11 Best Gaming Keyboards to Buy in 2024 Reviewed

If you want to upgrade your setup and take your performance to the next level, you need one of the best gaming keyboards, designed to deliver lightning-fast input feedback and built to last.

There are many different types of keyboards in terms of size, design, switch types, key layouts, and functionality, so choosing one out of the hundreds of models available can be difficult. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best keyboards for gaming to help you make an informed choice and find the one that best fits your play style.

The Best Gaming Keyboards Ranked

Here’s our final selection of the best gaming keyboards, based on their performance and the value for money they offer – with the Redragon S101 coming out on top of the pile:

  1. Redragon S101 — Overall, the best gaming keyboard, with an integrated wrist rest, precise tactile feedback, and seven RGB lighting modes.
  2. NPET K10 Wired Keyboard — Best cheap gaming keyboard with stair-up keys and UV-coated keycaps for enhanced resistance to wear and tear.
  3. Razer Ornata Chroma — Individually backlit keys, Razer Chroma compatibility, and a detachable plush wrist rest.
  4. MageGee K1 Rainbow Keyboard — Ergonomic design and high, double-shot injection keycaps built for comfort and responsiveness.
  5. RK Royal Kludge RK61 — Compact RGB mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches.
  6. Corsair K70 RGB Pro — Programmable, remappable keys, offering 8x faster response time than an average keyboard.
  7. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard — Stylish mini keyboard with individually backlit keys and adjustable analog switches.
  8. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL — Best budget gaming keyboard with whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology and IP32 water and dust protection.
  9. Logitech G915 Lightspeed — Razor-thin mechanical keyboard with three types of switches to choose from.
  10. Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed Keyboard — Ergonomically designed, with a detachable wrist rest, tactile switches, and 28 programmable macro settings.
  11. DIERYA DK63N 60% Keyboard — Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with USB and Bluetooth connectivity options, a dozen backlight options, and recordable macros.

The Best Keyboards for Gaming Reviewed

Back in the day, PCs came with generic white keyboards, so gamers had no choice regarding which one they wanted to use. When one broke, you’d just buy an identical one to replace it.

Nowadays, there are dozens of different types of keyboards, including mechanical keyboards, models with silent keys, spill-resistant designs, RGB keyboards, and ones that come with a variety of macro keys.

Here are our in-depth reviews of the best gaming keyboards for 2024, so you can see what different models offer and find the best one for you.

1. Redragon S101 — Best Gaming Keyboard Overall

The Redragon S101 is a wired RGB backlit gaming keyboard designed for longevity and comfort. The keyboard features seven different RGB lighting modes and four backlight brightness levels to fine-tune it to your preference.

It’s ergonomically designed for both work and gaming, with an integrated wrist rest that provides much-needed comfort for eight-hour shifts at your desk and long gaming sessions.

Redragon S101 Best Gaming Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $42 Wired 17.91 x 7.2 x 0.91 inches RGB backlit

Integrated wrist rest

Silent keys with tactile feedback

Multimedia keys

The keys are quiet and designed to last, offering precise tactile feedback — they react to even the slightest press and only return to the original position once the finger is removed. This eliminates the possibility of accidentally pressing the same key multiple times and ensures precision.

In addition to standard keys, Redragon S101 features 10 dedicated multimedia keys and 12 additional FN+ Multimedia keys (FN + F1 to F12). This allows you to access your inbox or Google Search with one tap of a key and directly pause, stop, and skip videos and songs from the keyboard. The Win key can also be disabled for gaming to stop you accidentally minimizing the game.

Beyond this, the keyboard features a gold-plated, corrosion-free USB connector, ensuring a reliable connection, so you won’t have to worry about the keyboard losing signal after a few months and not responding to your input.

If you opt for the Redragon S101 keyboard, you’ll get a 3200 DPI gaming mouse for free. The mouse features 3G acceleration, weight tuning, and five programmable buttons, so it’s ideal for shooters, battle royale, MOBAs, and MMOs.

