If you're an avid PC gamer, your long-suffering keyboard has probably seen better days. If you're thinking it's time to retire that clunky old Microsoft keyboard, then there's a wide variety of gaming-specific keyboards out there to choose from, from cheap and cheerful entry-level models, right up to professional-class keyboards that will cost more than your computer's processor. Regardless of whether you've got £25 or £250 in you pocket, however, here we'll explain what you need to look out for, and run through Expert Reviews' pick of the best gaming keyboards that you can currently buy.
How to buy the best gaming keyboard for you
Do I need to buy a mechanical keyboard?
Many people swear by mechanical keyboards, and that's due to their individual key switches that work independently from each other. This makes them more responsive, feel less mushy, and some would argue more accurate to type/game on.
Not all switches are made equal, however: there are different types of mechanical switches made by various manufacturers. The most well-respected mechanical switches come from the German company, Cherry; it produces the range of very popular Cherry MX mechanical switches: Black, Blue, Brown and Red.
The different coloured switches determine the feeling you'll have at your fingertips:
- MX Black is linear and hard to press, for heavy-handed gamers.
- MX Blue produces a loud click and is often chosen by typists or gamers who want to hear when they've pressed a key – and can put up with the noise.
- MX Brown is a halfway house between MX Red and MX Blue – it's easy to actuate but has a tactile bump, for those who game and type a lot.
- MX Red is a soft, membrane-like switch, for gamers who want a soft-to-press switch.
It should be mentioned that certain other manufacturers produce their own switches – Logitech (Romer-G), SteelSeries (QS1), Razer (Kailh) – while others source OEM switches from China.
What are macros, and why should I care?
Macro keys are useful for certain types of games where multiple key combinations are used regularly. If you find yourself regularly reaching for certain multi-key commands, you can assign any series of keystrokes to a macro, which then lets you perform that command with a single, quick key press. This can be an invaluable way of easing the pressure on your hands. Most keyboards have software that provides macro support, and some even have dedicated macro keys.
Do I need a keyboard with RGB lighting?
Whether or not you see this as a must-have feature is entirely down to your own personal tastes, but RGB lighting can add a much-needed dash of personalisation, colour and excitement to a keyboard. Some manufacturers, such as SteelSeries, have even combined RGB lighting to interact with your game, such as the GameSense feature on the company's Apex M800 mechanical keyboard. This illuminates strips of the keyboard to show in-game stats such as your ammo or health level.
Build quality, keycaps and key wobble
Most keyboards are made out of a hard plastic, but some look and feel more premium by swapping the plastic for metal. Whichever material the manufacturer uses, however, the goal for a well-built keyboard is to exhibit zero flex. If you want the best, most reliable feel while typing or gaming, then the keyboard has to ensure that the keys are held perfectly in position, and don't deflect or move out of alignment when you press them.
The build quality of the keys themselves is also crucial. Better-quality keycaps last longer and feel better at your fingertips, and well-designed keys do not wobble, so provide a consistent typing and gaming performance – meaning you'll hit the right key more often.
What other features should I look out for?
There are plenty of features to think about, some of which are found on the higher-priced keyboards. These include: a wristrest; a removable cable (these are often a braided design for durability); USB and audio pass-through; dedicated media and macro keys; a volume wheel; and, last but not least, bundled software that allows you to customise your keyboard's performance and/or lighting array.
The best gaming keyboards to buy
1. Corsair K70 RGB: The best gaming keyboard
Price when reviewed: £135
There are various iterations of the Corsair K70 (RGB/red, MX Brown/Red/Speed, K70/K70 Lux). The one I've picked out is the Corsair K70 RGB MX Red, due to its lighting capabilities and mechanical switches, which make it ideal for FPS gamers.
The K70 RGB has dedicated media controls, assignable macros through its CUE software, a detachable wristrest, a USB pass-through and, of course, RGB lighting that lights up like a Christmas tree. It should also be mentioned that it has a 32-bit ARM processor, up to 1000Hz polling rate and 8, 4, 2, 1ms key-response time. There's barely any keyboard flex, its keys don't wobble and the keycaps are well made.
