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If you want to have the best gaming experience, then make sure your gaming keyboard is up to par. A bad input will only lead to frustrating moments from victory! So just like a wireless mouse or gaming headset, finding the best gaming keyboard can literally be the difference between winning and losing. To win at any level, from casual gaming sessions with friends on the weekends all the way up to competing against world-class players in tournaments and competitions can be difficult without a top-tier keyboard.
There are so many options available with a plethora of switch types, features, and sizes to pick from, it can be a difficult process to choose the right one for your needs. You also have the additional choice of having customized per-key RGB lighting, and macro and media keys on the more premium gaming keyboards.
Whether you have a budget PC or a high-end gaming rig, it is essential to get good-quality peripherals. Opting for a premium gaming keyboard brings guaranteed quality from some of the most reputable manufacturers. Rest assured all the gaming keyboards in this article all have excellent build materials, quality construction, value, and features (and that goes for the budget picks too).
We know it can be hard to sift through all of the marketing tricks and find what’s right. So we tested every keyboard on our list – there are options that will cater for everyone from mechanical TKL boards (for those who want extra weight) or 100% RGB premiums with backlit keys to budget models. Additionally several will come with both ANSI and ISO layouts, some also allow upgrades by placing them onto desk mats which helps reduce impact even further
Whether you’re looking to buy your first gaming keyboard or need an upgrade, these are the top picks for 2022.
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How we choose
Whether we’re reviewing new monitors or the best GPU on the market, choosing the right hardware can always be a tricky task.
It requires hours of product research, performance benchmarking, and reviewing user feedback to get anywhere close to a definitive conclusion on what to recommend.
If you aren’t tech-savvy and struggle to put the time aside to go through the above requirements, you may end up purchasing a keyboard that simply isn’t right for you.
Fear not though, friends! Here at WePC, we like to take the stress of research away, and transform the whole process into an easy-to-follow, complete buyers guide. That’s right, our team of PC enthusiasts has done all the hard work for you!
How we test
Testing the products we recommend is a huge part of the overall selection process in our best of guides. It’s a way to make sure what we recommend is, without a doubt, the best option in its specific category.
To be sure a product is “the best,” it must show excellent performance in our tests, and display better qualities and features than the competition it faces.
Most of the products we recommend here at WePC have gone through a strict testing process that involves everything from the price and performance, to build quality, efficiency, and aesthetics. Each product is pushed to the limit to see how it performs in numerous different scenarios before being placed in one of our guides. Read more on how we test gaming keyboards
Doing this enables us to provide you with the most accurate review of how the product performs and, ultimately, whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Things To Consider
Before jumping into a keyboard purchase, there are a few things to consider. Keyboards vary in almost every way you can think of, from different sizes to different features. Choosing the right one can actually come down to several factors, not just one.
In this section, we are going to look at a few of the possible variables you may come across to help you make a more informed decision.
Sizes
The first thing to think about when buying a gaming keyboard is selecting the right form factor for you. Do you want a full-sized keyboard with all the standard keys on? Or maybe a Tenkeyless keyboard to save space?
A full-sized board is exactly what it says on the tin and features the number pad to the right as you would expect. Full-sized keyboards also have extra room for fancy features like volume bars and dedicated media keys, so bear this in mind.
Keyboards have had some really interesting form factors developed, and you can often see sizes range from 40% to 100%. Tenkeyless keyboards (TKL) offer computer enthusiasts all the joys of a great keyboard, only at 80% the size of a full board. Essentially a TKL board doesn’t have the number pad on the side, saving room and giving you a more versatile small form factor.
Of course, you can go even smaller to a 60% sized keyboard too. The 60% keyboards are similar to TKL except they lose the function keys at the top and squash your function keys and arrow keys closer to the letters on the board.
If you want something even smaller than that, you can go 40%. However, at this size, you are limiting the number of key binds you can have for your games. With a 40% board, it may be pocket-size, but they often won’t have arrow keys or number keys, and a lot of your function buttons are squashed into peculiar places.
