Best gaming keyboards of the year: Logitech, Razer, Corsair and more
Here’s how a tech expert thinks you should shop for your next gaming keyboard — and some of his top recommendations.
Whitson Gordon
SteelSeries has done something really interesting with their Apex Pro keyboard: Instead of picking between a bunch of different switches, you can actually adjust the actuation distance of each key, allowing deeper key travel when you want it and fast keypresses when it matters in-game. Combine that with RGB backlighting and a dedicated volume wheel and you have yourself a serious gaming keyboard.
Gaming keyboards can get pricey but there are plenty of decent options on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Logitech's G413, for example, keeps the build quality of good mechanical keyboards while skipping the extra buttons and fancy features. If you want to go even cheaper, brands like Velocifire offer super-budget mechanical options for even the slimmest wallets, but Logitech offers some of the best balance between price and quality.
If you want something a bit more affordable without dipping into "budget" territory, the Razer BlackWidow Elite offers a premium feel with three switch types and a few extra media keys at a price point that's easier to swallow. If the Elite doesn't quite fit your needs, Razer has a ton of other keyboard variations, including a tenkeyless model with no number pad, a wireless model and even an opto-mechanical model.
Most gaming keyboards are full-size decks with number pads on the right, which a lot of people can't live without. But if you can, a tenkeyless model like the Cooler Master MK730 offers better ergonomics, since you have more room to move your mouse, which is important when frantically scanning the horizon for enemies. You can also customize its lighting and shortcuts without software, which is certainly nice if you don't want yet another program running in the background.
The line between a typical keyboard and "gaming" keyboard can be blurry, but in general, here are some things worth looking out for.
While most keyboards share the same general layout, gaming keyboards may have extra macro keys to act as shortcuts to your spells and weapons, or dedicated media keys to play and pause music. Some will have number pads while others leave more space for your mouse hand, and others will even have volume wheels for quick access to your in-game sound.
Most keyboards use a rubber membrane under the keys, but gaming enthusiasts tend to prefer mechanical keyboards that use physical switches. These feel better, last longer and allow for more precise control, with a number of different switch types, like blue "clicky" switches with tactile feedback or red "linear" switches with smoother travel. Some even have optical switches, which use lasers instead of physical contacts for faster keypresses and better longevity.
While wired keyboards have long been popular for those looking to minimize latency, wireless has come a long way, offering comparable performance without the clutter. You do, however, have to charge wireless keyboards occasionally, and it does jack up the price.
If you're the type of person that likes to game in the dark for a more immersive experience, a backlit keyboard is a must. Some offer basic backlighting, while others have per-key RGB lighting that lets you customize the color and add fancy effects (like a rainbow wave or brightness that "breathes" in and out).
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