Best Gaming Keyboard 2022

You’ve invested in a solid gaming PC , and now it’s time to grab the rest of the peripherals to ensure you get a leg up on your opponents. You might opt to use a controller some of the time, but a gaming mouse and keyboard are essential to a proper battle station setup. A good chunk of your time will be spent using a keyboard. From the ease with which you can type on it to its split-second responsiveness, the best gaming keyboard offers a well-rounded experience that lives up to its role as a centerpiece in your gaming setup.

But, gaming keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, and your needs can play a huge role in which keyboard ends up being the right one for you. A wireless gaming keyboard might give you more flexibility with your setup and a tidier desk space, but a high-end wired keyboard might tote a better feature set and avoid the fuss of recharging. Some prefer a clicky mechanical keyboard offering a consistent experience and enjoyable feel, but you might prefer something quieter — and cheaper — like a membrane keyboard if you share a living space.

All of these factors go into making a keyboard that's not just great on its own but also great for you. We've tested a wide range of keyboard, figuring out which truly stand out as champs in different categories. Below are all the keyboards worth your consideration, so you can find the best fit for the ultimate gaming setup you desire – and click here to see them in the UK .

Looking for more holiday gifts for gamers? Take a look at our guide to the best gifts for PC gamers for ideas.

TL;DR – These are the Best Gaming Keyboards:

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Corsair K70 RGB MK.2

Best Gaming Keyboard

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 26 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Cherry MX Blue, Red, Brown, Speed, Silent | Features: USB 2.0 pass-through, 8MB onboard memory, three onboard profiles, dedicated media buttons, detachable wrist rest | Size: 17.24" x 6.53" x 1.53"

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is built to get the job done. This gaming keyboard comes geared up to suit your preferred playstyle with the option of Cherry MX Blue, Red, Brown, Speed, or Silent mechanical switches, giving you plenty to choose from, whether it be extra clicky to smooth and linear. Naturally, a keyboard of this caliber offers up the NKRO and anti-ghosting you’ll want to ensure all your inputs are appropriately registered in-game.

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2’s build quality is second to none. It doesn’t miss out on style points either, thanks to its per-key RGB lighting options. The keyboard also comes with some handy features for both utility and tidiness. It has a USB passthrough along with a cable routing tunnel under the board, so you can keep your desktop nice and neat. It also has dedicated media keys, giving you more control all in one place to quickly dial in the volume or skip a track without missing a beat in your game. You can even save up to three profiles on board for easy access.

SteelSeries Apex 5

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

SteelSeries Apex 5 12 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: SteelSeries Hybrid Mechanical (Tactile) | Size: 17.43" x 5.48" x 1.59"

Sure, you can get cheaper keyboards than the SteelSeries Apex 5 , and you can even get cheaper mechanical ones, but the quality compared to price make it the best budget option. SteelSeries uses hybrid switches in this design, which offer a similar tactile feel to mechanical switches and the smoothness of membrane switches while saving on the cost. Those keys are housed in a sturdy aluminum frame built to last.

By keeping the price of the switches low, SteelSeries manages to offer some great value everywhere else. You get a magnetic wrist rest, full RGB lighting that you can customize on a per-key basis, an OLED screen to display game info and messages, and dedicated media controls. All of that is housed in a sturdy aluminum frame built to last. You won't find many other keyboards offering this much for under $100.

Roccat Vulcan II Max

Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Roccat Vulcan II Max 1 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Roccat Titan II Switch Tactile, Switch Linear | Features: Per-key RGB, four onboard profiles, Easy-Shift+, dedicated media buttons, detachable palm rest | Size: 18.23" x 9.29" x 1.32"

Roccat’s Vulcan II Max is a standout in both looks and functionality. You get Titan II Optical Mechanical switches for long-lasting durability and incredibly-fast actuation to give you a leg up on opponents. The keys are remappable, and you can make custom macros, storing up to four profiles on the keyboard. There’s even a button duplicator technology called Easy-Shift+ to make it simple to swap key functions.

To say that the Vulcan II Max is stunning would be a gross understatement because rather than having keycaps that cover up the key switches, this keyboard only has keycaps over the top of the key, leaving the rest exposed. Therefore, the keys look like they’re just floating above clear switch housings full of RGB lighting, like some sort of cyber-age typewriter. It doesn’t stop there, as the translucent wrist rest further illuminates the keyboard, while 24 programmable dual-function keys offer dedicated LEDs to specify when using the secondary function.

