The Best Gaming Keyboards In 2024

But with the array of choices on the market, there is bound to be a gaming keyboard that ticks all — or at least most — of the boxes for you. Let’s face it, gaming online is hard enough: you really cannot compete without a keyboard that suits your style to a T.

So, what is so good about it? Well, to start with, the Azoth features a gorgeous OLED display that is built into its sturdy frame. This OLED display is not just pretty, but intuitive and versatile. You can bring up your keyboard settings and system info at a glance, and the former can be quickly altered by a three-way knob.

These have the effect of stifling the clicking sound that a regular keyboard produces. The Azoth is wireless with Bluetooth capability and sizewise it follows the 75 percent form factor model. Its NX switches come in in red, brown, and blue, which denote linear, tactile, and clicky settings respectively.

One clear downside, though, is the Armory Crate software that it comes with, some reviewers have characterized as clunky at best. Also, because it is compact by design, there are fewer keys than on numerous other keyboards. Overall, though, the Azoth is a superb gaming keyboard and it’s probably worth shelling out the near-$250 asking price — if you have the means, that is.

Perhaps the first thing you will notice about the Keychron K2 Version 2 is its no-frills appearance, and solid overall build. Indeed, this keyboard — with its gray keys and simple white LED lighting — certainly isn’t the sexiest on the market.

Its wireless connectivity is seamless, and the K2 offers its users both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options. Then there’s the ability to switch between MacOS and Windows operating systems with relative ease. You can even get 240 hours’ worth of play if you turn the backlights off. Result!

Overall, though, there’s a lot to like about the K2. You miss out on relatively few features over higher-end models. This budget-friendly keyboard offers a lot of bang for your buck, and is our first choice for gamers who don’t have bottomless pockets but who are still wanting wireless capability.

Yes, it’s a testament to the G915 that it still fares well against newer and fancier models on the market. What’s more, its impressive slim design continues to wow those who purchase and play with it.

In addition, the G915 offers an impressive battery life and a wireless experience that’s low on lag — the bane of all online gamers. Its RGB LED backlights are decent, if not top of the class, and the low-profile mechanical switches are first-rate.

On the downside, to some tastes the Macro key placement on the G915 is strange and not where you might want it. The battery life could be better too: conceivably you’ll be reaching for the charger more regularly than you might prefer. By some accounts the keys, too, seem to get dirtier than other models. All the same, for a low-profile board, the G915 is hard to beat.

Yes, the Apex Pro Mini is a mighty fine and solidly-built piece of kit. It weighs in at an ultra-light 1.34 lbs and shapes up at a super-compact 11.53 x 4.02 x 1.59 inches. This 60 percent mini-gaming keyboard features a lovely and bright backlit RGB per-key array.

Of course, given its size, the Apex Pro Mini had to shed a number of regular big-board keys. But worry not, as these functions can be accessed through its secondary key-binds, activated by the SS function key. Those secondary settings can even be remapped to your own preferences, and remarkably each key can even be given its own RGB backlight setting.

Still, there has been some criticism on the legends for the secondary key-binds, which unless you are eagle-eyed, can be difficult to read, especially in a darkened room. And SteelSeries’ GG software package has been labeled buggy by some testers. But still bearing that in mind, overall you’ll struggle to find a better mini gaming keyboard than this, particularly a wireless model.

This good-looking keyboard — you’ll love those colorful, customizable RGB key backlights — is well-built and feels relatively compact for a full-size keyboard. There’s a useful rear-height adjustment, too, that has three levels.

Reportedly not-so-clever is the NGEnuity software that comes with it, which is not super-intuitive, but with a little practice that shouldn’t be too much of a downer. Likewise, the Alloy Origins would probably benefit from some macro keys and dedicated media controls, like many other premium-end gaming set-uos.

In other words, it is the perfect mid-ranger for the less discerning shopper, one that will likely serve all but pros’ needs perfectly well. Maybe there will be an update on it soon featuring a USB pass-through port and media control buttons, but for now, the Alloy Origins fits the bill for many just eager to get playing.

That’s because the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a stunning full-size gaming keyboard. It has everything you could possibly wish for in such a piece of electronic kit, and likely much more besides. Indeed, the customization options are so abundant it’s almost funny.

What’s more, the BlackWidow V4 Pro features an 8,000Hz maximum polling rate, and either Razer Green and Razer Yellow switches to best suit your clicky or linear preferences. There’s also a neat volume roller, and perhaps the coolest wrist-rest yet seen, which is detachable but lights up like the keys when you connect it to the keyboard.

Razer bills its BlackWidow V4 Pro as “the ultimate mechanical gaming keyboard” for the “next phase of battlestation evolution,” and that’s hard to argue with. So, if you are well-heeled and like the sound of what we have told you, then get your credit or debit card out and splurge your dough on one of the most beautiful gaming keyboards on the market today.

