Best gaming keyboards in 2024

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, one of the best gaming keyboards
(Image credit: Stevie Bonifield)

Whether you're an esports athlete or a casual PC gamer, choosing one of the best gaming keyboards can level-up your battle station. Gaming keyboards get better and better every year, so you can get a fantastic gaming and typing experience in one device, whether you're using your keyboard at home, at the office, or on the go. 

While many laptops have nice, snappy keyboards, these top gaming keyboards are specifically designed for speed and precision. From all-purpose feature-packed powerhouses to compact esports models, any of these keyboards would make a great companion for a laptop or PC. 

This guide will give you a quick look at our top picks this year. Make sure to check out our best gaming mouse picks and best gaming monitor selections to complete your setup. If you're in the market for a new mobile gaming rig, take a look at our best gaming laptops and best cheap gaming laptops guides to start your search. 

The best gaming keyboards of 2024

Why you can trust Laptop Mag Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% gaming keyboard

(Image credit: Stevie Bonifield)
Best overall gaming keyboard

Specifications

Key type: Mechanical
Switch type: Razer Orange Tactile
Illumination: Addressable RGB
Size: 12.6 x 6.1 x 0.94 inches (75%)
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Connectivity: USB-C Wired (detachable)

Reasons to buy

+
Dedicated media keys and volume roller
+
Excellent typing sound and feel
+
Compact 75% size
+
Hot-swappable
+
Includes a comfy wrist rest

Reasons to avoid

-
Razer Synapse is still clunky

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is the best overall gaming keyboard, combining top-notch performance with fantastic design and features. At $189.99, it comes at a premium price, but it's definitely worth it. 

The BlackWidow V4 75% sounds and feels great for both typing and gaming. It's gasket-mounted now and even has a pre-installed tape mod, which really enhances the acoustics of each keystroke. So, the updated Razer Orange tactile switches sound and feel premium right out of the box. 

The BlackWidow V4 75% has a built-in volume roller and media keys, which are really convenient in games and everyday use. It delivered excellent performance in all of our tests. The tactile keys are light and fast, yet still feature the tactile feedback that many gamers love. Whether you're a casual gamer or an esports athlete, it's hard to go wrong with this one. 

Read our full review of the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%

The Alienware Pro Wireless gaming keyboard

(Image credit: Stevie Bonifield)
Best esports gaming keyboard

Specifications

Key type: Mechanical
Switch type: Alienware Custom Linear
Illumination: Addressable RGB
Size: 12.3 x 5 x 1.6-inches (65%)
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Connectivity: Wireless or USB-C wired (detachable)

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent build quality
+
Wired or wireless
+
Smooth, fast linear switches
+
Compact 75% size
+
Hot-swappable

Reasons to avoid

-
Wireless battery life is short with RGB on full
-
Non-standard bottom row key spacing

If you're looking for a keyboard that can max out speed and precision, take a look at the Alienware Pro Wireless keyboard. It's one of the best esports gaming keyboards out there, complete with a compact design, fast linear switches, and stellar build quality. 

The Alienware Pro Wireless performed great in our tests, delivering rapid, consistent keystrokes that easily kept up in fast-paced titles. With top housing made of aircraft-grade aluminum, you won't have to worry about damaging this keyboard while traveling to esports matches. 

The Pro Wireless is also build for customization. It's fully hot-swappable, so you can freely change or repair the switches. The sound quality of every key, including stabilizers, is some of the best you'll hear from a gaming keyboard. 

Read our full review of the Alienware Pro Wireless keyboard

Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard  (Image credit: Laptop Mag)
Best full size gaming keyboard

Specifications

Key type: Mechanical
Switch type: OPX or Cherry MX Speed
Illumination: Full RGB
Size: 18.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches (full size)
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Connectivity: Wired

Reasons to buy

+
Premium attractive build
+
Comfortable typing experience
+
Blazing fast key inputs
+
Tons of functionality and customization options

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricy
-
OPX keys need getting used to

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 review of the Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard.

Vissles V84 (Image credit: Future)
Best budget gaming keyboard

Specifications

Key type: Mechanical
Switch type : VSII Switch
Illumination: Full RGB
Size : 12.4 x 4.9 x 1.5 inches (TKL)
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Connectivity: Wireless

Reasons to buy

+
Amazing typing experience
+
Sleek, stylish design
+
Great price
+
Variety of switch choices

Reasons to avoid

-
No fast charging
-
US layout only
-
Windows-only software

Wireless mechanical keyboards usually come in two categories: good but expensive, or cheap and flawed naff. The Vissles V84 bucks that trend with a fantastic low-cost option that is incredibly comfortable and tactile to type on, has a long battery life and a comprehensive package of accessories in the box.

It’s not perfect, though. There is no fast-charging support off the mains, Vissles offers only a TKL version of the V84 (hence the name) meaning this won’t be ideal for data entry, and there are some key arrangement issues that could be resolved with more space — like the single row Enter key.

But these can be easily forgiven in what is a versatile deck with plenty of switch options to choose from and a dirt-cheap price. If your WFH life needs an ergonomic upgrade, this is an essential purchase.

See our full review of the
Vissles V84 wireless mechanical keyboard.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL

(Image credit: Momo Tabari/Laptop Mag)
Best gaming keyboard with optical switches

Specifications

Key type: Analog optical
Key switch: Razer Analog Optical Gen-2
Illumination: Addressable RGB
Size: 16.5 x 7.2 x 2.8 inches (TKL)
Weight: 3.72 pounds
Connectivity: USB-C Wired (detachable)

Reasons to buy

+
Durable keycaps
+
Adjustable actuation
+
Tons of additional features
+
Great type feel
+
Comfortable palmrest

Reasons to avoid

-
Finicky software
-
Up to $249 for the full version

Razer's Huntsman series is tough to beat when it comes to optical switches. Their latest model, the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL, is a slick, featured-packed powerhouse. 

Optical switches aren't for everyone, but they can offer a serious bump in performance, which is definitely the case with the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL. One particularly helpful feature with the optical switches on this keyboard is the ability to customize the actuation point. The pre-set Rapid Trigger mode is also great for quickly setting the actuation point to maximize keystroke speed. 

The Huntsman V3 Pro TKL also includes a volume wheel and media buttons to easily adjust your audio during games. As a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, it's compact enough to easily angle on your desk while retaining the function and media keys that are crucial for some gamers. Overall, this is an excellent pro-grade gaming keyboard, but it does come at a premium price at $219.99. 

Read our full review of the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL

HyperX Alloy Origins 60 (Image credit: Future)
Best 60% mechanical gaming keyboard

Specifications

Key Type: Mechanical
Switch Type: HyperX Red Switch
Illumination: Addressable RGB
Size: 11.6 x 4.15 x 1.45 inches (60%)
Weight: 1.72 pounds
Connectivity: USB-C Wired (detachable)

Reasons to buy

+
Petite, unique design
+
Comfortable key switches 
+
 Dazzling RGB lighting 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Limited onboard profile storage 
-
 Windows-only compatibility 

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 review of the HyperX Alloy Origins 60.

(Image credit: Kinesis)

7. Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB

Best split gaming keyboard

Specifications

Key type: Mechanical
Switch type: Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red
Illumination: Full RGB
Size: 15.5 x 10.3 x 1.3 inches (split TKL)
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Connectivity: Wired

Reasons to buy

+
Unique split-keyboard design
+
Optional lift kit to improve ergonomics
+
Customizable to the max

Reasons to avoid

-
Lift kit not included

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.

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 a 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 and docking stations that should not be missed. 

Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.  

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