The best gaming keyboard round-up

The best gaming keyboard for you can help boost your frags and productivity.

Best gaming keyboard overall
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
From$359
Form factor
Full size, detachable wrist rest
Connectivity
Detachable USB-C cable
Key types
Razer Green, Orange or Yellow switches
Best cheap gaming keyboard
HyperX Alloy Core RGB Membrane Keyboard
HyperX Alloy Core RGB
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
From$79
Form factor
Full size
Connectivity
Fixed USB cable
Key types
Membrane
Best mechanical gaming keyboard
ASUS ROG Claymore II Keyboard
Asus ROG Claymore II
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
From$419.54
Form factor
Full-size modular
Connectivity
2.4GHz wireless, detachable USB-C
Key types
Asus ROG RX Blue or RX Red switches
Best wireless (Bluetooth) gaming keyboard
CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS
Corsair K65 Plus Wireless
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
From$249
Form factor
Mini (75%)
Connectivity
2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless, detachable USB-C
Key types
MLX Red Linear switches
Best tenkeyless gaming keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
From$344.74
Form factor
Tenkeyless
Connectivity
Fixed USB cable
Key types
OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic switches
Nathan Lawrence
Mar 25, 2024
Icon Time To Read5 min read

Like gaming mice, a gaming keyboard is ultimately an optional extra for offline and online play. That’s because you can happily use something like the Logitech POP Keys or Logitech MX Keys keyboards with okay results for gaming. That said, a great gaming keyboard can not only up your game, it can also have benefits for everyday computing, too.

Cost-wise, a decent entry-level membrane keyboard for under $100 but a high-performance tenkeyless (TKL) gaming keyboard can cost north of $500. For the most noticeable performance gains, consider a wired mechanical keyboard as a good starting point.

Compare the best gaming keyboard picks for Australia

Best for
Gaming keyboard
Price
View more
Form factor
Connectivity
Key types
Icon Star Full  LightBest gaming keyboard overall
From$359
Full size, detachable wrist restDetachable USB-C cableRazer Green, Orange or Yellow switches
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap gaming keyboard
From$79
Full sizeFixed USB cableMembrane
Icon Star Full  LightBest mechanical gaming keyboard
From$419.54
Full-size modular, detachable wrist rest2.4GHz wireless, detachable USB-CAsus ROG RX Blue or RX Red switches
Icon Star Full  LightBest wireless gaming keyboard
From$249
Mini (75%)2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless, detachable USB-CMLX Red Linear switches
Icon Star Full  LightBest tenkeyless gaming keyboard
From$344.74
TenkeylessFixed USB cableOmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic switches

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Best gaming keyboard overall

Form factor
Full size, detachable wrist rest
Connectivity
Detachable USB-C cable
Key types
Razer Green, Orange or Yellow switches
Starts at$359

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

pro
Pros
pro Speedy key actuation
pro Dedicated media and macro keys
pro Great wrist rest
con
Cons
con Side buttons are easy to bump
con Single USB-A pass-through only
con Occasional game-mode failures

I’ve tested dozens of gaming keyboards, and praise doesn’t get much higher than a keyboard I’ve reviewed becoming my go-to keyboard after testing is complete. That’s the case for the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. This gaming keyboard is as satisfying to use during casual offline gaming and competitive online gaming as it is for tackling the thousands of words I write each week. On the ergonomics front, the detachable soft wrist rest is a comfort godsend. The BlackWidow also boasts USB pass-through, easy-to-use media controls, plus a range of dedicated macro keys. Most importantly, it’s a responsive gaming keyboard that helps me type faster and assists in masking my aging reflexes online.

For full-size gaming keyboard alternatives, consider the Corsair K100 RGB, SteelSeries Apex Pro, Roccat Vulcan II Max or Rocca Vulcan 120 AIMO.

HyperX Alloy Core RGB

Best cheap gaming keyboard

Form factor
Full size
Connectivity
Fixed USB cable
Key types
Membrane
Starts at$79

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

pro
Pros
pro Great price
pro Media controls
pro RGB lighting
con
Cons
con No macro keys
con Cheap-feeling keys
con Membrane can’t compete with mechanical

If you’re after a budget gaming keyboard, start comparisons with the HyperX Alloy Core RGB. This cheap full-size gaming ’board has some great features for the price, including dedicated media controls and RGB lighting (for those who fancy that aesthetic). Better yet, the Alloy Core has great platform versatility, fully compatible with Windows, MacOS and Linux computers. While you shouldn’t expect the responsiveness of a mechanical keyboard, the Alloy Core’s slower membrane keys mean less noise, which may work well for those looking to stream on Twitch or keep the noise down in their home or office. If you prefer offline games over high-speed online games, the Alloy Core is worth considering.

For a cheap gaming keyboard alternative, compare the HyperX Alloy Core RGB with the Logitech G213 Prodigy, Cooler Master Devastator 3 (includes a keyboard and mouse), Corsair K55 RGB Pro or Roccat Magma Membrane RGB.