Razer Ornata V3

Best Membrane-Mechanical Hybrid Gaming Keyboard

Razer Ornata V3 4 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Razer Hybrid Mecha-Membrane | Features: fully programmable keys, dedicated media controls, magnetic wrist rest | Size: 17.46" x 5.68" x 1.23"

A quality option for gamers on a budget is the Razer Ornata V3, thanks to its membrane-mechanical hybrid switches that help keep the costs low while still providing a tactile, pleasant user experience. That switch combo offers the feel of a mechanical keyboard with its snappy feedback while each keystroke remains accurate and smooth, like your average keyboard.

Beyond those hybrid switches, you’ll find the Razer Ornata V3 makes some changes to its predecessor, the Ornata V2, by offering slightly lower-profile keys for a more ergonomic typing experience that may also help with quicker actuation. All the keys are also fully programable with durable fade-resistant caps, and dedicated media controls are on board which is surprisingly handy once you get used to it. Plus, it’s a Razer keyboard, so there's no shortage of RGB LEDs to make it shine.

Roccat Magma

Best Membrane Gaming Keyboard

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Membrane | Features: Detachable palm rest, silent keys, five-zone lighting, Easy-Shift, dedicated media buttons | Size: 17.8” x 6.18” x 1.53"

Roccat has really spiced up the budget-keyboard market with the Roccat Magma. The price is kept down by the membrane key switches that are quiet, yet responsive and reliable. However, the light shines up through each keycap to clearly illuminate the board. And, given the Magma name, you get a hint at the effects in store from this keyboard. Roccat has built it around a semi-transparent top plate that lets the five-zone RGB lighting glow through almost the entire top surface of the keyboard. So, if you go red and orange, it’ll look like magma.

While the Roccat Magma lacks dedicated multimedia keys and macro keys, Roccat has put some extra control right at your fingertips while gaming. With the Easy-Shift button, you can map a number of secondary inputs to a bunch of keys in the WASD area, where your hand will typically sit while gaming. You also get a palm rest for ultimate comfort during gaming marathons. All that for $60 feels like a pretty good deal.

Logitech G915

Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard

Interface: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 4.2 | Key switch options: GX Clicky, Tactile, Linear | Features: dedicated media buttons, macro buttons | Size: 18.7" x 5.91" x 0.87"

If you don’t want to be tethered to your computer, the Logitech G915 is a pretty amazing wireless gaming keyboard. Using Logitech's own Lightspeed wireless connectivity, the keyboard should feel as responsive and lag-free as its wired counterparts. All you need to do is plug in the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and you’ll be good to game. You also get multi-host Bluetooth to do a bit of gaming on your phone or tablet. Logitech's wireless peripheral also offers an impressive battery life with up to 30 hours when lighting is on at full brightness and about 135 days with all lighting turned off.

The Logitech G915 was made from the ground up to be low-profile between the chiclet keyboard-style keys to its ultra-slim chassis that sits so low you don't even need a wrist pad. It also uses low-profile GX switches that offer a satisfying click, tactile bump, or smooth linear action despite their short height. The keyboard goes beyond the basics, too, with dedicated media controls, a volume roller, and several macro keys. Of course, all this wireless gaming keyboard splendor is going to cost you, as the Logitech G915 launched with a $250 price tag.

Logitech G Pro X

Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard

Logitech G Pro X 7 See on Logitech

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Logitech GX Blue, GX Brown, GX Red | Size: 14.2" x 6.02" x 1.3"

Tenkeyless gaming keyboards are a great option for gamers who don't need a numeric keypad or have a lot of desk space, or simply want to play with their hands closer together. The Logitech G Pro is a stand-out option in its class in part thanks to its detachable key switches. This allows you to install a mix of clicky, tactile, or linear switches anywhere you please—even on the arrow keys. You can even customize commands for the F1-F12 keys. And, all the keys shine with the programable RGB lighting, which can be used to highlight important keys or add a bit of flair to a live stream.

Beyond the astounding level of customizability, the Logitech G Pro keyboard is built like a tank. This keyboard is meant to tote along to gaming events with its fully detachable cable and inner steel frame. Stable feet with three angles to choose from let you find the ultimate position to annihilate your opponents. All the while, you don't have to worry about banging this keyboard up on your way to LAN parties and tournaments.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless

Best Wireless Gaming Tenkeyless Keyboard

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless 2 See on Amazon

Interface: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 | Key switch options: OmniPoint Adjustable Mechanical | Features: OLED smart display, detachable wrist rest, five onboard profiles| Size: 14" x 5.04" x 1.65"

If you’re looking to live a tether-free life with a tenkeyless keyboard for more portability or extra desk space, then the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless is the way to go. Going with this compact mechanical keyboard doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice functionality, as you get mechanical switches with a near-instantaneous response and an adjustable actuation distance. You can even program two actions to a single key, which is then registered based on the pressure you place on the key.