2. NPET K10 Wired Keyboard — Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard

The NPET K10 Wired Keyboard is an LED-backlit, spill-resistant wired keyboard with anti-ghosting keys that ensure all your presses are recorded accurately and reflected in-game in the order they are pressed.

The keyboard features a 10-zone RGB illumination with a myriad of lighting effects to choose from. You can fully customize the RGB lighting according to your preference by pressing FN + M1 to M5 keys.

NPET K10 Wired Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $21 Wired 17.32 x 5.51 x 0.98 inches RGB Backlit with stair-up keys

UV-coated keycaps resistant to wear and tear

Silent gaming switches with improved responsiveness

Anti-ghosting keys

The keys rest on whisper-quiet gaming switches that ensure low friction and high responsiveness, with superb performance guaranteed for up to 20 million key presses. The keycaps feature a UV coating that prevents wear and tear from frequent use and ensures the letters and symbols on the keys remain clearly visible even after years of gaming on the keyboard.

NPET K10 Wired Keyboard is made from highly resistant ABS plastic, with a durable construction that repels liquids and can withstand accidental spills. Enough room between the stair-up keys prevents accidental key presses and makes the keyboard much easier to clean.

The ergonomic design also ensures that your hand rests naturally on the keyboard for maximum comfort, minimizing wrist pressure and hand fatigue. On top of this, the F1 to F12 keys also function as multimedia keys, so you can adjust the volume, pause music and videos, skip songs, and open your browser with a single key press. It’s an all-round good gaming keyboard.

3. Razer Ornata Chroma — Razer Chroma Compatibility and a Detachable Plush Wrist Rest

The Razer Ornata Chroma features hybrid mechanical keys, individually backlit by fully customizable Chroma RGB lighting. The key selling point of this keyboard is its detachable, comfortable plush wrist rest that removes the strain from your wrists when typing or gaming and drastically reduces the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

The ergonomic wrist rest relies on magnets to attach to the keyboard, so it’s easy to attach and remove.

Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $49.99 Wired 18.2 x 6.7 x 1.3 inches RGB backlit

Detachable magnetic wrist rest

Mecha-membrane keys

Razer Chroma compatible

When it comes to the keyboard itself, it features mecha-membrane switches that provide tactile feedback and faster key actuation, ensuring quicker responses and superb gaming performance.

All the keys are individually backlit, creating a gorgeous rainbow lighting effect. You can also fully customize the lighting using Razer Chroma and sync the keyboard to popular games to have the lighting change according to what’s happening on-screen.

Another huge advantage of the Razer keyboard is its fully programmable macro support. You can remap individual key presses and key combinations to execute complex commands, so you can preset macros for all your games.

The durable construction of the Ornata Chroma ensures optimal performance for up to 80 million key presses, backed by Razer’s two-year warranty.

4. MageGee K1 Rainbow Keyboard — High, Double-Shot Injection Keycaps for Superb Comfort

The MageGee K1 is a full-size keyboard with 104 stair-up keys, including F keys and a numpad, all beautifully lit by an LED backlight.

The keyboard’s ergonomic design with high keycaps provides a superb degree of comfort by letting your hands rest naturally on the keys, reducing hand fatigue after long gaming sessions.

MageGee K1 Rainbow Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $29.99 Wired 17.76 x 8.7 x 1.81 inches RGB backlit

Stair-up keys with double-shot injection keycaps

Ergonomic design

Four different backlight options

The keys are evenly spaced, with plenty of room between them, minimizing the chance of accidentally pressing the wrong key when gaming and making the keyboard fairly easy to clean.

Thanks to the double-shot injection keycaps and individual backlight for each key, the letters and symbols are clearly visible in the dark, and the light source won’t fade, so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear.

When it comes to the backlight, there are four options — bright, dim, pulse, and off. You can easily switch between them by holding the FN key and pressing ESC to cycle through the different options.

