Best Gaming Keyboards

Peripherals that cost ~200 bucks can be hard to justify sometimes since what they do is not that different from budget counterparts that cost almost 10 times less. But, with the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT, we can see where the price is coming from.

First, we're talking about all the style points. Gaming is as much about aesthetics as it is about performance and this stunning device is more visually expressive than anything we've seen from the company before. The 19-zone LightEdge setup across the entire keyboard adds vibrant and dynamic lighting effects with basically limitless customization. The device demands ample desk real estate but that's what happens when you create enough separation between the buttons to eliminate misclicking and make the keyboard's face less cluttered.

The black keys have this edge to them, the wrist rest will alleviate the tension from the palms, and the gray aluminum top panel will be restraining the RGB lights coming from the switches underneath yet, at the same time, creating this stark contrast that makes the lights even more vibrant. From where we're standing, the result looks bold and even somewhat imposing but without going overboard and approaching gaudy gamer glam.

Aside from the standard 104 keys, the model's fitted with six programmable macro keys. These keys are fully mappable, so you can have them employ and apply any function. The keys work wonders with Elgato Stream Deck, the model's most defining feature.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is what premium gaming keyboards look like, with all the bells and whistles to separate you from chumps with bland, boring, middling peripherals. That said, before that, the device is more than performant.

Equipped with the company's trademark OmniPoint switches, this keyboard allows you to adjust the keys so that they're able to register at any point between 0.4 and 3.6mm, letting you find that perfect actuation that's tailored towards different games and typing styles. As you'd imagine, with 0.4mm actuation, the response time is so low that the command will be registered almost before you've even pressed the key.

Even then, this is nothing compared to the fact that you can adjust separate keys. Give WASD and in-game ability keys that require the fastest split-second decision-making to edge out the competition the lowest actuation when that is what's necessary and increase the actuation when you need to add precision. With keys only registering when you've pressed the button with enough force and confidence, you'll be able to minimize typos and ensure that you're not using the wrong button with, say, long-cooldown spells. What's also huge here is that you can change the actuation within seconds through SteelSeries Engine, whereas even the most expensive gaming keyboards before would have you fiddling with screws and knobs.

Again, the idea is huge and the execution considering the novelty factor is brilliant but the downside is that the keys present limited resistance, making them feel soft and somewhat imprecise.

That perfect middle ground between adding redundant extra keys and unnecessary bells and whistles and making the keyboard too bland and basic can be hard to find sometimes. To that end, adding Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition to this list was the easiest decision to make.

As you can probably tell from the images, this is not the biggest, most bloated, oversized keyboard. The numpad's been removed and we're more than fine with that since nobody uses that section when gaming anyway. Removing the 'pad, the engineers at Razer have been able to squeeze this device into 5.5 x 14.3 x 1.4 inches, so you can easily put this thing inside most backpacks and bring with you to the next Lan. Aside from that, the model's compact form factor with the tenkeyless design allows you to position the keyboard nice and comfortable even when you're working with limited desk space.

You do not have a wrist rest here, so the toll from prolonged gaming sessions is something that you'll probably experience but, with the device's low-profile, measuring only 1.4 inches height-wise, the strain on the wrist won't be that bad. Now that we've approached the model's construction, the biggest selling point pertaining to this department is the oil-resistant double-shot PBT keycaps. Made from textured, premium PBT, the keys will prove durable down the road and the textured finish will minimize grime buildup and make them pleasant to the touch. Aside from that, the matte aluminum housing will be able to survive drops and give the device this sleek appearance to separate the product from budget plastic keyboards.

The Corsair K57 minimizes flashy cosmetics, making the device less gaudy, showy, and less bloated but also without even approaching the dull, uninspired territory where cheap keyboards reside. The keyboard is equipped with everything that high-end models are adopting these days and the price does not even come close to these models, primarily because this device comes fitted with membrane keys. Gaming keyboards and mechanical keys these days are practically synonymous and we all know the advantages but, using this keyboard, you can play without disturbing people living with you, which is pretty huge and important too. Plus, as the title above suggests, the device's wireless, and its wireless features are pretty much flawless.

But, even to that end, the keyboard measures 12.1 x 9.4 x 8.8 inches, so this is not something that you'll feel comfortable traveling with. The size makes sense considering the full-layout 110-key setup, making the model's body both wide and front-to-back broad but also giving you access to every tool, key, and button you might need with different games and programs.

Aside from the numpad and multimedia keys, the keyboard's crammed with six programmable keys that you can assign various commands, from macros to opening apps to anything in-between. Its shiny top adds the product appearance points, making this peripheral look smooth and polished but, due to its shiny nature, the top also makes fingerprints very visible, so you'll have to wipe it frequently to maintain the polished appearance.

If you're used to playing games with a cup of some drink, then you're probably well aware of the potential hazards of spills. However, with the spill-resistant Razer Chroma keyboard RZ03-02260200-R3U1, you will play safe. It won't let moisture get into its recesses and thus serve you for a lot longer. But of course, the spill-resistant design isn't its only attractive feature. What you should also like about Razer Chroma is a great spectrum of backlighting options customizable with Razer Synapse. You can customize each color and effect choosing from 16.8 million options and create unique lighting patterns to diversify your gaming experience. In addition to backlighting, you'll be able to enjoy each of your key presses due to the extremely soft touch to them. Unlike rubber dome keyboards, this gives better control of in-game movements allowing your fingers to literally fly across the keyboard.