Best Gaming Keyboards in 2025

Choosing the perfect gaming keyboard is as much about understanding your own preferences as it is about the keyboard's technical specifications. From the layout—whether you prefer a tenkeyless, full-sized, or compact 60%—to the type of mechanical switches and the additional features, every choice reflects personal taste. These keyboards can be a significant investment, so it's essential to know what each offers before making a decision. Here's a comprehensive look at some of the top gaming keyboards I've used, each selected based on extensive personal experience.

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 AmazonI've categorized my recommendations to help you find the perfect fit based on your needs and preferences. This approach allows me to highlight products from various manufacturers, rather than just focusing on my current favorite, the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Each keyboard excels in different areas, ensuring there's something for everyone.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos

11 Images1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

Best Overall Gaming Keyboard

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

17The SteelSeries Apex Pro stands out as the ideal gaming keyboard, offering customizable Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and a robust construction. It's available in both full and tenkeyless layouts, with a wireless option. My review of the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 found it nearly flawless, with the OmniPoint 3.0 switches and OLED control panel perfectly aligning with my gaming needs.

The keyboard's design is sleek and understated, featuring bold keycap fonts and tasteful RGB lighting. The Hall Effect switches provide smooth, consistent keystrokes and allow for custom actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm. This flexibility is invaluable in competitive gaming and everyday typing, offering a level of versatility that few keyboards match.

Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode can enhance performance, though their effectiveness varies by game. The OLED panel allows for easy control of media, lighting, actuation points, macros, and profile switching. Battery life is adequate at 45 hours, which is manageable for a keyboard.

Overall, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is the complete package I've been searching for in a gaming keyboard.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos

25 Images2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a top-tier choice, boasting excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and a customizable Command Dial. It's a full-sized keyboard with a high 8000Hz polling rate, offering a range of switch types including tactile Orange, linear Yellow, and clicky Green.

While it lacks an OLED screen, the V4 Pro compensates with a programmable dial and a column of macro keys. Media controls are also easily accessible. The Synapse software allows for extensive customization, making it versatile for productivity as well. Razer's proprietary switches are among the best, with a slightly shorter actuation point for quick, precise keystrokes.

The BlackWidow V4 Pro's consistent excellence over the years makes it a standout choice, as noted in our review. Other manufacturers may need to catch up to its advanced features and build quality.

3. Redragon K582 Surara

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

### Redragon K582 Surara

3The Redragon K582 Surara demonstrates that budget keyboards can offer high performance and solid build quality. Despite its flashy appearance, it performs well with smooth, linear "professional" Red switches.

Redragon's reputation for budget-friendly products might raise concerns about durability, but the K582 Surara held up well during my testing. It's a full-sized keyboard, but Redragon's other models could also be worth exploring for those interested in different layouts.

Priced at $44.99, with frequent sales bringing it down to $36, the K582 Surara is an affordable option that delivers impressive performance for the price.

4. Cherry MX LP 2.1

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3The Cherry MX LP 2.1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact 60% keyboard. Its lightweight design and low-profile keycaps make it highly portable, yet it delivers solid performance with Cherry MX Low-Profile Silver switches.

While compact keyboards sacrifice some functionality, the MX LP 2.1's design and performance make it a top pick in its category. Its Bluetooth capability adds versatility, making it suitable for various settings.

My experience using the MX LP 2.1 through multiple raid tiers in Final Fantasy XIV confirmed its reliability and performance, earning it a strong recommendation in my review.

5. Logitech G Pro X TKL

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4The Logitech G Pro X TKL combines excellent mechanical switches with a sleek design, making it a top choice for tenkeyless keyboards. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycap design enhance its aesthetic appeal, while the on-board controls, including a volume wheel and media controls, add convenience.

The G Pro X TKL's proprietary switches provide satisfying and consistent keystrokes, and its compact size saves desk space without sacrificing performance. It's a well-rounded keyboard that excels in all aspects, making it a highly recommended option for gamers.

6. Keychron K4

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

### Keychron K4

1The Keychron K4 offers a 96% layout, providing full functionality in a more compact form. It features Gateron Red linear switches, which perform well in both gaming and everyday use. The keyboard's slim frame maximizes desk space while maintaining essential features.

Although it lacks extensive customization options, the Keychron K4's minimalist design and Bluetooth connectivity make it a versatile choice. It's an excellent option for those who need a full-sized keyboard without the bulk.

Corsair K100 RGB Review

14 Images7. Corsair K100 RGB

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

### Corsair K100 RGB

2The Corsair K100 RGB takes full-sized keyboards to the next level with its brushed aluminum plate, macro keys, and extensive media controls. It's available with either Cherry MX Speed or Corsair's OPX Optical switches, both offering a satisfying feel.

The K100 RGB's design balances functionality and aesthetics, with RGB strips adding a touch of extravagance. While the software can be challenging to navigate, the keyboard's robust construction and high polling rate of 8000Hz make it a premium choice for those seeking a comprehensive gaming keyboard.

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos

10 Images8. Logitech G515 TKL

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G515 TKL

1The Logitech G515 TKL is a standout in the low-profile category, offering a slim design with excellent mechanical switches. Its thin keycaps and tactile switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and its performance rivals that of full-sized keyboards.

While it lacks some additional controls on the top bar, the G515 TKL's design and performance make it a top choice for those seeking a low-profile gaming keyboard.

Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos

15 Images9. Pulsar Xboard QS

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

### Pulsar Xboard QS

1The Pulsar Xboard QS is an impressive wired keyboard, featuring strong build quality and the exceptional Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its dual connectivity and programmable volume knob enhance its functionality, though its high price might be a consideration.

Despite the learning curve associated with its customization, the Xboard QS's performance and unique aesthetic make it a top choice for those willing to invest in a high-quality wired keyboard.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Photos

13 Images10. 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 the updated Command Dial. Its robust construction and Synapse software make it a versatile choice for those who enjoy tailoring their keyboard to their needs.

While it's pricey, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% offers a level of customization and performance that's hard to beat, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Choosing the right mechanical switch is crucial for a gaming keyboard. Beyond the traditional Cherry MX switches, many manufacturers now offer proprietary options, including optical and Hall Effect switches. Here's a breakdown of the main switch types:

• Linear: Provides smooth, consistent keystrokes without tactile feedback, ideal for gaming.
• Tactile: Offers a slight bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that can enhance typing accuracy.
• Clicky: Features both tactile feedback and an audible click, preferred by some for typing but potentially distracting in gaming.

Actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force are also key factors:

• Actuation point determines when the keystroke is registered, with shorter points potentially speeding up input.
• Travel distance affects how far the key needs to be pressed before bottoming out.
• Actuation force is the pressure required to activate the switch, influencing the feel of the keyboard.

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

Your choice of keyboard layout depends on your preferences and usage. Full-sized keyboards offer all keys and additional features, while 96% layouts provide a more compact yet functional design. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards save desk space by removing the number pad, and compact 60% keyboards are the smallest, sacrificing some functionality for portability and aesthetics.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

While wireless connectivity is more crucial for mice and headsets, it's a nice-to-have feature for keyboards. Many high-end keyboards offer both wired and wireless options, with the wired version often being more cost-effective. Wireless technology has advanced, minimizing latency concerns, but wired keyboards still offer a slight edge in terms of performance and price.