigr is that it's a 'thoughtful' keyboard - Das has put every effort in to make it as functional and as lovely to use as possible. You'll find a twiddly volume wheel with tactile-feeling multimedia playback buttons, as well as an entire function row to play with, complete with additional keys for things like sending your Mac to sleep or adjusting screen brightness on the fly. Did I also mention you get a pair of USB-C passthrough ports on the back of the board? It seems Das really has thought of everything. Keeping in with that pleasant user experience theme, it's also a keyboard that offers a smooth and light keypress with Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches. The MacTigr also comes with full N-Key rollover so you can push down as many keys as you want, which is critical for some game genres and otherwise ensures no key presses go unregistered. The keyboard is also supremely built and should last for decades, which is nice. As for bugbears, the lack of any form of key illumination, RGB or not, is a bit of a pain, as is the lack of any software-based configuration to unlock the MacTigr's true potential. It would have been nice to see Das' own Q software bundled here, but alas, it's not to be. And of course, there's the $219 asking price. This is up there with some of the most expensive and therefore premium mechanicals out there, and it arguably doesn't seem like you get much outside of the keyboard for that money - especially given the existence of Keychron's Mac-friendly keyboards such as the K2, our pick as the best compact mechanical keyboard out there. While these keyboards may be better value though, the MacTigr remains the superior choice.

Best retro mechanical keyboard: Durgod Fusion Okay, okay, so this isn't really a retro keyboard. Instead, it's a modern keyboard with a retro aesthetic, with colourways and design language that evoke memories of the 80s. The £140/$152 Durgod Fusion is a compact keyboard - a 65 percent, if you want to be specific - with both wired (USB-C) and wireless functionality, accessible via a chunky switch in the upper right. A built-in battery provides up to 40 days of use, thanks to the lack of LEDs on the keyboard, and you have the choice of standard Bluetooth 5 or lower-latency 2.4GHz wireless via a USB dongle hidden under the Durgod logo. That makes it a good choice for a wide range of mobiles, tablets and computers. I did have some issues connecting via the wireless dongle in my testing, but that was solved by a firmware update to the keyboard and shouldn't affect retail units. The keycaps are made from durable double-shot PBT, while the switches beneath come in seven different flavours of Cherry MX from clicky Blues and tactile Browns to quiet Silent Reds. The typing experience is generally excellent and the compact layout makes sense - although it may require some mental effort if you're used to a larger keyboard with F keys or a numpad. The build quality is impressive too, given the reasonable price, but the small frame means that the keyboard is still portable if you want to put it in a backpack or simply carry it into another room. Another nice 65 percent keyboard with retro sensibilities is the $140 Epomaker B21. This one is covered in knobs, with one on each corner to control your computer's volume and the keyboard's lighting brightness, and the F keys have been replaced by media controls, a calculator button, three profiles and a Mac/Windows toggle. I don't think these are necessary more helpful than F keys, depending on the workload, but they certainly contribute to a unique design. There are round corners and soft colours everywhere here, and if you like the look this Bluetooth and USB-C combo keyboard certainly does the job.

Best optical mechanical keyboard: Wooting Two HE The £158/$182 Wooting Two HE is something special: an analogue mechanical keyboard. That's an interesting prospect for gaming, as their pressure-sensitive keys allow you to steer into corners or creep around a level with the same fine-grained control you only normally only get with a wheel or controller. You can adjust the actuation point of the keyboard in software too, anywhere from 0.1 to 4.0mm, making a trade-off between speed and control that normally demands switching to an entirely different keyboard with different mechanical switches inside. You can also trigger up to four different effects as a single key is pressed and released - eg selecting a grenade with a light touch, throwing it when you bottom out the key and swapping back to your weapon as the key is released. All of this requires some setup and tweaking, but the result is something special. The Two HE is a solid keyboards even if you use it entirely digitally, with a clean 'floating keys' design, programmable RGB backlighting and a comfortable full-size layout with four extra keys. The use of an advanced Hall Effect sensor also means that key presses should be registered faster than traditional switches, especially when combined with the keyboard's 'tachyon mode' that strips out nonessentials like RGB effects for a lightning-fast response. For more on this special keyboard, check out our full Wooting Two HE review!

Best modular keyboard: Mountain Everest Max The €250 Mountain Everest Max is a modular keyboard in the strictest sense of the word, offering novel customisability and a multi-part design. The centrepiece is a TKL (tenkeyless, ie no numpad) keyboard, to which three additional components can be joined: a numpad with four Stream Deck style LCD keys, a multi-function LCD wheel and media controls piece, and a palm rest. There's flexibility in the way in which these pieces come together too - the numpad can be positioned to the right as standard or on the left, an alternative that combines easy access to numeric inputs while leaving loads of room to the right of the keyboard for your mouse. The volume wheel part can also be placed on the top left or top right, according to your preference. The smaller pieces connect via USB-C and magnets, and can be freely swapped around in just a couple of seconds. The Everest Max offers all of the components in one box, along with a handful of extra switches (all of the switches here are hot swappable, so you can install your own switch of choice) and magnetically attached discs that angle the keyboard (as an alternative to flip-out feet). You can also get the base model Everest Core, which is just the TKL keyboard, or even the Everest Core Barebones which comes without switches or keycaps at a lower price. The Everest Max is extremely convincing as a full package, and thanks to its LCD keys and the Base Camp software it can function as a mini Stream Deck alternative for controlling scenes in OBS. I found the software package a little flaky as it's still under active development, but I didn't encounter any serious bugs and the possibilities here are powerful indeed - with comprehensive controls for lighting, key binding, macros, the LCD wheel and multiple profiles. The keyboard itself is a pleasure to use too, especially with that left-handed-style layout with the numpad on the left and the multi-function wheel in the upper right. Having quick access to volume controls as well as lighting selections, a clock, PC stats and even an APM (actions per minute) counter is entirely novel and I'd love to see this on more boards in future - it's much more powerful than the OLED screen on the likes of the SteelSeries Apex Pro, which includes some similar functions but is much clumsier to use and is mostly relegated to showing a custom graphic in my experience. So: a very interesting keyboard and I'm curious to see how the package develops further over time! I'd love to see more add-ons available that really push the boundaries of what the mechanical keyboard is capable of - and the LCD keys built into on the numpad make this a really canny pick for streamers and content creators already.

