Our pick of the best gaming keyboards
Want to level up your gaming? We’ve picked out some of the best keyboards for you to buy and do just that
Whether you’re a casual PC gamer or someone who treats their gaming as so much more than a hobby, chances are that your keyboard has taken a beating over the years. If you’re still using your standard keyboard, for example, the toll of hours of gaming will likely be showing and that means it’s high time for you to invest in a proper gaming keyboard.
It doesn’t have to break the bank, but upgrading can actually save you from replacing it every couple of years. The keyboards on our list range from entry-level to professional-class pieces of kit that will significantly improve your experience for many sessions to come.
Of course, if you’ve ever spoken to a dedicated gamer then you’ll have been told that mechanical keyboards are the be all and end all in this area, and that’s somewhat true. The key switches work independently, which is a huge plus, and they’re just generally more responsive and accurate to type on. That said, it’s not your only option.
Other differences include macro keys that make it possible to complete multi-key commands with one touch (significantly easing the stress on your hands), RGB backlighting, and keys made from materials such as metal instead of plastic. Then there are details like whether the keyboard has a wrist rest, is wireless, or comes with extra software.
Because of the amount of choice out there, we’ve collected together some of the best gaming keyboards out there so that your decision can be slightly easier.
1. HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Price: £150 | Buy now from Amazon
A sturdy, well-built keyboard due to its metal frame, the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB is an update from its previous generation in a number of key ways. These include an intuitive wrist rest and volume wheel, even though the most showy new feature is the individually backlit keys. Heavy typing is more than within its capabilities due to its lack of flex and key wobble, and the Cherry MX Red switches are just really nice to type on. The USB connection means you can just plug and play, and there’s no required software.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Cherry MX; Wrist rest: Yes; Additional ports: USB; Dimensions: 39mm x 169mm x 444mm
2. Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo Gaming Keyboard
Price: £150 | Buy now from Amazon
The Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo has a really striking look, but it’s also a keyboard that scores highly in most areas when tested. The key switches are exposed to achieve the unique design, each topped with a keycap without losing the visual depth that’s so pleasing to look at. The keyboard also comes with its own detachable plastic wrist rest and you’ll find the clicky volume wheel in the top right corner. We love how the Roccat Titan keys feel to type on, so this gets top marks for both style and function.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Roccat Titan; Wrist rest: Yes; Dimensions: 32mm x 235m x 462mm
3. Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2
Price: £150 | Buy now from Amazon
A more slimline example of a gaming keyboard perfect for those with limited desk space, the Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2 achieves its thin figure by doing away with the number pad entirely. This, in addition to the detachable cable and wrist rest, makes the keyboard super comfortable to use, whether for work or for gaming. The speed is the more impressive thing, offering ultra-fast actuation of just 1.2mm on top of the Razer Yellow mechanical switch’s reduced travel distance of 3.5mm.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Razer Yellow; Wrist rest: Yes; Dimensions: 40mm x 206mm x 370mm
4. Logitech G613 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Price: £130 | Buy now from Amazon
The Logitech G613 gaming keyboard trumps a lot of its rivals because of its lightspeed wireless technology, boasting speeds that feel like its wired (the product description describes it as the world’s first ‘high-performance’ wireless mechanical gaming keyboard). Then there’s the quiet and accurate Romer-G mechanical keys, which make using the keyboard a dream. There are also six programmable keys positioned at the side, for gamers who want to be able to complete complex commands with a single key.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Romer-G; Wrist rest: Integrated; Dimensions: 33mm x 216mm x 478mm
5. Cooler Master MasterKeys MK750
Price: £156 | Buy now from Amazon
The Cooler Master MasterKeys MK750 is a brilliant all-rounder, with a premium frame, Cherry MX keys, RGB backlighting, and a detachable wrist rest. Though it feels thoroughly luxurious when in use, the lack of fancy extras keeps the pricing down, but you’ll have to forgo extra USB ports and dedicated macro keys. You can change settings straight from the keyboard, eliminating the need for extra software, and the USB connector means you can just plug and play without a fuss.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Cherry MX; Wrist rest: Yes; Dimensions: 42mm x 132mm x 438mm
6. HyperX Alloy Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Price: £120 | Buy now from Amazon
A sturdy beast of a keyboard, the HyperX Alloy Elite is built to last and would probably withstand anything you’d think to throw at it. There is zero keyboard flex or key wobble to speak of, and the Cherry MX Red switches are obviously top-notch. The solid steel frame gives the keyboard more of a premium feel to go with its performance, and it also offers USB 2.0 passthrough, detachable wrist rest, braided cable and accessories including textured titanium-painted keycaps.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Cherry MX; Wrist rest: Yes; Additional ports: USB; Dimensions: 36mm x 227mm x 444mm
7. Fnatic Gear Rush Mechanical Pro Gaming Keyboard
Price: £70 | Buy now from Amazon
A gaming keyboard hailing from the same company celebrated for its own excellent gaming teams, the Fnatic Gear Rush Mechanical Pro gaming keyboard was always going to be one to keep an eye on. The keyboard has unsurprisingly been designed especially with esports in mind, supporting quick keystroke commands and arriving with a wrist rest included. The keyboard itself has a soft rubber coating, and the Cherry MX key switches make each move during gameplay that much more precise and tactile.
Handy stuff to know – Mechanical: Cherry MX; Wrist rest: Yes; Additional ports: USB; Dimensions: 33mm x 148mm x 448mm
8. Corsair K55 RGB Membrane Gaming Keyboard
Price: £55 | Buy now from Amazon
Cheap as chips but not forcing you to compromise too much on quality, the Corsair K55 RGB Membrane gaming keyboard is a brilliant budget option. The key difference here is the lack of mechanical keys, but it still comes with macro keys, detachable wrist rest and RGB lighting effects. That’s not too shabby as long as you can live with conventional key switches, and rest assured that the keys on the Corsair K55 can be pressed simultaneously without causing trouble.
Handy stuff to know – Wrist rest: Yes; Dimensions: 35mm x 166mm x 480mm
9. Sumvision Sonic Wave LED Keyboard
Price: £21 | Buy now from Amazon
Another non-mechanical gaming keyboard, and this time even cheaper, the Sumvision Sonic Wave LED keyboard is perfect for anyone who wants to see what the fuss is about gaming keyboards without dipping into their savings. It has RGB lighting, integrated wrist rest and media keys. There’s a slight keyboard flex but not too much key wobble, but for just over £20 you can’t really complain. No bells and whistles but, if you want to dip your toe in the water, then the Sonic Wave could be your answer.
Handy stuff to know – Wrist rest: Yes; Dimensions: 42mm x 135mm x 441mm
10. Razer Blackwidow Lite Stormtrooper Edition
Price: £100 | Buy now from Razer
If you’re into Star Wars, then you can’t go wrong with this Stormtrooper keyboard from Razer. The Blackwidow Lite limited edition is responsive, quiet and stylish, and allows you to play any game with the verve and focus of the Empire’s expert soldiers. The only thing to note is that the US layout and lack of number pad, but that’s easy to get used to in exchange for major geek points. Even ignoring the design, this is a great gaming keyboard and one that should give you an edge in your next game.
Key specs – Mechanical: Razer Orange Switch; Dimensions: 36mm x 133mm x 361mm
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