Top Gaming Keyboards of 2025 Revealed

Choosing the perfect gaming keyboard goes beyond selecting the best gaming mouse or best gaming headset; it's all about aligning with your personal preferences. The layout, whether it's tenkeyless or full-sized, the type of mechanical switches, and additional features all play a crucial role in your decision. These keyboards can be a significant investment, so understanding their key attributes is essential. In this guide, I'll share insights from my extensive experience with various keyboards, highlighting the important factors to consider when choosing the best gaming keyboard for your needs.

Over the years, I've tested numerous keyboards, from tried-and-true classics to the latest releases. My recommendations are based on firsthand experience, ensuring you get reliable advice. I'll discuss how different switches perform in competitive gaming scenarios and what typing all day feels like on these keyboards. Each keyboard's construction and feel can vary significantly, and I'll also touch on additional features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel. These extras often require software, an important consideration for those seeking a customizable experience. Even keycaps can impact a keyboard's performance, and I'll delve into these nuances to help you make an informed decision.

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 AmazonGiven the variety of keyboard styles, I've categorized my recommendations to highlight different strengths and preferences. This approach allows me to showcase products from various manufacturers rather than focusing solely on my top pick, the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Each keyboard excels in specific areas, potentially fitting your needs better than others. For example, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 is my top choice for a compact 60% keyboard due to its low-profile keys and lightweight design. On the other hand, if you're looking for a low-profile keyboard, the Logitech G515 TKL's slim design and useful onboard features make it an excellent choice. For budget-conscious gamers, the Redragon K582 Surara offers impressive performance at a reasonable price. Let's explore my top picks for the best gaming keyboards.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) - Photos

11 Images1. SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3)

Best Overall Gaming Keyboard

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

17From nearly every perspective, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is the ideal gaming keyboard, featuring Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and a solid build. Its sleek design and tasteful RGB lighting complement its customizable Hall Effect switches, which offer a smooth, consistent feel and the ability to set a custom actuation point between 0.1mm to 4.0mm. Features like Rapid Tap and Rapid Trigger can enhance performance, though their utility varies by game. The OLED panel allows for easy control of media, lighting, and macros. While the battery life lasts up to 45 hours, it's manageable for a keyboard. The Apex Pro Gen 3 is a versatile and high-performing choice that's hard to beat.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos

25 Images2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6Razer's flagship keyboard has been enhanced with the V4 Pro, offering excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and the customizable Command Dial. The full-sized V4 Pro features a programmable dial and a column of macro keys, all customizable through the Synapse software. Razer's proprietary mechanical switches, such as the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows, are top-notch, providing quick and consistent keystrokes. With a high polling rate of up to 8000Hz, the V4 Pro covers all performance aspects, making it a standout choice despite its bulkier size.

3. Redragon K582 Surara

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

### Redragon K582 Surara

3Budget-friendly keyboards have improved significantly, and the Redragon K582 Surara is a prime example, offering great performance and build quality at a fraction of the cost. Although its design might be flashy, the "professional" Red switches provide smooth and buttery linear actuation. This full-sized keyboard performs admirably, making it a compelling choice for those on a budget. At a typical sale price of around $36, it's an affordable option that doesn't compromise on quality.

4. Cherry MX LP 2.1

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3For those who prefer a compact 60% keyboard, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 stands out with its lightweight and low-profile design. Its Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer a short 1.5mm actuation point and a firm yet smooth linear feel. Despite its small size, it's durable and portable, making it ideal for various settings. While the Cherry software could be better, the MX LP 2.1 performs well, making it a great choice for gamers who value desk space and portability.

5. Logitech G Pro X TKL

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4Logitech's G Pro X TKL is a standout tenkeyless keyboard, offering excellent mechanical switches and a sleek design. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycaps allow for tasteful RGB lighting, while onboard features like a volume wheel and media controls enhance everyday usability. The proprietary linear switches provide satisfying and consistent keystrokes, making the G Pro X TKL a top performer in its category.

6. Keychron K4

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

### Keychron K4

1Keychron's K4 offers a 96% layout that retains all necessary keys in a more compact form, saving space without sacrificing functionality. The Gateron Red linear switches perform well, and the slim frame minimizes the keyboard's footprint. While it may lack extra features and software customization, the K4 is an affordable option with wireless capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those needing a full-sized keyboard.

Corsair K100 RGB Review

14 Images7. Corsair K100 RGB

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

### Corsair K100 RGB

2Corsair's K100 RGB goes above and beyond with macro keys, media controls, and optical switches, all housed in a beautifully crafted brushed aluminum frame. The keyboard's unique textured keycaps and buttons, along with RGB strips, give it a premium feel. While the software can be tricky, the K100's solid build and optical switches offer a satisfying typing experience. With an 8000Hz polling rate, it's designed for those who demand the best performance.

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos

10 Images8. Logitech G515 TKL

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G515 TKL

1The Logitech G515 TKL's slim profile and thin keycaps, combined with great mechanical switches, make it one of Logitech's best offerings. Its performance rivals that of full-sized keyboards, and its aesthetic design is pleasing. While the top bar could include more features, the G515 TKL excels in embodying the essence of a low-profile gaming keyboard.

Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos

15 Images9. Pulsar Xboard QS

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

### Pulsar Xboard QS

1Pulsar's Xboard QS is an impressive first keyboard, featuring strong build quality, an appealing aesthetic, and excellent Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its dual connectivity and retro-futuristic design are unique, though customization requires QMK tools. Despite its high price for a wired keyboard, the Xboard QS is a top performer that's built to last.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Photos

13 Images10. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

Best Customizable Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

2The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is designed for customization, featuring swappable switches and the updated Command Dial. Its solid build and the latest Synapse software enhance its performance, making it a top choice for those who want a customizable gaming keyboard. Despite its high price, it offers a unique blend of performance and customization.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Choosing the right mechanical switch is crucial for a gaming keyboard. While Cherry switches have long dominated the market, proprietary switches from brands like Logitech and Razer have become competitive. Optical and Hall Effect switches use light and magnets, respectively, offering adjustable actuation points. Mechanical switches come in three main styles: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth keystroke without feedback, ideal for gaming. Tactile switches offer a bump at the actuation point for better input feel, and clicky switches provide loud feedback, which some prefer for typing. Key attributes like actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force also vary, affecting performance and comfort.

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

Your choice of keyboard layout depends on personal preference. Full-sized keyboards offer all keys and additional features but take up more desk space. 96% layouts retain all keys in a more compact form, ideal for those who need a number pad. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards save space by removing the number pad, often adding useful features. Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest, sacrificing some functionality for a minimal footprint. Each size has its advantages, so choose based on your gaming and workspace needs.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless connectivity is more crucial for mice and headsets due to movement. For keyboards, wired versions often cost less and still provide excellent performance. Wireless technology has advanced, with features like Logitech's Lightspeed and Razer's HyperSpeed ensuring minimal latency. However, if budget is a concern, wired keyboards are a solid choice.