Best Gaming Keyboards in 2023 (Mechanical, Membrane, Wired or Wireless)

Best Gaming Keyboards - Banner

Image Credits: razer

In the gaming world, keyboards are the most considered product as they provide maximum controls and excellent usage while gaming. They are primarily used for racing and shooting games. Some companies provide wrist rest and some don’t. It also depends on the price of the keyboard. 

So, here we are discussing the best gaming keyboards selected from each genre. Some may fulfill the need of each and every game. And, some may lag behind due to the factors missing.

Top 10 Gaming Keyboards

Razor Huntsman V2 Analog

Typing speed and control.

Razor Huntsman gaming keyboard

Image Credits: razor

It provides an ergonomic and smooth typing experience. Uses analog keys for typing, and doesn’t give any tactile response.

Specifications

Switch type Razer analog optical switch
Sizes Full size
Lighting RGB customizable backlit 16.8 million colors
Wrist rest Yes
Media keys Yes
Passthrough USB 3.0 passthrough
Connectivity Wired-USB-C

Wired-USB-3.0

Keycaps Razer Doubleshot PBT keycaps

The Razor Huntsman V2 Analog is a mechanical type-keyboard. It uses the spring mechanism to work. Till now, it’s the 5-star rated keyboard for typing and gaming. While playing shooting games on this keyboard, it provides the best experience by delivering full spring support and is fully compatible with mouse placing. 

It comprises wrist rest for such pauses between long-gaming sessions.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Customizable keys Expensive
The keypress is comfortable Sometimes fail in long-sessions
Optical switches offer more controls
Connectivity is of USB 3.0

Mountain Everest Max

Modular gaming

Mountain Everest Max

Image Credits: mountain

If anybody is looking for a mechanical keyboard, then this is the best pick. Key processing is great and the touch is soo soothing.

Specifications

Switch Cherry MX black, blue, silver
Size Full size or TKL
Backlight Per-key RGB
Passthrough USB 3.2 GEN1
Media controls Dedicated unit
Wrist rest Magnetic, Plush
Keycaps ABS

Mountain Everest Max is not a full-sized keyboard, but it provides a TKL keyboard that provides an additional num lock and can be customized to the direction keys. Also, the mouse can be used with these types of keyboards. The other TKL board is magnetized to be attached to either side of the main keyboard. 

Not budget-friendly, so not made for average gamers. However, a media module with discrete controls builds quality, and an LCD comes with a media module.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Build-quality No support to Base Camp Software
Elegant style Sometimes fail in long-sessions
Modular type

Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro

Class compact gaming keyboard.

Roccat gaming keyboard

Image Credits: roccat

They use their own manufactured keys which are lightweight. Comes with a robust backplate that is scratch-resistant.

Specifications

Height 3.40 cm
Width 36.00 cm
Length 13.33 cm
Weight 660g 
Switch type 100 million keystroke life-cycle
Keyboard type 1Compact TKL form factor

Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro comprises a classy brushed gunmetal finish with RGB floating lights. Stunning in looks as well as comfortable. But they are not that too fast and accurate, but typing on this keyboard is satisfying, quiet, and robust.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Quiet operation Not a good build of keys
Nice performance

Razer Cynosa Chroma

Membrane gaming keyboard.

Razer Cynosa Chroma

Image Credits: razer

This keyboard uses RGB aesthetic keys. They are controlled by Razer’s fantastic synapse software which provides numerous variations.

Specifications

Switch type  Soft cushioned gaming grade keys
Key feel  Soft and cushioned
Sizes Full size
Wrist rest None
Media keys None
Connectivity Wired-Attached
Keycaps Regular ABS

Razer Cynosa Chroma costs less than $60. It provides a dedicated wrist rest for different media controls. The actual addition is under-glow RGB, which makes even gaming possible for long-night gaming sessions. In addition, its build quality makes it look better and adorable. 

Hence, it’s budget-friendly. It gives it a no-frills and a nice look. Contains a soft embrace of the pure membrane.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
RGB lighting Doesn’t work on many mechanical boards.
Membrane keys are available.
Affordable

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

Backlit lighting keyboards.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

Image Credits: corsair

Comprises Cherry MX speed linear switches. It also has 6-macro keys. And, provides a quick response. Has RGB lighting.

Specifications

Warranty 2 years
Weight 1.324 kg
Lighting RGB
Macro keys 6
USB polling rate 1000 Hz
Matrix 110 keys
Connectivity Wired
Wired connectivity USB 2.0 Type-A

It processes on 8-MB onboard storage and has the build quality of the anodized brushed aluminum frame. Technically, it’s not budget-friendly, but some average gamers can buy it. It comes under the price of $159. This board is integrated with a 19-zone light bar, and it has 16.8 million light options.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Various shortcut keys Sweaty palm area
RGB disco per-key lighting

Logitech G915 Lightspeed

Wireless gaming.