In addition to the keyboard, you’ll also get a 3200 DPI mouse with six DPI levels, so you can adjust sensitivity on the spot. The high-speed technology makes the mouse move faster and more smoothly on the mousepad, making it more accurate than a standard mouse – so it’s perfect for gaming.

5. RK Royal Kludge RK61 — Compact RGB Mechanical Keyboard With Hot-Swappable Switches

Royal Kludge RK61 is a compact, hot-swappable RGB mechanical keyboard. It features only 61 keys, which is perfect for anyone looking for a smaller keyboard that leaves them with more room for mouse movements.

The keys are mounted on a brown switch, which is slightly quieter and easier to trigger than its predecessor — the blue switch.

RK Royal Kludge RK61

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $42.49 Wired (USB-C) 11.46 x 3.98 x 1.54 inches Mechanical with RGB backlight

Ergonomically curved

Hot-swappable switch

27 different lighting modes

Apart from reduced noise, the main advantage of the brown switch is the fact that it allows you to quickly double-tap the keys, while still providing tactile feedback that ensures the accuracy of key presses.

That said, the keyboard is fully hot-swappable, meaning you can easily install and try out different switches without having to learn any soldering skills – making it one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards, which holds its own against brands like the Ducky keyboard or the Glorious keyboard.

When it comes to the backlight, there are 18 RGB modes, eight monochrome modes, and one full-color backlight, so you can configure the RGB lighting according to your preference.

The Royal Kludge RK61 also comes with its own customization software, which lets you redefine key functions, create macros for different games, and set up different key combinations for work and gaming.

6. Corsair K70 RGB Pro — Remappable Keys and a Soft, Spacious Wrist Rest

Corsair K70 RGB Pro is the improved version of the original K70, with CHERRY MX mechanical switches that enable smooth key presses and superb performance, and can withstand up to 100 million keystrokes.

One thing you’ll immediately notice is that the K70 RGB Pro is bulkier, thanks to its soft-touch wrist rest.

Corsair K70 RGB Pro

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $129.99 Wired 17.48 x 6.54 x 1.57 inches Mechanical

Spacious soft-touch wrist rest

Programmable backlight and remappable keys

8x faster response time than the average keyboard

The wrist rest is fully detachable, so you can use it for lengthy gaming sessions and detach it for shorter sessions when you don’t have to worry about hand fatigue as much.

This Corsair keyboard is powered by CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, which transmits your input about eight times faster than a regular keyboard. What’s more, the K70 RGB Pro’s keycaps are made from durable polycarbonate plastic, ensuring longevity.

Another great thing about the Corsair K70 RGB Pro is that it’s compatible with Corsair iCUE software, which gives you full control over the RGB lighting. You can also use the software to easily remap the keys and create macros for all your games, with over 50 custom profiles – making it a great custom gaming keyboard.

As a cherry on top, you can sync the keyboard with select games to have the RGB backlight match the on-screen action.

7. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard — Compact, Stylish RGB Keyboard With Adjustable Analog Switches

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard is an ideal choice for gamers who prefer minimalistic, stylish design and want to have as much room for mouse movements as possible – and it might be the best mini keyboard for gaming.

The design of the Razer Huntsman Mini removes the numpad and function keys, leaving you with only the essentials you need for gaming.

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $89.99 Wired (USB-C) ‎12.36 x 6.06 x 1.81 inches RGB Backlit

Adjustable analog switches

Double-shot PBT keycaps

Five configurable keyboard profiles

The keyboard features analog optical switches, which are incredibly fast and responsive. You can also easily adjust the analog control with multiple sensitivity presets to ensure the keyboard responds perfectly based on the amount of pressure you put on the keycaps during each keystroke.

The Razer Huntsman Mini features durable double-shot PBT keycaps, so you don’t have to worry about the labeling wearing off due to prolonged use.