Yes, this best budget option is far from cheap and nasty. In fact, the solidly built Aukey KM G-17 boasts an impressive array of features besides those that we’ve already mentioned above. But you’ll particularly like the impressive RGB backlighting down the sides, which makes it appear like a much more expensive array.

This isn’t necessarily a negative, depending on your preference. Anyway, that size is increased by the additional keys on the board and a permanently attached palm rest. But getting several media keys, five macros, and a volume knob on a low-end $60 keyboard is quite something.

The aforementioned palm rest might not be to everyone’s taste either, nor the plastic chassis, nor the ABS keycaps. All the same, the overall KM-G17 package is extremely generous and more than competent given the price. You might even pick it up even cheaper in a sale!

We’re half-joking of course, but the Roccat Vulcan II Max is genuinely among the most beautiful-looking arrays yet produced. The lighting behind the keys looks phenomenal, and that’s without even mentioning that detachable and illuminating silicone wrist-rest…

Besides its one-of-a-kind light show, the Vulcan II Max also delivers some impressive features. These include the dedicated media keys, the clickable volume knob, and the ability to set the Titan II Optical switches to either linear or tactile settings.

But if you are looking for a wired keyboard, don’t let those minor quibbles dissuade you too much from shelling out. It’s a superb choice that will wow both you and your friends with its interactive and adaptable Aimo lighting system that trumps the standard spectrum cycling. You can get it in white or black, and there’s even a mini-keyboard version, too.

The keyboard in question is modular and full-size — although there are 60 percent and TKL options on the market too — and it is cool to have the choice between white-on-silver and black-on-black versions. You might like the former better, as it has more of a novelty in a black-dominated market, but that is down to personal preference.

The PC Gaming Race is not wireless: it comes with a braided USB cable that has three-way routing underneath the keyboard. Under there you will also find a keycap puller, should you need to change keycaps or clean underneath. It features beveled edges and a metal top which give it an impressive look.

Less impressive is the cheap plastic bottom on the keyboard, and the lack of a volume dial or media controls is noticeable if you have become accustomed to having them. But overall, the PC Gaming Race is packed with all the essential features, is great value, and is fun to play with.

In actual fact, you can do your job with it — if your profession involves lots of typing, that is. Yes, the G915 TKL features low-profile GL tactile switches and a comfortable size that make it versatile for both gaming and those less-exciting occupational tasks.

And thumbs-up to the fact you can switch between different custom profiles without even having to open it each time you use the keyboard. That’s a neat little feature that pushes the G915 TKL ahead of much of its competition.

Most reviewers didn’t find much to dislike about it, although the macro functionality is reportedly kind of limited. Also, it could be a bit cheaper! But overall, if you are willing to pay for it, the G915 TKL delivers the goods, and its wireless functionality is so good, that dreaded lag will be a thing of the past.

For starters there’s the lofty price tag, which is likely to put off those just starting out. You’ll need around $250 or more to pick up one of these bad boys new: that’s a serious investment that generally only career gamers can easily justify.

Indeed, the adjustable, hyper-magnetic switches in the keyboard are super-fast and reliable, helping you gain a competitive edge in the heat of online battle, where every millisecond can be of the essence. The keyboard is also fully customizable, so you can set it up to your liking.

Elsewhere, you’ll really like the OLED screen, which is easy to use and allows you to set up multiple, easily identifiable profiles you use for different games. The PBT keycaps are lovely too, but some users have reportedly had problems with the sleep mode deactivating itself on numerous occasions. But there’s little wrong with the Apex Pro TKL Wireless, so if you play competitively, don’t want a completely full-size keyboard, and have come into a bit of money, go ahead and purchase!

What’s so great about it? Well, to begin with, it is sturdily-built and looks awesome, with a large detachable wrist-rest, and that’s important. But more than that, the Huntsman v2 delivers the goods on a technical level, and much more besides.

Those switches provide crisp, tactile feedback and the Huntsman V2 boasts a true 8,000Hz polling rate. These elements combined mean you’ll suffer next-to-no lag, a gamer’s biggest enemy. The keyboard also provides updated and welcome sound-dampening technology.

The programmable media controls are a welcome feature, with Razer’s Synapse software pretty easy to use and modify. The Huntsman v2 is the fastest gaming keyboard that Razer offers, and should be snapped up by those looking to treat themselves and gain a competitive edge in online gaming.

But remember: they are just opinions! That there are many more gaming keyboards beyond those listed above that you still might want to consider. So, do your own research if you have time, and ask yourself: do I really need this? And more importantly, can I afford it right now?

There’s nothing quite like touching and getting a feel for a keyboard yourself, and making a discerning judgment of your own. Whereas information on specifications and pluses and negatives is great, ultimately it’s your money and your gaming experience. Good luck, and happy gaming!