It’s simple to use the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless thanks to a wireless dongle for a lag-free, reliable connection to your PC or laptop. Bluetooth support makes for an easy connection to your phone or tablet to get in some mobile gaming, too. Speaking of mobile, this keyboard is ready for travel, as it’s built with a durable aluminum alloy frame. And somehow, SteelSeries squeezes in RGB lighting and an OLED display to show vital information, like GPU stats and gaming profiles.

Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard

Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 0 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Gateron Brown | Features: USB pass-through, onboard memory for storing lighting profiles, dedicated media buttons, memory foam wrist rest | Size: 17.52" x 8.66" x 1.4"

Most gaming keyboards have you choose between a single key switch and live with it for the rest of your peripherals life. However, the Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — or Glorious GMMK for short — is one of the few that lets you swap out your mechanical keys whenever and however you like. This keyboard may only come with Gateron Brown switches, but you can easily swap any of them out for Cherry, Kailh, or other types of Gateron switches.

The Glorious GMMK features hot-swap bays under each key switch, making replacing them as easy as adding a custom keycap set. Aside from not having to disassemble or solder anything, the easy swap capacity of this keyboard also lets you mix and match different types of key switches right next to each other. These keys live on a strong platform with full LED backlighting and an aluminum faceplate. You even get full macro programing on all the keys to take the customizations one step further.

Razer Huntsman V2

Best Optical Gaming Keyboard

Razer Huntsman V2 6 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Razer Liner Optical switch | Features: 8,000Hz polling rate, Per-key RGB lighting, plush wrist rest, media controls | Size: 17.6" x 9.2" x 1.4"

So, you're looking for a gaming keyboard because you want to go fast and get a competitive edge? Mechanical keyboards are a strong start, but the Razer Huntsman V2 lets you go even further with optical switches and an 8,000Hz polling rate. By using optical key switches, Razer avoids one of the main things slowing traditional mechanical keyboards down: debounce. Debounce can add a few milliseconds of delay to a mechanical switch registering an input, and in competitive games, every millisecond counts. Instead, the Huntsman offers two optical switch options; clicky for a snappy response and satisfying sound or linear for a quieter and smoother typing experience.

Of course, the Razer Huntsman V2 goes well beyond having technically excellent switches. It offers up a solid design that looks dazzling on your desk with custom RGB lighting options for each key. You’ll find a comfortable plush wrist rest on deck as well, though it attaches with magnets, so you can easily add or remove it as you please. There’s even enough onboard memory to store up to five profiles, and you’ll be able to make quick adjustments to your audio with dedicated media controls.

Corsair K100 RGB

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

Corsair K100 RGB 4 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver, Corsair OPX Optical Mechanical | Features: 4,000Hz polling rate, Media controls, Elgato Stream Deck integration, iCue control wheel, LightEdge bar, per-key RGB lighting, 8MB profile storage, Macro keys, USB passthrough, cushioned palm rest | Size: 18.5" x 6.5" x 1.5"

Corsair knows how to make a gaming keyboard with all the high-end features you could ever want. The Corsair K100 RGB continues that tradition, bringing you the best performance possible. Rather than your typical 1,000Hz polling rate seen in the majority of gaming keyboards, Corsair bummed its polling rate up to 4,000Hz. This means you’re in for unmatched responsiveness with virtually no lag, giving you a big leg up in AAA games. The powerful onboard processor also ensures all of your inputs are registered even when you’re taking advantage of the full, per-key RGB lighting.

The Corsair K100 RGB offers up two switch options; Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver switches or Corsair's own optical-mechanical switches. In either case, you're getting a fast performance. There are also dedicated media controls, macro buttons, and special integration with Elgato Stream Deck. A USB passthrough offers the perfect spot to plug in your mouse, and a plush wrist magnetically attaches to the keyboard, giving your palms that extra bit of luxury.

Wooting two HE

Best Analog Gaming Keyboard

Wooting two HE 0 See on Wooting

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Lekker Linear60 | Features: 16MB onboard memory, per-key RGB lighting, adjustable key inputs, Wootility software | Size: 18.1" x 5.9" x 1.5"

Optical keyboards are cool and all, but if you want to go in the opposite direction with a solid analog keyboard for insanely smooth gameplay, look no further than the Wooting two HE. With it, you get all the analog precision and control you love, but in the form factor of a keyboard. You can carefully adjust your moving speed in a stealth game, turn rate in racing games, or how far you lean in a first-person shooter. The whole system simulates the analog control of a gamepad without the need for an actual controller.

