Top Gaming Keyboards of 2025 Revealed

Choosing the right gaming keyboard is more about personal preference than selecting the best gaming mouse or headset. The layout, whether it's tenkeyless or full-sized, the type of mechanical switches, and additional features all play a significant role in your decision. Given their cost, it's essential to understand what each keyboard offers before investing. In this guide, I'll share my firsthand experience with a variety of keyboards, focusing on their performance in competitive gaming scenarios and overall typing feel.

I've tested numerous keyboards over the years, including the latest releases, ensuring that my recommendations are based on real-world use. Each keyboard's switches, their performance, and the feel of keystrokes vary, influenced by their construction. Features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel add value, but they often require software integration, which is another aspect to consider. Even keycaps can impact a keyboard's performance, highlighting the nuances that come into play with gaming keyboards.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Keyboards:

Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17See it at Amazon### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6See it at Amazon### Redragon K582 Surara

3See it at Amazon### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3See it at Amazon### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4See it at Amazon### Keychron K4

1See it at Amazon### Corsair K100 RGB

2See it at Amazon### Logitech G515 TKL

1See it at Amazon### Pulsar Xboard QS

1See it at Amazon### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2See it at AmazonWith the diverse range of keyboard styles available, I've categorized my recommendations to highlight different aspects and manufacturers. While I could rave about the SteelSeries Apex Pro, each keyboard on this list has unique strengths and may better suit your needs.

For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 excels as the best compact 60% keyboard due to its low-profile keys and lightweight design. If you're interested in a low-profile option, the Logitech G515 TKL offers a slim frame without sacrificing functionality. For budget-conscious gamers, the Redragon K582 Surara delivers impressive performance at a reasonable price. Let's delve into my top picks for the best gaming keyboards.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos

11 Images1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

Best Overall Gaming Keyboard

Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17The SteelSeries Apex Pro stands out as the ideal gaming keyboard, boasting Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and a robust construction. Its sleek, no-nonsense design is enhanced by tasteful RGB lighting and bold keycap fonts. The Hall Effect switches are highly customizable, offering a smooth, consistent feel and adjustable actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, making it versatile for both gaming and work. Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode enhance performance, though their utility varies by game. The OLED panel allows for easy control of media, RGB lighting, actuation points, macros, and profile swapping. With a battery life of up to 45 hours, it's a top choice for any serious gamer.

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Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos

25 Images2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6Razer's flagship BlackWidow V4 Pro is a standout with its excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and customizable Command Dial. It's customizable through the Synapse software, offering great versatility for productivity. Razer's proprietary switches, including tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows, are top performers with a slightly shorter actuation point. The keyboard's higher polling rate up to 8000Hz ensures peak performance, although the keyboard itself is somewhat bulky.

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3. Redragon K582 Surara

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

### Redragon K582 Surara

3The Redragon K582 Surara offers impressive performance and build quality at a budget-friendly price. Despite its flashy design, it performs as well as any standard mechanical keyboard. The "professional" Red switches provide smooth, buttery linear actuation, making it a cost-effective choice for gamers looking to save without sacrificing quality.

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4. Cherry MX LP 2.1

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3The Cherry MX LP 2.1 is an excellent compact 60% keyboard, combining a lightweight build with low-profile keycaps and Cherry MX Speed mechanical switches. Its compact size and Bluetooth capabilities make it versatile for various settings. Despite its size, it performs on par with larger keyboards, making it a great choice for those who value desk space and portability.

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5. Logitech G Pro X TKL

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4The Logitech G Pro X TKL offers everything you'd expect from a top-tier tenkeyless keyboard, with excellent mechanical switches and a sleek design. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycap design enhance its aesthetic appeal, while the on-board controls, including a volume wheel and media buttons, add to its functionality. Logitech's proprietary switches ensure satisfying and consistent keystrokes.

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6. Keychron K4

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

### Keychron K4

1The Keychron K4 packs the functionality of a full-sized keyboard into a 96% layout, saving space without compromising on features. Its Gateron Red switches perform well in both gaming and daily use, and its slim frame minimizes its footprint. While it may lack some extra features, its affordability and wireless capabilities make it a strong contender.

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Corsair K100 RGB Review

14 Images7. Corsair K100 RGB

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

### Corsair K100 RGB

2The Corsair K100 RGB stands out with its brushed aluminum plate, macro keys, media controls, and optical switches. Its RGB lighting and textured keycaps add a premium feel, while the optical switches offer a unique, satisfying input experience. Although the software could be better, the keyboard's robust features and 8000Hz polling rate make it a top choice for full-sized gaming keyboards.

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Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos

10 Images8. Logitech G515 TKL

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G515 TKL

1The Logitech G515 TKL is a standout low-profile keyboard, combining a slim profile with solid build quality and excellent mechanical switches. Its thin keycaps and updated switches with a 1.3mm actuation point make it a top performer. While the top bar could offer more controls, its design and performance make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking a low-profile option.

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Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos

15 Images9. Pulsar Xboard QS

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

### Pulsar Xboard QS

1The Pulsar Xboard QS is a remarkable first effort from Pulsar, featuring strong build quality, a unique aesthetic, and exceptional Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its dual connectivity and programmable volume knob add to its appeal, though its high price and lack of first-party software are drawbacks. For those willing to invest in a wired keyboard, it offers a unique and high-quality experience.

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Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Photos

13 Images10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% excels in customization, featuring an updated Command Dial and swappable parts. Its high-quality construction and Razer Orange switches make it a top choice for those seeking a highly customizable gaming keyboard. Despite its high cost, it offers the latest tech and robust features, making it a standout in Razer's lineup.

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Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Choosing the right mechanical switch is crucial for a gaming keyboard. While Cherry switches were once dominant, many manufacturers now offer proprietary switches that are just as competitive. There are three main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide smooth, clean keystrokes without physical feedback at the actuation point. Tactile switches offer a bump for better input feedback, while clicky switches provide both tactile and audible feedback, which can be beneficial for typing but may hinder faster keystrokes.

Actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force are also important. The actuation point is where the keyboard registers an input, typically at 2.0mm for standard switches, with competitive switches often shorter at around 1.5mm. Travel distance is the full range of a keystroke, and actuation force is the effort required to press a key, measured in grams or centinewtons.

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

The choice between TKL, compact, and full-sized keyboards depends on your needs and preferences. Full-sized keyboards offer all standard keys and extra features like media controls but take up more desk space. The 96% layout retains all necessary keys in a more compact form. TKL keyboards, which lack the number pad, are popular for saving space and often include additional features. Compact 60% keyboards are ideal for those who want to minimize their footprint but may require key combos for certain functions.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless connectivity is more crucial for mice and headsets due to their movement. For keyboards, while wireless options are common, wired versions are often more affordable and just as effective. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL, for example, offers a significant price difference between its wired and wireless models. Modern wireless tech, like Logitech's Lightspeed or Razer's HyperSpeed, ensures minimal input latency, making wireless keyboards a viable choice for gamers.