Top Gaming Keyboards of 2025 Revealed

Choosing the perfect gaming keyboard can be more challenging than selecting the best gaming mouse or headset because it heavily depends on personal preferences. From the layout—whether you opt for a full-sized, tenkeyless (TKL), or compact 60% keyboard—to the type of mechanical switches and additional features, everything plays a crucial role in your gaming experience. These keyboards can be quite an investment, so it's essential to understand what each one offers. In this guide, I'll walk you through the key features of my top picks, all of which I've personally tested and can vouch for.

I've had the opportunity to use numerous keyboards over the years, including the latest releases. My recommendations are based on first-hand experience, diving deep into how each keyboard's switches perform in competitive gaming and how they feel during extended typing sessions. Features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel are great additions, but they often require software apps for full customization. Even keycaps can impact a keyboard's performance, so it's important to consider these nuances before making a purchase.

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 AmazonI've categorized my recommendations to highlight different keyboard styles, allowing me to showcase products from various manufacturers. While I have a soft spot for the SteelSeries Apex Pro, each keyboard on this list excels in specific areas and may better suit your individual needs and preferences. For instance, the Cherry MX LP 2.1 is my top pick for the best compact 60% keyboard due to its low-profile keys and lightweight design. If you're after a low-profile option, the Logitech G515 TKL is excellent with its slim frame and robust features. And for those on a budget, the Redragon K582 Surara offers impressive performance at a great price point.

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)

17The SteelSeries Apex Pro stands out as the ideal gaming keyboard, featuring Hall Effect switches, an OLED control panel, and robust construction. Its sleek design, complemented by bold keycaps and tasteful RGB lighting, makes it a top choice. The Hall Effect switches offer customizable actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, providing versatility for both gaming and typing. Features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode enhance performance, though their utility may vary by game. The OLED panel allows for easy control of media, lighting, and more, making it a versatile and user-friendly option.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro – Photos

25 Images2. Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best High-End Gaming Keyboard

### Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

6Razer's flagship BlackWidow V4 Pro is a standout with its excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and customizable Command Dial. The full-sized model includes a programmable dial, macro keys, and media controls, all customizable via the Synapse software. Razer's proprietary switches, available in tactile, clicky, and linear options, offer a short actuation point for quick and consistent keystrokes. Despite its slightly bulky design, the BlackWidow V4 Pro's build quality and performance make it a top recommendation.

3. Redragon K582 Surara

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

### Redragon K582 Surara

3The Redragon K582 Surara is an excellent budget option that delivers impressive performance and build quality. While its aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, the "professional" Red switches provide a smooth and consistent typing experience. Priced at $44.99, often on sale for around $36, it's a cost-effective choice that rivals more expensive mechanical keyboards.

4. Cherry MX LP 2.1

Best Compact (60%) Gaming Keyboard

### Cherry MX LP 2.1

3The Cherry MX LP 2.1 is my top choice for a compact 60% keyboard, offering a lightweight design and low-profile keycaps. Its Cherry MX Speed Silver switches provide a short 1.5mm actuation point with a firm, smooth feel. While the compact layout may not suit everyone, especially for productivity tasks, it's ideal for those who value desk space and portability. Bluetooth connectivity adds to its versatility.

5. Logitech G Pro X TKL

Best Tenkeyless (75%) Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G Pro X TKL

4The Logitech G Pro X TKL combines excellent mechanical switches with a sleek design and useful on-board features. Its brushed aluminum top and exposed keycaps allow for tasteful RGB lighting, while the volume wheel and media controls enhance its functionality. Logitech's proprietary switches deliver satisfying and consistent keystrokes, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-performing TKL keyboard.

6. Keychron K4

Best 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

### Keychron K4

1The Keychron K4 offers a full-sized keyboard experience in a compact 96% layout, perfect for those who want to save space without sacrificing functionality. The Gateron Red switches provide smooth and reliable performance, and its slim frame minimizes its footprint. While it lacks extra features and software customization, the K4's Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility.

Corsair K100 RGB Review

14 Images7. Corsair K100 RGB

Best Full-Sized Gaming Keyboard

### Corsair K100 RGB

2The Corsair K100 RGB is a premium full-sized keyboard with macro keys, media controls, and optical switches. Its brushed aluminum plate and RGB lighting give it a luxurious feel, while the optical switches provide a unique and responsive typing experience. Despite some software issues, the K100's robust features and build quality make it a standout choice.

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL - Photos

10 Images8. Logitech G515 TKL

Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard

### Logitech G515 TKL

1The Logitech G515 TKL is a standout low-profile keyboard with a slim frame and thin keycaps. Its mechanical switches offer a short 1.3mm actuation point, complementing the low-profile design. While it lacks additional controls on the top bar, its performance and aesthetics make it a top choice for those seeking a low-profile gaming keyboard.

Pulsar Xboard QS - Photos

15 Images9. Pulsar Xboard QS

Best Wired Gaming Keyboard

### Pulsar Xboard QS

1The Pulsar Xboard QS impresses with its strong build quality, unique aesthetic, and Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 switches. Its dual connectivity and programmable volume knob add to its appeal, though its high price may deter some. Despite this, the Xboard QS is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality wired gaming keyboard.

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, with swappable switches and a useful Command Dial. Its robust build quality and advanced features make it a top choice for those who want to tailor their keyboard to their preferences. Despite its high price, the V4 Pro 75% offers a premium gaming experience.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ

What are the advantages between different mechanical switches?

Selecting the right mechanical switch is crucial for your gaming keyboard. While Cherry switches have long dominated the market, many manufacturers now offer proprietary switches that compete effectively. There are three main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth keystroke without feedback, ideal for gaming. Tactile switches offer a bump at the actuation point, giving you a sense of when the key registers. Clicky switches provide both a bump and an audible click, which some users enjoy for typing. Optical and Hall Effect switches, which use light and magnets respectively, are also becoming popular for their adjustable actuation points.

Key switch characteristics include actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force. The actuation point is the distance at which the key registers an input, typically around 2.0mm for standard switches, with shorter points for competitive gaming. Travel distance is the total distance a key travels, often double the actuation point. Actuation force is the effort required to press the key, typically around 45g, though lighter or heavier options are available.

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

Your choice of keyboard layout depends on personal preference and usage. Full-sized keyboards offer all standard keys and extra features but take up more desk space. The 96% layout retains all necessary keys in a more compact form. TKL keyboards remove the number pad, freeing up space for mouse movement while often retaining useful features. Compact 60% keyboards are the smallest option, sacrificing some functionality for a minimal footprint. They may not be ideal for productivity or games requiring many keys, but they perform well for gaming if built with the right switches.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming keyboard?

Wireless connectivity is more critical for mice and headsets due to their movement. For keyboards, wireless is a nice feature but not essential. Many keyboards offer both wired and wireless versions, with the wired option often being cheaper. For example, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL's wireless version costs more than the wired model, but both offer similar performance. Wireless technology has advanced, minimizing latency concerns, so the choice between wired and wireless often comes down to convenience and budget.