Shopping for the best keyboard for gaming can be confusing, but we’ll keep it simple. The most important factors to consider are the latency (how responsive a keyboard is), the switch types (the feeling of the keypress and the noise it makes), as well as the overall build quality, comfort, and feel. From there, you can decide if you’d like additional features like RGB backlighting, media controls, or software customization options that help make your board feel just right for you.
Wondering if you should trust us? Every keyboard goes through the same standardized tests on our bench to ensure consistent, unbiased results. We also buy each one ourselves, so we’re completely independent from manufacturers. See how we test keyboards and judge for yourself.
We’ve tested over 260 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best non-mechanical and best mechanical keyboards for gaming. If you’re looking for a keyboard that isn’t strictly gaming-focused, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best TKL keyboards, or the best mechanical keyboards. Alternatively, if you’re more interested in lighting, see our best RGB keyboards, or if you’re on a strict budget, our best budget gaming keyboards.
For a deeper dive, check out our new R&D article. If you’re interested in the work that went into our 1.4 test bench update, which evaluates gaming keyboards with adjustable actuation settings like our top pick in this article, the NuPhy Field75 HE.
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Best Gaming Keyboard
Size Compact (75%)
Hot-Swappable Switches Yes
Connectivity Wired
Switch Type Magnetic
Output Type Adjustable Actuation
For most people, we recommend the NuPhy Field75HE as the best gaming keyboard. Its standout feature is its Hall effect switches that let you adjust the actuation distance (sensitivity) of any key. Its web-based software supports features like SOCD and Rapid Trigger that can provide small but meaningful advantages in certain games (especially FPS and rhythm titles). It also boasts an 8000Hz polling rate. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype around higher polling rates, but in the NuPhy’s case, it actually helps lower latency and keeps it consistent. While this isn’t a difference you’ll notice, it’s measurable and can affect performance at a very competitive level.
This keyboard feels impressively well-built, with a sturdy plastic chassis, PBT keycaps, multiple layers of acoustic foam, and metal hardware like a knurled volume wheel and carrying handle. You can choose between Gateron Magnetic White or more expensive Magnetic Jade switches; both are lightweight and linear, though the Jades have a slightly shorter total travel distance and a brighter, clacky sound profile many prefer (see a typing comparison on YouTube). You can also fully remap all keys, and NuPhy just added macro support for the eight dedicated macro keys, a feature missing at launch.
With that glowing praise out of the way, there are downsides. First, the look of this keyboard won’t be for everyone or fit into all setups. Second, while it has per-key RGB lighting, the keycaps lack shine-through legends, and the LEDs are south-facing. If these aren’t dealbreakers, we recommend this keyboard for gamers of all stripes.
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Best Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts
Size TenKeyLess (80%)
Hot-Swappable Switches Yes
Connectivity Wired
Switch Type Magnetic
Output Type Analog
The Wooting 80HE is our top recommendation for enthusiasts. A standout in high-end gaming circles, it’s sold exclusively through Wooting’s website and comes in two case options: PCR plastic or a more premium zinc alloy. Like our top pick, the NuPhy Field75 HE, its defining feature is the Hall effect switches, which allow for precise per-key actuation adjustments. Like the NuPhy, it also features a gasket mount design, though Wooting’s implementation is notably stiffer, resulting in a less cushioned typing feel. Where the Wooting truly shines, however, is in its slightly better raw performance. Is this difference noticeable in-game? Honestly, no. But for gamers laser-focused on achieving the absolute best performance, the 80HE delivers the lowest measurable latency of any keyboard we’ve tested.
Performance aside, the Wooting has several other standout advantages. Available as a web-based client or a downloadable local app, Wooting’s software is widely regarded as best-in-class. It’s intuitive, easy to navigate, and packed with advanced features like Rapid Trigger, SOCD, Mod Tap, and even true analog output, which can mimic the gradual input of gamepads or joysticks, which can be a game-changer for playing flight sims or racing games. Wooting’s strong track record for long-term product support is another highlight, with frequent performance tweaks and new features for older models. On top of that, its four-year warranty is significantly longer than other manufacturers on this list and further cements the 80HE as an easy recommendation for any enthusiast.
