Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
The best gaming keyboard makes all the difference. A shorter actuation time might be the deciding factor in a last minute clutch, the feel of the switches and keycaps might determine how long you can stay focused in moments of need, and versatile macro keys can be a game-changer when pulling off combos.
There’s quite a few different types of keyboard out there: membrane and mechanical being the key differentiator. After this, keyboards are further broken down into sub-categories. There are full-size, TKL, 60%, wired, and wireless, and many more qualities that set gaming keyboards apart. In light of all that, we’re going to make it easy for you to choose.
We’ve had the chance to extensively test out each of the keyboards in this guide. In fact, each keyboard has been used by members of the office for a while. Not only have we put them through the firing range with long haul hours of gaming, but we’ve been writing and working with them pretty non-stop too.
These are the best gaming keyboards in 2024
- Corsair K70 Pro – Best Overall
- Steelseries Apex 9 TKL – Best Tenkeyless
- Acco 3098N – Best mechanical
- Epomaker RT100 – Best retro
- Mountain Everest 60% – Best 60%
- Logitech G915 – Best low profile
- Corsair K55 RGB Pro – Best membrane
The Corsair K70 is the best gaming keyboard for a number of reasons. It has the most responsive switches, alongside a great selection of really useful features. The reason we’ve ranked it above all the other choices is the fact that it’s also quite affordable. While this is going to be the best choice for gaming specifically, those looking for a budget option that exudes sophistication might consider the Mountain Everest 60%, which we’ve pegged as one of the best value for money keyboards out there right now.
1. Corsair K70 Pro – the best gaming keyboard overall
Corsair K70 PRO
Switches
Cherry MX Red RGB, Cherry MX Blue (Clicky), Cherry MX Speed
Keycaps
ABS
Layout
QWERTY
Form
100%
Polling Rate
8,000Hz
- Complete board
- Quality feel
- Most gaming features
- RGBs can be intense at times
The Corsair K70 Pro will always be brought up when talking about the champion of gaming keyboards. The K70 comes in a few different variations: Core, Pro, and 60%. For us, the most complete version is the Pro, which is an 100% QWERTY layout board.
This version features pre-lubricated Cherry MX Red Linear RGB switches, which make each key press feel buttery smooth, though this keyboard is not hot-swappable so make your choice carefully. That said, the product is available in a range of key-switches. These switches are pretty much the industry standard when it comes to gaming, so chances are you’re already going to be able to imagine how they feel.
These Cherry MX Red switches require an actuation force of 45cN, with a pre-travel of 2.0mm and a total travel of 4.0mm. This means you’re going to need the tiniest amount of force to activate the press, clearing the possibility for typos and mis-clicks, though also ever so slightly increasing the time taken to perform an action.
In terms of the look of the K70 Pro, it has a very classic form factor that’s been spruced up with all the bells and whistles that gaming culture has ushered in. Each switch is gently lit with individual RGBs, which can be adjusted pretty easily.
2. Steelseries Apex 9 TKL – The best Tenkeyless gaming keyboard
SteelSeries New Apex 9 TKL
Switches
Linear OptiPoint Yellows
Keycaps
Durable PBT
Layout
QWERTY
Form
TKL
Polling Rate / Response Time
N/A / 0.2ms
- Clacky sounds
- Dual actuation points
- Compact form factor
- Hot swappable switches
- Scratchy keycap feel at times
The Steelseries Apex 9 TKL has forced itself onto this list by sheer determination. My first impressions when I began using this keyboard weren’t mindblowing, but in over a year of using it daily I have decided that this list would be incomplete without it.
It sports a really tight TKL form factor, which is a huge benefit for anyone who doesn’t want their keyboard to eat up their desk space. For me, personally, I’m not usually impressed with all the emblazonry that follows with RGB gamer aesthetics. The Apex 9 side steps this with a pretty clean design that’s also quite inconspicuous. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to come equipped with RGBs, though mine are calibrated to glow gently without adding too much colour.
It uses Linear OptiPoint switches, which are manufactured by Steelseries, and these provide a really tactile and responsive click. It’s also pretty loud (which means everyone in the office knows when I’m not working.)
The switches allow for a two-point actuation. You can create a key-press with a light touch at 1.0mm, or you can use the more accurate and consistent 1.5mm press. Having varying registration depths is crucial when you’re gaming, especially in e-sports environments. This accuracy is going to let you rely entirely on your reflexes as the hardware is going to be so acutely tuned to your finger’s touch.
