Best Gaming Keyboards – Top 6

What are the best gaming keyboards? A review guide.

To a PC gamer, buying the perfect gaming keyboard is a crucial task. But, trying to find the ‘best’ gaming keyboard is like trying to find the ‘best’ supercar. There isn’t necessarily a ‘best’, but there’s no shortage of opinion on the subject.

Because the base standards are now mature, things like N-Key rollover, per key RGB lighting, 1000Hz polling-rates and general build quality are no longer considerations. All half-decent keyboards have them. Also, the following list of the best gaming keyboards excludes membrane keyboards because we aren’t talking about typing.

Gaming Keyboards – Considerations

Among the litany of considerations at play when choosing a gaming keyboard, a sizeable spoke has been thrown in the wheel by the advent of Optical, Optical Analog and Magnetic switches. But do these advances change things enough to dethrone the keyset conventions that have ruled the gaming world for the past two decades? 

I don’t think they do, at least not yet. And comparing gaming keyboards with these new switches to traditional mechanical boards for the purpose of a lineup like this is messy. It’s because a debate still rages on regarding the practical efficacy of the tech.

It’s an interesting debate, but I suspect that many professionals will even admit that the benefits are currently marginal in practical terms. So although the tech has exciting possibilities, it hasn’t replaced the best of a mature and well-engineered stable of standard mechanical gaming keyboards.

Main considerations

FPS – In gaming, the main considerations for choosing the best keyboards are most often influenced by what type of games you like to play. If you play First Person Shooters (FPS), you’ll invariably want linear switches.

RTS – If you play Real Time Strategy (RTS) or Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games, you’ll invariably want clicky or tactile switches. And if you play MMORPG’s you may well be more interested in macro key options than a particular switch type.

FPS vs. RTS – Why is there a difference between FPS and RTS here? Because of the subtle difference between speed characteristics. Both FPS and RTS gamers are obsessed with speed, but it’s where the speed is needed that counts. 

Tactile and clicky switches both give you feedback at the actuation point, which is typically halfway through the travel of the key (typically 2mm on a 4mm travel). This helps with achieving high APM (actions per minute) as it enhances the speed at which you’re comfortable with moving on to the next key.

This is important in RTS and MOBA games due to the primacy of APM. Some want to hear the actuation point being hit; some like to feel it, but most like both. They tend to opt for Cherry MX Blue style keys as they give the most tactile feedback and loudest sound.

FPS gamers require speed of depression above speed of movement. They tend to go for linear switches because there’s no interference in the travel. This sounds weird, but FPS games don’t require as many actions per minute. They require super fast actions as and when they need to occur. Basically, you don’t need to know you’ve pressed the key because things happen so fast in an FPS game that if you haven’t, you’re dead anyway.

FPS is all about fewer keys pressed much faster and harder. They need the keystroke registered almost instantly, and because they don’t necessarily need to move on to another key immediately, they can bottom it out. 

Cherry MX Black and Red keys are linear. The Red keys have a lighter actuation force, and the Black a heavier one, but they both have the same actuation point and travel as the Blues and Browns. The MX Speed switches increase the actuation height to 1.2mm to make it quicker, as do the low-profile Red switches. The low profile MX Speed switch takes it all the way up to 1mm.

Keeping all those things in mind, below is now my lineup of some of the most interesting gaming keyboards on the market, in no particular order of preference.

Best Gaming Keyboards 2025

Mountain Everest Max	Logitech G915 TKL	Steelseries Apex 7	Corsair K95
★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
approx. $199	from $170	from $180	approx. $220
View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure below.

Note: This list of best keyboards for gaming does not aim to be comprehensive. Need a different keyboard? See our lists of typing keyboards and tablet keyboards.

1. Mountain Everest Max

Okay, the name is slightly odd, but nobody really cares about the name, especially when it looks like a boss. This one does. Mountain is a relatively new company, but they make a seriously good gaming keyboard, the Mountain Everest Max (view on Amazon).

This thing is fully modular. Choose precisely what keyset you want from the lineup offered by the tried and tested Cherry MX standard (or Kailh equivalents). Mix and match these keysets as much as you like. This level of customization is potentially what will keep standard mechanical switches relevant in an ever evolving technical landscape.  

What do you get? You can choose between linear, clicky or tactile switches, and even mix it up. They’re ‘hot swappable’, so you don’t have to choose something and stick with it. You can remove and replace switches as you like. The travel and actuation distances will be those offered by the switches themselves. Simply choose what suits you. 

In addition to this, the base unit can be further customized because the number pad can come off, turning it into a more compact TKL board. It gets even more awesome as you can reattach the number pad on the other side.

