Best Wireless
- Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Best Overall
- Razer Huntsman Elite
Best Budget
- G Skill KM360
Picking the right keyboard is a bit like picking shoes – while there are several top choices, they won’t fit the same for everyone, and what’s great for one person may not work for another. That’s why there are so many options.
In fact, there are enough options to get REALLY confusing – so we went and selected some of the best gaming keyboards you can get in 2021.
Key Features
- Extremely fast and high-spec
- Media control keys
- Edge lighting, customisable RGB
Specifications
- Opto-mechanical keys, either clicky or linear
- Individual RGB lights per key
- Detachable magnetic wrist rest
The Huntsman Elite is something like the Rolls Royce of gaming keyboards. The Razer keyboard is extremely fast, in no small part due to its optomechanical switches. Unlike mechanical keyboards, it uses a light beam to measure key presses, which means that transmission is as close to instantaneous as we can currently achieve.
Add to that the top Razer quality, customisable keys and RGB lighting as well as the handrest, and you’ve got a top of the line keyboard. As an additional extra, the Huntsman Elite also has dedicated media control keys, and is available in two versions – linear, a quiet and soft type of key, and clicky, a more stereotypically mechanical experience.
- Top quality
- Lots of great features
- Beautifully crafted keyboard
- Somewhat expensive
- Extremely low activation force can take getting used to
Key Features
- ABS dual injection keycaps
- Aluminum top plate
Specifications
- Tenkeyless
- White backlighting
- Detachable USB cable
The KM360 is a great choice for budget buys as far as gaming keyboards go. It has no frills but offers top performance with very few trade-offs. It also goes for the somewhat unusual aesthetic of being plain white, with white Leds – no RGB here.
That’s part of why the keyboard is so affordable – and it’s not like the extremely bright white backlight is a downside. If you are looking for a Cherry Mx keyboard for a smaller budget, this is one of the best options out there.
- Solid quality for a low price
- Bright Led lighting
- Cherry Mx switches
- No RGB
- No frills – no passthrough, media controls, etc.
Key Features
- Membrane keyboard
- Full Chroma RGB
- Affordable
Specifications
- Full membrane switch
- Per-key-RGB
While gaming keyboards usually refer to mechanical keyboards (or at least mecha-membrane ones), that doesn’t have to be the case. Some people don’t like the tactile sensation of mechanical keys, or don’t like the noise – and for those, the Cynosa Chroma is one of the best options available.
Not only does it bring the usual Razer quality and Chroma RGB control options, but it is also extremely affordable. Frequently available for around $40-$45, any aspiring gamer on a budget would do well with this – provided the non-mechanical switches aren’t a dealbreaker.
- Extremely affordable
- Top performance membrane keyboard
- Fantastic RGB customisation options and per key Leds
- Not a mechanical keyboard
- Non-replaceable keycaps
- No tactile feedback
Key Features
- Wireless
- TKL/Full size models
- Linear, tactile or clicky switches
Specifications
- Dedicated media controls and full RGB
- Low-latency wireless connection
- Great battery life
For most gamers, wired gaming keyboards still win over wireless ones. That said, there are exceptions – and this is one of them. The G915 is about as good as wireless gaming keyboards get, with fast response times, good battery life and plenty of style to boot.
Like most Logitech keyboards, it’s compatible with the Logitech G software, meaning you can have game-specific keyboard profiles, RGB setups and so on. This keyboard also has a dedicated volume scroll wheel that’s a bit of an eye catcher – a nice to have.
- Conveniently wireless
- Good battery life
- Macro keys
- Not as fast as a wired keyboard
- Battery needs charging/replacing regularly for heavy users
- Pricy
Key Features
- Split sections for maximum ergonomics and comfort
- Highly customisable
- Multiple user profiles
Specifications
- Upgraded version of the original Freestyle Edge
- 10 macro keys, nine user profiles
- Fully programmable, compatible with Kinesis Smartest
While this keyboard may seem like an unusual choice at a glance, its split sections have a lot of potential. Not only are they more ergonomically well-designed than standard keyboards, but they are also uniquely compatible with certain gaming setups. You can easily set a flight stick in between for simulator flights, for example.
Additionally, this keyboard is an ideal choice for movement-limited gamers that need a more variable setup. There are ergonomic wrist rests and a lift kit available separately, for even more comfort options. Between that and the fully programmable keys, this keyboard is everything an ergonomics fanatic could want.
- Extremely versatile
- Good programming options and quick customisation
- Great RGB lighting
- Learning curve for users not used to the split keyboard
- Extras like the lift kit have to be bought separately
Ultimately selecting the right gaming keyboard is still up to the person. We recommend trying out a few options at a shop or your friends’ before committing to one model – you’ll want to find one you are happy with after all. What’s your preferred gaming keyboard? Is it on this list or something else entirely? Let us know.
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