While they ship with OptiPoint Linear switches, you’re going to be able to swap these out for Tactile or Clicky switches as the board is hot-swappable. Alternatively, you’re going to be able to simply buy different variations of the Apex 9 which have these switches pre-installed.
The keyboard feels great beneath your fingers, and the sound is even more satisfying. As mentioned before, one of the reasons I wasn’t wrapped under this keyboard’s spell initially was thanks to the keycaps. The double shot PBT keycaps feel ever so slightly scratchy, though over time this has really grown on me. Typing on other keyboards feels wrong after using this one.
3. Akko 3098N – The best mechanical gaming keyboard
Akko 3098N
Switches
TTV Silent Red V3
Keycaps
Double Shot keycaps
Layout
QWERTY
Form
1800 Compact
- Switches are pre-prepared
- Great feel
- Smooth typing experience
- Lots of keys in small form factor
- Typos are a possibliity
The Akko 3098N is a great entry-level mechanical keyboard that’s also just as great for gaming. It comes in a 1800 Compact form factor, which means that it has all of the same keys that you’d expect on a standard keyboard, though the spacing is shrunk down to take up less space.
If you’re the kind of person who likes a more minimal set up, but you’re not ready to sacrifice the Function row or the number pad, the Akko 3098N is a great starting point.
It ships with TTV Silent Red V3 switches, which are linear. Generally, the consensus is that mech keyboard enthusiasts gravitate towards clicky switches. It makes sense really – they provide the most “feeling” with a key press, though the Akko 3098N’s linear switches are doing wonders for the other side. The sound dampening foam adds a much-needed layer of resistance which is crucial in generating that satiating feeling.
All the switches also come pre-fitted with an O-ring, which is going to make each keypress loud and clicky, despite the nature of the switches being tactile.
The keys are hot-swappable, so you’re not going to be limited to the switches that come with the board.
In terms of gaming, we’ve asked for Jay Crotty’s opinion here. Our Creative Video Lead has been using the keyboard daily for long enough, and this is what he’s had to say:
“The Akko 3098N is a great keyboard for gaming due to it’s incredibly tactile red switches which keep me locked into the action. Each press is incredibly satisfying but on the louder side so if you love an aggressive mechanical switch, this is the one for you.“
4. Epomaker RT100 – The best retro gaming keyboard
Epomaker RT100
Switches
Wisteria Linear Switch (Hot-Swappable)
Keycaps
PBT RT100 Retro
Layout
QWERTY
Form
97 Keys
- Great design
- Added features for monitoring metrics
- LCD screen falls off easily
The Epomaker RT100 is one for any retro lovers out there. Like the Akko 3098N, it features an 1800 Compact form factor which is going to be incredibly economical in your gaming space. Better than that, though, is the yellowed and brown keycaps which are incredibly easy on the eyes. Each of the caps are also garnished with personality – popping out a little more than all the other boards we’ve showcased today.
The main attraction is the Wisteria Linear switches, which offer up an incredibly gentle press. This is only enhanced by the gasket mounts, which are going to create a dampening layer for sound. This will reduce any feedback and resistance that you might expect on other clicky boards too. To me – the feel of these keys is far superior to anything else on this list.
The Wisteria switches have have a bass-filled sound when pressed, though they’re going to gently spring back upwards, reducing the chance of typos and that sometimes annoying sound of clacking keys. The fact that they barely demand a heavy press is also a huge benefit, and Aaron Ritchie’s review on WePC of the keyboard pegs it as “a dream for lengthy typing sessions.”
The keyboard also comes with a tiny ‘mini TV’ which can give you useful hardware metrics for your gaming rig – CPU usage, temperature, battery and time are all on display here. It’s a useful little add-on, but don’t beat yourself up if you knock it off accidentally. It’s not very securely mounted, but can be removed fairly easily too.
5. Mountain Everest 60% – The best 60% gaming keyboard
Mountain Everest 60%
Switches
Pre-Lubed Mountain Switches
Keycaps
PBT Double-shot
Layout
QWERTY
Form
65%
Polling Rate / Response Time
1000Hz / 1ms
- Sophisticated feel
- Quality keycaps
- ‘Thonky’ (Keys feel weighty and loud)
- Number pad can be added
- Very small
The Mountain Everest 60% is also a contender for one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve had a chance to use. Not only does it feel incredibly responsive, but it’s also surprisingly affordable. As one of the cheaper boards on this list to get a hold of, you won’t be complaining with this one at your desk.
