Best Gaming Keyboards in 2025

Choosing the right gaming keyboard is less about finding the *best* gaming mouse or headset, and more about aligning with your personal preferences. Layout (tenkeyless or full-sized), mechanical switches, and extra features all boil down to individual taste. Even with personal preferences considered, several factors impact a keyboard's performance, making pre-purchase research crucial, especially given their cost. This guide highlights key aspects and my favorite keyboards to date.

Having extensively tested numerous keyboards, including recent releases, my recommendations stem from firsthand experience. I'll delve into each keyboard's switch performance in competitive gaming and everyday typing. Construction significantly impacts feel. While extras like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED panel are appealing, their reliance on software is a factor. Even keycaps influence performance. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision.

TL;DR: Top Gaming Keyboards:

Given the keyboard variety, I've categorized my recommendations. This allows highlighting diverse manufacturer offerings, beyond my personal favorite, the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Each keyboard excels in specific areas or caters to different needs and preferences. For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 is ideal as a compact 60% keyboard due to its low profile and lightweight design. The Logitech G515 TKL offers a low-profile option with onboard features. The Redragon K582 Surara provides excellent value. My reviews and this guide detail the nuances to aid your purchasing decision.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos

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1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3) - Best Overall Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex Pro, with its Hall Effect switches, OLED control panel, and robust build, is a near-ideal gaming keyboard. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB-C dongle), Bluetooth, or wired
• Switch Type: OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect (linear)
• Battery Life: Up to 45 hours
• Size / Layout: Full (wired-only) or TKL

Pros: Hall Effect switches are customizable and feel great; OLED control panel works well; sleek design with tasteful RGB. Cons: N/A

SteelSeries consistently impresses with its Apex line. The 2024 refresh includes full-sized and tenkeyless models (plus a wireless version). From the OmniPoint 3.0 switches to the OLED panel, it ticks all my boxes. The sleek design features bold keycap font and tasteful RGB. The Hall Effect switches are smooth, consistent, and satisfying, with customizable actuation points (0.1mm to 4.0mm). Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode enhance performance (though game compatibility varies). The OLED panel controls media, RGB, actuation points, macros, and displays information. Battery life is adequate at 45 hours. The Gen 3 SteelSeries Apex Pro is exceptional.

2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos

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2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro - Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

Razer's flagship keyboard is enhanced with great mechanical switches, macro keys, and a customizable Command Dial. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
• Switch Type: Razer Orange (tactile), Yellow (linear), Green (clicky)
• Battery Life: N/A
• Size / Layout: Full (with macro keys)

Pros: Razer's proprietary mechanical switches are fantastic; macro keys and extra buttons; Synapse software. Cons: A little bulky.

Razer's BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out due to its build quality, switches, and features. While lacking the OLED screen and Command Dial of its tenkeyless counterpart, the full-sized V4 Pro boasts a programmable dial and macro keys, plus media controls. Synapse software allows extensive customization. Razer's Orange, Green, and Yellow switches offer short actuation points for quick keystrokes. The 8000Hz polling rate (though less crucial than in mice) adds to its performance. Years of iteration have made it a top contender.

3. Redragon K582 Surara - Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

Budget keyboards have improved significantly, and the Redragon K582 Surara exemplifies this with great performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB wired
• Switch Type: Professional Red (linear)
• Battery Life: N/A
• Size / Layout: Full

Pros: Performs as well as standard mechanical keyboards; well-built. Cons: Gaudy design.

Despite using off-brand switches and a flashy aesthetic, the K582 Surara surprised me. The "Professional" Red switches perform like Cherry MX Reds, offering smooth linear actuation and consistent performance. The full-sized model is impressive, and Redragon's budget TKLs and mini models are also worth considering. At its typical sale price of around $36, it's an exceptional value.

4. Cherry MX LP 2.1 - Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

The Cherry MX LP 2.1 excels as a light and low-profile 60% keyboard, offering performance comparable to top models. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
• Switch Type: Cherry MX Low-Profile Silver (linear, short)
• Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
• Size / Layout: Compact 60%

Pros: Super lightweight; low-profile keycaps; MX Speed Silver switches. Cons: Cherry software isn't great; compact 60% layout may not suit everyone.

The Cherry MX LP 2.1's small footprint saves desk space. Its lightweight design and slim keycaps offer a solid feel. The Cherry MX Speed switches provide a short 1.5mm actuation point with a smooth linear feel. Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility.