Another advantage of the Razer Huntsman over standard keyboards is the fact that it allows you to configure and save up to five different keyboard profiles and switch between them without having to use specialized software.

The keyboard also features a variety of built-in Razer Chroma lighting effects, and you can easily personalize it according to your preferences.

8. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL — Best Budget Gaming Keyboard With Whisper Quiet Gaming Switches

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is one of the best quiet gaming keyboards and one of the best budget gaming keyboards, featuring whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology.

They ensure keystroke accuracy and guaranteed performance for over 20 million key presses. It’s designed with IP32 water and dust protection, while the stair-up keys make it easier to clean.

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $34.99 Wired 14.3 x 5.9 x 1.57 inches RGB Backlit

Whisper quiet switches

IP32 water and dust protection

Multimedia controls

This SteelSeries keyboard does away with the numpad, making it more compact and leaving you with more room for mouse movements. In addition to the standard keys, SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL features dedicated multimedia controls, a volume roller, and keys to adjust screen brightness on the fly.

The keyboard is backlit by PrismSync RGB illumination, which lets you choose from millions of color hues and a variety of effects, from constant illumination to reactive lighting that syncs with events in the game.

9. Logitech G915 Lightspeed — Slim Mechanical Keyboard With Advanced Media Control Keys

The Logitech G915 Lightspeed is a razor-thin, full-sized wireless gaming keyboard with three different types of switches gamers can choose from – and it’s definitely one of the best wireless gaming keyboards out there.

Depending on your preference, you’ll be able to choose between tactile switches for improved performance, clicky switches for that satisfying mechanical keyboard sound, or linear switches, which provide a smooth, consistent, bump-free feel while gaming.

Logitech G915 Lightspeed

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $245 Wireless (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) ‎18.7 x 5.9 x 0.87 inches Mechanical with three types of switches

Five programmable keys

Three different keyboard profiles

Media controls

Each key is individually backlit and you’ll have the option to set up your own lighting profile via Logitech G Hub software, with over 16.8 million colors to choose from, and you can also sync the keyboard backlight with in-game events.

In addition to the standard keys, the Logitech wireless keyboard features five fully programmable keys on the left side (G1 to G5), which are perfect for any macro gamer who wants to use a combination of different abilities in-game with a single key press.

It also features media control keys (rewind, skip, pause) and a volume roller, letting you easily adjust the music or in-game sounds while gaming.

The keyboard also has dual connectivity, letting you pair it up with your gaming PC via Wi-Fi or with any other Bluetooth-enabled device.

10. Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed Keyboard — Ergonomic Design and 28 Programmable Macro Settings

The Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed Keyboard is the perfect option for anyone playing FPS, battle royale, and racing games on a semi-competitive or competitive level.

This one-handed keyboard features seven programmable macro keys, as well as four different keyboard profiles, for a total of 28 macro settings you can utilize while gaming.

Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $44.99 Wired 10.3 × 8.5 × 2 inches Mechanical, one-handed

28 macro settings

Detachable wrist rest

Tactile switches

It’s ergonomically designed with a detachable, comfortable wrist rest that helps reduce hand fatigue and enables you to give your best performance.

The mechanical keyboard features dust-proof blue switches with precise tactile feedback, ensuring every input is properly recorded, in the correct order, regardless of how lightly you press the keys.

There are five different RGB backlit modes to choose from, with over 16.8 million colors and several stunning lighting effects.

11. DIERYA DK63N 60% Keyboard — Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard With Dual Connectivity and Recordable Macros

DIERYA DK63N 60% Keyboard is a compact, tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard with a dual-mode connection. You can connect it via Bluetooth and use it for up to 100 hours when fully charged, as well as plug it in using a standard detachable USB-C cable.

The keyboard is ergonomically designed with stair-up keycaps, two liftable back legs, and special keyboard padding to add stability and ensure comfort during long gaming sessions.