You can also move the media control panel to the left or right, depending on your preference. The media dial is also a work of art that houses a digital display. This display is awesome, as are the digital display keys on the number pad, which can be mapped to more or less anything and customized to show what it is that they’ve been mapped to.  

They come standard with ABS keycaps, but you can opt for PBT. ABS plastic tends to get shiny with extensive use, whereas PBT retains its matte finish. It isn’t smooth like the ABS, which is probably why most manufacturers still use ABS as standard, but it’s arguably a better and more durable product.

The magnetic height adjusters are seriously cool too and well made. You can have this thing at the exact profile you want it, and you can also get a very well-made palm rest. 

What don’t you get? The software is a bit clunky, probably because it’s a fairly new company and they’re finding their feet from a software point of view. But this is something that is likely to improve rapidly over time.

It’s expensive at around $270 for a standard kit and can get even more expensive depending on the options list.

Rating: ★★★★★★ | Original Price: $270 (street price can be lower)
Info: View price on Amazon.

2. Logitech G915 TKL

To be perfectly honest, I’ve never really understood the need for wireless gaming keyboards. But nowadays, people do travel with high-end gaming laptops. And even though they tend to sport impressive keyboard setups, if you’re even remotely serious about gaming (or comfort) you’ll need to throw a keyboard in the bag. The question then is: does a wireless board really offer significant gains in mobility?

I’m not certain it does. But there are a lot of people out there who despise cables (even for systems that they don’t cart around). So it’s important to look at wireless gaming keyboards, and this is a good one. There’s a full-size version, but if you’re looking for mobility, it’s insane to opt for that. Those simply don’t fit properly in laptop bags. 

What do you get? With the G915 TKL (view on Amazon) you will get Logitech’s very capable low-profile GL switches in a choice of clicky, tactile or linear. Great! Their ‘Lightspeed’ wireless connectivity works – there’s no perceptible lag. It also has Bluetooth, but to cut out lag and ensure stability you’ll use the wireless option.

It’s built like a little tank, even though it has such a low profile. It also looks incredible with its brushed aluminum top plate, and the Logitech software works reasonably well. The low profile makes this a compelling option for typing too.

What don’t you get? A cord. Well, you get a charging cord, which is nice because it means you don’t have to run off and buy AAA’s every month, but it will still run out of battery after 40 hours of use. This is quite a lot for a wireless keyboard with big RGB lighting, so it isn’t to be sneered at.

However, most gamers live in fear of running out in the middle of a game, so there is that to consider. It’s true that you should be keeping your eye on things like the battery level (and you can with this board), but who actually does that?

You lose a bit of the macro-functionality because in the TKL version it’s moved over to a secondary setup on the function keys, but this is a reasonably small price to pay for the benefits of TKL when it comes to mobility, and the software allows you to configure it so that the macro keys replace the function keys by default, which makes sense.

This wireless keyboard is probably more expensive (original price) than it should be at $230. However, similar to the Razer V3 Mini, it is certainly among the best gaming keyboards for those traveling a lot.

Rating: ★★★★★☆ | Original Price: $230
Info: View offers for TKL on Amazon. View bundles for full-size G915.

3. Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini

The BlackWidow V3 Mini (view on Amazon) is the Razer equivalent to the previous entry on the list. Given that mobility is actually considered important to a growing number of gamers, it’s only fair that we don’t confine ourselves to looking at one option in this particular segment of the market.

I’ve chosen this one for exactly the same reason as I did the smaller Logitech above – if you want mobility, a full-size gaming keyboard is ridiculous. 

What do you get? It’s a 65% board, so it’s even smaller than the Logitech. There’s also a dedicated wireless dongle with the trademarked ‘HyperSpeed’ label, and it is fast. It also doesn’t lag. The keycaps have double-shot molding, which resists grease rather well and makes the product feel premium. It certainly is at roughly $199 (Razer Green switch), and $179 (Razer Yellow switch).

Both of these switch sets are very good. The Green acts like a clicky Cherry MX Blue with a heavy actuation force and mid-range actuation point; and the Yellow like a silent linear Cherry MX red with a very high actuation point (1.2mm) and light actuation force. 

What you get with this keyboard, regardless of the switch type, is the feel of a mechanical gaming keyboard that isn’t as pronounced on the very low-profile Logitech. It also has solid aluminum construction.  

What don’t you get? Battery life. Again, this is a valid consideration, and true to the form of some of Razer’s other wireless gaming keyboards. Their pretty lights come at the cost of battery life, which is almost half as much as the Logitech, at 25 hours.

The smaller size is a plus for mobility, but it means you lose out on the function keys. You don’t really have macro options with this thing. Also, it’s expensive for a wireless board.

Rating: ★★★★★☆ | Original price range: $129-$199
Info: View pricing on Amazon.

