Best Gaming Keyboards for 2020
Whether you're playing a battle royale or doing a lot of typing, these are the best gaming keyboards for a combo of responsiveness, features and style.
Your keyboard is your biggest connection to your computer, since it's the part that you touch the most. That means getting a better one can make an even bigger difference in your life than upgrading your CPU. Whether you’re battling in a first-person shooter or just want a better typing experience for productivity, these are the best gaming keyboards because they offer the best combination of responsiveness, features, plus a healthy dosing of style.
A.) Clicky Tactile: Blue, Green, White B.) Quiet Tactile: Brown, Clear C.) Linear (quiet and go straight down): Red, Silver
1. Patriot Viper V765
2. Hexgears Venture
3. Logitech G915 Lightspeed
4. HyperX Alloy Origins
5. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
6. SteelSeries Apex Pro
7. Hexgears Impulse
8. HyperX Wrist Rest
The awesome switches alone make the Viper V765 worth buying, but it’s also a great looking peripheral. The full-size keyboard has an aluminum top-surface with tapered edges that make it look like a metallic space ship. The vibrant RGB keys offer dozens of different light combinations, along with the ability to create your own color patterns. The Viper Software is nothing to type home about, but you don’t even need to install it in order to use most of the lighting effects.
Best of all, this IP56 water and dust-resistant keyboard sells for under $100 (under £70) when most competitors cost a lot more. While we wish that it taller flip-out feet and a slightly-better app, the Viper V765 is our favorite gaming keyboard right now.
1. Patriot Viper V765
The awesome switches alone make the Viper V765 worth buying, but it’s also a great looking peripheral. The full-size keyboard has an aluminum top-surface with tapered edges that make it look like a metallic space ship. The vibrant RGB keys offer dozens of different light combinations, along with the ability to create your own color patterns. The Viper Software is nothing to type home about, but you don’t even need to install it in order to use most of the lighting effects.
Best of all, this IP56 water and dust-resistant keyboard sells for under $100 (under £70) when most competitors cost a lot more. While we wish that it taller flip-out feet and a slightly-better app, the Viper V765 is our favorite gaming keyboard right now.
But for wireless usage, the Venture comes with a handy feature. You can pair it with as many as four Bluetooth devices simultaneously (this isn’t an exclusive feature; we’ve seen similar abilities on Logitech peripherals). That means in a snap you can use the keyboard with your desktop PC, your phone, your work computer and then your laptop. Just press FN and the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 on the keyboard to toggle devices.
And if you do decide to switch to a wired connection for the utmost confidence in speed, the keyboard comes with a removable USB-C cable. The Hexgears Venture is only available at the Kono store here, but for a board worthy of enthusiasts it's worth the trip to the site.
The G915 Lightspeed uses low-profile switches that made us feel light on our fingers, which also stayed comfortable during long gaming sessions. That comes from a 1.5mm actuation distance (total travel distance is 2.7mm). Those who like deeper travel will be left wanting. But you also get five G-keys that are great for in-game mapping and streamers. At this price ($230 as of writing), we wish for more luxuries, like a wrist rest. But for reliable wireless connection and speedy, low-profile gaming, this Logitech is a winner.
But for over $100, you can find gaming keyboards with more luxuries, like media control buttons, a USB pass-through port (for easily plugging in another accessory, like your best gaming mouse) or more advanced software. But what the Alloy Origins does offer, it executes excellently. Additionally, HyperX has a tenkeyless (no numpad) version of this keyboard that's cheaper, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core for $90.
It’s the latest iteration of Corsair’s flagship K95, and this time Corsair’s upped the ante on luxuries, like double-shot keycaps and a padded leatherette wrist rest. Streamers even get support for Elgato Stream Deck software, which is usable with the keyboard’s six macro keys. That also means you can save over $100 on a separate Stream Deck. Corsair tops it off with familiar high-end mechanical keyboard choices, including a brushed aluminum build, volume wheel and per-key RGB lighting.
The board comes with Cherry MX Brown (tactile and quiet), Silver Speed (fast and quiet), but we tested the Blue (tactile and clicky) version. The switches were great for daily typing, but we’d prefer either the quieter or short-actuating switch choices for gaming. There are no linear options, like Cherry MX Red, here.
This keyboard also has the innovative ability to set the actuation point for individual keys and an OLED screen that you can personalize with a small image or GIF. Not only is the Apex Pro highly customizable, it makes doing so much easier thab something like a hot-swappable keyboard.
