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I tested the best gaming keyboards, and there was a clear winner

Once you hear that *clicky-clack*, you'll never want to go back.
I tested the best gaming keyboards, and there was a clear winner Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

Best overall
Pros & Cons
The Good
Extremely customizable Top-tier tactile and auditory feedback High-quality construction Super comfortable magnetic wrist rest Near-instant response times Command dial, dedicated macro and media keys Razer Synapse software is great
The Bad
Layout may be difficult for some to get used to Wish the keycaps were PBT rather than ABS
The Bottomline
Best keyboard for esports
Pros & Cons
The Good
TKL size is *just right* Unparalleled performance Premium build quality Key customization that's perfect for esports players Razer Synapse software is still great Love the multi-function dial That brushed aluminum backplate...
The Bad
Magnetic wrist rest is a nice addition, but it's too firm Not as many opportunities for physical customization
The Bottomline
Best 60% keyboard
Pros & Cons
The Good
Wireless dongle and Bluetooth connectivity are surprisingly responsive Nice compact layout that you can travel with RGB backlighting looks very good OmniPoint 2.0 switches feel great and have speedy actuation times Rapid Trigger support
The Bad
There's a learning curve if you're used to larger keyboards SteelSeries GG app isn't as intuitive as other customization software
The Bottomline
Best wireless keyboard
Pros & Cons
The Good
Compact without sacrificing useful keys Stunning RGB lighting Very long battery life Solid wireless performance Hot-swappable switches
The Bad
Would benefit from having a wrist rest Alienware companion software is a little janky
The Bottomline

So, you've built yourself a fancy gaming PC. You sifted through all the specs, stressed over snagging your dream graphics card, and painstakingly obsessed over what kind of cooling system you'll use. Congrats! You did it.

OK, now that we've celebrated your triumphs, it's time to get real. In truth, you're really only getting started, because now you have to worry about all of your peripherals: Monitors, mice, gaming headsets, and more. Even if you already have all those things, until you've got yourself an elite gaming keyboard, your setup just ain't all that. Sorry, I don't make the rules!

Luckily, you've got yourself a lifelong gaming hobbyist here to help you pick one out. Trust me, it can get super complicated without some guidance (compared to building a gaming rig, this will be a cinch, champ). Over the past month, I went hands-on with the best gaming keyboards so that you could spend less time researching and more time gaming.

We'll get into my top picks below, but let's go over a few things first.

What are the most important specs?

At a glance, the specs you'll want to pay most attention to while shopping for a gaming keyboard are:

  • Size/layout
  • Switches
  • Backlight/RGB lighting
  • Connectivity
  • Customization

Scroll to our "How we tested" section for more detail on our testing process in each of these categories.

What size gaming keyboard is best?

The size (or layout) of the gaming keyboard you choose comes down to your preference. For me, Tenkeyless (or TKL) is best, because without arrow keys, I just don't know what to do with myself. Every time I need to move my cursor while typing, I just kind of freeze. Super normal stuff. That might not be you, though. Maybe you're able to adapt all the way down to 60% — arrow keys and number pads be damned!

Here are the main types of gaming keyboards you can expect to see while shopping:

  • Full-size: As big as it gets. A full-size keyboard will have somewhere between 104 and 108 keys, including arrow keys, a number pad, and maybe even some dedicated macro keys. I personally don't think this size keyboard is necessary unless you often find yourself crunching numbers in Excel sheets.
  • 96%: Ditches some of the extra macro and navigation keys but maintains the number pad.
  • Tenkeyless, or TKL: Gets rid of the 10-key number pad (thus, ten-key-less) but keeps the arrow, function, and navigation keys. This is my personal favorite.
  • 75%: Similar to a TKL but sacrifices a few of the navigation keys.
  • 70%: This is the same layout as the 75%, but it doesn't have any function keys.
  • 65%: You'll find various configurations for these compact keyboards — some have arrow keys, function keys, or a mixture of both.
  • 60%: As compact as it gets. Also referred to as "mini" keyboards, a 60% layout chops off any extra keys. They can be super portable and great for remote gaming.

What gaming keyboard should I get in 2024?

Time for the picks! Let's take a look and get you the gaming keyboard of your dreams.

The good
Extremely customizable Top-tier tactile and auditory feedback High-quality construction Super comfortable magnetic wrist rest Near-instant response times Command dial, dedicated macro and media keys Razer Synapse software is great
The Bad
Layout may be difficult for some to get used to Wish the keycaps were PBT rather than ABS
The Bottomline
Specs
  • Backlight: RGB Per-Key
  • Connectivity: USB-C
  • Layout: Full-size (also comes in TKL, 65%)
  • Switches: Mechanical

Who it's for:

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is the best gaming keyboard for literally anyone. Whether you're using it mainly for gaming or just need a dedicated daily driver, this board is the top of the line.