5. Logitech G Pro X TKL - Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

Logitech's G Pro X TKL offers excellent mechanical switches and build quality, providing satisfying keystrokes. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
• Switch Type: Logitech Tactile, Clicky, or Linear (proprietary switches)
• Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
• Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros: Onboard features; Logitech switches; sleek design. Cons: N/A

The G Pro X TKL improves upon the G413 with a refined design, updated switches, and Lightspeed wireless tech. The brushed aluminum top and exposed keycap design enhance the RGB. It retains onboard controls (volume wheel, media controls, mode toggles) without being bulky. Logitech's linear switches provide consistent keystrokes.

6. Keychron K4 - Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

Keychron's K4 combines full-sized keyboard features into a 96% format, saving space without sacrificing functionality. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
• Switch Type: Gateron Red (linear)
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
• Size / Layout: Full (96%)

Pros: Affordable; wireless capabilities; Gateron switches; slim frame. Cons: Limited extra features and software customization.

The 96% layout offers a full-sized keyboard with a smaller footprint. The Gateron Red switches perform well, and the minimalist design is enhanced by its color schemes and Bluetooth connectivity.

7. Corsair K100 RGB - Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

Corsair's K100 RGB boasts macro keys, media controls, optical switches, and a brushed aluminum plate. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
• Switch Type: Cherry MX Speed or Corsair OPX Optical
• Battery Life: N/A
• Size / Layout: Full (with macro keys)

Pros: Onboard controls; optical switches; textured keycaps and buttons. Cons: Mediocre software.

The K100 RGB features a brushed aluminum plate, RGB lighting, macro keys, media controls, and programmable buttons. It offers a balance of flashiness and functionality. The OPX Optical switches offer a unique feel, while the Cherry MX Speed switches are also excellent. The 8000Hz polling rate is a premium feature.

8. Logitech G515 TKL - Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

The G515 TKL combines a slim profile with thin keycaps and great mechanical switches. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
• Switch Type: Logitech Tactile
• Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
• Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros: Slim frame; thin keycaps; mechanical switches; dense build. Cons: Top bar controls could be better.

The G515 TKL maintains a slim profile while offering a dense build and ultra-thin keycaps with a textured feel. Logitech's updated switches offer a short actuation point. While lacking the "thock" of some keyboards, it performs exceptionally well.

9. Pulsar Xboard QS - Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

Pulsar's Xboard QS impresses with its build quality, aesthetic, and mechanical switches. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB wired (simultaneous dual-device capable)
• Switch Type: Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 (linear)
• Battery Life: N/A
• Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros: Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches; dual connectivity; robust build; interesting aesthetic. Cons: Pricey for a wired board.

The Xboard QS features Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 linear switches with a light actuation force, providing easy and responsive keystrokes. Its multi-layered construction enhances keystroke feel. The white and black color scheme and programmable volume knob are appealing. While lacking first-party software, its physical customizability is a plus.

10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard

The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% stands out with its Command Dial, swappable parts, and build quality. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), HyperPolling (for 4000Hz polling), wired
• Switch Type: Razer Orange (tactile), swappable
• Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
• Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros: Build quality; customization; Command Dial; Synapse software. Cons: Expensive.

The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is designed for customization, allowing easy switch swapping. Its multi-layered construction, Command Dial, and robust features make it a top choice for enthusiasts.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Choosing the right mechanical switch (or optical/Hall Effect) is key. While Cherry switches once dominated, manufacturers now offer proprietary options, with Logitech, Razer, Gateron, and Kailh Box switches being highly competitive. Optical and Hall Effect switches utilize light and magnets, respectively.

The main switch types are linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches offer smooth keystrokes; tactile switches have a bump for feedback; clicky switches are louder with significant feedback. Optical and Hall Effect switches are usually linear, often with adjustable actuation points.

Actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force are also important. Actuation point is the distance at which input is registered (shorter is faster but risks accidental inputs). Travel distance is how far the key travels before bottoming out. Actuation force is the pressure needed to press a key (measured in grams).

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

Layout choice is personal. Full-sized keyboards have all 104 keys but take up the most space. 96% keyboards are more compact while retaining all keys. TKL keyboards omit the number pad, saving space and often adding features like Command Dials or OLED panels. Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest, but omit the center column and function keys.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless is more significant for mice and headsets due to movement. For keyboards, it's a nice-to-have. Wired keyboards are often cheaper and avoid battery life concerns. Modern wireless technology minimizes latency, with options like Logitech's Lightspeed and Razer's HyperSpeed offering high performance. Higher polling rates are also increasingly integrated into wireless dongles.

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