Those who like, clicky, tactile typing should consider something else, due to the linear feel of the keyboard’s switches. Although, you'll hear plenty of noise from banging on the aluminum frame. If you want a keyboard you can easily put your mark on (literally), look no further.
Hexgears made the bold choice of putting a Blue-style switch under the spacebar only, arguing that the largest key (which most people hit with their thumbs) should be a bit stiffer. At first, I thought that having a different switch under just one key was a weird choice, but I found the added resistance helpful. As a result, I enjoyed typing on the Impulse more than on the Viper V765, which has White switches under every key, including the spacebar.
Whether you're playing a battle royale or doing a lot of typing, these are the best gaming keyboards for a combo of responsiveness, features and style.
Your keyboard is your biggest connection to your computer, since it's the part that you touch the most. That means getting a better one can make an even bigger difference in your life than upgrading your CPU. Whether you’re battling in a first-person shooter or just want a better typing experience for productivity, these are the best gaming keyboards because they offer the best combination of responsiveness, features, plus a healthy dosing of style.
Quick Shopping Tips
When on the hunt for the best gaming keyboard, remember the following:- Mechanical or bust: Don’t even consider a non-mechanical keyboard. Only mechanical keyboard switches offer a truly worthy experience.
- RGB or not? You can save a little money by getting a keyboard with a single-color backlight, but you’ll miss out on a spectacular light show.
- Pick your switch: The best gaming keyboards use a number of different mechanical switch types that determine the feel and sound of each key press. There are even new ones coming this year, such as the Cherry Viola switch. The type of switch you choose depends on your personal preferences for typing and gaming.
A.) Clicky Tactile: Blue, Green, White B.) Quiet Tactile: Brown, Clear C.) Linear (quiet and go straight down): Red, Silver
- Full-size, tenkeyless or smaller? While some users want every possible key, others prefer a smaller keyboard that has no number pad or one that’s so narrow that it lacks arrow keys.
1. Patriot Viper V765
2. Hexgears Venture
3. Logitech G915 Lightspeed
4. HyperX Alloy Origins
5. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
6. SteelSeries Apex Pro
7. Hexgears Impulse
8. HyperX Wrist Rest
1. Patriot Viper V765
Best Gaming Keyboard
Switches: Kailh box White (clicky) | Backlight: RGB | Type: Full-size Keyboard | Size: 18.4 x 6.4 inches x 1.1 (46.6 x 20.3 x 4 cm) | Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
Fantastic white switches
Great price
Sleek aluminum design
Mediocre software
Feet are a little short
Hard palm rest
Patriot Memory is known more for its RAM and
storage than its peripherals, but the Viper V765 provides a key feel
that’s second to none in an attractive, very-affordable package, making
it the best gaming keyboard for most. It's the only mass-market keyboard
we’ve seen that uses Kailh Box White switches, which actuate faster
than regular Blue or Green switches thanks to their slightly reduced
travel of 3.6mm (versus 4mm on competitors). The keys are the most
responsive we’ve tested and even make a more-pleasant click sound than
you’ll find elsewhere.The awesome switches alone make the Viper V765 worth buying, but it’s also a great looking peripheral. The full-size keyboard has an aluminum top-surface with tapered edges that make it look like a metallic space ship. The vibrant RGB keys offer dozens of different light combinations, along with the ability to create your own color patterns. The Viper Software is nothing to type home about, but you don’t even need to install it in order to use most of the lighting effects.
Best of all, this IP56 water and dust-resistant keyboard sells for under $100 (under £70) when most competitors cost a lot more. While we wish that it taller flip-out feet and a slightly-better app, the Viper V765 is our favorite gaming keyboard right now.
Best Gaming Keyboard
Switches: Kailh box White (clicky) | Backlight: RGB | Type: Full-size Keyboard | Size: 18.4 x 6.4 inches x 1.1 (46.6 x 20.3 x 4 cm) | Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
Fantastic white switches
Great price
Sleek aluminum design
Mediocre software
Feet are a little short
Hard palm rest
Patriot Memory is known more for its RAM and
storage than its peripherals, but the Viper V765 provides a key feel
that’s second to none in an attractive, very-affordable package, making
it the best gaming keyboard for most. It's the only mass-market keyboard
we’ve seen that uses Kailh Box White switches, which actuate faster
than regular Blue or Green switches thanks to their slightly reduced
travel of 3.6mm (versus 4mm on competitors). The keys are the most
responsive we’ve tested and even make a more-pleasant click sound than
you’ll find elsewhere.The awesome switches alone make the Viper V765 worth buying, but it’s also a great looking peripheral. The full-size keyboard has an aluminum top-surface with tapered edges that make it look like a metallic space ship. The vibrant RGB keys offer dozens of different light combinations, along with the ability to create your own color patterns. The Viper Software is nothing to type home about, but you don’t even need to install it in order to use most of the lighting effects.