Why we picked this:

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is far and away the best keyboard I tested for this guide. It's so great that I could see someone buying it and never using it for gaming — it's just a fantastic daily-use keyboard that looks, feels, and performs better than pretty much any other keyboard I've used. In fact, I'm using the BlackWidow V4 Pro to write this.

According to Razer, the BlackWidow V4 Pro is an "immersive keyboard" that can be used in any situation, whether you're playing games or sending emails. The typing experience is top-tier — the clicky mechanical switches have amazing tactile feedback, and response times are instantaneous. The audible click is also just very satisfying, but I could see it annoying others who are sensitive to noise. The build quality of the keyboard is also a highlight, especially the buttery smooth double-shot ABS keycaps (although I normally prefer PBT for their longevity, it's not a dealbreaker here). Also, the included magnetic leatherette wrist rest is simply divine. Unfortunately, the switches on this board are not hot-swappable.

I did have to adjust to the full-size layout of the keyboard. I'm used to TKL keyboards, so this was a big step up. If you're not already accustomed to full-sized boards, expect a bit of a learning curve and some awkwardness at the start. But, after I got over that, I was extremely thankful to have every key and dial I needed (especially that number pad).

The real star of the show here is customization. Razer really threw everything but the kitchen sink at this keyboard, because I have yet to find anything I can't customize. Using Razer's comprehensive Synapse software, I was able to play around with the board's per-key RGB lighting, assign macros, and experiment with a ton of other functions. I especially love the keyboard's command dial, which you can remap to zoom in and out, change spell slots while playing RPGs, or control the volume. The board also supports up to fiv

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro

Best keyboard for esports

The good
TKL size is *just right* Unparalleled performance Premium build quality Key customization that's perfect for esports players Razer Synapse software is still great Love the multi-function dial That brushed aluminum backplate...
The Bad
Magnetic wrist rest is a nice addition, but it's too firm Not as many opportunities for physical customization
The Bottomline
Specs
  • Backlight: RGB Per-Key
  • Connectivity: USB-C
  • Layout: TKL (also comes in full-size, 60%)
  • Switches: Optical

Who it's for:

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is made for serious gamers, though anyone can use it thanks to its comprehensive software customization and genuinely perfect (in my opinion) key layout. Where the board shines most, though, is in its gaming-specific actuation adjustment options like Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap.

Why we picked this:

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is a keyboard that is decidedly not made for people like me, although I still absolutely love it. You see, I am very, very bad at competitive games (especially on PC). This keyboard was made for my exact opposite: Super serious, pro-level esports players.

This keyboard's main focus is performance and actuation customization within each key. The response times are lightning fast, and you can enhance your game by enabling the Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap modes. The former brings keys back to their un-pressed state more quickly, which is a huge help in PVP shooters where you have to deal with hitboxes. The latter ensures that two keys are never actuated at the same time, which means you can start another key input before letting go of the other (perfect for strafing back and forth in competitive multiplayer). While these settings would normally be outside my wheelhouse, they'd be game-changers for high-level players.

Besides that S-tier performance, the Huntsman V3 Pro has plenty more going for it, one of them being overall build quality. This is one area where the Huntsman actually beats the BlackWidow — the board comes stocked with more durable double-shot PBT keycaps, as well as a brushed aluminum backplate that really ties the whole thing together and makes it feel "premium." Also, I'm a bit biased here, but I think the layout of the Huntsman V3 Pro is simply perfect. No notes. (I'm a TKL keyboard die-hard.) The tactile and auditory feedback are also great — not too loud, nice and springy.

As with other Razer keyboards, customization via Razer Synapse is a big part of the package. Like with the BlackWidow V4 Pro, you'll be able to remap your keys and fine-tune RGB backlighting. The keyboard also includes a multi-function digital dial, as well as two dedicated control buttons. I mainly use the dial for volume adjustments, but you can also use it to adjust key actuation points and the Rapid Trigger setting. The control buttons are a nice bonus, too — the media button makes playing, pausing, and switching tracks a breeze, and having an extra macro button is always welcome. While the software customization is brilliant, physical customization leaves a bit to be desired due to the lack of hot-swappable switches.

In regards to comfort, I was slightly let down by the Huntsman. The feeling of the keys is great and never had me feeling sore after extended use, but the included magnetic wrist rest just isn't up to snuff. Where the Bl

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini

Best 60% keyboard

The good
Wireless dongle and Bluetooth connectivity are surprisingly responsive Nice compact layout that you can travel with RGB backlighting looks very good OmniPoint 2.0 switches feel great and have speedy actuation times Rapid Trigger support
The Bad
There's a learning curve if you're used to larger keyboards SteelSeries GG app isn't as intuitive as other customization software
The Bottomline
Specs
  • Backlight: Per-Key RGB
  • Connectivity: USB-C or wireless
  • Layout: 60% (also comes in TKL)
  • Switches: SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0

Who it's for:

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini may be small, but it sure is mighty. Those who enjoy 60% or 65% keyboards will take to the board's compact and efficient layout quickly, and they'll definitely want to stick around for its impressive wireless performance and pleasantly responsive switches.