Asus ROG Claymore II

Best mechanical gaming keyboard

Form factor
Full-size modular
Connectivity
2.4GHz wireless, detachable USB-C
Key types
Asus ROG RX Blue or RX Red switches
Starts at$419.54

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

pro
Pros
pro Excellent performance
pro Left/right modular numpad versatility
pro Comfortable wrist rest
con
Cons
con Comparatively expensive
con Loose numpad fit
con No USB pass-through in wireless

If your budget allows it, the Asus ROG Claymore II is a versatile mechanical gaming keyboard. The high asking price gives you a lot of flexibility, including a modular numpad (with media controls) that slots into the right or left of the keyboard. Alternatively, remove the numpad entirely for a space-saving TKL gaming keyboard. On the ergonomics front, there’s a removable soft wrist rest, too, for comfy all-day work and all-night gaming. The ROG Claymore II is a fast-charging wireless gaming keyboard that pairs with a low-latency USB receiver to make the most of the responsive mechanical keys. That said, you should use a wired connection if you want the best performance out of this (or other wireless) gaming keyboards.

Alternatively, consider the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, SteelSeries Apex Pro or Corsair K100 RGB.

Corsair K65 Plus Wireless

Best wireless (Bluetooth) gaming keyboard

Form factor
Mini (75%)
Connectivity
2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless, detachable USB-C
Key types
MLX Red Linear switches
Starts at$249

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

pro
Pros
pro Fantastic battery life
pro Multiplatform compatibility
pro Gaming/typing feels great
con
Cons
con Some key-placement concessions
con No per-key RGB
con Lighting hampers battery life

Originally, we had the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless in this top spot. Then along came the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless. The Corsair gaming keyboard is cheaper and just as performative as the Apex Pro Mini Wireless, albeit with fewer key concessions. As a 75% keyboard, the K65 Plus Wireless offers a full f-row of keys up the top, plus some cleverly crammed options on the right of the chassis. It’s still light enough to be mobile, includes a storage slot for the 2.4GHz dongle and has fantastic multiplatform compatibility. A cleverly placed programmable dial and intuitive Corsair iCUE software round out a compelling gaming keyboard, which also supports Bluetooth and wired connectivity.

If you’ve got a bigger budget and want a smaller alternative, go with the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless. Otherwise, also consider the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless or Keychron K2.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

Best tenkeyless gaming keyboard

Form factor
Tenkeyless
Connectivity
Fixed USB cable
Key types
OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic switches
Starts at$344.74

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

pro
Pros
pro Keys feel great
pro Customisable sensitivity
pro Media controls
con
Cons
con Uncomfy wrist rest
con Software config complexities
con Higher polling rate would be nice

Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards are a popular choice among gamers because they’re a great form-factor fit between a space-hogging full-size keyboard and an impractically small mini keyboard. Get past the steep asking price, and you can enjoy the perks of a high-performance wired gaming keyboard with the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL. Numpad notwithstanding, the Apex Pro TKL is just at home for everyday use as it is for any gaming application. Plus, the OLED smart display is a nice touch. The Apex Pro TKL is built to travel with a removable USB cable, magnetic wrist rest and durability thanks to an aluminium alloy frame. Consider the Apex Pro TKL as an investment in high-performance, personalised gaming.

Alternatively, cut the cord with the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless or Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed gaming keyboards.

What to look for in a gaming keyboard

Your gaming keyboard budget will help determine what to expect. For under $100, you can get a wired membrane gaming keyboard with quiet keystrokes and RGB lighting. Between $100 and $200 is where wired mechanical keyboards are a viable option, which are generally louder than cheaper membrane alternatives but offer faster keystroke responsiveness.

Expect to unlock wireless options between $200 and $300. Beyond $300 is where you get to high-end keyboards, which may include features like a detachable wrist rest, modular designs, keystroke actualisation customisation and other perks. For mechanical keyboards, pay attention to whether the switches are linear (smooth keystroke), tactile (noticeably keystroke registry) or clicky (heavier feel and loudest).

Typically, most gaming keyboards are compatible with Windows PCs but others may also offer native Linux and/or MacOS support. If you’re after a wireless gaming keyboard, 2.4GHz offers the best responsiveness but the lowest latency comes from wired keyboards. Only look at Bluetooth gaming keyboards if you’re interested in connecting to more platforms, as Bluetooth has slower latency and is less responsive than 2.4GHz or wired connections.

icon-expertise

How we choose the best gaming keyboard winners

While ‘gaming keyboard’ is often shorthand for smaller TKL or mini form factors, we also wanted to acknowledge the practicality of full-size keyboards. That’s why full-size keyboards are winners in three of our categories, respecting the versatility to switch between slower-paced offline gaming, faster-paced competitive games and everyday computing.

But we also wanted to recognise the growing popularity of TKL and mini keyboards for gamers; bonus points for a keyboard with a modular design that lets the user choose between full-size and something smaller. While wired gaming keyboards offer the best performance, wireless keyboards are a competitive subset these days.

We like that Bluetooth offers platform versatility but also prefer 2.4GHz because it’s the gold standard for wireless gaming keyboard responsiveness. To separate category winners from contenders, we used a mix of our own hands-on knowledge, independent research and user reviews to determine the top picks and runners-up.

Gaming keyboard frequently asked questions

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is best for gaming and everyday computing. It has great performance, low latency, as well as dedicated media and macro keys, plus a super comfy wrist rest.
Consider either the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro or Asus ROG Claymore II as the best full-size (100%) keyboards. They’re both comfortable and have low latency, plus great performance.
Yes, gaming keyboards are better than cheaper everyday keyboards. A gaming keyboard can do everything a normal keyboard can do, albeit with lower latency, better performance, greater personalisation and, generally, RGB lighting.
Nathan Lawrence
Written by
Nathan Lawrence has been banging out passionate tech and gaming words for more than 11 years. These days, you can find his work on outlets like IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull and AusGamers. Nathan adores PC gaming and the proof of his first-person-shooter prowess is at the top of a Battlefield V scoreboard.

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