The Wooting two HE’s analog keys register inputs as fast as possible, and everything is completely customizable. With the Lekker switches, small magnets are used to sense presses between 0.1mm and 4mm. The slightest touch can be registered, but through Wooting’s intuitive software, you can set the actuation point of each key. You’ve even got the power to remap the keys to function as a gamepad. It’s important to note that though this keyboard is loaded with functionality, it's a fairly niche product, so don't expect all PC games to support it.

SteelSeries Apex Pro

Most Customizable Gaming Keyboard

SteelSeries Apex Pro 1 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: SteelSeries OmniPoint | Features: onboard memory, on-the-fly macro recording, USB passthrough, OLED Smart Display, dedicated media buttons, magnetic wrist rest | Size: 17.2" x 5.48" x 1.59"

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a unique entry into the gaming keyboard world. Instead of using mechanical or optical elements, it uses SteelSeries’ proprietary OmniPoint switches. With this technology, magnetic fields can track the position of each key and essentially tell how far you've pressed down, which in turn allows you to set the actuation distance of every key. That includes your main WASD keys and the other important letters surrounding it to the seldom-used arrow keys. At 0.4mm, each key can act as a hair-trigger, meanwhile, you can set 3.6mm as the longest actuation distance if you find yourself bottoming out all the time.

Fancy key switch tech aside, the Apex Pro is a responsive, well-designed keyboard made of sturdy aluminum to withstand all your wild tapping. At the top right, there's an informative OLED screen, which you can use for changing profiles and settings. Speaking of profiles, five can be stored onboard. Dedicated media controls also make for easy adjustments to audio, while customizable RGB lighting makes this keyboard shine.

Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB

Best Ergonomic Gaming Keyboard

Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB 0 See on Amazon

Interface: Wired | Key switch options: Cherry MX Brown, MX Red, MX Blue | Features: onboard memory, macro recording, dedicated media buttons, magnetic wrist rest | Size: 15.5″ x 10.25" x 1.25"

PC Gaming can be hard on your hands, and RSI is a terrible thing to experience. If you've ever felt fatigued or pain while playing, take a break and consider getting an ergonomic gaming keyboard like the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB . It's split into two parts to let your hands naturally sit at an angle rather than parallel with one another. Additionally, if the keyboard feels too flat with your table to comfortably use, you can also buy an optional $30 lift kit that raises the keyboard halves at 5, 10, and 15-degree angles.

Ergonomics aside, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is still a full-on gaming keyboard with your choice of either Brown, Blue, Red or Silver Cherry MX mechanical switches for reliable and responsive keys. You also get fully programmable macros — up to three macros on any key— and can store profiles on board. To make this keyboard really shine, there is even per-key RGB illumination.

Razer Turret

Best Couch Gaming Keyboard

Interface: 2.4GHz wireless | Key switch options: Razer Mechanical Green Switches ● Features: Xbox Dynamic Lighting, pull out mouse tray, integrated wrist rest | Size: 15.35" x 7.64" x 1.45"

Gaming PCs aren’t the only devices that let you game with a keyboard and mouse, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One both support them, so you can ditch the controller every once in a while. The Razer Turret has been designed specifically for Xbox — it’ll also work with any PC, too— and ultimate couch gaming. On its underside, the keyboard features a soft, waxy material that helps prevent it from sliding around on your lap. On the right side, you can pull out a mousepad tray that’s also slightly magnetized, so the included gaming mouse won’t slip off.

Since it’s meant for couch gaming, the Razer Turret is a wireless keyboard, so you won’t be limited to where you can play. A 2.4 GHz dongle just plugs into your Xbox or your PC, and you should be off to the races with a reliable and low latency connection. Razer’s fantastically clicky Green switches and fun RGB lighting round out this smartly designed keyboard for Xbox and PC gaming on a couch.

Where to Get the Best Gaming Keyboard in the UK

Completing your set up with the perfect gaming keyboard could be one of the most important steps. Thankfully, those in the UK have plenty of brilliant keyboards to choose from, as the vast majority included in the article are also available from select retailers.

What to look for in a Gaming Keyboard

Before you even start looking at gaming keyboards, you should consider what type of key switch you want, after all, you’ll be typing and gaming with this peripheral every day.

When it comes to key switches there are two major types: membrane and mechanical.

Membrane keyboards employ a rubber or silicon dome at the end of every key press to register a keystroke and provide the user with a small amount of tactile feedback. Due to the simplicity of a membrane keyboard, they usually are more affordable than mechanical keyboards, so they're suitable for users on a budget. On the flip side though, the rubber or silicon used as a membrane will inevitably break down faster than a mechanical switch.