4. Redragon Kumara K552

I normally only look on the top shelf when it comes to gaming keyboards, because I’m a keyboard nerd, and I’ve always taken the view that you get what you pay for. 

But, this thing is truly astonishing. I keep blinking and looking at different sites in case there’s a mistake in the pricing. I can honestly say that I’ve never been as shocked in respect of value. I’m shaking my head as I write this because I don’t understand how you can sell what is basically a premium keyboard for gaming for $60, and sometimes lower. There’s a reason this thing has over 30,000 ratings on Amazon.

What do you get? Remember when I mentioned the premium-feeling double-shot molded keycaps on the $260 Razer above? Oh yes, you get those keycaps. Also, you want a choice of switch type? Got it. You can choose an Outemu Red, Brown, Blue, or even low-profile Red switch (with a 1.2mm actuation distance).

RGB backlighting? Of course! Not to mention 19 different lighting modes and the ability to save profiles without software. Metal backplate? Yes! Spill-resistant? For sure! Hot swappable switches? Indeed! Polling rate? 1000Hz… yes, seriously.

What don’t you get? The Outemu switch is a budget Chinese Cherry MX clone, and it is arguably one of the best keyboards among the budget clones. It isn’t as durable or precise as the expensive clones, or the real thing.

And, it has slightly more rattle and shake. But honestly, not so much that most would notice, (especially if you’re new to mechanical gaming keyboards) and the blue variation is a very popular choice because it’s considered the best of the bunch.

Dedicated sound/media controls. But it’s a TKL board, so we can forgive that. The cable doesn’t detach, but it’s well made, and the mobility you get from the TKL design still makes it a relatively mobile option.

The branding is a bit gaudy, but you know what? Why shouldn’t they pay homage to their ‘budget’ roots? With this keyboard, it’s almost like a badge of honor. Yes! I paid $60 for a mechanical gaming keyboard! And, Yes, it’s hardly distinguishable from your one which probably cost $200 more!

Software is pretty much non-existent, but the firmware is good, so unless you’re really into gaming keyboard software, it isn’t really an issue. I have a love/hate relationship with keyboard and mouse software at the best of times.

Honestly, you get so much more than you pay for with this thing that it’s a compelling option, even if you have the money for something far pricier. It is certainly among the best options you can get for a low budget.

Verdict: ★★★★★☆ | Manufacturer Price: $199 (street price can be lower)
Info: View price on Amazon.

5. Steelseries Apex 7

Jumping back firmly into the high-end kit, enter the Apex 7 (view on Amazon). Now, this isn’t currently their most premium keyboard for gaming, because that slot is taken by the incredible Apex Pro. However, I said I wouldn’t be looking at magnetic switches here.

So, we’re looking at the Apex 7, because it’s more or less identical to its magnetic big brother. And, it’s a seriously cool gaming keyboard. Yes, it’s $235, and yes, that makes it one of the big boys – so does it keep up? Yes, it does.

What do you get? The OLED screen on the top right-hand corner isn’t just a pretty face. iIt’s something I absolutely love. Why? Because, with it’s simple controls, you can do pretty much everything you would otherwise have to do through software.

This is cool if you don’t like stuffing around with software in general, but most specifically if you want to make adjustments whilst in the middle of a game. That said, the software is also good. In fact, it’s one of the best software peripheral packages you can get. 

The Steelseries XQ2 mechanical switches are every bit as refined as the Cherry MX range, and their characteristics are in line with the relevant standard. You get to choose between a Red, Brown, and Blue setup. It also comes with an awesome wrist rest, which looks and feels premium. In fact, the whole package looks superb.

What don’t you get? It’s been reported by some that the wrist rest attracts a lot of dust, and at the rather steep price point, a PBT keycap material option would have been nice. Also, the lettering on the keys is set to the left, which I find odd and a little irritating. The switches aren’t hot-swappable either, which is limiting.

But perhaps the most problematic thing is the fact that you have to live with the knowledge that there’s an almost identical gaming keyboard out there that sports the OmniPoint magnetic keys.

And, if you’re an FPS gamer that may bug you, even though the magnetic tech isn’t necessarily going to offer you any appreciable difference from a practical point of view. I’m not an FPS gamer and I don’t like linear switches very much. But even I would be tempted to spend the extra $25 to get the Apex Pro keyboard.

Rating: ★★★★★☆ | Original Price: $235
Info: View offers on Amazon for the Apex 7 and Pro keyboards.

6. Corsair K95 Platinum RGB XT

This (view on Amazon) is the necessary upgrade to the K95 Platinum, and whilst it’s $30 more expensive, at the $270 price mark, we aren’t exactly counting.