Best ergonomic keyboard: Ultimate Hacking Keyboard The $320 Ultimate Hacking Keyboard is a split-design ergonomic keyboard, similar to the Ergodox but with a much smaller footprint and the ability to use it both joined up (for portability) and split apart (for ergonomics and having a mug of tea in the middle). If you're already used to a 60 percent keyboard for your work, then this split layout should be ergonomically superior while including some useful functions not found on standard compact keyboards like built-in mouse controls, two extra keys below the space bar and easily accessible arrow keys. Based on my testing, the chief advantages of the UHK over the Ergodox are two-fold: the closer-to-standard layout is easier to learn and the keyboard is more easily programmable, thanks to an excellent UHK Agent software. It is trivial to change layouts on the fly, with the small LED display in the upper left of the keyboard reminding you which layout is active. Windows, Mac and Linux are all well supported, with preset layouts for Qwerty, Colemak and Dvorak. A wide range of case colours, mechanical switches, key legends and accessories are also available - including click-into-place add-ons like thumb keys, touchpad, trackpoint or trackball. A palm rest is also available, adding more options for tenting, tilting and otherwise positioning the keyboard in an ergonomically optimal way. Sadly, key backlighting is not offered currently, something that is possible with the Ergodox Glow. Regardless, the UHK is a well-designed ergonomic keyboard worth considering for anyone that relies on a keyboard for work.

The best mechanical keyboards to buy right now

It’s hard to beat the tactility, durability, or good looks of a mechanical keyboard, but if you’re looking for one, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are our top picks, including both wired and wireless models, ranging from compact keyboards with laptop-style layouts to full-size keyboards complete with numpads, from budget to… not so budget.

A brief introduction to key keyboard terms Switches — the component that registers each keypress. Available in many different varieties, which roughly break down into three categories: Clicky switches — these make a big audible ‘click’ sound when you press them. The most famous example is the “Cherry MX Blue” switch, so these are sometimes referred to as “Blue” switches. Often recommended as the best switch for typists but have the disadvantage of being the loudest switch type. Tactile switches — also known as “Brown” switches after “Cherry MX Brown,” these switches have a small bump you can feel as you press them. A nice halfway house. Linear switches — aka “Red” switches, Linear switches have no bump or click. They just feel completely smooth. Generally recommended as a gaming switch. Hot-swappable switches — switches that can be removed with a simple pulling tool without desoldering. Ideal if you want to change a keyboard’s feel without replacing the whole thing. QMK — an open-source keyboard firmware that’s powerful and customizable but a little unintuitive for beginners. VIA — a slickly-designed app to configure keyboards running QMK firmware. Keycap profile — describes the shape of a set of keycaps. Cherry is a popular option that looks very traditional. Other options include MT3, DCX, and MDA. Here’s a handy site that compares the popular designs. North-facing switches — when a keyboard’s switches are oriented with the LED cutout toward the back, which better illuminates shine-through legends. South-facing switches — when a keyboard’s switches have the LED cutout at the front to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

While there’s nothing wrong with more typical membrane keyboards like Apple’s popular Magic-branded devices, many prefer mechanical keyboards for their more tactile typing feel and superior durability. There’s also a sizable enthusiast community of people who like to modify and customize them to get their look and feel just right, which means they can be a fun hobby as well as a simple PC accessory.

For this list, we limited our recommendations to readily available, fully-assembled keyboards. That rules out any that you need to assemble yourself or which are only available in group buys or limited edition runs. With one exception, we prioritized keyboards that offer hot-swappable switches, so you can easily replace them if they break or you just fancy a change.

We tested each keyboard’s typing feel and sound (obviously), the quality of its chassis, keycaps, and stabilizers, how customizable the keymapping and lighting are, and the ability to use it across Mac and Windows computers (such as by offering keycap legends for either OS or being able to easily swap layouts with a switch or shortcut). We also noted whether switches are north- or south-facing since this impacts backlighting and keycap compatibility.

Most of the keyboards below use a 75 percent layout, which is a compact form factor that maintains a function row and arrow key cluster, like most laptop keyboards. It’s the best place to start unless you really want an attached number pad or know you prefer a different layout. Nearly all of our recommendations also come in other layouts, which we’ve linked where possible.

Finally, while any keyboard can be used for gaming, this guide focuses on the best keyboards for typing and general office work, so input latency and responsiveness weren’t major deciding factors. If you’re after a keyboard specifically for gaming, then stay tuned for our upcoming dedicated guide.

Best Mechanical Keyboards 2022

The Keychron V1 is the best mechanical keyboard for most people. This is the volume knob-equipped model. Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

1. Keychron V1

The best wired keyboard for most people in 2022

The Keychron V1 is our pick for the best entry-level wired keyboard. Starting at just $84 for a fully assembled model, it’s one of the more affordable options on this list, but it feels almost as nice to type on as keyboards costing twice as much, and its build quality is lovely and sturdy. It also sounds amazing, with no discernable stabilizer rattle, and its 75 percent layout offers a nice mix of compactness without sacrificing too many important keys.

For such a low price, the V1 is packed with features usually found on enthusiast keyboards. It offers hot-swappable switches with south-facing RGB backlighting, and its switches and stabilizers feel nice and smooth. It’s fully programmable: you can remap every key using the intuitive and powerful VIA software on top of QMK — which works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and lets you do everything from moving keys around to programming macros directly into the keyboard itself.

The V1 comes with nice durable double-shot PBT keycaps, with both Mac and Windows legends, and a switch on the back of the keyboard lets you toggle between layouts instantly. You can get it with a volume knob for an extra $10 (pictured), or save $20 and buy a barebones version without keycaps or switches. Our sample came with Keychron’s own tactile K Pro Brown switches, but there are also clicky and linear options.