Mechanical key switches are known for delivering a much stronger and more satisfying amount of feedback. Unlike membrane switches, this type involves many more components including a stem, spring, and metal contact leaves, the last of which is what actually registers a keystroke.

There’s a wide variety of mechanical key switches to choose from, so we’ll start by looking at the most common ones available, Cherry MX.

Cherry MX Red: Linear action that delivers fast actuation with very little tactile feedback.

Linear action that delivers fast actuation with very little tactile feedback. Cherry MX Black: Cherry’s other linear switch that offers a bit more resistance.

Cherry’s other linear switch that offers a bit more resistance. Cherry MX Silver: Otherwise known as Cherry MX Speed, this type of key switch offers linear action with a shorter actuation height and lower resistance than a Cherry MX Red.

Otherwise known as Cherry MX Speed, this type of key switch offers linear action with a shorter actuation height and lower resistance than a Cherry MX Red. Cherry MX Brown: This type of switch actuates with a tactile bump for a noticeable amount of force feedback.

This type of switch actuates with a tactile bump for a noticeable amount of force feedback. Cherry MX Blue: Actuates with an even greater amount of tactile feedback and an audible click.

At this point though almost every major gaming hardware maker has moved on to developing its own key switches including Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, Cooler Master, and Roccat. All these companies have developed their own keyboard switches designed specifically for gaming. They all have varying actuation force and points as well as a distinct travel distance. For the most part, all of these unique key switches all act like variations of Cherry MX switches usually with shorter debounce rates that make them feel faster.

Another thing to consider about gaming keyboards is the height of your keycaps. For the most part, keyboards use full-sized or regular height keycaps, which sort of require you to curl your fingers over to reach the top of the keys. Mid-height keycaps like on the Razer Ornata give you a slightly more relaxed typing experience. Lastly, low-profile keycaps as found on the Logitech G915 or Corsair K70 MK.2 Low Profile are perfect for users who prefer to have their fingers hovering over their keys like they would on a gaming laptop.

Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

Best mechanical keyboards for Mac 2022

While many Mac users love the simple Apple Magic Keyboard, others like to feel and hear every keystroke. Whether you're a keen gamer or a busy writer, the best mechanical keyboards can help offer a more tactile experience, helping you to touch-type and keep those gaming reflexes sharp. This is why mechanical keyboards still exist and remain popular.

With mechanical keyboards, you get physical switches that provide more feedback when you type, and it also gives you a world of customization possibilities, from the switches themselves to the keycaps, allowing you to configure your keyboard to the way you see fit. If you're hunting for a Black Friday deal on a good mechanical keyboard, but aren't sure which to go for, you've come to the right place. These are our favorite mechanical keyboards for Mac right now.

The best mechanical keyboards for Mac if you like tactile feedback when you type

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How to choose the best mechanical keyboard for you

(Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

If you want some recommendations for the best mechanical keyboards, I've tried quite a few here. My first mechanical keyboard choice is the Keychron K2 V2, which is a great starting board if you want to get your feet wet that also includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The Keychron K2 V2 is comfortable to type with (though a wrist rest may be needed due to the case height), its compact layout gives me everything I need in a small footprint, and there is a hot-swappable version, so you can change out the switches if desired. Since it uses standard Cherry MX stems on the switches, you can customize the keycaps to anything that can fit on a traditional Cherry MX stem.

For those who want a Keychron but need a number pad, the Keychron K4 V2 is a great option. The 96% layout means you get a full number pad for data entry, and it still has a slightly smaller footprint than a full-size keyboard.

Those who want a hybrid between a Magic Keyboard and a mechanical could try the Keychron K1 V4, which comes in either tenkeyless (TKL) or full size. However, this one won't be hot-swappable, and you can't change the keycaps due to the low profile, which isn't standard.

Since Keychron is a fairly established brand for mechanical keyboards, especially for Mac users, the 75% layout Keychron Q1 is a great choice if you want a higher-end mechanical keyboard. It has a full aluminum body that comes in several different colors, and it is hefty; definitely feels premium. It also is gasket-mounted, so it has a bit more flex and is comfortable as you type.

You can choose to have it fully assembled, but you can also go barebones for slightly less and use your own switches, keycaps, and other accessories with it. To top things off, it does have a rotary knob version and you're able to fully customize the programming for every key (including the knob) with VIA or QMK software.

However, the Q1 does not currently have Bluetooth wireless connectivity. If the Q1's 75% size doesn't suit your needs, there is also the Keychron Q2 with smaller 65% layout, or the Keychron Q3 with larger TKL (everything except the number pad) size.

Why use the best mechanical keyboards instead of the Magic keyboard?