Logitech G915 Lightspeed

Image Credits: logitech

They use macro and media keys. Hence, it’s optional for the user to use at what time. Also, has the desired software to operate the keyboard.

Specifications

Length 475 mm
Width 150 mm
Height 22 mm
Weight 1025 kg
PC cable length 1.8 m
Connectivity Bluetooth
Battery life 30 hours
Lighting RGB

Logitech G915 Lightspeed is a budget-friendly wireless gaming keyboard. Especially, it is very much endorsed by eSports players due to it’s sleek and sturdy look. Smart media controls are placed at the right corner of the board. It has a cheaper board which comes under $250. 

It has macro keys on the left side, which is the mainboard. It consists of Cherry MX 10.0. Also, it is not a full-sized model. 

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Commendable battery Critical placement is sometimes wrong.
No such lag
Easily usable mechanical switches

Steelseries Apex 3

Pinnacle for value

Steelseries Apex 3

Image Credits: steelseries

This is a membrane keyboard type having comfy rubber structures under the keys. Provides commendable magnetic wrist for support. Best budgeted keyboard.

Specifications

Weight 1.8 lbs
Height 39.69 mm
Width 444.7 mm
Depth 151.62 mm
N-key rollover 24 keys
OS Windows, MAC OSX, Xbox, and PS4

Steelseries Apex 3 provides some very silent gaming switches. Furthermore, there is a total of 10-zone RGB illumination feature to make the experience more impressive. It comprises the best elements among gaming keyboards. In addition, it is IP32 water resistance for the safety of switches and keys against any spills.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Budget-friendly No mechanical switch
Impressive features
RGB backlit lighting

G Skill KM 360

Under $100

G Skill KM 360

Image Credits: gskill

They have red switchers which enhance the look ad visibility. Comprises Cherry MX switches for swift typing. Also, it is a budgeted keyboard.

Specifications

Keyboard type Mechanical
Backlighting White LED
Keyboard size TenKeyLess
Window key lock Yes
Connection USB 2.0
Cable type 1.6 mm 
Dimension 35.9 x 13.15 x 3.47 cm
Weight 1.51 lbs

G Skill KM 360 has the brightest LED light amongst all the gaming keyboards. Also, it comprises a classic Cherry MX Red linear switch. Many keyboards are above $200, but G Skill KM 360 comes at a reasonable cost. It uses a cheap TKL board. Build-quality is solid and well-built. But, it doesn’t consist of wrist rest or media controls.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Bright LED No RGB effects
Affordable
Cherry MX switches

Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition

Small size but very fast in the process.

Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition

Image Credits: razer

Provides RGB lighting for a better gaming experience. Can be customized with the help of Razer Synapse 3 software.

Specifications

Key feel Light and Instant
Sizes TenKeyLess
Wrist rest None
Media keys None
Passthrough None
Connectivity Wired-Detachable Type-C
Keycaps Razer Doubleshot PBT keycaps

Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is the best gaming keyboard for serious gamers, and also comes under $100. However, in many places, it just lacks different features that don’t make it in the competition with feature-rich rivals.  

In addition, it is a portable gaming keyboard for ongoing gaming.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Detachable cable Lacks different features
Super optical switches

Hyper X Alloy Elite RGB

Extra flash and features.

Hyper X Alloy Elite RGB

Image Credits: amazon

They use Linear Kailh Silver Speed switches that are perfectly responsive. It has a game mode that pretends like a window key lock.

Specifications

Switch Hyper X switch
Type Mechanical
Backlit RGB
USB 2.0 Passthrough Yes
Key Rollover N-Key mode
LED indicator Yes
Game mode Yes
OS compatibility Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7

Hyper X AlloyElite RGB provides around 16.9 million colors. Comprises Cherry MX brown, blue, and red. Mainly, it doesn’t provide wrist rest. However, they fully support N-key rollover. Also, offer silver caps toThus, which comprises WASD and the first four number keys. 

Additional features are like detachable wrist rest, RGB backlit, and USB passthrough. It comes at a reasonable price and builds quality.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Range of Cherry MX switches No caps or wrist rest
Affordable

Types of Gaming Keyboard

There are two types of gaming keyboards:

Mechanical Keyboard : They are slightly different as they have mechanical keyboard switches under the keys. A spring is attached to 2-metal plates, which respond when pressed. “the Stem” pushes the spring down, and the 2-plates connect. This process completes the circuit.

After completion, the keyboard sends the signal to the computer for the specific letter. Mechanical and other keyboards only differ that mechanical has the spring mechanism.

They are high-quality keyboards that tend to fulfill the gaming purpose.

Mechanical Keyboard

Image Credits: amazon

Membrane Keyboard : They mainly function on the rubber mechanism. There is a small rubber underneath the keys, which processes when pressed. As compared to mechanical keyboards, they have less tactile sensation.

When the key is pressed, it applies pressure on the rubber. Then the rubber completes the circuit, and the computer functions that letter.