If you like the design of the V1 but don’t like its layout, Keychron also sells the more compact V2 (which has a 65 percent layout that omits the dedicated function row) or the even more compact V4 (with a 60 percent design that omits the arrow keys entirely). The tenkeyless V3 is not yet available as of this writing, and there’s no full-sized option (which would include a number pad), though at the rate Keychron is launching new models, that may not be the case when you read this.

Keychron V1 $ 94 The Keychron V1 has many of the features of the more expensive Q-series at a much cheaper price. $94 at Keychron

The Keychron Q1, shown here with Keychron’s gray, white, and blue keycaps and coiled aviator USB cable (both sold separately). Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

2. Keychron Q1 v2

The best premium wired keyboard in 2022

Keychron’s Q-series keyboards have impressed us by offering the quality and features of expensive, limited run boards on an off-the-shelf model. Yes, they’re still expensive by the standards of PC accessories, but their sturdy aluminum construction, exceptional typing feel, and customizability mean they’re competitive with keyboards several times more expensive. That makes them fantastic upgrade picks over Keychron’s V-series but not the first option most people should consider, especially since many of the Q-series’ most compelling features, like VIA programming, hot-swappability, and per-key south-facing RGB backlighting, are also available on V-series boards.

The Q-series’ full aluminum case and gasket-mounted design make it feel much more substantial than the plastic keyboards I’ve tested. By effectively suspending its switch plate and PCB between gaskets, they flex a bit as you type, so the keyboard has a much deeper and richer typing sound compared to tray-mounted keyboards like the Keychron V-series. It’s more customizable than the V1, too; Keychron sells replacement switch plates in different materials that change how it feels and sounds.

A final advantage of the Q series is the dizzying array of available layouts. We think the 75 percent Q1 v2, which, as of this writing, starts at $170.10 for a fully assembled model, is the sweet spot in terms of size. (The v2 model fixes some of the minor fit and finish issues of the original Q1, fixes that are incorporated into the other layouts as well.) Our sample has tactile Gateron G Pro Brown switches, and there are also clicky and linear options available.

Beyond the Q1, there is a 65 percent option, plus larger layouts like tenkeyless or full size. There are even some esoteric layout options like 40 percent, 60 percent, and Alice (not to mention a standalone number pad). All are available with or without a volume knob and have barebones options for those who want to supply their own switches and keycaps. The ISO versions — for UK and European layouts — are only available barebones, though Keychron sells ISO keycap sets separately.

Keychron Q1 v2 $ 170 The Keychron Q1 v2 is a great premium alternative to the V1, thanks to its improved build quality and typing feel. $170 at Keychron

The Epomaker TH80. Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

3. Epomaker TH80

An excellent wireless 75 percent mechanical keyboard

For a wireless mechanical keyboard option, we really like the Epomaker TH80. It feels fantastic to type on, supports Bluetooth connections to up to three different devices, and also includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle if you don’t want to mess around with Bluetooth pairing. We also like that it has separate Mac-specific keycaps in the box and allows you to switch between Mac and Windows layouts with a simple keyboard shortcut.

Like the Keychron V1 and Q1, the Epomaker TH80 is a 75 percent keyboard with hot-swap switches and a volume knob. It has a plastic case and steel switch plate, and while it doesn’t feel quite as premium as Keychron’s Q-series keyboards, it’s got nice crisp PBT keycaps in MDA profile, smooth stabilizers, and a typing feel that’s on par with the slightly cheaper wired-only Keychron V1. Our review sample came with linear Gateron Pro Yellow switches, but there is a range of linear and clicky options available.

The Epomaker TH80’s layout can be remapped with software that works on both Mac and Windows computers. It’s not as slick or powerful as the VIA app used by Keychron’s boards but still lets you remap every key (aside from the Function key) with alternative keys or macros. (By contrast, VIA lets you move the function key, too, or add additional function keys for different layers).

The TH80 doesn’t have secondary functions printed on its keycaps, so you’ll need to keep its manual to hand to remind yourself what they do. And while it features per-key RGB lighting (with south-facing LEDs), keeping the backlighting on in wireless mode absolutely tanks its battery life. I got just two and a half days of use over Bluetooth with the keyboard’s RGB lighting set to maximum, compared to eight work days with the backlight off before I had to plug it in to recharge.

Although the TH80 comes in our favorite 75 percent layout, Epomaker has a larger version with a numpad, as well as a smaller 65 percent model. If you’re on a tighter budget, the $80 Royal Kludge RK84 is a little cheaper without compromising too much on typing feel, though its software is Windows-only and its layout is a little more smushed.

We also really liked using the Iqunix L80 Cosmic Traveler. It’s more expensive at $189, it’s not easily remappable, and it has a loud color scheme that won’t be to everyone’s tastes. But it feels phenomenal to type on, with plate-mounted, Cherry-style stabilizers that don’t have a hint of rattle and up to 200 days of battery life over Bluetooth with the backlight off.

Epomaker TH80 $ 90 The Epomaker TH80 is a well-equipped wireless mechanical keyboard. It’s customizable and feels good to type on while also being relatively affordable. $90 at Amazon$100 at Epomaker

The Ajazz AK966 is a great pick if you need a full-size wireless keyboard with a numpad. Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

4. Ajazz AK966

An almost full-sized wireless model

The $140 Ajazz AK966 is our pick if you want a wireless keyboard with a numpad. It uses an 1800 layout, which means it has most of the keys of a full-size keyboard, albeit in a layout that squishes them together a little to reduce its overall footprint. This larger layout also corresponds to a larger 10,000mAh battery, which here is rated to offer up to 1,200 hours on a single charge (though, once again, you’re going to want to disable its RGB lighting to get this sort of longevity — with RGB on rated battery life drops to around 50 hours).