Switches
So you may have heard a lot of talk about switches when hunting for your next keyboard. Switches are the main feature to almost every mechanical keyboard, and they are essential to consider as each switch has a different characteristic – including feel, actuation pressure, and responsiveness.
Understanding what switches best suit your needs comes down to a few factors, but for the most part, gamers prefer Cherry MX Red switches. Cherry MX Red tends to offer gamers a fast linear option. Red switches tend to have a lower actuation point meaning you have a more responsive keyboard. Exactly what you need when playing those fast-paced competitive esports titles.
Some people prefer to have mechanical purely because of the tactile feel and sound they produce (it can get addictive). Again, using Cherry MX switches as an example, Blue switches offer a clicky tactile feel when you press the key. This type of switch produces a clicky sound notifying you of a keypress, but you also feel the keypress when it actuates.
Whatever you decide, don’t worry, most keyboard manufacturers release mechanical boards with multiple switch types to cater for everyone.
Membrane Vs. Mechanical Switches
Membrane and mechanical keyboards differ significantly but only underneath the surface. Gamers prefer mechanical type keyboards because of how durable they are. Furthermore, mechanical keyboards are easy to customize and are considered to be highly responsive.
Mechanical switches often tend to be louder, but there is such a wide variety of switches available that you can dampen the noise level and still benefit from the low actuation force required to press the key.
It is worth noting that membrane boards tend to break quicker due to the membrane layer flattening out over time, resulting in the keyboard becoming less responsive. Mechanical keyboards are easy to disassemble and clean plus when you factor in the sensitive switches they feature; they are a must for gamers.
Aesthetics Vs. Comfort
While it doesn’t have anything to do with performance, aesthetics play a huge part in the selection process. Keyboards with full RGB customization options are preferred these days, and ideally, you’d want one that can be customized to your liking.
You would struggle to find an uncomfortable keyboard, but you will find the more premium boards feature luxury extras like wrist rests and adjustable feet.
Keyboard Switches also factor into the comfort side of things as Cherry MX Reds may offer the ultimate for gaming performance, but they do tend to be quite loud so make sure you get the right ones!
Price
The final thing we need to consider before purchasing a gaming keyboard is, how much are you willing to spend. Price is, more often than not, one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing new hardware and peripherals.
Are you only willing to get a gaming keyboard under $50? Your budget has the ultimate say about this matter, and you must evaluate ahead to make sure you’re investing in the right product.
Popular gaming keyboard features
So, that’s the essential considerations done with. Now we can spare a moment to think about the more extraneous features. These won’t improve your gaming performance, can add some extra visual spice to your setup. Additionally, things like macro keys and media controls can make for a more convenient gaming and general computing experience
RGB lighting
RGB lighting on keyboards is a popular feature on gaming keyboards that allows the keyboard keys to illuminate in different colors. RGB keyboard lighting can be used for aesthetic purposes, or it can be used to help you see the keyboard in low-light conditions. RGB lighting can also be used to indicate which keys have been pressed, which can be helpful for touch-typing or gaming.
There are a few different keyboard RGB lighting technologies available, including LED and EL wire. RGB lighting on gaming keyboards typically requires its own power source, such as a USB port, and it may also require software to control the light effects. It can be an expensive upgrade, but it can also make your keyboard more enjoyable to use and help you type faster with greater accuracy.
Backlit keys
Backlit keys are becoming increasingly popular on gaming keyboards, and for good reason. Being able to see the keys in low-light or no-light conditions can be a huge advantage, especially in fast-paced games. There are a few different ways that backlit keys can be implemented. The most basic method is to have a single LED behind each key. This provides good visibility, but can often result in somewhat uneven light distribution. A more advanced method is to have multiple LEDs under each key, which can provide a more even light distribution and allow for greater customization. However, this method often comes at a higher price point. Ultimately, whether or not backlit keys are worth the investment is up to the individual user. However, there’s no doubt that they can be a valuable addition to any gaming keyboard.