Even if you have a full-size keyboard, a mini keyboard like this could still be useful for portable gaming and remote work.

Why we picked this:

Even the best 60% keyboards have a learning curve if you're not used to them. They strip away many of the keys you probably take for granted (like arrow keys), and force you to adapt to using unique key combinations. I personally like boards that are at least TKL, but I would absolutely go for the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini if I were to make a move down in size.

The compact layout and overall lightness of the board (without sacrificing quality) is a remarkable feat. It'll fit effortlessly on any desk and can definitely travel. The keys themselves look, feel, and sound wonderful. I was happy with the inclusion of double-shot PBT keycaps, and the vivid RGB backlighting stands toe to toe with the industry's best.

Perhaps the two biggest highlights of the keyboard are wireless performance and input response times. Most gaming keyboard users will tell you that you should always use them while wired in, but I think the Apex Pro Mini makes a case for the other side. The wireless performance is just incredibly good. The keyboard comes with a USB-C dongle, and I've never experienced such low latency while unplugged. While I would still recommend wiring in for PVP games for that little bit of extra speed, you can get away with going wireless mode in just about any other situation.

The Apex Pro Mini is also a star when it comes to actuation response times thanks to SteelSeries' OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow for adjustable actuation. The board also supports a Rapid Trigger mode (like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro), which makes it an even better 60% option if you like to play games competitively. Those switches aren't hot-swappable, and in most cases, I would count that against a keyboard, but I actually think that switching out the Apex Pro Mini's patented switches would do you a disservice. SteelSeries' GG app isn't as intuitive as other customization software I've used, and it's even a little buggy, but when you get it to work, you'll be able to remap to your heart's content.

Not everyone is built for the 60% keyboard life, but if you're going to give it a whirl, I'd start with a SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.

The good
Compact without sacrificing useful keys Stunning RGB lighting Very long battery life Solid wireless performance Hot-swappable switches
The Bad
Would benefit from having a wrist rest Alienware companion software is a little janky
The Bottomline
Specs
  • Backlight: RGB Per-Key
  • Connectivity: USB-C and wireless
  • Layout: 75%
  • Switches: Alienware Linear Mechanical

Who it's for:

For those who enjoy the TKL experience but are light on desk space, going with a 75% keyboard may be the answer. The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is a shining example of what one of these boards can be, providing similar utility to a TKL without getting rid of helpful keys (like arrow keys), good wireless performance, an impressive battery life, and opportunities for physical customization.

Why we picked this:

The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is the first 75% keyboard I've ever tried out, and I could definitely see myself getting used to this layout. I think it gives you a very similar experience to a TKL keyboard, but cuts out any negative space to save some room on your desk. You'd think that would mean that you have to give up a bunch of your favorite keys, but worry not, because the arrow keys are still here.

The build quality is really good, working in some premium materials like double-shot PBT keycaps and a metal top plate while still being relatively lightweight. The caps even have a Polyoxymethylene coating on them, which cuts down on noise from the textured keys rubbing together. The stock linear switches are on the quiet side, but they still give great tactile feedback. It makes for a very pleasant typing experience that won't annoy your neighbors, and you can always change the switches out for different ones thanks to the board's hot-swappable nature.

Aside from physical customization, the keyboard also allows for RGB and key assignment tweaks within the Alienware Command Center software. I found the software to be pretty janky, to be honest, but it worked well enough to let me play around with some adjustments. The RGB backlighting looks amazing on the Pro Wireless — the rich colors looked pretty dang cool with the white finish on my test unit.

Another great aspect of this board is its wireless performance, which I found to be nearly as responsive as the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (it was just a hair slower). Even with that barely noticeable trade-off, I named the Pro Wireless the best wireless keyboard in this roundup because combined with the 75% layout, I think it's a better bang for your buck. It comes with a USB-C wireless dongle that you can actually store within the board itself, so if you're prone to losing small objects, you're in luck. While it's not the fastest wireless keyboard I've ever used, it certainly has the best battery life at 70+ hours per charge. While plugged in, actuation response times were better and on par with every other keyboard on this list.

I may not be a full-on 75% keyboard convert just yet, but the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard made me a lot more open to the idea. If you're looking for a compact, TKL-ish keyboard with zero fuss, this one's a winner.

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