The AK966 has a nice crisp typing feel and stabilizers that feel smooth and don’t rattle. Its construction isn’t quite at the level of Keychron’s Q-series since Ajazz’s keyboard has a plastic case, but it feels noticeably nicer to type on than the cheaper Epomaker TH80 and Keychron V1. The AK966’s keycaps are PBT, with legends that are nice and clear. Once again, there are no secondary functions printed on its keycaps, so be sure to keep its manual to hand so you know its keyboard shortcuts. It also has a volume knob.

Although it includes Mac keycaps in the box, with a key combination to let you hop between Windows and Mac layouts, Ajazz’s software — for customizing the AK966’s layout, configuring its lighting, or recording macros — is only available on Windows. We don’t think that’s a dealbreaker, given its 96 percent layout includes basically every default key you’d want as standard, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you can’t live without dedicated keys for Home, End, or Print Screen or if you’re used to customizing particular keyboard shortcuts. The keyboard is also only available with linear Kailh Cream switches, so if you prefer clicky or tactile switches, you’ll have to buy them separately. That’s also not a dealbreaker since the board is hot-swappable.

Don’t be put off by its low price; the LTC Nimbleback is a great affordable 65 percent keyboard. Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

5. LTC Nimbleback

A more affordable wired 65 percent keyboard

At $30 less than the price of the Keychron V1 and half the price of our top pick, the $55 65 percent LTC Nimbleback punches well above its weight. It’s very full-featured for its price, with shine-through RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches, and it even has a built-in USB hub, with a pair of USB Type-A ports to plug extra accessories into your computer.

As you might expect, given the price difference, the LTC Nimbleback’s construction isn’t as solid as the Keychron V1, and it doesn’t feel as nice to type on as any of the picks above. Its switches feel slightly less smooth and more scratchy with each press, there’s a slight rattle to the stabilizers on larger keys like the space bar, and it sounds a bit hollow overall. It’s also made of plastic, and while it is reprogrammable, its companion software is only available on Windows. But the LTC Nimbleback’s typing feel holds its own against more similarly priced competitors, including the $68 Keychron K6.

The LTC Nimbleback is available with clicky, linear, or tactile switches (we had the latter). If the model listed here looks a little too small for your liking, then there’s also a full-size version available for $75.

LTC Nimbleback $ 55 Although it can’t match the typing feel of some of the more expensive keyboards on this list, the LTC Nimbleback is a great feature-packed affordable pick. $55 at Amazon$55 at LTC

The Nuphy Air 75 is a great pick if you prefer a laptop-style typing experience. Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

6. NuPhy Air75

A good low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard

If you’re after the tactility of a mechanical keyboard but prefer a low-profile design that’s similar to a traditional laptop keyboard, there is an increasing number of options available to you. Of these, we think the $110 NuPhy Air75 is the best. It feels great to type on, is equally at home on Mac or Windows, and connects either over Bluetooth or an included 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle. We used the keyboard with linear Gateron Red low-profile switches, but it’s also available with tactile or clicky options.

Unlike the more expensive Logitech MX Mini, it’s also hot-swappable, which we think gives the NuPhy Air 75 a slight edge. Hot-swap sockets aren’t quite as important on low-profile keyboards, given there simply aren’t as many low-profile switch options out there — and there are several different mutually incompatible low-profile switch types — but it’s still a nice feature to have, and NuPhy sells compatible switches.

There’s one very good reason to consider the more expensive Logitech MX Mini, and that’s battery life. In my testing, the Nuphy Air75 ran dry after around a week of use, while Logitech’s had enough juice for two, even with backlighting on (this extends up to a lengthy 10 months with backlighting off). Logitech’s low-profile mech is also available with a larger full-size layout (great if you need a numpad).

A well-used Kinesis Freestyle Pro of four years, our pick for the best split keyboard for most people. Photo by Jay Peters / The Verge

7. Kinesis Freestyle Pro

A split ergonomic option

They’re very much a niche option, but plenty of people swear by split keyboards, which are designed to let you type with your hands further apart, and your shoulders in a more neutral position. Of these, we recommend the Kinesis Freestyle Pro.

It doesn’t have hot-swappable switches, which means you’re stuck with the Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Silent Red switches that it comes with unless you’re willing to do some soldering. But at $179, it’s relatively affordable by the often exorbitant prices of split keyboards (the ErgoDox EZ Original starts at $324, for example, while the ZSA Moonlander is $365), and it has a layout that’s much closer to a traditional keyboard than a lot of other ergonomic options. It means there’s less of a learning curve if you’re coming from a standard keyboard layout.

That’s not to say there aren’t hot-swappable ergonomic options out there. We really enjoyed the ZSA Moonlander. ZSA’s Oryx configurator software offers a ton of options to create highly customized layouts, and optional accessories like an angled stand and tripod mounting kit mean you can tailor the keyboard to your exact needs. It also offers hot-swappable switches, which we normally consider an essential part of a modern keyboard, but we don’t think that justifies the price premium for most people. But at $365, the Moonlander is, by some margin, the most expensive keyboard on this list, and its columnar layout and thumb clusters take a lot of getting used to. (Though ZSA does allow you to return the keyboard within 30 days of when you get it.)

If you absolutely must have the most customizable ergonomic option available, then the ZSA Moonlander is a great pick. But most people who just want a more ergonomic keyboard with a familiar layout will be satisfied with the Kinesis Freestyle Pro.

Kinesis Freestyle Pro Quiet $ 125 $ 180 31 % off $ 125 The Kinesis Freestyle Pro Quiet is a great split keyboard option, which allows you to keep your arms in a more neutral position while typing. It’s not hot-swappable, but it has an easier to learn layout and more affordable price than other ergonomic options. $125 at Drop

Best Gaming Keyboards for 2022: Mechanical, TKL, and More

Take it to the next level with the best gaming keyboard for you.

Your keyboard is your primary connection to your PC, because it's the part that you touch the most. That means getting a better one can yield a more immediately noticeable difference than even upgrading your CPU (opens in new tab).

A gamer's keyboard choice is arguably even more critical. You need something with instant response time and tactile feedback to stay at the top of your game.; But you also need something that's comfortable to use for long gaming sessions. Appealing design choices to accompany your rig wouldn't hurt either.

