Best Gaming Keyboards in 2025

Choosing the perfect gaming keyboard hinges heavily on personal preferences. Layout (tenkeyless or full-size), mechanical switches, and extra features all contribute to the ideal feel. This guide highlights key aspects and reviews my top picks, all based on extensive firsthand experience. I'll delve into switch performance in competitive gaming and everyday typing, as well as the impact of design and additional features.

Many keyboards boast extra features like Razer's Command Dial or SteelSeries' OLED control panel, often integrated with software. Even seemingly minor details like keycaps significantly influence performance. This guide aims to help you make an informed purchase.

Top Gaming Keyboards:

SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3): Best Overall

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Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

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Redragon K582 Surara: Best Budget

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Cherry MX LP 2.1: Best Compact (60%)

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Logitech G Pro X TKL: Best Tenkeyless (75%)

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Keychron K4: Best 96% Layout

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Corsair K100 RGB: Best Full-Sized

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Logitech G515 TKL: Best Low-Profile

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Pulsar Xboard QS: Best Wired

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Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Best Customizable

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Detailed Reviews (abbreviated):

• SteelSeries Apex Pro (Gen 3): Exceptional Hall Effect switches, OLED control panel, sleek design. Customizable actuation points offer versatility.

• Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Flagship keyboard with excellent mechanical switches, macro keys, and a customizable Command Dial. High polling rate.

• Redragon K582 Surara: Surprisingly good performance and build quality for its budget price.

• Cherry MX LP 2.1: Lightweight and low-profile 60% keyboard with excellent performance.

• Logitech G Pro X TKL: Excellent mechanical switches, sleek design, and useful on-board features in a 75% layout.

• Keychron K4: Affordable 96% keyboard with good performance and wireless capabilities.

• Corsair K100 RGB: High-end full-sized keyboard with optical switches, macro keys, and media controls.

• Logitech G515 TKL: Excellent low-profile keyboard with great performance and a slim design.

• Pulsar Xboard QS: High-quality wired keyboard with exceptional switches and a unique aesthetic.

• Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Highly customizable with swappable switches and the Command Dial.

Gaming Keyboard FAQ (abbreviated):

• Mechanical Switches: Linear (smooth), tactile (bump feedback), clicky (loud feedback). Actuation point, travel distance, and actuation force are key considerations.

• Keyboard Layouts: Full-size (104 keys), 96%, tenkeyless (TKL, 75%), and compact (60%). Choose based on your needs and desk space.

• Wired vs. Wireless: Wireless is convenient but may cost more; wired keyboards offer consistent performance and save money. Modern wireless tech minimizes latency.

Image of switch types Image of keyboard layouts

(Poll remains unchanged) Which switch type do you prefer? Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Optical, or Hall Effect?

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