Corsair’s UK website seemed only to sell the Cherry MX Blue and MX Speed options, but I saw a video review of one with Cherry MX Brown switches, so they do exist, and this must be a geographical restriction. Nevertheless, I think that in this particular gaming keyboard, the Blue option will be the most popular. 

What do you get? Its aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame is beautiful and very solid. It also has a very good looking and comfortable wrist rest. The iQ software is also very good. In fact, if you’re into the whole bespoke lighting thing, Corsair has a fairly unique offering in that you can download themed lighting profiles on their website. 

Perhaps the most telling difference between the first iteration of the product and this one is the double-shot PBT keycaps. Frankly, I find it strange that very few manufacturers offer PBT keycaps in their premium keyboards.

Indeed, even Razer and Steelseries seem to miss a trick here. The textured spacebar and provision of textured FPS and MOBA keycaps in the kit you get with this keyboard are also brilliant.

This board will probably be used mostly by MMORPG, RTS, and MOBA gamers, and that’s why I think that the Blue Switch set will be the most popular.

That said, if you opt for the linear MX Speed switches, you’ll get the benefit of an extremely high actuation point, which some MOBA players like, and will suit most hardcore FPS gamers who are after crazy speed.

I am a die-hard WoW player, so I’m obsessed with the utility I get out of a set of macro keys running down the left-hand side. In fact, I use a relatively flawed keyboard for gaming, just because it has 5 of these keys. This thing has 6!

What don’t you get? It doesn’t have the mind-bending fast OPX Optical switches that you get on its big brother (the K100 RGB Optical – view here), but in reality, I don’t think that this is a genuine drawback, even for an FPS gamer, because it’s not as if the Cherry MX Speed keys are slow.

That said, the textured keycaps you get with it aren’t double-shot PBT, so they’ll wear quite a bit. Also, the switches aren’t hot-swappable like the Mountain Everest, which is slightly limiting.

Verdict: ★★★★★★ | Manufacturer Price: $270
Info: View pricing on Amazon.

Gaming Keyboards – Switches

In the previous paragraphs, we have reviewed some of the best keyboards for gaming available. Now, combined with the 6 focus points at the top, we briefly want to outline the functionality of key switches in order to choose a suitable one.

3 main switch types – There are silicone-dome switches, scissor switches, and mechanical switches. Silicone-dome switches are used in budget solutions and provide neither good gaming nor typing experience, while scissor switches are mostly found in laptops.

Mechanical switches are the most popular kind of switches (some popular switches are – Cherry MX Blue and Red) used in gaming keyboards, and understandably so, considering they do away with almost all the negatives of the other types of key switches.

Benefits – Mechanical switches are loaded with springs to detect key presses, hence, needing only a light but firm touch to register a keystroke. They offer low key-travel times, an ergonomic experience (for fingers, the wrist is a whole other ballgame) and low latency between key press and detection. However, they are costly to manufacture and thus, come attached with a costly price tag.

Choosing the Right Keyboard – 6 Tips

6 focus points (in no particular order) when considering a keyboard for gaming adventures:

• Mechanical key-switch type (depends on primary purpose – gaming, typing, or both)
• Exterior and overall design
• Backlight capabilities
• Extra/additional features such as macro keys, multimedia keys, etc.
• Connectivity – Wired for low-latency, wireless for convenience (slower response time)
• Key rollover – Number of keys that can be successfully detected simultaneously.

Suitable for typing? Although gaming keyboards do not perform badly when used for those tasks, there is a noticeable trade-off in gaming performance when accommodating typing and vice-versa. Thus, if both tasks are equally important to you, using a separate keyboard is recommended.

Gaming Keyboards 2025 – Conclusion

All of these gaming keyboards have features that stand out and make them interesting enough to consider. Given that the basics are all in place, and all well-executed, the choice comes down more to wants than needs.

If you want to go wireless, you can choose between a more mechanical feel or a lower profile for a better typing experience; if you want to go completely modular, whilst retaining a premium look and feel, the Mountain Everest Max is well worth it.

If you want mind-blowing value for money, the Redragon is in a league of its own; if you want the benefits of an incredibly stylish board with a unique OLED customization and media panel from one of the most respected gaming brands in the world, the Apex 7 is an incredible option.

For those who want a seriously high-end product with the best left-hand macro-key options on the market, the Corsair is simply irresistible.

Overall, buying gaming keyboards implies: investing in a product that assists your gaming prowess, not hindering it. Thus, every feature must be evaluated carefully to decide whether the product is the right fit for you.

Further resources: Guide to Switches | Intro Mechanical Switches | Keyboard Technology

Blog Reading: Best Typing Games | Learn to Type Fast Guide

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Words: Jonathan S.

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Typing Lounge may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. It does not add any extra costs. All reviews, opinions, descriptions and comparisons expressed here are our own.