Having the best gaming keyboard for your gaming PC setup might not seem like a big deal, but the difference between a regular keyboard and a gaming keyboard cannot be overstated. There’s a reason PC gamers pay for high-end gaming setups that include a gaming keyboard and the best gaming mouse.
A gaming keyboard won’t necessarily make you better at playing video games, but the faster response time will have you questioning why you didn’t switch sooner. Regular keyboards, especially wireless keyboards, have a delay between pressing a button and the action that pops up on screen, not to mention how keys can stick after a while and make gaming difficult.
The best gaming keyboard will benefit any PC gamer, but is especially helpful if you enjoy competitive multiplayer or esports games like Counter-Strike or League of Legends. Online competitions require lightning fast reactions from keyboards and mice, and could mean the difference between winning or losing a match.
Beyond the impact the best gaming keyboard will likely have on your gaming, specialized gaming keyboards feel great to type on. There’s a quick reaction time and satisfying “click” with every keystroke, making it a great choice for both work and gaming requirements. Plus, some gaming keyboards have fun backlight colors and we could all use that in our lives.
Gaming keyboards also come in a few different sizes so you can find the best gaming keyboard that matches your setup. If you don’t have a lot of room, you may want to consider a compact keyboard because it’s smaller but just as powerful as a standard gaming keyboard. Some keyboards come equipped with programmable macro keys, which aren’t a necessity but might be a good choice if you’re wanting to start streaming your gameplay.
Our top picks for best gaming keyboard of 2022
Best gaming keyboard 2022: Top picks
Combining the latest optical technology and Razer’s analog mechanical key switches, the Razer Huntsman v2 Analog is good enough to get a five-star rating from us. That’s under-selling it. This gaming keyboard delivers the best typing and gaming experience of any keyboard we’ve tested in the last few months, with extremely satisfying tactile feedback and a wrist rest that’s designed to let you game for longer. As far as keyboards go, it is sitting on the expensive side of things, but it’s definitely worth it.
Read the full review: Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
Who needs a full-sized keyboard when TKL gaming keyboards such as the Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro exist? This compact gaming keyboard is among the best in performance, comfort, and looks, touting a classy brushed gunmetal finish and floating keys that brilliantly showcase its customizable RGB lighting. Roccat’s Titan optical switches are not only fast and accurate, but satisfying, quiet and robust as well. It’ll set you back quite a bit, but it’s so worth it.
Read the full review: Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro
The Everest Max is the result of a successfully backed Kickstarter campaign, a fully customizable modular keyboard where it feels like every aspect of the design has been planned by the PC enthusiast community. Its modular design includes a media deck with an innovative display dial with boundless potential to monitor or change your PC performance, a left or right-handed Numpad with four programmable macro keys similar to those seen on the Elgato Streamdeck, and a plush wrist rest. Mountain even includes a set of hot-swappable key switches with the keyboard to help you get a feel for future modifications should you so choose.
Read the full review: Mountain Everest Max
A $159 price tag on a gaming keyboard might a tad too steep, but the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested in the last year, really does give you a lot of ounce for your bounce. We’re not talking the more trivial bells and whistles like fancy RGB lighting either – although since we are on the subject, this one’s got a whole lot of them, not to mention its integrated 19-zone light bar and the 16.8 million color options, to boot. By bang, we actually mean its 6 dedicated macro keys, 8MB on-board storage and aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame.
Read the full review: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
Even if you're getting one of the best gaming keyboards, it can be hard to swallow a high price tag on a gaming keyboard, and it gets even harder when it's as small as the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. But, what you're missing in extra features that a full-sized keyboard might offer, you gain in reliability and speed.
The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL takes the second-generation Razer Optical switches that makes all of its keyboards so good, and puts it into an easy-to-carry package. It's still wired, sure, but when you're counting lag in the milliseconds to win a Counter-Strike match, you want that anyway.
This keyboard is a dream, and would fit nicely on the desk of any PC gamer.
Read our full review: Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
The G915 TKL lives up to its name, delivering the speed you need for epic gaming while keeping things cable-free. With a 1,000Hz polling rate and 1.5 mm actuation distance, it can keep up with its wired setup. It also has a long wireless range and decent battery life considering its stunning RGB lighting. Best of all, it’s a gorgeous keyboard with its low-profile floating keys and brushed aluminum deck. Small desk and travel friendly, this is without a doubt among the best gaming keyboards out there.
Read the full review: Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed
60% keyboards are more than a passing fad. Gamers with smaller desks or just want a more compact setup in general will find these ultra-compact gaming keyboards a boon, and the Corsair K65 Mini is among the best of those. With incredibly satisfying presses, an impressive polling rate of 8,000Hz, and highly customizable keys, there’s a lot to love here. And, they make this keyboard well worth the admittedly steep learning curve if you’re used to full-sized keyboards. It may take a while to get used to not having arrow keys, for example, but you won’t regret it.
Read the full review: Corsair K65 Mini
Not all great gaming keyboards have mechanical switches, as this affordable Apex keyboard is proving. The budget-minded SteelSeries Apex 3 may come with a few concessions, but it also boasts some impressive features that more than make up for those compromises. One of those features is its IP32 water resistance for protection against any spills – because who hasn’t accidentally knocked over a can of soda while gaming? Another is its reactive and customizable 10-zone RGB illumination to make your gaming experience all the more impressive. And, if you absolutely hate those clickety clacking noises that mechanical keyboards love to make, you’ll really appreciate this keyboard’s whisper quiet gaming switches.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Apex 3
Gone are the days when mini keyboards were a novelty. These days, there’s not only a lot of options out there, but a lot more people are also making the switch. Still, it’s easy to find the best one for you. HyperX’s contender, for example, the Alloy Origins 60, is the best option if you’re looking for a mini keyboard that’s affordable yet extremely reliable. Some corners are cut, yes. At the same time, you’re getting a premium build and excellent performance so it’s still worth every penny.
Read the full review: HyperX Alloy Origins 60
The SteelSeries Apex Pro’s svelte aesthetic and clever OLED display are just the appetizers. The SteelSeries Apex Pro gets our coveted 5-star rating for many reasons, the biggest of which are its stunning and solid build, custom actuation and comfortable – not to mention, quiet – magnetic switches. Performance-wise, it’s among the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested yet, which makes its $199 price tag worth the splurge.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Apex Pro
How to shop for the best gaming keyboards
Do gaming keyboards make a difference?
Yes, gaming keyboards make a difference! The best gaming keyboards are not only designed to have a fast reaction time, but they are engineered with gaming comfort in mind. Some keyboards have extended wrist rests so you can game for longer and without extra strain on your wrists. If you plan on gaming for hours at a time, you need a comfortable keyboard to accommodate your hands.
Whether you enjoy narrative-driven single-player games or competitive online games, using the best gaming keyboard will make a difference in your gaming experience. The best PC games will benefit from being played with a gaming keyboard and you’ll have a more enjoyable time doing so.
If you want to make the switch to the best gaming keyboard, check out our list below. We’re no stranger to gaming keyboards, having tested many over the years, and will help you find the one that best suits your gaming needs and setup. Plus, we’ve got a price comparison tool to help you find the best keyboard deal available.