Macros and media keys
High-end keyboards come with a whole plethora of features. For instance; macro keys can be a huge asset while gaming, multimedia and volume keys offer some extra convenience, and replaceable keycaps can offer a textured feel.
Macro keys
For gamers, keyboard macros can be an indispensable tool. By programming a sequence of commands into a macro, gamers can execute complex maneuvers with just a few keystrokes. This can give them a significant advantage over their opponents, who might not have the same level of access to a macro-enabled keyboard. For example, by mapping a key to the “jump” action, the player can avoid having to move their hand from the keyboard to the mouse and back again. This can give them a significant advantage in terms of reaction time.
This can be particularly useful in real-time strategy games, where players often have to issue orders to multiple units simultaneously. By mapping keyboard shortcuts to obvious button placements, players can quickly and easily issue those commands without having to take their hands off the keyboard. Ultimately, keyboard macros can make gameplay more efficient and convenient, giving players a significant edge over their opponents
In addition to gaming, keyboard macros can also be used for productivity purposes. By creating macros for frequently-used tasks, keyboard users can boost their efficiency and get more done in less time. Whether you’re looking to up your game or simply get more done, keyboard macros can be a valuable tool.
Media keys
As anyone who spends a lot of time at their computer knows, keyboard media keys can be a real lifesaver. From controlling volume and playback to skipping tracks and opening your favorite media player, these keys make it easy to get the most out of your music and videos. And best of all, they’re usually built right into your keyboard, so you don’t have to fumble around with mouse clicks or hotkeys. If you’re not already taking advantage of keyboard media keys, there’s no time like the present to start!
Keycaps
Keyboard keycaps are the plastic coverings that sit on top of the keyboard keys. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Many people enjoy collecting keyboard keycaps because of the different designs available. Some keyboard keycaps are made to look like animals, cartoon characters, or other objects. Others are designed to be more sleek and elegant. There is a keyboard keycap for nearly everyone’s taste. In addition to their appearance, keyboard keycaps also serve a practical purpose. They help protect the keyboard keys from being damaged by dirt and dust. Keyboard keycaps can be purchased online.
Wrist rest
If you’re a serious gamer, you know that comfort is key to maintaining your edge. That’s why a wrist rest is such an important accessory. Wrist rests help to keep your hands comfortable while you’re playing, preventing fatigue and allowing you to play longer sessions. They also promote healthy circulation and reduce the strain on your muscles and tendons. And because they’re adjustable, you can always find the perfect position for your wrists. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your gaming performance, invest in a wrist rest today. You’ll be glad you did.
Audio jacks and USB ports
Audio jacks and USB ports are common features on modern gaming keyboards. Audio jacks allow you to connect headphones or other audio peripherals directly to the keyboard, while USB ports provide a convenient way to connect other devices, such as storage drives or webcams. However, if you don’t use these devices frequently, you may not need a gaming keyboard with built-in audio jacks or USB ports.
In addition, some gaming keyboards come with built-in microphone jacks, which can be used to connect a headset or other microphone for voice chat.
The best gaming keyboards 2022
OK, enough foreplay, let’s get to the best bit: The boards themselves
The best of the best
Size
Full-size (100%)
Backlight
RGB
Switch
Cherry MX Speed
Wrist rest
Detachable
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Price
Pros
- Excellent aesthetic design
- Fully mechanical, low profile switches
- Customizable RGB lighting
- CUE software allows almost endless customization
- Fantastic build quality
Cons
- Fairly high on the price spectrum
The new and improved K70’s design and features match the brilliance of its predecessor only this time with a much lower ‘profile’. The Cherry MX Speed switches combine with the low-profile keycaps to give you the ultimate in typing and gaming performance.
The K70 MK.2 is still one of the best keyboards available at the minute but the introduction of a low-profile edition turned a lot of heads. Low-profile keyboards have been gaining popularity in the gaming community with some finding the alternative a bit too chunky. With the Corsair Low Profile K70, you get all the benefits of the previous model only now with the newer Cherry MX Speed switches which are 35% lower than your normal Cherry MX and deliver the same level of precision.