While this is branded as a 60% keyboard, the fact that it has the arrow keys in the corner puts it on a level somewhat closer to a 65% board. There are pre-lubed hot-swappable Mountain switches which have a 100M actuation, and this really shines through in the feel and quality of each click. Pressing keys down on this keyboard is quite addictive, so you’re going to find yourself typing away for no reason with this one.
It’s also fully hot-swappable too, so if you’d rather have a try with any other switches you’re fully in your rights to do so. If you choose to do this, you’ll need to remove the plate-mounted Cherry stabilisers which do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the premium feel of this keyboard. They also add to its weight which – while not really a factor in keyboard feel – does contribute to the premium feel.
There are PBT double-shot keycaps which have a very professional and discrete look. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the Steelseries Apex 9 TKL, though the mounting plate on the Everest might just pip it over its main competitor.
After using this keyboard for a bit, the fact that it’s only $84.99 seemed outrageous to me.
6. Logitech G915 TKL – The best low profile gaming keyboard
Logitech G915 TKL
Switches
GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky.
Keycaps
Low Profile
Layout
QWERTY
Form
TKL
Polling Rate / Response Time
1ms
- Low profile caps
- Simple
- Large footprint
One of the best keyboards for gaming happens to be the Logitech G915 TKL. It features an incredibly highly sturdy build, alongside connectivity for Bluetooth and USB.
Compared to all the other keyboards on this list, the Logitech G915 has an incredibly low profile. Not only does this make it much harder to misclick, but you can also actuate a key press much easier and faster. Ordinarily, these are mutually exclusive, though the low profile key caps mean you’re not bumping into other keys as often.
Even still, it’s packed with all the bells and whistles you’d expect to see on a gaming keyboard. There’s RGB lights alongside an incredibly fast polling rate.
While it’s a pretty expensive piece of hardware, it’s quite justified in terms of product quality. The keypresses are extremely quiet, which is a huge benefit for any late night gamers out there. There’s also a handy media control dial, so you’re going to be able to mute your music or Discord with the flick of a wrist.
The key switches come in three options: Tactile, Clicky and Linear. So you have a great range of control over the sound and feel of the keys.
7. Corsair K55 RGB Pro – The best value gaming keyboard
CORSAIR K55 RGB PRO
Switches
Membrane
Keycaps
Double Shot PBT
Layout
QWERTY
Form
1800 Full
Polling Rate / Response Time
1,000Hz
- Affordable
- Cheap feel
The final keyboard on this list is the only membrane board we’re suggesting. While this style of keyboard certainly has its merits, gamers and keyboard enthusiasts tend to gravitate towards mechanical key switches thanks to the resistance they provide, alongside the ‘confirmation’ that a switch can give. That said, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro does a good job at providing an easy gaming experience that’s just as satisfying.
Pressing keys down on the Corsair K55 Pro feels as close to mechanical as possible, without infringing on any of the ‘downsides’ that mechanical keyboards bring. Namely price, sound, extravagance and jargon. Choosing a membrane board such as the K55 Pro lets you sidestep all of that, and you can focus on picking a product that’s going to enhance your gaming experience seamlessly.
While it’s definitely going to feel the cheapest out of all the items on this list – it might also offer the most value for money. Mech keyboards aren’t usually cheap, which is why a membrane keyboard is the first choice for many gamers out there. It’s also well stocked with RGB lights and USB connectivity.
It’s also got an incredibly low latency, which is going to make it stand out against the crowd in e-sports and competitive gaming situations. Alongside that, you can assign macro shortcuts to each key which gives you even more speed enhancing possibilities.
It’s very much worth checking out what the best PS5 compatible keyboard and mouse is if you’re looking for something that can be used with your desktop and console, while you might be interested in checking out the best gaming keyboards under $100 if you’re looking for a more budget friendly selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mechanical keyboards the best for gaming?
It’s not necessarily the case that a mechanical keyboard is better for gaming than a membrane board, though the general consensus is that a mech keyboard’s experience is far more
