Whether you're a gamer or not, some of the best gaming keyboards can make all the difference in your daily computing experience, no matter what kind of laptop you use.
Don't get us wrong, laptop keyboards have come a long way over the past decade, and most plug-and-play peripherals will satisfy the casual gamer. But for dedicated fraggers, a proper gaming keyboard is essential to getting accurate, competitive gameplay: first-person shooters, strategy games and MMOs can all benefit from the extra bells and whistles of a premium mechanical keyboard.
Of course, the best gaming keyboard has to be complemented by the best gaming mouse, and what's a mouse without the best gaming monitor to use it with? And, if you're a fan of the all-in-one package, we believe the best gaming laptops will no doubt do the trick.
What are the best gaming keyboards right now?
Right now, one of the best gaming keyboards money can buy is the Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It's Corsair’s first keyboard to feature Optical-Mechanical switches, which use light technology for fast key inputs. This is also the first showing for the company’s iCue Control wheel, which gives gamers and multimedia mavens a host of functionality on the fly. You’ve got all this functionality housed in a metal and plastic frame that’s rated for longevity and comfort.
Sure, the OPX keys need getting used to, but you'll be typing like lightning once you do. If you're a gaming keyboard without a cord, then Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro keyboard is what you're after thanks to its excellent quality build and lag-free wireless input.
The 60% keyboard market is booming thanks to the peripheral’s compact size, which takes up a small portion of desk real estate. They are also lightweight for maximum portability for the gamer on the move, and it is hard to ignore the way they make RGB lighting effects pop beneath the keycaps. HyperX’s Alloy Origins 60 excels at all these things, and if the claimed 16.8 million colors don’t grab your attention, its unique spacebar certainly will.
Touch typists, take note: Unlike membrane keyboards (which usually have a shallow, squishy feel), mechanical keyboards use linear, tactile, and clicky switches underneath the keys. This results in a much more enjoyable typing experience. There are exceptions, of course, but the clickity-clack feedback of any mechanical keyboard is usually superior to that of a membranous counterpart.
Now, without further ado…
Here are the best gaming keyboards of 2021
Corsair already made great gaming keyboards. But the company is leveling up even further with its latest keyboard, the K100. Priced at $229, the K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming is Corsair’s first keyboard to feature Optical-Mechanical switches, which use light technology for fast key inputs. This is also the first showing for the company’s iCue Control wheel, which gives gamers and multimedia mavens a host of functionality on the fly. You’ve got all this functionality housed in a metal and plastic frame that’s rated for longevity and comfort.
The new switches do take some getting used to, especially for those who use a traditional mechanical keyboard. And the price is nothing to sneeze at either. But for gamers looking for esports-level equipment, this will do the trick.
Read our full Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard review
At $229, you have every right to expect a premium experience from the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro and it delivers on that promise. Viewed purely as a keyboard, it feels fantastic to type on thanks to its plush wrist rest, and it offers a full-sized keyboard experience with the added bonus of the media controls.
For those that despise cable management, having wireless connectivity that feels no different than wired is amazing, and helps to further alleviate feelings about the cost of the keyboard. That’s before you get into the fun with all the RGB lighting controls and the incredible customization available through Synapse.
See our full Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro keyboard review
The Corsair K60 RGB Pro is a great gaming keyboard that punches above its weight. At $80, you might expect a cheap, bulky plastic design, but the K60 RGB Pro is a surprisingly sleek and durable keyboard with a handsome brushed-aluminum surface. You also get full per-key RGB lighting and useful iCue software for tinkering with the lighting or macros.
See our full Corsair K60 RGB Pro keyboard review
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a beautifully designed 60% mechanical gaming keyboard that demands a second glance. In fact, if we had to pick one keyboard to strut down the catwalk of the gaming keyboard equivalent of New York Fashion Week, we'd turn to the HyperX Alloy Origins 60.
Its 60% form factor isn’t ideal for professional use, but it functions perfectly as a personal keyboard for the traveling gamer. While it has been designed and sturdily built with the average gamer in mind, the Alloy Origins 60 also makes for a comfortable keyboard to type on. And while it features everything a gamer would want in a keyboard, it could use more onboard memory to support more than three profiles.
See our full HyperX Alloy Origins 60 review
Searching for a cool and colorful gaming keyboard that gamers can flaunt without breaking the bank can be a pain in the rear.
But thanks to the VictSing PC259A, you can finally get your hands on a real mechanical keyboard that provides a tactile typing experience, customizable RGB lighting, and solid build quality. And with its compact form factor, you’ll still have plenty of space for your mouse. At such a bargain, you’re getting full-featured companion software, clicky, albeit ingenuine, blue switches, and animated lighting effects to enliven your gaming experience.
Read our full VictSing PC259A mechanical gaming keyboard review
The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is a wired gaming keyboard with beautiful per-key RGB backlighting and a solid array of media keys and dedicated macro keys. It’s an ideal solution for streamers or casual gamers who want to step up from a more traditional keyboard.
At $69, the K55 RGB Pro XT is a remarkable entry point into gaming keyboards. Although it doesn’t offer mechanical key switches or a metal chassis, it can still hold its own with some of the best gaming keyboards in many regards.
See our full Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT keyboard review
The Corsair K65 RGB Mini is yet another great mechanical gaming keyboard from Corsair, showcasing that it’s still one of the best brands around no matter what size keyboard you need.
While some will adore its size — fitting most desks without taking up extra space — along with its portability, there are a few sacrifices Corsair made with the K65 in the name of portability. It’s not ideal for everyday office use, especially for those like me who aren’t used to typing with Cherry MX RGB Red while working. However, it’s an impressive, stylish, and neatly compact beast for the gamer on the move.
See our full Corsair K65 RGB Mini keyboard review
Keyboard aesthetics don't usually turn heads, but the advanced ergonomics of the Freestyle Edge are absolutely worth a look. The split design lets you place each half of the keyboard at shoulder width, reducing back, neck and shoulder strain. This also makes room for additional peripherals in front of you, such as a flight stick or HOTAS. Every key can be individually customized, with onboard storage for up to nine user profiles, and nine dedicated macro keys reside on the left half for easy access. Bonus: Spring for the optional lift kit if you'd like an even cushier gaming session.
For less than $100, Logitech offers an excellent entry-level keyboard for anyone in need of an upgrade. This keyboard's Romer-G switches are extremely comfortable to type on, and its reprogrammable shortcuts make productivity a snap. The solid anodized-aluminum construction is refreshingly attractive for this price, and the reinforced cable is built to last. You won't find dedicated macros, pass-throughs or backlights on the K840, but if your gaming needs are modest, this keyboard won't disappoint. Oh, and it's also perfect for any home office.
As the successful byproduct of a Dutch Kickstarter campaign, this keyboard is already making waves in the gaming community. Eschewing traditional keyboard switches for proprietary Flaretech switches, Wooting allows you to set the key-press actuation point to whatever level you like, and the accompanying software offers tons of customization. The absence of a number pad makes for a clean, uncluttered look, and the per-key RGB options are out of this world.
The adventure continues
So, you've picked out the best gaming keyboard that suits your style. But, in order to complete your quest in making the best gaming setup imaginable, a few more items are needed. Like what, you ask? Well...
We'll let you in on the best gaming mouse there is, along with the best gaming monitor so you can put it all together. Look, we get it, some of these may seem far too expensive, which is why we've also put together the best cheap monitors that won't put significant dent in your wallet.
And, if you're after the essential device that puts all these things together, you're in luck as we've got the best USB-C hubs that should not be missed.