When it comes to upgrading your PC, a solid gaming keyboard is one of the first things you should look for—and here are five excellent options.
Maybe you’ve just put together your brand new gaming rig, or maybe you’re looking to graduate from pedestrian peripherals to more dedicated, specialized tech. Either way, the keyboard is an excellent cornerstone to build the rest of your desktop configuration around. After all, it’s one of the biggest components of your setup, and one you’ll be hammering away on for various purposes.
Below are some of the highest-rated gaming keyboards we’ve reviewed over the last two months. Whatever your needs, one of these finely-tuned pieces of tech is sure to be a good fit.
5) Logitech G915
Kicking off our list is the most expensive option, the low-profile Logitech G915. With a brushed metal finish, multiple connection types, media controls, and macro buttons, it’s like a Cadillac of gaming keyboards.
Our Review: “While not cheap, the Logitech G915 is a beautifully crafted peripheral that should make most buyers very happy. While on the more expensive end for keyboards, it offers a host of features and design choices that will make up for that pricetag. Even though I would have loved to see a wrist guard in the box, the overall design and quality of the G915 make it a great recommendation for anyone looking for a low-profile mechanical keyboard, or if you’re just someone looking to buy the best that Logitech has to offer.”
4) Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed Keyboard
Perhaps you’re looking for something a little smaller, however. Many companies are offering tenkeyless (TKL) options that sacrifice the numpad to save space, like Razer’s Blackwidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed Keyboard. With a 65% form factor, you keep your arrow keys but gain lots of space, on top of all the bells and whistles Razer packs into their keyboards.
Our Review: “The Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed is fast, space-saving and easy to use with all the extra bells and whistles users have come to rely on from Razer. For users who don’t rely on a number pad or have ridiculously tiny hands this is definitely a keyboard I would recommend.”
3) HyperX Alloy Origins 60
If you want to take that plunge and go to the 60% form factor, however, HyperX may have the thing for you. This tiny titan retains as many features as its frame can hold, like double shot PBT keycaps and durable mechanical switches rated for 80 million presses. You’ll have to use the function key to perform some essential commands, but the Alloy Origins 60 is a reliable little dynamo that our reviewer compared to a “reliable sidearm.”
Our Review: “The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is best regarded as a “specialist” device, rather than a general all-rounder, not unlike the high-end professional joysticks that fighting game enthusiasts break out when it’s championship time.”
2) SteelSeries Apex 5 Keyboard
Coming back around to full-sized keyboards, our Brand of the Year has a wide range of gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries Apex 5 hits that sweet compromise between price and features. Unlike the Logitech G915 it features a magnetic wrist guard, and an onboard OLED screen can be customized to serve as a handy reference, depending on your current task.
Our Review: “There’s enough personality, comfort, and performance to make it feel premium, while not breaking the bank. Squeaky keys and loud clicks aside, the Apex 5 is a great budget keyboard that is fun to use, and has a real sense of personality to it.”
1) Razer Huntsman V2
Razer’s Huntsman V2 may sit atop the mountain right now, however. Its optical switches can benefit users of all varieties, truly making your gaming keyboard a tool for all purposes. Meanwhile Sound Dampening Foam will help reduce the sound of your key-mashing when on important calls, or prevent annoying your coworkers or roommates. There’s also a TKL version, if you feel so inclined.
Our Review: “The new Razer Huntsman V2 is a refined experience. It takes the best features from past keyboards and brings with it great additions that make the gaming experience better. From a new wrist rest to the new Sound Dampening Foam, the Razer Huntsman V2 is the new keyboard to beat if you demand only the best.”
Tech companies are truly delivering these days when it comes to peripherals, and it shows in this cross-section of gaming keyboards. With so many features to choose from, as well as the interplay between other devices on your rig, PC gamers have never had it so good—well, aside from the availability of graphic cards anyway.