The Apple Magic Keyboard doesn't cut it for everyone, although there are some good alternatives. But if you prefer real key feedback, the satisfying clickety clack, or just want the ability to fully customize your keyboard, you really ought to consider a mechanical keyboard. In fact, I would say mechanicals are the best keyboards for Mac, period. Honestly, once you discover the magic of mechanical keyboards, it's tough to go back to the flat, chiclet-style laptop keyboards like the Magic Keyboard — plus you just feel so much more productive.

If you need a little more guidance on this (expensive) hobby, don't miss out on our Mechanical Keyboards 101: Beginner's Guide for a deep dive into mechanical keyboards as a whole.

Best Mechanical Keyboards in 2022

Mechanical keyboards are great because they feel and sound like you’re really getting work done. People who do serious typing swear by them for their sleek, speedy, and responsive feel. They’re not just for work, in fact, few love mechanical keyboards quite as much as gamers. Special switches are great for getting more than one input on a single button, making them incredibly more versatile than any gamepad and ten times over at that. They run a little pricier than most, but nabbing one may be more than worth the investment. Here’s a selection of the best mechanical keyboards.

— Best Overall: Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard

— Best for Typing: 7KEYS Retro Typewriter Keyboard

— Best Backlit: ASUS ROG Strix Flare Pink Limited Edition Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

— Best Budget: Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard

— Best for Gaming: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

How We Picked the Best Mechanical Keyboards

What is a mechanical keyboard? To put it simply, it’s a keyboard where each button uses an individual spring and switch. On the whole, these keyboards are built a little tougher and naturally run a bit pricier. Here are a few of the things we considered when picking out the best mechanical keyboards.

Size: Space is precious on any desktop, no matter how sprawling. A keyboard’s footprint shouldn’t take up any more space than it needs. Occasionally, a flashier keyboard will include extra buttons that may streamline everything from adjusting the volume on your PC to easy emoji access. Whether you decide to dedicate extra space to these additions is incumbent on what you want from a keyboard.

Build Quality: Spending extra money on a mechanical keyboard should feel like an investment. Keyboards should look as expensive as they are, with sleek and polished keys that both stay in place while also being easy to remove from the base easily using a simple tool for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Responsiveness: Whether you go wireless or analog, a mechanical keyboard should have incredibly quick response times. If there’s any noticeable lag, just walk away. Lag can lead to major headaches in both work and play situations and keyboards with less-than-reliable input acuity are complete non-starters.

Extra Features: Since many keyboards tend to run together, many models tend to have extra accouterments that make them stand out among the pack. This could be anything from customizable RGB lighting to interesting color palettes. If the price is right, extra features are always a good thing.

Best Mechanical Keyboards: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard

Devastatingly Good. Razer

Why It Made The Cut: You don’t have to be a gamer to take full advantage of the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard.

Specs:

— Dimensions: 9.79 inches L x 17.76 inches W x 1.67 inches H

— Weight: 1.1 pounds

— Connection: Wired USB, Bluetooth, Wireless 2.4 GHz

Pros:

— Razer HyperSpeed minimizes lag, even in wireless

— Seamless RGB customization

— Cushioned wrist rest provides optimal comfort

Cons:

— Expensive

Gamers bet on the rapid response rates provided by Razer keyboards, and the BlackWidow V3 Pro is one of the speediest mechanical keyboards available.

This keyboard packs Razer’s yellow switches, which are located under the keycaps and are built for speed. With an actuation point of just 1.2 millimeters, there’s no tactile feedback and minimal clacking sound so you can immerse yourself in audio instead of key clicks. If you’re into satisfying click-backs along with a tactile feel, this keyboard is also available with Razer’s green switches. Whichever switch style you prefer, you can take full advantage of Razer Chroma RGB, which offers the best in RGB customization with 16.8 million colors and a full suite of lighting effects. The build quality here is intensely good, with thick keys that withstand years of use, an aluminum casing with a matte finish, and even a multi-function digital dial and media keys to tweak everything from video playback speeds to speaker volume. And with a cushioned wrist rest, you won’t feel the strain after hours of typing reports or side-questing in “Red Dead Redemption 2.” All of these downright luxurious features come at a heavy cost, but consider it an investment since these keyboards are built to last.

Best for Typing: 7KEYS Retro Typewriter Keyboard

Retro-tastic. 7Keys

Why It Made The Cut: This retro keyboard blends old-school form with 21st-century function.

