Top Gaming Keyboards of 2025 Revealed

Choosing the best gaming keyboard is a highly personal decision, influenced by your unique preferences. Key considerations include the keyboard's layout—whether it's tenkeyless, full-sized, or something in between—as well as the type of mechanical switches and any additional features it offers. These elements are subjective and depend heavily on your gaming and typing needs. Understanding the nuances of each keyboard is essential, especially given their often significant cost. In this guide, I'll delve into the key aspects of my top recommendations, based on extensive hands-on experience with various models.

I've had the opportunity to test numerous keyboards over the years, including the latest releases. My recommendations stem from firsthand experience, ensuring that each keyboard on this list has been thoroughly evaluated. I'll explore how each keyboard's switches perform in competitive gaming scenarios and what their keystrokes feel like for daily typing. Not all keyboards are created equal, and their construction significantly impacts their feel. While features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel can enhance functionality, they often require accompanying software, which is another factor to consider if customization is important to you. Even the choice of keycaps can influence performance, and my reviews and this guide aim to help you make an informed decision.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Keyboards:

Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17See it at Amazon### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6See it at Amazon### Redragon K582 Surara

3See it at Amazon### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3See it at Amazon### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4See it at Amazon### Keychron K4

1See it at Amazon### Corsair K100 RGB

2See it at Amazon### Logitech G515 TKL

1See it at Amazon### Pulsar Xboard QS

1See it at Amazon### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2See it at Amazon

Given the diverse range of keyboard styles, I've categorized my recommendations to highlight products from various manufacturers. This approach allows me to showcase the unique strengths of each keyboard, which might better suit your specific needs and preferences. For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 excels as the top compact 60% keyboard due to its low-profile keys and lightweight design. If you prefer a low-profile option, the Logitech G515 TKL stands out with its slim profile without sacrificing essential features. For those on a budget, the Redragon K582 Surara offers impressive performance at an affordable price. My fascination with the intricate details of these keyboards drives me to provide detailed insights into my top picks for the best gaming keyboards.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos

11 Images

1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

Best Overall Gaming Keyboard

Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17From nearly every angle, the SteelSeries Apex Pro stands out as the ideal gaming keyboard, featuring Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and a solid build. Its sleek, no-nonsense design is complemented by tasteful RGB lighting and customizable Hall Effect switches that offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The ability to set a custom actuation point between 0.1mm and 4.0mm for each key adds a level of versatility unmatched by most keyboards, making it perfect for competitive gaming and everyday use. Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode can enhance performance, although their utility may vary by game. The OLED panel is a standout feature, allowing control over media, lighting, actuation points, macros, and profile switching. While the battery life reaches up to 45 hours, the Apex Pro's performance and customization options make it a top choice for gamers seeking the perfect keyboard.

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2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6Razer's flagship keyboard has been enhanced with the V4 Pro, featuring excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and the customizable Command Dial. Its robust build quality and Razer's proprietary mechanical switches, available in Orange (tactile), Yellow (linear), and Green (clicky) varieties, deliver quick, clean, and consistent keystrokes. The full-sized layout includes a column of macro keys and a programmable dial, all customizable through the Synapse software for enhanced productivity. The V4 Pro's high polling rate of up to 8000Hz ensures top performance, making it a standout choice for those who demand the best.

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3. Redragon K582 Surara

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

### Redragon K582 Surara

3Budget-friendly keyboards have evolved significantly, and the Redragon K582 Surara exemplifies this with its impressive performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. Its "professional" Red switches offer a smooth, linear actuation similar to Cherry MX Reds. Despite its flashy aesthetic, the K582 holds up well under use, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for value without compromising on performance.

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4. Cherry MX LP 2.1

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3For those who prefer a compact 60% keyboard, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 shines with its lightweight and low-profile design. Its Cherry MX Speed Silver switches provide a short 1.5mm actuation point and a firm, smooth linear feel. Despite its small size, it's durable and suitable for various settings thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities. While compact keyboards may not be ideal for productivity, the MX LP 2.1 offers a solid performance that rivals larger models.

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5. Logitech G Pro X TKL

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4Logitech's G Pro X TKL excels in the tenkeyless category with its sleek design, fantastic mechanical switches, and additional on-board features. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycap design allow for tasteful RGB lighting, while the volume wheel, media controls, and mode toggles provide easy access. The proprietary linear switches deliver satisfying and consistent keystrokes, making the G Pro X TKL a top recommendation for those seeking a high-performing TKL keyboard.

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6. Keychron K4

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

### Keychron K4

1The Keychron K4 offers a full-sized experience in a 96% layout, making it ideal for those who want functionality without the bulk. Its Gateron Red switches provide a smooth linear feel, and the slim frame minimizes its footprint on your desk. While it may lack some advanced features and software customization, the K4's affordability and wireless capabilities make it an attractive choice for those looking to save space without sacrificing performance.

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7. Corsair K100 RGB

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

### Corsair K100 RGB

2The Corsair K100 RGB elevates the full-sized keyboard experience with its brushed aluminum plate, macro keys, media controls, and optical switches. Its unique texture on keycaps and buttons, along with RGB strips on the board's sides, adds a premium look and feel. The K100's high polling rate and customizable features make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a comprehensive gaming keyboard.

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8. Logitech G515 TKL

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G515 TKL

1The Logitech G515 TKL combines a slim profile with excellent performance, thanks to its mechanical switches and thin keycaps. Its tactile switches have a short 1.3mm actuation point, delivering a satisfying typing experience. While it may lack some additional controls, its overall design and performance make it an excellent choice for those who prefer low-profile keyboards.

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9. Pulsar Xboard QS

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

### Pulsar Xboard QS

1The Pulsar Xboard QS impresses with its strong build quality, unique aesthetic, and exceptional Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its dual connectivity and programmable volume knob add to its appeal, although its high price and lack of first-party software may be drawbacks. The Xboard QS is an enthusiast-level product that offers a top-tier wired keyboard experience.

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10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is designed for customization, featuring swappable switches and a useful Command Dial. Its robust build quality and the latest technology in Synapse software allow for extensive customization, making it a standout choice for those who want a keyboard that can be tailored to their needs.

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Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Understanding mechanical switches is crucial for choosing the right gaming keyboard. Switches come in three main styles: linear, tactile, and clicky, each offering different tactile feedback. Linear switches provide a smooth, clean keystroke without any physical bump, ideal for gaming. Tactile switches have a slight bump at the actuation point, offering feedback that can enhance typing accuracy. Clicky switches are louder with a more pronounced bump, which some prefer for typing. Optical and Hall Effect switches, which use light and magnets respectively, are often linear and offer adjustable actuation points. Key aspects to consider include actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force, which affect the feel and responsiveness of the keyboard.

Should I go with a TKL, compact, or full-sized keyboard?

The choice between TKL, compact, and full-sized keyboards depends on your needs and preferences. Full-sized keyboards offer all standard keys and additional features like media controls, making them ideal for those who need a comprehensive layout. TKL keyboards remove the number pad to save space, often incorporating useful features like programmable dials or OLED panels. Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest, sacrificing some functionality for a minimal footprint, but they can still deliver high performance if built well and equipped with the right switches.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless connectivity is more critical for gaming mice and headsets due to their mobility. For keyboards, wireless is a nice-to-have feature, often found in both wired and wireless versions of the same model. Wired keyboards typically cost less and don't require battery management, while wireless models offer convenience and flexibility. Advances in wireless technology have minimized input latency concerns, with technologies like Lightspeed and HyperSpeed providing high performance. Higher polling rates are also common in wireless models, reflecting the progress in wireless gaming peripherals.