Best of all, this IP56 water and dust-resistant keyboard sells for under $100 (under £70) when most competitors cost a lot more. While we wish that it taller flip-out feet and a slightly-better app, the Viper V765 is our favorite gaming keyboard right now.
2. Hexgears Venture
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Switches: Low Profile Kailh Choc White | Backlight: RGB | Type: Full-size Keyboard | Size: 17 x 5.5 x 1 inches (432 x 140 x 25 mm) | Weight: 1.57 pounds (712g)
Comfortable, familiar 108-key layout
Kailh Choch white switches are pleasingly tactile
Removable cable and rechargeable batteries
Low-profile switches have minimal benefit in a full-size keyboard
No dedicated media keys or software for RGB controls
With
pleasingly tactile and clicky low-profile Kailh Choc white switches in
our review unit (brown and red will also be offered) the Venture is a
solid-feeling, pleasing clacker for gaming or typing and the best gaming
keyboard for going cable-free. But given the size (17 x 5.5 x 1
inches), we’d like to see dedicated media control keys. And with its
full-size layout that includes a numpad, the keyboard isn’t particularly
travel-friendly, despite being wireless. But for wireless usage, the Venture comes with a handy feature. You can pair it with as many as four Bluetooth devices simultaneously (this isn’t an exclusive feature; we’ve seen similar abilities on Logitech peripherals). That means in a snap you can use the keyboard with your desktop PC, your phone, your work computer and then your laptop. Just press FN and the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 on the keyboard to toggle devices.
And if you do decide to switch to a wired connection for the utmost confidence in speed, the keyboard comes with a removable USB-C cable. The Hexgears Venture is only available at the Kono store here, but for a board worthy of enthusiasts it's worth the trip to the site.
3. Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Switches: Low-profile GL | Backlight: Per-key RGB | Type: Full-size, Bluetooth | Size: 18.7 x 5.9 x 0.87 inches (475 x 150 x 22mm) | Weight: 2.26 pounds (1,025g)
Beautiful slim design
Easy to switch between Lightspeed and Bluetooth
Expensive
Keys show marks easily
No pass-through
No wrist rest
If
you can’t get your hands on the Hexgears Venture above, the Logitech
G915 Lightspeed is another one of the best gaming keyboards for going
cable-free. The keyboard offered great wireless performance during our
testing. You have the option to connect via Bluetooth or a USB Type-A
dongle powered by Logitech's Lightspeed
technology. For mainstream gaming, the keyboard seemed as responsive as
a wired one. Plus, we never suffered dropouts or issues pairing the
device via Bluetooth, and (with the RGB lighting off) it can last for 12
full workdays. The G915 Lightspeed uses low-profile switches that made us feel light on our fingers, which also stayed comfortable during long gaming sessions. That comes from a 1.5mm actuation distance (total travel distance is 2.7mm). Those who like deeper travel will be left wanting. But you also get five G-keys that are great for in-game mapping and streamers. At this price ($230 as of writing), we wish for more luxuries, like a wrist rest. But for reliable wireless connection and speedy, low-profile gaming, this Logitech is a winner.
4. HyperX Alloy Origins
Best Mainstream Gaming Keyboard
Switches: HyperX Red (linear) | Backlight: RGB | Type: Full-size Keyboard | Size: 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches (442.5 x 132.5 x 36.4mm) | Weight: 2.4 pounds (1,075g)
Attractive, compact design
Excellent RGB lighting
Three-level rear height adjustment
No dedicated media controls or macro keys
Shorter 1.8mm switch actuation (versus 2mm) feels like a gimmick
NGenuity software could be more intuitive
The
HyperX Alloy Origins’ compact and quality build make it the best gaming
keyboard for mainstream gamers who just want to get down to gaming.
