Top Gaming Keyboards of 2025 Revealed

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Choosing the right gaming keyboard is a deeply personal decision, driven by individual preferences such as layout, mechanical switches, and additional features. From full-sized models to compact designs, each keyboard offers unique attributes that cater to different needs and budgets. Here, I'll share insights from my extensive experience with various gaming keyboards, focusing on performance, usability, and value.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Keyboards:

Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17See it at Amazon### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6See it at Amazon### Redragon K582 Surara

3See it at Amazon### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3See it at Amazon### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4See it at Amazon### Keychron K4

1See it at Amazon### Corsair K100 RGB

2See it at Amazon### Logitech G515 TKL

1See it at Amazon### Pulsar Xboard QS

1See it at Amazon### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2See it at Amazon

With the vast array of keyboard styles available, my recommendations are categorized to help you find the perfect match for your needs. Here are the top picks in various categories:

1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

Best Overall Gaming Keyboard

Best Overall### SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

17From nearly every angle, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is the ideal gaming keyboard with Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and solid construction. 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' gaming keyboards have consistently impressed me over the years, particularly the Apex lineup. In 2024, they refreshed the Apex Pro for a third generation, offering both full-sized and tenkeyless models, including a wireless version. When I reviewed the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, I found it nearly perfect. The OmniPoint 3.0 switches and the OLED control panel are exactly what I look for in a gaming keyboard.

The Apex Pro isn't flashy, but its sleek design is complemented by keycaps with bold fonts and tasteful RGB lighting. The Hall Effect switches offer a smooth and consistent feel, and their custom actuation points (from 0.1mm to 4.0mm) add versatility, especially in competitive gaming scenarios. Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode can enhance performance, though their usefulness varies by game. The OLED panel is a great addition, allowing control over media, RGB lighting, actuation points, macros, and profile swapping. While the battery life tops out at 45 hours, it's manageable for a keyboard.

From nearly every angle, the Gen 3 SteelSeries Apex Pro is the keyboard I've been searching for, and it would take a perfect keyboard to replace it.

2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6Razer's flagship keyboard got even better with the V4 Pro, sporting great mechanical switches, macro keys, and the customizable 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 has a range of gaming keyboards, but the BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out as their flagship model. It's the equivalent of the Deathadder in the world of gaming mice, with years of iteration leading to a top performer that's easy to recommend due to its build quality, mechanical switches, and additional features.

While it lacks the OLED screen and Command Dial of its tenkeyless counterpart, the full-sized V4 Pro includes a programmable dial and a column of macro keys, along with a full set of media controls. The Synapse software allows for extensive customization, making it versatile for productivity. Razer's mechanical switches, including the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows, are among the best available, offering quick, clean, and consistent keystrokes. The high polling rate of 8000Hz is a testament to Razer's focus on performance.

The BlackWidow V4 Pro's evolution and attention to detail set it above the competition, as highlighted in our review, and it's a model that other keyboard makers (except SteelSeries) may need to catch up to.

3. Redragon K582 Surara

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

### Redragon K582 Surara

3Budget-friendly keyboards have come a long way, and the Redragon K582 Surara is a great example of that with great performance and build quality for 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 offers a plethora of models, and choosing the right one can be challenging. As a budget-focused brand, Redragon might seem like a knockoff, but the K582 Surara impressed me when I used it as a cost-effective alternative. The "professional" Red switches were smooth and buttery, performing as well as Cherry MX Reds. This full-sized model is a testament to Redragon's ability to offer quality at a budget price.

With a listed price of $44.99, often dropping to around $36, the Redragon K582 Surara is an incredible value for a mechanical keyboard. Among budget brands, my experience with Redragon has been positive.

4. Cherry MX LP 2.1

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3When it comes to cute 60% compact keyboards, Cherry's MX LP 2.1 shines as a light and low-profile that performs on par with the best out there. 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 are adorable but may not be ideal for productivity due to their limited keys. However, they save desk space and are perfect for those who don't need the extra keys. The Cherry MX LP 2.1, my former daily driver, is one of the lightest keyboards available, yet it's durable and easy to transport. The slim keycaps and Cherry MX Speed switches, with a short 1.5mm actuation point, offer a firm yet smooth linear feel. Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility.

Despite being a 60% keyboard, it performed well through multiple raid tiers in Final Fantasy XIV, earning my stamp of approval in my review.