DIERYA DK63N 60% Wireless Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
From $29.99 Dual connectivity (Bluetooth and wired) 12 x 5.6 x 1.9 inches Mechanical

Ergonomic design with stable back legs

Dozens of RGB lighting modes

Recordable macros via keyboard software

Although compact, this DIERYA keyboard features a heavy case and is built with both durability and portability in mind.

The mechanical red switches provide that satisfying mechanical keyboard sound while ensuring optimal performance.

Each key is individually backlit, and there are a dozen different backlight modes you can cycle through by pressing Fn + Enter or Fn + backslash (/).

Despite not featuring a numpad or any programmable keys, the keyboard comes with its own driver, which lets you record macros, customize RGB lighting effects, and personalize function keys (Fn + 1 to 0).

Top-Rated Gaming Keyboards Compared

Here’s a quick comparison table of our top-rated gaming keyboards, so you can have a better overview of what different models offer for the money:

Keyboard Price Connection Type Dimensions Type Key Features
Redragon S101 From $42 Wired 17.91 x 7.2 x 0.91 inches RGB backlit

Integrated wrist rest

Silent keys with tactile feedback

Multimedia keys

NPET K10 Wired Keyboard From $21 Wired 17.32 x 5.51 x 0.98 inches RGB Backlit with stair-up keys UV-coated keycaps resistant to wear and tear

Silent gaming switches with improved responsiveness

Anti-ghosting keys

Razer Ornata Chroma From $49.99 Wired 18.2 x 6.7 x 1.3 inches RGB backlit

Detachable magnetic wrist rest

Mecha-membrane keys

Razer Chroma compatible

MageGee K1 Rainbow Keyboard From $29.99 Wired 17.76 x 8.7 x 1.81 inches RGB backlit Stair-up keys with double-shot injection keycaps

Ergonomic design

Four different backlight options

RK Royal Kludge RK61 From $42.49 Wired (USB-C) 11.46 x 3.98 x 1.54 inches Mechanical with RGB backlight

Ergonomically curved

Hot-swappable switch

27 different lighting modes

Corsair K70 RGB Pro From $129.99 Wired 17.48 x 6.54 x 1.57 inches Mechanical Spacious soft-touch wrist rest

Programmable backlight and remappable keys

8x faster response time than the average keyboard

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard From $89.99 Wired (USB-C) ‎12.36 x 6.06 x 1.81 inches RGB Backlit

Adjustable analog switches

Double-shot PBT keycaps

Five configurable keyboard profiles

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL From $34.99 Wired 14.3 x 5.9 x 1.57 inches RGB Backlit Whisper quiet switches

IP32 water and dust protection

Multimedia controls

Logitech G915 Lightspeed From $245 Wireless (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) ‎18.7 x 5.9 x 0.87 inches Mechanical with three types of switches

Five programmable keys

Three different keyboard profiles

Media controls

Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed Keyboard From $44.99 Wired 10.3 × 8.5 × 2 inches Mechanical, one-handed 28 macro settings

Detachable wrist rest

Tactile switches

DIERYA DK63N 60% Keyboard From $29.99 Dual connectivity (Bluetooth and wired) 12 x 5.6 x 1.9 inches Mechanical

Ergonomic design with stable back legs

Dozens of RGB lighting modes

Recordable macros via keyboard software

What to Look for When Choosing a Gaming Keyboard

When searching for your ideal gaming keyboard, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as its size, style, and functionality. Depending on your gaming budget and the types of games you usually play, some keyboards might be a much better fit for you than others.

Here are the key factors you should consider when comparing different keyboard models, to ensure you buy the one that’s best for you:

Size

Keyboard sizes can vary greatly, from standard ones to gigantic keyboards with a bunch of additional keys to small, compact keyboards without function keys (F1 to F12) and the numpad.

While most keyboards will comfortably fit on a gaming desk, the major difference is in the amount of space you’ll have left for mouse movements. If you’re used to playing on low sensitivity, you’re better off with a smaller keyboard that will leave plenty of room for your gaming mouse.