Whether you’re battling through an FPS, exploring an open world, or you just want a better typing experience all around, check out the best gaming keyboards we've tested below. They deliver an exemplary combination of responsiveness, features and style.

Quick Gaming Keyboard Shopping Tips

When searching for the best gaming keyboard, remember the following:

Mechanical or bust? Most gamers probably aren't even considering a non-mechanical keyboard — for good reason. Only mechanical keyboard switches offer the tactile feedback, precision, and accuracy most gamers need, and membrane switches feel gummy and unresponsive by comparison. Recently we've been seeing more and more optical keyboards, which are technically mechanical, but use light instead of force to actuate. Optical switches still feel a little unsatisfying to type on but offer speedy actuation (often adjustable) that many gamers may appreciate.

Most gamers probably aren't even considering a non-mechanical keyboard — for good reason. Only mechanical keyboard switches offer the tactile feedback, precision, and accuracy most gamers need, and membrane switches feel gummy and unresponsive by comparison. Recently we've been seeing more and more optical keyboards, which are technically mechanical, but use light instead of force to actuate. Optical switches still feel a little unsatisfying to type on but offer speedy actuation (often adjustable) that many gamers may appreciate. RGB or not? All RGB lighting is not equal. Per-key RGB lets you program each key's color individually, while zone lighting limits your customization to just a few areas o the board. You can save a little money by getting a keyboard with a single-color backlight, but you’ll miss out on a spectacular light show. If you opt for something with no backlight at all, make sure you'll be gaming in a well-lit area or are a touch typist.

All RGB lighting is not equal. Per-key RGB lets you program each key's color individually, while zone lighting limits your customization to just a few areas o the board. You can save a little money by getting a keyboard with a single-color backlight, but you’ll miss out on a spectacular light show. If you opt for something with no backlight at all, make sure you'll be gaming in a well-lit area or are a touch typist. Full-size, tenkeyless, or smaller? Tenkeyless boards drop the numpad, 65 percent boards eliminate navigation keys, and 60 percent boards also cut the arrow keys. Some users, such as MMO players, want every possible key (and more), while others prefer a smaller keyboard to clear up desk space.

Most Common Switches (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Clicky Tactile: Blue, Green, White Quiet Tactile: Brown, Clear Linear (quiet and go straight down): Red, Silver

Pick Your Switch

The best gaming keyboards use a number of different mechanical switch types that determine the feel and sound of each key press. There are even new ones coming out all the time, such as the Cherry Viola switch. The type of switch you choose depends on your personal preferences for typing and gaming.

Don't want to commit? Check out our article on how to change mechanical keyboard switches easily. Our feature on mechanical switch spec ranges also explains how to read switch specs.

Best Gaming Keyboards You Can Buy Today

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

1. HyperX Alloy Origins Best Mainstream Gaming Keyboard Specifications Switches: HyperX Red (linear) Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches (44.3 x 13.3 x 3.6cm) Weight: 2.4 pounds (1,075g) Today's Best Deals $47.99 (opens in new tab) at Newegg (opens in new tab) $54.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $89.99 (opens in new tab) at HP (US) (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Attractive, compact design + Excellent RGB lighting + Three-level rear height adjustment Reasons to avoid - No dedicated media controls or macro keys - Shorter 1.8mm switch actuation (versus 2mm) feels like a gimmick - NGenuity software could be more intuitive

The HyperX Alloy Origins' compact and quality build makes it the best gaming keyboard for mainstream gamers who just want to get down to gaming. It’s comfortable, with a premium look and feel from its keys to its frame and vibrant RGB lighting. If you're familiar with linear switches, which are quick but offer little feedback, you'll feel right at home with this keyboard's red switches. We've also tested the clickier version with HyperX aqua switches, which are available on Amazon (opens in new tab)and HyperX's store (opens in new tab).

For over $100, you can find gaming keyboards with more luxuries, such as media control buttons, a USB pass-through port (for easily plugging in another accessory, like your best gaming mouse (opens in new tab)), and more advanced software. But what the Alloy Origins does offer, it executes excellently.

Note that HyperX has two smaller, cheaper versions of this keyboard: The tenkeyless (no numpad) HyperX Alloy Origins Core (opens in new tab) and 60% HyperX Alloy Origins 60.

Read: HyperX Alloy Origins review (opens in new tab)

2. Patriot Memory Viper V765 Best Budget Keyboard Specifications Switches: Kailh Box White (clicky) Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 18.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches (46.6 x 20.3 x 4cm) Weight: 2.5 pounds (1,134g) Today's Best Deals $54.99 (opens in new tab) at Newegg (opens in new tab) $69.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $69.99 (opens in new tab) at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Fantastic white switches + Great price + Sleek aluminum design Reasons to avoid - Mediocre software - Feet are a little short - Hard palm rest

Patriot Memory is better known for its RAM (opens in new tab)and storage than its peripherals, but the Viper V765 provides a key feel that’s second to none — in an attractive, affordable package. It's been a while, but the Patriot Viper V765 is still a good budget option with plenty of functionality. It's one of the rare keyboards to come with Kailh Box White switches, which actuate faster than regular Blue or Green switches thanks to their slightly reduced travel (3.6mm versus 4mm). The keys are the most responsive we’ve tested and make one of the most pleasant click sounds you'll find anywhere.

If Kailh Box White switches aren't enough to convince you the Viper V765 is worth buying, it's got plenty more going for it. This full-sized keyboard has an aluminum surface with tapered edges that give it a futuristic look. The vibrant RGB keys offer dozens of different light combinations — and you don't even need to install the software to access most of the RGB effects. The keyboard also features media keys, which are more often seen on pricier boards, as well as IP56 water and dust resistance.

The Viper V765 currently sells for $90 (opens in new tab), cheaper than most competitors with similar features. We wish it had taller flip-out feet and a slightly better app, but the V765 is still our favorite budget-friendly gaming keyboard.