5. Logitech G Pro X TKL

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4Logitech's G Pro X TKL sports everything you'd want from a tenkeyless keyboard with fantastic mechanical switches and build quality that make each keystroke satisfying. 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:

I've been a fan of Logitech's keyboards, particularly the G413 for its sleek design and smooth keystrokes. The G Pro X TKL is an evolution of this, featuring updated mechanical switches and the latest Lightspeed wireless tech. The brushed aluminum top and exposed keycaps allow for tasteful RGB lighting, while on-board controls like the volume wheel and media controls are conveniently placed. The proprietary linear switch offers satisfying and consistent keystrokes.

While other keyboards may boast OLED screens or optical switches, the G Pro X TKL excels in its intended purpose, making it one of the best tenkeyless keyboards available.

6. Keychron K4

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

### Keychron K4

1By crunching all the features of a full-size keyboard into the 96% format, Keychron delivers one of the best options for those who want to save a little of 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

I prefer tenkeyless and mini keyboards, but the 96% layout offers a full-sized experience with a smaller footprint. The Keychron K4 impressed me from day one with its Gateron Red switches, which performed as well as Cherry MX Reds. Its minimalist frame and Bluetooth connectivity add versatility. The 96% layout requires some adjustment due to the cramped nature, but it's perfect for those needing a number pad and full functionality without sacrificing desk space.

7. Corsair K100 RGB

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

### Corsair K100 RGB

2Corsair went above and beyond with the K100 RGB, sporting macro keys, media controls, and optical switches on top of 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. Its brushed aluminum plate and exposed keycaps allow for vibrant RGB lighting. The macro key column, media controls, and programmable buttons and knobs offer a premium feel. The RGB strips along the sides are a nice touch. At $250, it's a good investment, especially with Corsair's OPX Optical switches, though you can opt for Cherry MX Speed switches. The 8000Hz polling rate is overkill for keyboards but shows Corsair's commitment to performance.

8. Logitech G515 TKL

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G515 TKL

1A slim board and thin keycaps along with great mechanical switches makes the G515 TKL one of Logitech's best yet, and one of the rare low-profile keyboards that perform on par with its full-sized counterparts. 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

While the Cherry MX LP 2.1 is my top compact keyboard pick, the Logitech G515 TKL is the best low-profile keyboard. Its slim profile and thin keycaps maintain a sleek look while offering durability. The mechanical switches have a short actuation point of 1.3mm, complementing the low-profile design. In my review, I praised its performance and design, though it lacks the extra features on the top bar that could enhance its functionality.

9. Pulsar Xboard QS

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

### Pulsar Xboard QS

1For Pulsar's first crack at a keyboard, the Xboard QS is impressive with strong build quality, a pleasing aesthetic, and some of the best mechanical switches available. 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, known for custom keyboard parts, impressed me with its first standalone keyboard, the Xboard QS. It's built for enthusiasts with a unique feature set and physical customizability. The Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches are light and smooth, while the board's layers of foam and frames ensure firm and responsive keystrokes. The aesthetic is pleasing, and the programmable volume knob is a nice touch. Customization is challenging without first-party software, requiring QMK tools, but physical customization is straightforward.

Despite its $300 price tag, I praised the Pulsar Xboard QS in my review, making it a top choice for those seeking a unique, durable, and high-performing wired keyboard.

10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2Between the updated Command Dial, swappable parts, and best-in-class construction, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% stands out within Razer's robust lineup of keyboards. 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, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. The swappable switches allow you to personalize your keyboard easily. The Command Dial and the overall build quality, including several layers for satisfying keystrokes, make it one of the best keyboards in Razer's lineup.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

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

Linear Switches: Offer smooth, consistent keystrokes without physical feedback at the actuation point. Ideal for gaming where speed is key.
Tactile Switches: Provide a slight bump at the actuation point, offering feedback that can help with precise inputs.
Clicky Switches: Feature a louder, more pronounced feedback at the actuation point, which some prefer for typing.

Additionally, consider these factors:

Actuation Point: The distance at which the key registers an input. Shorter points can be advantageous in competitive gaming.
Travel Distance: The total distance the key travels when pressed. Shorter distances can lead to faster inputs.
Actuation Force: The pressure needed to press a key, measured in grams or centinewtons. Lighter forces can be easier on the fingers.

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

Your choice depends on personal preference and usage:

Full-Sized Keyboards: Offer all standard keys and additional features like macro buttons, ideal for those who need a number pad and full functionality.
Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards: Remove the number pad to save space, often adding features like command dials or OLED panels.
Compact 60% Keyboards: Highly space-efficient but lack function keys and center columns, requiring key combos for some functions. Best for those who prioritize desk space.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless keyboards offer convenience but may require managing battery life. In gaming, wired versions are often cheaper and just as effective, with no latency concerns. The choice between wired and wireless often comes down to budget and personal preference.

For the best gaming experience, understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for performance, customization, or value, there's a gaming keyboard tailored to your needs.