Best Gaming Keyboards in 2025

Choosing the perfect gaming keyboard is a deeply personal decision, influenced by a variety of factors such as layout, mechanical switches, and additional features. Whether you're looking for the best overall gaming keyboard or a budget-friendly option, understanding the nuances of each keyboard can help you make an informed choice. Here's a detailed look at some of the top gaming keyboards on the market, based on my extensive experience with a wide range of models.

Best Gaming Keyboards: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Overall: SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17From every angle, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is the ultimate gaming keyboard. With Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and robust construction, it's a top performer. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB-C dongle), Bluetooth, or wired
Switch Type: OmniPoint 3.0 Hall Effect (linear)
Battery Life: Up to 45 hours
Size / Layout: Full (wired-only) or TKL

Pros:

Hall Effect switches are customizable and feel great
OLED control panel works well
Sleek, no-nonsense design with tasteful RGB

Cons:

SteelSeries has consistently impressed me with its Apex lineup, and the third-generation Apex Pro is no exception. Available in full-sized and tenkeyless models, including a wireless version, this keyboard ticks all the boxes. The OmniPoint 3.0 switches offer a smooth and consistent feel, with a custom actuation point adjustable between 0.1mm to 4.0mm. This versatility is perfect for both competitive gaming and everyday typing. Features like Rapid Tap and Rapid Trigger can enhance performance, and the OLED panel allows for easy control of media, RGB lighting, and more.

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6Razer's flagship keyboard has been elevated with the V4 Pro, featuring superior mechanical switches, macro keys, and the innovative Command Dial. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
Switch Type: Razer Orange (tactile), Yellow (linear), Green (clicky)
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: Full (with macro keys)

Pros:

Razer’s proprietary mechanical switches are fantastic
Macro keys and extra buttons give you full control
Synapse software lets you access the latest tech

Cons:

A little on the bulky side in terms of size

Razer's BlackWidow series has always been a top contender, and the V4 Pro stands out with its build quality and additional features. While it lacks the OLED screen of its tenkeyless counterpart, it offers a programmable dial and a column of macro keys. Razer's mechanical switches, including the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows, provide quick, clean, and consistent keystrokes. The Synapse software enhances its versatility, making it ideal for productivity as well as gaming.

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard: Redragon K582 Surara

3Budget-friendly keyboards have come a long way, and the Redragon K582 Surara offers great performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: USB wired
Switch Type: Professional Red (linear)
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: Full

Pros:

Performs as great as any standard mechanical keyboard
Well-built and can withstand being mishandled

Cons:

Somewhat gaudy and off-putting design

Redragon may be known for budget options, but the K582 Surara impressed me with its performance and durability. Its "professional" Red switches are smooth and buttery, similar to Cherry MX Reds. This full-sized keyboard is an excellent choice for those looking for quality without breaking the bank.

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard: Cherry MX LP 2.1

3For a cute and compact 60% keyboard, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 stands out with its lightweight design and low-profile keys. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Cherry MX Low-Profile Silver (linear, short)
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Size / Layout: Compact 60%

Pros:

Super lightweight complements the compact size
Low-profile keycaps are a nice touch
MX Speed Silver switches feel right

Cons:

Cherry software isn’t great

Compact 60% keyboards sacrifice some functionality for a smaller footprint, but the Cherry MX LP 2.1 offers a delightful typing experience. Its lightweight design and low-profile keycaps, combined with the Cherry MX Speed switches, make it a joy to use. Bluetooth connectivity adds to its versatility, making it a great choice for those who value portability.

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard: Logitech G Pro X TKL

4Logitech's G Pro X TKL features everything you want in a tenkeyless keyboard, with fantastic mechanical switches and a sleek design. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Logitech Tactile, Clicky, or Linear (proprietary switches)
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros:

Extra on-board features rarely seen on TKL
Logitech switches are fantastic
Sleek and clean design

Cons:

The Logitech G Pro X TKL is a favorite for its updated mechanical switches and sleek design. The brushed aluminum top and exposed keycaps allow the RGB to shine through tastefully. It retains useful on-board controls without adding bulk, making it a versatile choice for gaming and productivity.