Read: Patriot Memory Viper V765 review (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

3. Roccat Vulcan II Max Most Attractive Gaming Keyboard Specifications Switches: Roccat Titan II Optical (Red or Brown) Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 18.23 x 6.0625 x 1.32 inches / 463 x 154 x 33.5 mm Weight: 2.29lbs / 1040g (without accessories) Today's Best Deals $229.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $229.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $229.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Bright, attractive lighting looks great on wrist rest + Linear or tactile switch options + Dedicated media keys and built-in secondary functions Reasons to avoid - Fixed cable with dual USB connectors - Annoying Software - Slippery ABS keycaps

The Roccat Vulcan II Max is designed to dazzle you: This full-size wired keyboard not only features bright, per-key RGB lighting, which is on maximum display thanks to the keyboard’s flat, shallow keycaps; 24 of its switches also have dual-LEDs. The Vulcan II Max comes with a detachable silicone wrist rest that serves as a conduit for the keyboard’s lighting (it’s beautiful), and features dedicated media keys and a clickable volume knob.

This is an attractive, unique-looking keyboard even without lighting — it has a slim, lightweight chassis with an aluminum alloy top plate, and flat, chiclet-y keycaps that leave the switches entirely exposed. The keyboard has 24 pre-programmed multi-function “smart” dual-LED keys, which light up to indicate secondary keybinds and can also change colors to display real-time info, such as headset or mouse battery life. The keyboard features Roccat’s Aimo lighting experience, which is an “intelligent” lighting system that interacts with, and reacts to, the user (and adapts over time). It’s definitely a dazzling alternative to the typical spectrum cycling, and it’s even more dazzling when paired with the Vulcan II Max’s translucent wrist rest.

If you’re looking for a hypnotizing light show, look no further. The Vulcan II Max comes in both black and white colorways, with Roccat’s Titan II optical switches in red (linear) or brown (tactile). If you’re looking to save desk space, there’s also the 65 percent Vulcan II Mini .

Read: Roccat Vulcan II Max Review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is expensive but worth it. Its TKL build saves space but feels strong and resistant to damage. Corsair decks out the K70 RGB TKL with dedicated media keys and the ability to change RGB effects without having to download software (though you will need Corsair's iCue app for deeper customization).

The K70 RGB TKL features doubleshot PBT keycaps that fight off smudges and sweat, so you'll never miss a beat in-game, and that are enjoyable for both gaming and typing. The board also comes with bonus cheaper ABS keycaps in the box for more style and fun. One caveat: Typing on this board may require an adjustment period for how close the keys are to each other.

Interestingly, the K70 RGB TKL has its own multi-threaded SoC, which allows it to hit an 8000 Hz polling rate — 8 times the polling rate of many of the other keyboards on this page. (But we didn't notice a difference, not even with an AMD Ryzen 5950X CPU.) More helpful was the bounty of onboard profiles (up to 50), advanced tournament-style feature set, and responsiveness of this TKL.

Read: Corsair K70 RGB TKL review

Best TKL Optical Switch Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

5. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Best TKL Optical Switch Keyboard Specifications Switches: SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: TKL Size: 14 x 5.04 x 1.65 inche (355 x 128 x 42 mm) Weight: 1.65lbs (747g) without cable Today's Best Deals $216.20 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $249.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Highly customizable + Soft-touch magnetic wrist rest + Attractive but a little generic-looking + Excellent gaming performance Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Feels hastily launched - Buggier than usual

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless gives you back some desk space as well as wireless freedom, thanks to built-in dual wireless (low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.0). The 2022 redesign of the Apex Pro TKL features a simple, elegant chassis with an aluminum alloy top plate, double-shot PBT keycaps, and SteelSeries newest OmniPoint 2.0 linear optical switches.

Optical switches technically have mechanical parts, but they’re not the same as mechanical switches — optical switches are actuated via light, while mechanical switches are actuated via physical force. Although this makes for a less-than-ideal typing experience, it’s good news for gamers: Optical switches are speedier (and less prone to failure) than their mechanical counterparts. The Apex Pro TKL Wireless’ OmniPoint 2.0 switches offer both adjustable actuation (37 levels) and dual-action actuation, which lets you assign two actions to one key (at different actuation levels).

The main downside of the Apex Pro TKL Wireless is its $250 asking price (the keyboard also comes in a wired version, for $180), which makes it one of the priciest gaming keyboards on this list. While the Apex Pro TKL Wireless comes with plenty of premium features and accessories — including a customizable OLED smart screen and a detachable magnetic wrist rest with a soft-touch finish — these might not be enough to justify its expense. If you’d like something a little less customizable (and you don’t mind being tethered), SteelSeries’ Apex 9 TKL has an almost-identical form factor with hot-swappable optical switches — and will only set you back $140.

Read: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

6. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard Specifications Switches: Razer Green (clicky) or Razer Yellow (linear) Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 17.7 x 9.8 x 1.7 inches (36.8 x 15 x 2.2cm) Weight: 3.1 pounds (1,423g) Today's Best Deals $139.99 (opens in new tab) at eBay (opens in new tab) $229.99 (opens in new tab) at Razer (opens in new tab) $249.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Doubleshot keycaps feel premium, resist smudges + Premium wrist rest Reasons to avoid - Finicky when battery is very low - No macro keys

If you want the same experience as your typical full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard but without wires, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is the best wireless gaming keyboard we've tested. While many wireless keyboards are built for traveling, the BlackWidow V3 Pro maintains all the size, bulk, and functionality of a full-sized mechanical keyboard — including a premium tactile volume dial, media keys, an aluminum top plate, and doubleshot ABS plastic keycaps.

Razer doesn't skimp on the BlackWidow V3 Pro: It's packed with up to four profiles of onboard memory and vibrant per-key RGB lighting. However, RGB doesn't stick to profiles — advanced RGB fanatics will have to rely on software for pairing RGB, including custom effects, to profiles.

The BlackWidow V3 Pro connects to your computer via 2.4 GHz dongle (which we had no issues with during testing) or Bluetooth (up to three computers simultaneously). With RGB at max settings and no dimming effects, our test unit averaged about 14 hours of battery life — but you'll get up to 25 hours with RGB using power saving settings. You'll want to plug in before the battery hits 3%, as power saving settings kick in at that point and the keyboard starts acting a little wonky.