Of course, it all depends on your setup – and whether you’re playing from a gaming TV or a monitor, for example.

Style

Most modern gaming keyboards have some form of RGB backlight, but they vary greatly in terms of build quality, switch and keycap type, and size. You should opt for a keyboard that complements your PC, your monitor, and your other peripherals, to create a unified setup for a fully immersive gaming experience. After all, you’ve spent plenty of time making sure you have the best gaming PC possible!

Mechanical vs. Standard

Mechanical keyboards are typically heftier and give you that satisfying sound whenever you press the keys, but some people might find the loud noise annoying. While the noise might not bother you much, especially if you’re wearing noise-canceling gaming headphones, you should consider how other people in your household might react to the mechanical sounds, especially if you tend to game late at night while everyone else is asleep.

Standard keyboards, on the other hand, are much quieter, with several models incorporating switches that make them almost completely silent, so you should have no trouble finding a keyboard that perfectly suits your preferences.

Types of Switches

There are many different types of switches, all of which impact the keyboard’s performance. For example, tactile switches are great for gamers who want to lightly tap on the keys instead of having to press them all the way down. Analog switches, on the other hand, register a wider range of inputs, providing more accuracy when holding down or double-tapping keys.

While you won’t be able to feel the difference without physically trying out different keyboards, you should read up on the types of switches different models offer, so you have a better idea of how they impact performance.

Wired vs. Wireless

Whether you opt for a wireless or a wired keyboard comes down solely to your personal preference. Wireless keyboards leave you with an additional USB socket to plug in other peripherals, while wired ones generally have lower input lag, given that they’re plugged into your PC directly instead of transmitting the input signals via Wi-Fi. We found the Logitech G915 Lightspeed to be one of the best wireless keyboard deals.

Additional Keys

Many gaming keyboards feature a range of additional keys, such as multimedia control keys that let you pull up your browser, control volume, pause videos, and skip songs. Some also have programmable keys that you can let you program macros, which is essential for MMOs and other games where you need to use multiple abilities with a single key press.

Gaming Keyboard FAQs

Does a keyboard matter for gaming?

Are 60% keyboards best for gaming?

What’s the fastest gaming keyboard?

What size keyboard is best for FPS?

Which switches are best for gaming?

Conclusion | What’s the Best Gaming Keyboard to Buy in 2024?

As with any gaming peripheral, the choice of a keyboard is purely individual. There is arguably no single keyboard that is universally “the best” for every play style and every type of game — it depends on your preferences, needs, and the way you’re used to pressing the keys.

If you’re mainly playing shooters, a mini keyboard might be a better option, while if you’re an MMO gamer, you’ll likely benefit more from a keyboard with programmable macro keys where you have the ability to assign a secondary function. On top of that, you should consider how much space you’ll need for the mouse and how the keyboard will fit in with your current setup.

That said, if you’re looking for a standard, durable, reliable keyboard that won’t burn a hole in your wallet then we strongly recommend the Redragon S101, which we name our best buy gaming keyboard.

It comes with a built-in wrist rest, silent keys that offer precise tactile performance, a slew of RGB options, and over a dozen multimedia keys. Plus, you get a free 3200 DPI gaming mouse to go along with it, all for under $50.

 

Aleksandar Stevanovic
Software Reviews Expert
Aleksandar Stevanovic
Software Reviews Expert

Aleksandar Stevanovic spent 10 years honing his craft as a freelance content writer. He has a degree in Economics, and extensive experience in software, crypto, and cybersecurity industries. He covers a multitude of topics, writing factual and informative articles, helping individuals better understand the intricacies of the online world. Over the last two years, his research focus shifted more towards tech and software content, as evidenced by his publications on CEX.IO, Business2Community, and Techopedia. He believes in simplifying complex topics and bringing them closer to like-minded individuals. His work is as detail-oriented as it is creative, and is designed to…