It’s comfortable with a premium look and feel, from its keys to its
frame and vibrant RGB lighting. If you're familiar with linear switches,
you'll feel right at home with this keyboard's red switches. We've also
tested the clickier version with HyperX aqua switches, which is
available on Amazon and HyperX's store. But for over $100, you can find gaming keyboards with more luxuries, like media control buttons, a USB pass-through port (for easily plugging in another accessory, like your best gaming mouse) or more advanced software. But what the Alloy Origins does offer, it executes excellently. Additionally, HyperX has a tenkeyless (no numpad) version of this keyboard that's cheaper, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core for $90.
5. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
Best Gaming Keyboard Splurge
Switches: Cherry MX Blue (tested), Brown or Speed Silver | Backlight: Pre-key RGB | Type: Full-size keyboard | Size: 18.3 x 6.7 x 1.4 inches (465 x 171 x 36mm) | Weight: 2.88 pounds (1.31kg)
Comfortable classic design with dedicated media keys and metal volume roller
Double Shot keycaps and wrist rest feel more premium
Elgato Stream Deck support makes macro keys more versatile
Cumbersome cable
Plastic clips on removable wrist rest feel like they could break
Elgato Stream Deck support mean installing two pieces of software
If
you’re willing to spend on a premium mechanical gaming keyboard, the
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT won’t let you down. It’s one the best gaming
keyboards we’ve tested but is expensive ($180-$200 at the time of writing), partially thanks to features that some won’t find necessary. It’s the latest iteration of Corsair’s flagship K95, and this time Corsair’s upped the ante on luxuries, like double-shot keycaps and a padded leatherette wrist rest. Streamers even get support for Elgato Stream Deck software, which is usable with the keyboard’s six macro keys. That also means you can save over $100 on a separate Stream Deck. Corsair tops it off with familiar high-end mechanical keyboard choices, including a brushed aluminum build, volume wheel and per-key RGB lighting.
The board comes with Cherry MX Brown (tactile and quiet), Silver Speed (fast and quiet), but we tested the Blue (tactile and clicky) version. The switches were great for daily typing, but we’d prefer either the quieter or short-actuating switch choices for gaming. There are no linear options, like Cherry MX Red, here.
6. SteelSeries Apex Pro
Best RGB
Switches: OmniPoint adjustable mechanical switches and Gateron red | Backlight: Pre-key RGB | Type: Full-size keyboard | Size: 17.2 x 1.9 x 4.4 inches (436.7 x 40.3 x 139.2mm) | Weight: 2.14 pounds (1 kg)
Adjustable per-key actuation points for most keys
5 on-board profiles with RGB and actuation settings
Aluminum build
USB passthrough and some cable management
Questionable long-term typing experience
Expensive
The
SteelSeries Apex Pro is the best gaming keyboard for RGB, boasting some
of the most brilliant per-key RGB lighting we've ever seen. The colors
pop against the keyboard's dark gray frame and light up the rest of the
chassis. Raised keycaps heighten the experience even more. Plus,
software and on-the-fly controls make the possibilities feel endless. This keyboard also has the innovative ability to set the actuation point for individual keys and an OLED screen that you can personalize with a small image or GIF. Not only is the Apex Pro highly customizable, it makes doing so much easier thab something like a hot-swappable keyboard.
Those who like, clicky, tactile typing should consider something else, due to the linear feel of the keyboard’s switches. Although, you'll hear plenty of noise from banging on the aluminum frame. If you want a keyboard you can easily put your mark on (literally), look no further.
7. Hexgears Impulse
Best for Typing
Switches: Kailh Box White | Backlight: RGB | Type: Full-size Keyboard | Size: 17.25 x 6 x 1.6 inches (43.8 x 15.2 x 4 cm) | Weight: 2 pounds (918 g)
World-class typing experience
Lightweight and compact
Great price
IP65 water resistance
No software
Dull, limited RGB lighting
It’s far from a perfect gaming keyboard, but the Hexgears Impulse (available with Kailh Box White switches here)
is the best gaming keyboard if your priority is typing performance. In
fact, typing on this keyboard is the best I've ever experienced,
surpassing even my old-school IBM-style keyboard and others I’ve used
with Cherry MX Blue or Razer Green switches. And at a starting price of
just $79 for the more-attractive white/gray model, the Impulse won’t
break the bank.Hexgears made the bold choice of putting a Blue-style switch under the spacebar only, arguing that the largest key (which most people hit with their thumbs) should be a bit stiffer. At first, I thought that having a different switch under just one key was a weird choice, but I found the added resistance helpful. As a result, I enjoyed typing on the Impulse more than on the Viper V765, which has White switches under every key, including the spacebar.
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