Specs:

— Dimensions: 6.6 inches L x 12.8 inches W x 1.6 inches H

— Weight: 1.6 pounds

— Connection: Wired USB, Bluetooth

Pros:

— Wide-device compatibility including tablets and smartphones

— Looks and feels like an old-timey keyboard

— Runs 10 hours in wireless mode

Cons:

— Requires a very hard and stable surface

Popular novelists and writers of yore like James Baldwin and Phillip K. Dick utilized sturdy Olympia typewriters to crank out their art. The 7KEYS Retro Typewriter Keyboard lets you tap into this retro magic, without any of the headaches that typically come from going analog.

With wood grain plating and thick metal keys, clacking away on this mechanical keyboard almost feels like “the real thing.” It’s not just the keys that smack of the 20th century. This keyboard comes with two side revolvers and a metal rod that adjust volume, brightness, and the keyboard’s backlight. Feel and form aside, this keyboard won’t come with an impressive amount of versatility. Connect it wired via USB, or using Bluetooth, connect it to Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. The device compatibility doesn’t stop there. You can use this keyboard on tablets and smartphones too, and there’s even a slot to prop up your device of choice. When in wireless mode, it runs for an impressive 10 hours on a full battery. It does lack a little versatility when it comes to surface types. For the best performance, ensure that the device is on a flat and very hard tabletop.

Best Backlit: ASUS ROG Strix Flare Pink Limited Edition Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Pretty in Pink. ASUS

Why It Made The Cut: With tons of customization for the backlight including an illuminated badge, pink is the new black.

Specs:

— Dimensions: 6.1 inches L 17.8 inches W x 1.2 inches H

— Weight: 4.59 pounds

— Connection: Wired USB

Pros:

— Dedicated media keys

— Aura Sync dynamic lighting events

— Customizable illuminated badge

Cons:

— Misleading pictures

Occasionally, you run into a keyboard that really pops. ASUS ROG Strix Flare Pink Limited Edition Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is as striking as it is impressive.

Within these keys are Cherry MX Red switches, which input smoothly with minimal resistance. It’s also available with Cherry MX Brown switches, which have a little more give and a moderate sound level. Both styles offer fantastic actuation, for all manner of gaming situations. Aside from gaming functions, this keyboard packs dedicated media keys to adjust playback speed and brightness. There’s even a handy scroll for volume that’s handy enough to maneuver using a single finger. ASUS ROG Strix Flare Pink also comes with some of the best backlighting options. Aura Sync offers a wide spectrum of color and dynamic effects that you can customize on the fly. There’s even a personalizable illuminated badge to further customize your keyboard. That said, pink and gray aesthetics aren’t for everyone. And the gray parts of the keyboard run a little darker than they do in pictures. The keyboard is also available in standard black, for those who prefer a more muted design.

Best Budget: Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard

Simple and Sleek. Logitech

Why It Made The Cut: For many, the most simple tech is also the best, and the Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard is both no-nonsense and an eco-friendly choice.

Specs:

— Dimensions: 5 inches L 17.3 inches W x 0.26 inches H

— Weight: 1.71 pounds

— Connection: Wired USB

Pros:

— Climate Pledge friendly

— Backlighting great for typing at night

— Customizable with five different switch types

Cons:

— No bells or whistles

Frills: who needs them? For many, extra features aren’t necessary. Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard is a barebones workhorse, and happy to be one.

Like many of Logitech’s products, this device is Amazon Climate Pledge friendly, which means it's manufactured a little more sustainably than typically for tech. This doesn’t mean there are any compromises on quality, far from it. Anodized aluminum construction is extra durable, with keys that sport a 50 million click lifespan. Characters on keys won’t wear off even after intense use. While it doesn’t pack RGB light, there is some backlighting, complete with five different lighting effects. Night typing has never been so smooth. Switches are totally customizable too, with five styles to choose from, including smooth and linear red to loud and clicky blue. Still, you may miss some of the extra additions that fancier models pack, but for the price point and the green bonafides, it may be an easy tradeoff.

Best for Gaming: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Complete Command Center. SteelSeries

Why It Made The Cut: The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is packed with a surprising level of features.

Specs:

— Dimensions: 5.5 inches L x 17.2 inches W x 1.6 inches H

— Weight: 2.14 pounds

— Connection: Wired USB

Pros:

— OLED smart display command center

— Aluminum frame built for durability

— Convenient USB passthrough port

Cons:

— Less than optimal keycaps

As far as the best mechanical keyboards are concerned, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is chock full of surprises.

