As PC gaming continues gaining mainstream popularity and competitive gaming leagues offer million dollar purses, it‘s no wonder gaming peripherals have seen monumental innovation. Specialized keyboards equipped with precision features catered to dominate in your game of choice are increasingly in demand.
But this vast market filled with flashy options can seem daunting for someone seeking to purchase their first serious gaming keyboard or upgrade from entry-level equipment.
By what criteria should you evaluate the versatile choices and determine what best suits your specific needs? As avid gamers ourselves, we will cut through the clutter and highlight the top devices delivering a competitive edge.
Overview of Gaming Keyboard Advancements
The world of gaming keyboards has come a long way from simple membrane devices with limited features. Let‘s reflect on some key milestones in recent years driving improved speed, accuracy and customization.
Mechanical Switches – These high performance switches with physical stems and contact leaves provide precision input with tactile feedback. This allows rapid actuation without having to bottom out keys. They last far longer than traditional rubber dome switches rated for only up to 5 million keystrokes. Common options include:
- Cherry MX – German manufacturer Cherry originated the widely used MX switch standard adopted by many gaming key switch brands
- Optical – Laser based actuation detects keypresses at the speed of light improving latency
- Analog – Pressure sensitive allowing for graduated input rather than binary on/off
RGB Backlighting – Initially engineered to make keys visible in low light conditions, RGB backlighting has evolved to provide a level of customization that matches user preferences down to individual keys. Controls allow synchronizing dynamic lighting effects with games for deeper immersion.
Onboard Memory – Rather than requiring software running to power macro keys and lighting configurations, keyboards with onboard memory store these settings for gaming on different PCs without needing to reconfigure each time.
Media Integration – Convenient access to volume/mute controls and playback without having to leave the game screen keeps users focused on gameplay. Some models even display notifications for incoming chat messages.
What We Look For in Ranking the Best
With an understanding of the core innovations powering modern gaming keyboards, let‘s examine the key evaluation criteria used to select the cream of the crop for various requirements and budgets.
Responsiveness
This can directly impact in-game performance and your competitive ranking. Fast actuation reduces input lag for split second reaction times. Top options tout less than 1ms response times. For super rapid twitch gameplay, optical switches come out on top by detecting keypresses at light speed.
Durability
Gaming gear takes a pounding through intense button mashing over years of use. Higher durability ratings ensure they withstand Heavy gameplay use without failure. Duty cycles indicating keys tested over 150 million actuations give confidence in construction quality.
Customization
For both functionality and style personalization, per key RGB lighting is now an expectation to adapt colors to your liking. Some take it further by allowing variable actuation sensitivity or mapping complex macros sequences to single keys.
Build Construction
Desktop space is precious real estate so compact, tenkeyless designs conserve room while maintaining full functionality. Solid metal top plates convey durability and sleek aesthetics compared with all plastic builds. The overall heft and materials used impacts long term resilience.
Extra Features
These may include conveniences like USB pass through ports, wrist rests or media controls. Some high end models integrate with streaming software and ambient room lighting setups for showstopping desktop command centers. Prioritize extras that will enhance your user experience.
Price to Performance Ratio
Of course price plays a role for those on tighter budgets or looking to enter intermediate grades before upgrading later on. We weigh capabilities against dollar figures when ranking selections across a spectrum of budgets. Value also accounts for expected product lifespan under intense gaming usage.
Now that we understand the core foundation of what makes an exceptional modern gaming keyboard, let‘s reveal our 2023 selections!
1. Corsair K100 RGB – Best Overall
Highlights:
- Rapid hyper-polling up to 8KHz for elite response
- Custom optical-mechanical switches rated for 150M presses
- Unique programmable iCue control wheel
- Aluminum frame with plush wrist rest
Responsiveness
- 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
- Hyper‐polling: 8,000Hz
- Actuation: 1.0 mm
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical |
| Switch Lifespan | 150 million keystrokes |
| Actuation Force | 45 g |
| Key Rollover | 100% anti-ghosting |
| Backlight | Per-key RGB |
| Onboard Profile Storage | Yes |
| Media Controls | Dedicated keys + volume roller |
| Wrist Rest | Plush detachable |
| Software | Corsair iCUE |
After over 25 years pioneering the gaming peripherals space, Corsair has crammed virtually every feature imaginable into their premier K100 RGB model vying for best in class honors.