Despite its high price tag, the K70 RGB really is the ultimate mechanical keyboard – there's nothing missing. If you feel you need dedicated macro keys, though, get the Corsair K95 RGB instead.
Key specs – Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX; Backlit: Yes, RGB; Wristrest: Yes; Additional ports: USB; Dimensions: 438 x 163 x 24mm
2. HyperX Alloy: The best gaming keyboard under £100
Price when reviewed:£100
HyperX's Alloy FPS mechanical gaming keyboard is as rugged as keyboards come. With a solid-steel frame as its top plate, the keyboard can survive a lot of abuse. And probably a zombie apocalypse to boot.
There's absolutely no keyboard flex; keys don't wobble and the keycaps are moulded nicely so they grip the fingers perfectly. You even get three different switches to choose from with the Alloy: Cherry MX Red, Brown and Blue. So, no matter your preference, HyperX have got you covered.
The Alloy features a USB pass-through, a removable mini-USB to USB braided cable, red backlit keys and a great set of bundled accessories including a carrying pouch, textured keycaps and a key puller. Unfortunately, there's no wristrest. There are no dedicated media keys, but you can access those functions using the FN+F-key combinations.
Key specs – Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX; Backlit: Yes, Red; Wristrest: No; Additional ports: USB; Dimensions: 441.65 x 129.38 x 35.59mm
3. Cooler Master Quick Fire Xti: Cherry MX switches for under £100
Price when reviewed: £71
If you want a good mechanical keyboard, but don't want all the bells and whistles, then the Cooler Master Quick Fire Xti is the one for you.
The keyboard has a detachable micro-USB to USB braided cable, blue and red lighting and has accessible media controls through FN+F-keys. It's a compact keyboard and doesn't come with a wristrest, nor dedicated macro keys (but it does have macro support). There's very minimal keyboard flex, but the keys don't wobble and the keycaps are extremely durable.
As CoolerMaster has sprung for top-quality Cherry MX Brown, Blue or Red switches, overall quality isn't hindered by its price tag. This makes the Quick Fire Xti the best budget Cherry MX-equipped keyboard on the market.
Key specs – Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX; Backlit: Yes, blue and red; Wristrest: No; Additional ports: None; Dimensions: 439 x 130 x 41mm
4. Logitech G213 Prodigy: A fantastic gaming keyboard
Price when reviewed: £60
The Logitech G213 is a non-mechanical keyboard that's designed to look and feel like one, and it does an excellent job at just that.
It has RGB lighting, dedicated media keys, a non-removable wristrest and assignable macros through Logitech's Gaming software. Due to its plastic construction, there's a little bit of keyboard flex. On the plus side, the keys themselves don't wobble and its keycaps are relatively well made too.
If you're looking for a mechanical-feeling keyboard for less than £60, and you're dead set on RGB lighting, there are very few keyboards that can beat the G213.
Key specs – Mechanical: No; Backlit: Yes, RGB; Wristrest: Yes; Additional ports: None; Dimensions: 452 x 218 x 33mm
5. Sumvision Sonic Wave: The best gaming keyboard under £25
Price when reviewed:£23
Looking to upgrade your keyboard, but don't want to spend much money? This is where the Sumvision Sonic Wave steps in. It provides zonal RGB lighting, a mechanical feel, accessible media keys through FN+F-keys and an integrated wristrest for just under £23 – all of which makes it ludicrously good value for money.
The keyboard even has a trick up its sleeve, where its lighting will react to music played loudly through your speakers – hence why it's called the Sonic Wave.
It does have a little bit of keyboard flex, but on the plus side the keycaps are well made and the keys don't wobble. If you want a decent gaming keyboard for less than £25, you really can't go far wrong.
Key specs – Mechanical: No; Backlit: Yes, Zonal RGB; Wristrest: Yes; Additional ports: None; Dimensions: 441 x 135 x 42mm