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard: Keychron K4

1Keychron's K4 packs all the features of a full-size keyboard into a compact 96% layout, perfect for those who want to save space without sacrificing functionality. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Gateron Red (linear)
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Size / Layout: Full (96%)

Pros:

Affordable especially with its wireless capabilities
Gateron switches perform admirably
Slim frame leaves a minimal footprint

Cons:

Short on extra features and software customization

The Keychron K4 is ideal for those who need a full-sized keyboard but want a smaller footprint. The Gateron Red switches offer smooth performance, and the minimalist design makes it a great choice for those who value functionality and space-saving.

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard: Corsair K100 RGB

2Corsair's K100 RGB goes above and beyond with macro keys, media controls, and optical switches on a beautiful brushed aluminum plate. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: USB wired (8000Hz polling rate)
Switch Type: Cherry MX Speed or Corsair OPX Optical
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: Full (with macro keys)

Pros:

Robust on-board controls
Solidly built board with optical switches
Uniquely textured feel on keycaps and buttons

Cons:

Mediocre software

The Corsair K100 RGB is a full-sized keyboard taken to the extreme. With a brushed aluminum plate and RGB strips, it's both functional and visually striking. The optical switches offer a unique feel, and the macro keys and media controls add to its versatility.

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard: Logitech G515 TKL

1The Logitech G515 TKL combines a slim profile with thin keycaps and excellent mechanical switches, making it a top choice for low-profile keyboards. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), Bluetooth, wired
Switch Type: Logitech Tactile
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros:

Slim frame with thin keycaps are nicely designed
Dense, solidly built board
Mechanical switches let it perform on par with normal sized counterparts

Cons:

Additional controls on the top bar could be better

The Logitech G515 TKL offers a sleek design and solid performance. Its low-profile keycaps and shorter actuation point make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a slim keyboard without sacrificing performance.

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard: Pulsar Xboard QS

1Pulsar's Xboard QS impresses with strong build quality, a pleasing aesthetic, and top-notch mechanical switches. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: USB wired (simultaneous dual-device capable)
Switch Type: Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 (linear)
Battery Life: N/A
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros:

The packaged Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches are incredible
Dual connectivity is novel, and useful in some setups
Built like a brick, and stylistically interesting

Cons:

It’s quite pricey all things considered, especially for a wired board

Pulsar's Xboard QS is a standout with its unique design and incredible Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. While it's on the pricier side, its build quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a wired keyboard.

Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% offers exceptional build quality and easy customization, thanks to its updated Command Dial and swappable parts. See it at Amazon.

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz (USB dongle), HyperPolling (for 4000Hz polling), wired
Switch Type: Razer Orange (tactile), swappable
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Size / Layout: TKL (75%)

Pros:

Great build quality while being easy to customize
Command Dial is very useful and simple to control
Latest tech in Synapse brings out the most in the keyboard

Cons:

Very expensive at $300, even within Razer’s lineup

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is designed for customization, allowing you to swap out switches easily. Its build quality and features, including the Command Dial, make it a top choice for those who want to tailor their keyboard to their preferences.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Choosing the right mechanical switch is crucial for your gaming experience. Here's a breakdown of the different types:

Linear: Smooth and clean keystrokes with no physical feedback at the actuation point.
Tactile: Offers a slight bump at the actuation point for better feedback during keystrokes.
Clicky: Provides a loud click sound and physical feedback, ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feel of typing.

Newer technologies like optical and Hall Effect switches offer adjustable actuation points and can provide even smoother and more responsive keystrokes.

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

Your choice of keyboard layout depends on your preferences and needs:

Full-sized: Offers all 104 keys and additional features like media controls, ideal for those who need the full functionality.
Tenkeyless (TKL): Removes the number pad, providing more desk space while retaining essential keys.
Compact (60%): Sacrifices some functionality for a smaller footprint, perfect for those who want a minimalist setup.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless connectivity is more crucial for gaming mice and headsets due to movement. For keyboards, wired models often offer the same features at a lower price. However, wireless technology has advanced, with options like Logitech's Lightspeed and Razer's HyperSpeed offering minimal latency and high performance.

Choosing the right gaming keyboard involves balancing performance, features, and personal preference. Whether you're looking for the best overall keyboard or a budget-friendly option, this guide should help you navigate the wide range of choices available.