If you’re looking for a more portable full-sized wireless gaming keyboard, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is fantastic and reliable with low-profile switches that some will enjoy for gaming and others will enjoy for travel. But for a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard experience, the BlackWidow V3 Pro is the premium choice.

For more cable-free recommendations, visit our Best Wireless Keyboards page.

Read: Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

7. Corsair K100 RGB Best Gaming Keyboard for Work and Play Specifications Switches: Corsair OPX RGB (linear) or Cherry MX Speed Silver Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-sized Size: 18.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches (47 x 16.6 x 3.8cm) Weight: 2.9 pounds (1,315.4g) Today's Best Deals $179.99 (opens in new tab) at Best Buy (opens in new tab) $229.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $229.99 (opens in new tab) at Dell (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + 1mm-actuation optical mechanical switches + Cushioned wrist rest and premium PBT keycaps Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Some features feel gimmicky

The Corsair K100 RGB packs more features than most need, including some you’ve probably never even fathomed a keyboard could have. There’s an SoC with multi-threading, a 4,000 Hz polling rate (instead of the usual 1,000 Hz), the debut of Corsair’s homegrown optical-mechanical switches, and an RGB-clad media wheel that’s as fun to use as it is to look at.

The wheel was extra helpful for productivity tasks, such as zooming in and out of Photoshop. It proved less useful for gaming, however, as did some of the other features that make this keyboard so expensive.

The K100 RGB still makes for one of the best gaming keyboards. We could actually tell the difference offered by the optical mechanical switches’ shorter travel and actuation point. Of course, if you’re not into the optical mechanical trend, you can also get this board with Cherry’s Speed Silver switches.

If you’re looking for a splurge solely for gaming, the Corsair K95 Platinum XT is a better option. It's also expensive, but it offers more gaming-obvious luxuries — such as a macro key bank and support for the Elgato Stream Deck.

Read: Corsair K100 RGB review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

8. Hexgears Impulse Best Gaming Keyboard for Typing Specifications Switches: Kailh Box White or Box Brown Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 17.25 x 6 x 1.6 inches (43.8 x 15.2 x 4cm) Weight: 2 pounds (918g) Today's Best Deals $99.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Hot-swappable key switches + World-class typing experience Reasons to avoid - No software - Dull light show

It’s not a perfect gaming keyboard, but the Hexgears Impulse is the best gaming keyboard if typing performance is your main priority. In fact, using this keyboard with the Kailh Box White switches resulted in our best typing performance yet — surpassing even old-school IBM-style keyboards and others we've used with Cherry MX Blue or Razer Green switches.

Hexgears made the bold choice of putting a Blue-style switch under the spacebar only, arguing that the largest key (which most people hit with their thumbs) should be a bit stiffer. At first, we thought that having a different switch under just one key was a weird choice but eventually we found the added resistance helpful. As a result, we enjoyed typing on the Impulse even more than we liked typing on the Viper V765, which has Box White switches under every key, including the spacebar.

You can also grab the Impulse with Kailh Box Brown tactile switches. Better yet — the updated version of this keyboard adds hot swap capability, which means you can easily swap in whatever switches you like without breaking out a soldering iron. The Impulse's $100 price tag isn't bad, especially for such an excellent typing experience and extra functionality.

Read: Hexgears Impulse review (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

9. Razer Huntsman V2 Best Optical Mechanical Keyboard Specifications Switches: Razer Linear Optical or Clicky Optical Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 17.6 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches Weight: 2.7 pounds (3.76 pounds with wrist rest) Today's Best Deals $149.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $149.99 (opens in new tab) at Best Buy (opens in new tab) $189.99 (opens in new tab) at Dell (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Smooth, responsive switches + Highly programmable Reasons to avoid - No macro keys to compete with similarly priced rivals - 8,000 Hz polling rate is hard to notice

While the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is one of Razer’s more advanced optical mechanical gaming keyboards, the Huntsman V2 is the best fit for most. It’s expensive, but in addition to premium switches, it’s packed with features, including nice media keys, keys that can be programmed with up to two functions by holding down a designated Razer HyperShift key and 4 onboard profiles that can launch automatically with specified apps.

Its optical mechanical switches actuate by sending a stem through a light beam, rather than via physical contact. These switches have grown more popular for smooth actuation and because they should degrade at a slower rate than standard mechanical switches. We tested the Huntsman V2 with Razer’s 2nd Gen Optical Linear switches, which use sound dampeners. Additionally, there’s sound dampening foam in the keyboard that makes for a very quiet experience with these smooth-traveling switches. The clicky options are also delightfully light (1.5mm actuation point and 45g of force to actuate), making them more appropriate for gaming than other clicky switches.

Plus, the Huntsman V2 caters to the hands with doubleshot PBT keycaps that both look and feel good and a plush wrist rest that’s detachable. This is a premium keyboard through and through.

More: Razer Huntsman V2 review

10. SteelSeries Apex Pro Best Customization Specifications Switches: OmniPoint Adjustable (linear) and Gateron Red Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 17.2 x 1.9 x 4.4 inches (43.7 x 4 x 13.9cm) Weight: 2.1 pounds (970.6g) Today's Best Deals $119.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $139.99 (opens in new tab) at Best Buy (opens in new tab) $199.99 (opens in new tab) at Dell (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Adjustable per-key actuation points for most keys + 5 on-board profiles with RGB and actuation settings + Aluminum build + USB passthrough and some cable management Reasons to avoid - Questionable long-term typing experience - Expensive

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the best gaming keyboard for RGB, boasting some of the most brilliant per-key RGB lighting we've ever seen. The colors pop against the keyboard's dark gray frame and light up the rest of the chassis. Raised keycaps heighten the experience even more. Plus, software and on-the-fly controls make the possibilities feel endless.