The keyboard reminds us of a laptop keyboard thanks to the low-profile keycaps. Underneath the caps is a brushed aluminum plate that adds some serious style points to the board whilst also offering a slightly reflective surface for the RGB. The keys appear to float on the surface making the low-profile version one of the nicest-looking mechanical keyboards on the market. The design and build quality are top-notch, as you would expect from Corsair, and it features dedicated media keys too.
The keyboard features a USB passthrough for your mouse, headset, or whatever it may serve you, unlike the K95 Platinum. The board comes with a full-length detachable soft-touch wrist rest that will maximize your comfort when gaming. It also has slightly wider keys, which makes it great for big-handed users (and sausage fingers). The RGB lighting can be customized and synced up to your other Corsair peripherals via Corsair’s proprietary software, iCUE.
See our full review of the Corsair K70 here
The gamer pick
ASUS ROG Strix Flare
Size
Full-size (100%)
Backlight
RGB
Switch
Cherry MX Red
Wrist rest
Detachable
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Price
Pros
- Choose between a number of different switch types
- Volume bar is superb
- Extremely nice design with cool RGB
- Showcases good value for money
Cons
- Feels a bit bulky
- No metal used
The ROG (Republic Of Gamers) division at Asus has been bringing out some seriously good keyboards over the last few years with the Strix Flare being the best so far.
This keyboard is packed with features and includes some clever aesthetic and functional design. The Asus Strix Flare as you would expect is a very visually appealing board and this is largely down to the brushed aluminum effect alongside the fantastic illuminated keys. There is a white base under the keys to really show off the RGB. The keyboard caters for gamers with all sorts of different switch needs, whether that is clicky blues or rapid reds.
The dedicated media keys set this board apart from its competition as a little extra consideration for the right-handed gamer has come into play here. The volume bar (which is the best we have ever seen on any board) is located on the left-hand side so it’s easily reached from the keyboard hand when in-game. Aside from these functionality tweaks, the board is of solid construction despite being entirely plastic. You get a detachable wrist rest with the keyboard and there is a small piece of plastic in the corner that can be personalized. It lights up and is a lovely touch from Asus if truth be told.
This brightly colored beast also features a USB passthrough which is always a convenient thing to include and you simply cannot go wrong with this board.
See our full review of the ASUS ROG Strix Flare here
Best budget gaming keyboard
Size
Full-size (100%)
Backlight
RGB
Switch
ROCCAT Titan switches
Wrist rest
Can be bundled with a detachable wrist rest
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Price
Pros
- Attractive low profile design
- Great RGB and brushed aluminium combo
- Fantastic switches
Cons
- Wrist rest costs extra
Despite some of the ROCCAT Vulcan 121’s foibles, both typing and gaming on this keyboard is a pleasant experience. But it doesn’t lean far enough in one direction for it to truly excel at either – and it’s also not the most attractive mechanical keyboard we’ve ever seen. The main issue with the Vulcan is that, at its current price point, there are a number of other, higher quality, more feature-packed keyboards available – like the Corsair K95 or Razer Huntsman. If you are considering it, I strongly recommend trying to get some hands-on time with it ahead of your purchase, to see if the weird hybrid formula Roccat landed on for their switches appeals to you. For me, it’s difficult to recommend at $150.
German manufacturer and eSports sponsor Roccat has largely made their name producing peripherals squarely targeted at gamers, emphasizing in-game performance and flashy aesthetics over workspace productivity. The Vulcan is a prime example of this design philosophy, a board that attempts to lure gamers with vivid RGB lighting and proprietary switches, but some unfortunate missteps leave it short of a bar that, in the realm of mechanical keyboards, is ever rising. And unfortunately, the Vulcan doesn’t do any one thing so well that it stands out, or incorporate any appealing new tech that would push it free of the morass of mechanical decks that are constantly vying for PC gamers’ precious dollars.