Membrane Keyboard

Image Credits: amazon

Types of Switches in Keyboards

Linear Switch

Image Credits: amazon

There are 3-types of switches:

Linear Switch : These are the noiseless switches with a smooth response without any lag. Plus point is that they don’t make noise, and provide a seamless gaming experience. They are a type of mechanical switch.

Tactile Switch : The main concentration is on producing a tactile bump. They are a few audible when keystrokes. That “click” sound is relaxing and proves that some work is going ON.

Clicky Switch : They are the same as tactile switches. But the only difference is that they make a loud noise. And, the tactile buttons make less or only audible noise.

Different Styles of Gaming Keyboards

Ten KeyLess (TKL) : TKL (Ten Key Less) is the additional keyboard that has ten or less than ten keys. They have macro keys, which are multi-functional keys. The user can assign different tasks to these keys. They consist of 10-numeric keys, 4-operational keys, and an ENTER button.

Full-size Keyboard : These keyboards are similar to the standard keyboards. Number of keys are equivalent as the standard keyboard. As, it comprises arrow keys, number pads, and function keys. So, there are around 104, 108, or 104+4 keys.

60%-size Keyboard : It measures around 11.5 inches by 4.25 inches. Also, its size is a bit smaller than the TKL keyboard. They are compact and symmetrical in shape.

Benefits of purchasing a Gaming Keyboard

Benefits of purchasing a Gaming Keyboard

Image Credits: roccat

Comfortable : Many manufactures provide extra space as the wrist-space. It’s best for the gamers to take a rest while playing for long hours. Their key design is also of such space that helps in providing comfort.

Fast Processing : While playing, gamers need instant reactions after pressing the keys. So, this is made possible due to the mechanical keyboards. As they use a spring mechanism which quite responsive.

RGB Lighting : RGB lights process according to the genre of the game. For shooting games, the color combinations would be different. Same for racing games. They provide 16.8 million color formations that enhance the gaming experience.

TKL keyboards : TKL keyboards are the additional boards that help in multi-tasking. They have 10-numeric, 4-operational, and an ENTER key. While gaming, they can also be assigned as the gaming controls.

Backlit Lights : Many gamers love to play at night or at shady places. Then RGB backlit lights are perfect for night sessions. They make the keyboard visible and ease the work or gaming process.

Buying Guide for Gaming Keyboards

Buying Guide for Gaming Keyboards

Image Credits: teknoliste

Keyboards play a significant role in daily as well as gaming life. Keyboards have evolved over the generations to process and look differently and uniquely. In early times, the keyboards were of standard shape and not very fast and accurate.

But due to several changes in tech generation, shape, size, and functionality have become better. Gaming keyboards comprise TKL, which helps in multi-function. So, this is the primary factor that gets considered before buying any gaming board.

Also, there are membrane and mechanical types of gaming boards that use rubber and spring respectively for the press or support of the key.

RGB backlights : Primarily, gaming keyboards are used for long-night gaming sessions. Gamers just love dark themes. So, they provide much-backlit lightning for their Soothing experience. Lightning gives many color options according to the type of gaming. Games from different genres exceed the limit of backlit lights.

They change each second according to the genre of the game or example, shooting example, shooting processes different lights, and racing games process other lights.

Media controls : The best thing about gaming keyboards is detachable TKL board able and can be attached on both sides; the TKL provides the numerical pad, which can be reassigned for different tasks. And, also they can work as direction keys when needed for gaming.

Programmable keys : That TKL board contains 10-numeric buttons, Enter key, and 4-operational keys. Its primary function is fixed, and they can be assigned to many different parts in addition.

Price : Before purchasing any type of product, price is the foremost factor to look at. From average gamers to high-end gamers, gaming keyboards are available in the market.

Size of the keyboard : According to the games, the size of the keyboard is decided. Different genres are processed with the help of different-sized keyboards.

FAQ's

What makes a gaming keyboard better?

Most gaming keyboards have fundamental mechanical mechanisms instead of membrane keys. As a result, they don’t need much force to work, and they also give some excellent typing experience. In addition, they don’t lag while working. 

What kind of keyboard do I need for gaming?

Price range from $100 to $150 is the best gaming keyboards that average gamers can buy for their long-night gaming sessions. It comprises mechanical switches, RGB backlit, a full range of keys, and, very importantly TKL pad for additional media controls.

What do gaming keyboards do?

It’s an advanced and adapted keyboard specially designed to improve the user’s gaming experience. This is more of an ergonomic type board with unique and different features with the help of the TKL board.

How many keys does a gaming keyboard have?

They have generally manufactured with a set of 110 to 115 keyIn addition; there are some additional keys for several functionalities provided from the system to the user or gamer.

What is the best keyboard size?

Keyboard size # of keys
1800-compact full-sized 103-104
TKL (87/80%) 87
75% 80-84
65% 66-69