This keyboard also has the innovative ability to set the actuation point for individual keys for a highly custom feel. This is a rare trick and one that the Apex Pro delivers in an effective fashion. There's also the popular OLED (opens in new tab) screen, where you can display a small image or uploaded GIF. Not only is the Apex Pro highly customizable, it makes doing so easier than even a hot-swappable keyboard.

Those who like clicky, tactile typing should consider something else, because the Apex Pro's switches definitely have a linear feel. (Though you'll still hear plenty of noise from banging on the aluminum frame.) If you want a keyboard you can easily put your mark on — literally — look no further.

If you'd like a smaller version of this keyboard, consider the SteelSeries Apex 7 (opens in new tab), which is also cheaper at $125 (opens in new tab).

Read: SteelSeries Apex Pro review (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Logitech)

11. Logitech G915 Lightspeed Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard Specifications Switches: Logitech GL (low-profile; tactile, clicky or linear) Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 18.7 x 5.9 x 0.87 inches (47.5 x 15 x 2.2cm) Weight: 2.3 pounds (1,025g) Today's Best Deals $159.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $159.99 (opens in new tab) at Dell (opens in new tab) $159.99 (opens in new tab) at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good for gaming and typing alike + Beautiful slim design Reasons to avoid - Keys show marks easily - No wrist rest

If you want the speed and slimness afforded by low-profile mechanical switches, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is the best gaming keyboard you can buy. This is a premium gaming experience through and through. That means a row of G macro keys for leveraging during battle, dedicated media controls, including an epic volume wheel roller, and even multiple connectivity options. You can go tried-and-true wired, use Logitech’s reliable dongle connection, or store the dongle in the keyboard’s built-in compartment and use Bluetooth. This makes connecting to multiple devices a little easier too.

The G915 Lightspeed has earned a popular reputation but comes at a price. Despite its $250 MSRP, there’s no wrist rest, USB passthrough or premium keycaps resistant to smudging. As mentioned in our Logitech G915 TKL review , the smaller version of this keyboard is more affordable (opens in new tab) but foregoes even more luxuries, most noticeably G keys.

But in addition to being a top-notch gaming peripheral, the G915 Lightspeed (and G915 TKL) offers a surprisingly good typing experience for a low-profile keyboard. We’ve tested it with Logitech's tactile low-profile switches for days and haven’t felt much extra exhaustion or like we were typing through sand, like we’ve suffered through on other low-profile keyboards.

Read: Logitech G915 Lightspeed review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

12. SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Best Small Gaming Keyboard Specifications Switches: SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 Backlight: Per-Key RGB Type: 60% Size: 11.53 x 4.02 x 1.59 inches / 293 x 103 x 40.3mm Weight: 1.34lbs / 610g (wired) 1.2lbs / 543g (wireless) Today's Best Deals $159.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $161.99 (opens in new tab) at Best Buy (opens in new tab) $179.99 (opens in new tab) at Dell (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Feels great and intuitive for gaming + Highly customizable + Bright, attractive RGB + Feels sturdy but isn’t too heavy Reasons to avoid - Dual actuation has a learning curve - SteelSeries GG has some bugs - Legends for secondary keybinds are hard to see

Ultra-compact keyboards aren’t for everyone, but if you have limited desk space or you’re looking for a gaming keyboard that’s travel-friendly, a 60 percent keyboard can be a godsend. You’ll have to give up a lot — number pad, navigation keys, function keys, and even arrow keys — but you’ll barely notice these sacrifices with the right keyboard.

SteelSeries’ Apex Pro Mini Wireless (also comes in a wired version) is the right keyboard.

The Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a sleek, sturdily-built 60 percent keyboard featuring SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which feature both adjustable actuation and dual actuation (much like the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog). Because it’s so small, the Apex Pro Mini Wireless has a slew of default secondary keybinds, which are printed on the sides of the keycaps and activated using SteelSeries SS function key. These secondary keybinds are so intuitive (and can also be remapped, if you want) that you won’t feel limited by the 60 percent layout. The keyboard is highly customizable: Almost every key can be remapped (first and secondary keybinds), have its actuation point adjusted, and have its RGB set – individually.

If anything, the Apex Pro Mini Wireless might have too much going for it — maybe you don’t need an ultra-compact keyboard with every single feature shoved into it (especially considering its premium price point). If you don’t need all of these features and you’d like to spend a little less, try the SteelSeries Apex 9 series, which comes has adjustable actuation, hot-swappable switches, and comes in both Mini and TKL layouts.

Read: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

13. Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS Best Ergonomic Gaming Keyboard Specifications Switches: Cherry MX Blue, Red or Brown Backlight: Per-key RGB Type: Full-size Size: 22.1 x 10.1 x 2 inches Weight: 4 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Cloud Nine (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Traditional key layout + Multi-functional control wheel Reasons to avoid - Nonstandard default Windows key placement - Tenting isn't adjustable

It’s hard to find an ergonomic gaming keyboard that’s split, and still has all the gaming features you need (or want). And it's even harder if you want mechanical switches (let alone quality ones). That's what makes the Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS excellent.

Aside from nonstandard Windows key replacement, which you can reprogram, this keyboard sports a standard key layout — making it much easier to adjust to the C989 ErgoFS's wide, split design. The keyboard comes with your choice of clicky, linear, or tactile mechanical switches from Cherry, as well as dedicated macro keys, a handy control wheels, and programmable RGB. It's a split keyboard, but the C989 ErgoFS boasts the most sought-after features of the best gaming keyboards.

There are a few caveats: It's huge, so make sure you have enough room for this large peripheral before you invest. The keyboard only allows for one tenting angle — the default 7-degree slope — and doesn't have legs. Also, the backlighting is almost mandatory because the keys' legends are otherwise difficult to read.

But whether you’re new to split keyboards or just want one that’s quality enough to take into the battlefield, the C989 ErgoFS is a good fit.

More: Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS review

Savings on the Best Gaming Keyboards

Whether you're shopping for one of the best gaming keyboards we listed above or a different model, you may find some discounts by checking out our list of Corsair coupon codes, Newegg promo codes or Razer coupon codes.