Best esports keyboard
Type
Tenkeyless (80%)
Switches
Romer G switches
Backlight
RGB
Wrist rest
Not included
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Price
Pros
- Built to the exacting specifications of eSports athletes
- Simple and attractive design
- Durable switches
- Portable
Cons
- Macro assignment limited to Function keys
With the Logitech G Pro mechanical keyboard, it appears to be focused on the professional eSports community. The 80% TKL sized board makes this ideal for taking to tournaments and when you combine this with the low actuation switches you get something extremely responsive in-game.
This board is mostly only functional with flashy extras such as dedicated media keys and detachable wrist rest not featuring in this keyboard despite the high price tag. As we expect from Logitech the construction is solid and the design, albeit simple, is actually really pleasing on the eye.
The Romer-G switches feel highly responsive and are a nice alternative to Cherry MX switches, with typing and gaming feeling great. The board features RGB and you can, of course, delve into the Logitech HUB software to personalize your setup.
Overall, a very well rounded keyboard that is well worth your consideration.
Size
Full-size (100%)
Backlight
Red
Switch
Flaretech Optical Red
Wrist rest
Built in
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Price
Pros
- High quality build materials
- Stylish design
- Superb, highly responsive key switches
Cons
- Limited Features
We love BenQ Zowie’s simple yet elegant solutions for our gaming needs as they almost always seem to deliver highly functional peripherals. The Celeratis II fits in as one of these offering gamers a professional plug and play mechanical keyboard.
This masterpiece will look good on anyone’s desk with its sublime yet simple-looking design. The Flaretech optical switches are similar to Cherry MX Red’s and offer the same responsiveness that people love from a red switch. The keys feel fluid when typing making this board great for gaming and work.
The construction on this keyboard is fantastic with the smooth matt finish feeling great against your wrist. The keys are backlit with red to match the red and black theme – whilst the board itself is chunky, meaning there is no need for any ergonomic feet.
This classy board was built with professional E-Sports in mind and it really performs as well as it looks.
See our full review of the BenQ ZOWIE Beleritas II
Gaming keyboards we’ve tested
Some keyboards may not make it into our best-ofs but you can still check out our full reviews right here.
- ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Deluxe
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
- Razer BlackWidow
- Razer Cynosa Chroma
- Razer Cynosa Chroma
- Razer Ornata Chroma
- Ducky Varmilo Miya Pro Sakura
- HyperX Alloy Core
- XPG Summoner RGB
- XPG Summoner RGB
FAQs
Do I need a gaming keyboard?
If you’re a casual gamer, you may not need a gaming keyboard. However, if you’re a serious gamer, a gaming keyboard can provide you with an advantage over your opponents. In addition, gaming keyboards often come with features that can be beneficial for productivity purposes as well.
What are some of the features to look for in a gaming keyboard?
When choosing a gaming keyboard, you should consider the type of switches, the size and layout, the presence of macros and other special features, and the level of comfort. In addition, you should also decide whether or not you need a gaming keyboard with built-in audio jacks or USB ports..
What is a mechanical keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses physical switches to register keystrokes. Mechanical keyboards are often preferred by gamers and typists for their superior accuracy, durability, and tactile feedback. However, they can be more expensive than other types of keyboards.
What is a membrane keyboard?
A membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses rubber domes to register keystrokes. Membrane keyboards are often less expensive than mechanical keyboards, but they can be less durable and less accurate.
What are the best gaming keyboard brands?
There are a number of different gaming keyboard brands available on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular gaming keyboard brands include Razer, Corsair, Logitech, and Aukey. However, there is no clear-cut answer as to which brand is best. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference.
Final Word
So, there you have it guys, our comprehensive breakdown of the best gaming keyboards of 2021. Hopefully, this article has made your next keyboard purchase, all the easier. However, if you’re still struggling, feel free to drop us a comment in the section below with any questions you may have.
Alternatively, you can always head on over to our Community Hub where you can discuss everything peripheral-related.
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