True 1ms responsiveness is achieved using innovative optical-mechanical switches detecting actuations via infrared light beams. Their durable construction promises longevity through years intense gaming rated for over 150 million keystrokes.
A handy iCUE control wheel allows custom in-game actions via rotating the dial. Per key RGB backlights powered by Corsair’s powerful software adds striking aesthetics that can be synced across other Corsair components and Philips Hue ambient lighting.
The Bottom Line
For those seeking the highest performance gaming keyboard regardless of price, the K100 RGB cements its place at the top boasting specs and capabilities no competitor can currently match.
2. Razer Huntsman V2 – Most Feature Packed
Highlights:
- Upgraded optical switches gen-2 with damping
- Triple media keys & volume wheel
- 5000Hz polling rate
- Leatherette wrist rest & dedicated media keys
Responsiveness
- 🥇🥇🥇🥇
- Actuation Point: 1.0mm
- 5000Hz Polling Rate
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Razer Optical Switch Gen-2 |
| Switch Lifespan | 100 million presses |
| Actuation Force | 45 g require |
| Key Rollover | 100% anti-ghosting |
| Backlight | Per-key RGB |
| Onboard Profile Storage | 5 profiles |
| Media Controls | Dedicated keys + volume wheel |
| Wrist Rest | Detachable plush leatherette |
| Software | Razer Synapse 3 |
This year, Razer updated their popular Huntsman gaming line with a V2 successor touting upgraded specs in virtually every department. Their second generation optical switches introduced additional sound dampeners for a more pleasing clack amidst furious gaming sessions alongside increased durability for withstanding rapid clicks.
Triple dedicated media keys provide convenient access to tools like the calculator while a textured volume roller accomplishes quick audio adjustments. With 5 onboard storage profiles, your custom settings follow the keyboard rather than needing software installed. 16.8 million colors per key fueled by Razer Chroma RGB provide extraordinary personalized lighting possibilities too.
The Bottom Line
While cheaper than our top pick Corsair, the Huntsman V2 comes fully equipped matching the K100 RGB‘s capabilities at a lower price point. Gamers wanting optical performance with premium touches will feel right at home.
3. Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED – Best Wireless
Highlights
- Lightspeed ultra fast wireless technology
- 40 hours battery life
- Aluminum alloy construction
- RGB mechanical switches
- Just 22mm thin!
Responsiveness
- 🥇🥇🥇🥇
- Actuation Distance: 1.5mm
- Lightspeed Wireless Latency: <1 ms
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Logitech GL Mechanical |
| Battery Life | 40 hours continual gaming |
| Actuation Force | 50g required |
| Key Rollover | 26-Key Rollover |
| Backlight | Per-key RGB |
| Recharge Time | 3 hours |
| Media Controls | Integrated buttons |
| Wrist Rest | None |
| Software | Logitech G HUB |
Shattering norms of what‘s possible with wireless connectivity, Logitech engineered their G915 utilizing ultra low latency Lightspeed technology for a freeing cord-free experience not hampering competitive play. Despite measuring a remarkable slim 22mm thin, the aircraft grade aluminum alloy construction gives confidence in structural stability for the long haul.
Five dedicated G-keys allow mapping custom macro sequences and commands via Logitech’s intuitive software suite. Users can expect up to 40 hours of gaming time per charge, meaning you may only need to juice up a couple times per week. With the freedom to use comfortably from the couch paired with lightning fast input response, the G915 sets the new standard for wireless gaming keyboards.
The Bottom Line
The G915 Lightspeed removes wires from the equation without sacrificing performance or feature set, appealing especially to those using their PC setups for big screen gaming.
// table for product comparison
// additional content on future keyboard tech, Address FAQs in choosing gaming keyboards
// Conclusion