Before touching on those, let’s state the obvious. The frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which provides a lifetime’s worth of unbreakable durability and sturdiness. OmniPoint adjustable switches provide response times as low as 0.7 milliseconds, and a life of up to 100 million key presses. Unlike traditional fixed actuation switches, OmniPoint switches can be adjusted to register any point from 0.4–3.6mm. This is perhaps the most customizable switch, which provides plenty of possibilities for gaming. Like other gaming keyboards, Apex Pro packs media keys but this tech beast packs so much more. A small OLED display near the top right corner doubles as a complete command center which adjusts settings on the fly and even keeps tabs on app activity so you never have to tab out of your game. Combined with a clickable metal roller right next to it, this keyboard is as streamlined as it gets. Keycap quality isn’t as great as it is in other keyboards, but all the extra features may be worth the tradeoff.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Mechanical Keyboard

Classic v. Mechanical

What’s the difference between a mechanical keyboard and a classic membrane keyboard? It all has to do with switches. Mechanical keyboards use spring-loaded mechanisms. In a way, these keyboards almost click back, providing some great feedback. Mechanical keyboards are expensive, even the ones on the lower end of the price spectrum like the sustainable Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard. And aside from the investment, there are plenty of typists who do not like the feel of a mechanical keyboard. In general, you should try clicking and clacking on a mechanical keyboard to see if you like the tactical feel on your fingers. That said, those who like the feel and secondary benefits of these keyboards find it hard to ever go back to lesser devices. Here are a few of the features to tap into with a mechanical keyboard.

— Gaming: Mechanical keyboards typically sport at least two actuation points, meaning that tapping a key softly will render one input, and pressing it all the way down will render another. Plenty of PC games allow you to create shortcuts using these different actuation points, for the most personalized and optimized gaming experience using a keyboard.

— Typing: Because of their spring-loaded keys, typing on a mechanical keyboard feels a little better than typing on a membrane keyboard. Keys aren’t simply pressed, they are felt, which means more precise, more accurate typing. especially if you’re the kind of keyboardist who performs this task for hours on end.

— Customization: One of the often-overlooked features of mechanical keyboards is that they are totally customizable. Switch types and keycaps can be changed out at will, to make keyboards that are less PC accessories and more works of art.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures mechanical keyboard longevity. Jaime Carrillo/Futurism

A fairly simple way to make sure you get the most out of your mechanical keyboard investment is by servicing it every once in a while. This includes removing each key, wiping them down, and brushing messes from between the keys that wear keyboards down. Cheeto crumbs, cat hair, and good old-fashioned dust can seriously damage your fancy keyboard, but cleaning it is easier than you might think. OXO Good Grips Keyboard & Screen Deep Clean not only cleans keyboards and computer screens with ease, but it also tucks away into any spare desk drawer.

Switch Types

So you’re getting a mechanical keyboard. That’s the easy part. What’s a little more complicated is choosing which switch type works best for you. Underneath each keycap lies a special colored switch that changes how each key is pressed. There are plenty of options here, but they can be broken down into three switch types.

— Tactile: When hitting the actuation point, tactile switches provide tons of feedback. When pushing keys with these switches down, you’ll feel a faint bump letting you know a key has registered.

— Clicky: Keys with this switch type provide that familiar mechanical keyboard click sound even at lighter actuation points.

— Linear: These keys provide far less feedback than either tactile and clicky switches, and button presses feel the same whether pressed lightly or all the way down. These are the quietest of the bunch as well.

Popular switch manufacturers include Cherry MX and Kailh. PC accessory brands including SteelSeries, Logitech, and Razer all make their own proprietary switch types, such as SteelSeries OmniPoint switches found in its SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Razer makes a new style called Optical Switches, which are also called optomechanical switches which are triggered by light signals instead of metal-to-metal contact.

FAQs

Q: How much do mechanical keyboards cost?

On average, a mechanical keyboard runs anywhere from the low end of $60 to several hundred dollars. The best ones tend to hover around $100 and change, including our overall favorite, Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard.

Q: Do mechanical keyboards make a difference?

Results will vary depending on the typist, but many mechanical keyboard fans swear by the sound, feel, and feedback that mechanical keyboards provide compared to regular keyboards.

Q: What’s the difference between normal and mechanical keyboards?

Compared to regular inexpensive keyboards, mechanical keyboards provide smooth actuation, provide better feedback, and have key rollover. However, they are a bit pricier than standard keyboards.

Final Thoughts on Mechanical Keyboards

The best mechanical keyboards don’t just click, they click back, and provide some of the best tactile feedback when you’re gaming or doing some serious typing. For a keyboard that works equally well in both work and play situations, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard is easy to recommend and is our overall best pick. The 7KEYS Retro Typewriter Keyboard and ASUS ROG Strix Flare Pink Limited Edition Mechanical Gaming Keyboard are fantastic options and score plenty of points on originality. For an affordable and incredibly simple approach, Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard is easy on the environment and your wallet.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.