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Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard For Enthusiasts
Size Compact (60%)
Hot-Swappable Switches Yes
Connectivity Wireless
Switch Type Magnetic
Output Type Adjustable Actuation
We recommend the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra as the best pick for enthusiasts if you prefer wireless connectivity. To put it simply, it offers the best price-to-performance on this list. Its overall raw performance comes close to matching the Wooting 80HE, and its software provides almost all the same popular features that can make a difference in competitive gaming, such as Rapid Trigger and SOCD. It even has an aluminum case, an element that’s typically reserved for much more expensive models. It’s available in two versions: You can choose between the Hall effect and newer TMR sensor variants. We tested the latter, which is slightly more expensive but compatible with both magnetic and mechanical switches. For more details about the differences, be sure to read our in-depth review.
Still, it’s not without any weaknesses. For starters, if you need a function row or arrow keys, its compact 60% may not suit everyone. And while its build quality is excellent overall, the tray mount design feels a bit stiff and lacks the premium feel of higher-end options. The software is good, but doesn’t match the polish, ease of use, or update cadence of Wooting’s or NuPhy’s platforms. It’s also worth considering that MonsGeek only offers a one-year warranty, compared to NuPhy’s two and Wooting’s four. Even so, if cutting-edge performance and wireless support matter most to you, the FUN60 Ultra is an extremely compelling choice.
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Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Size TenKeyLess (80%)
Hot-Swappable Switches No
Connectivity Wired
Switch Type Mechanical
Analog No
The best keyboard for gaming we’ve tested at a budget price point is the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. Along with outstanding gaming performance, it features excellent build quality with a hard plastic chassis, durable PBT keycaps, and ergonomic kickstands that open sideways, so you don’t accidentally collapse them if nudged. Similar to our top pick, the NuPhy Field75 HE, this keyboard supports an 8000Hz polling rate, though with a slightly lower effective update rate of up to 4000Hz. As mentioned, while these polling rate figures make a measurable difference, it isn’t one you’ll notice when gaming.
The main difference from the Field75HE or MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is that the K70 uses mechanical switches. You can choose either Cherry MX Red or Cherry MX Speed switches. While you can’t adjust the actuation point, both feel light and smooth, with the Speed switches offering a shorter pre-travel distance ideal for reaction-based gaming. You may also come across a Champion Series variant that uses Corsair’s OPX optical switches. These don’t offer a meaningful performance boost but do have a durability advantage, as they lack the metal contacts to wear out over time.
This keyboard is part of Corsair’s K70 lineup, featuring mid-range gaming keyboards in various sizes with different features. We recommend the TKL size for its performance and form factor, as it gives you more room for mouse movements. If you prefer a full-size option, the Corsair K70 CORE is usually cheaper. It’s also quieter, thanks to sound-dampening material in the case and spacebar, though it doesn’t match the TKL’s raw performance and has a standard polling rate of 1000Hz.
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Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard
Size TenKeyLess (80%)
Connectivity Wired
Look no further than the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL for a cheaper option. Its TenKeyLess form factor leaves you plenty of space on your desk for sweeping mouse movements. While most options on this list use more mechanical or Hall effect switches, this keyboard has rubber dome switches. These switches are fairly light to press and very quiet compared to most mechanical switches. This switch type is also more resistant to small spills and debris. However, they have a longer pre-travel distance, making them a bit less responsive.
This keyboard’s latency is higher than on more premium options, so we don’t recommend it for high-stakes competitive play, but it’s more than suitable for casual gaming in any genre. It also has some extra features that are rare at this price point, including the ability to set macros to any key, dedicated media keys, and a volume wheel. It has RGB lighting, though the keys aren’t individually lit, so you only have eight customizable zones. If you’d prefer a more traditional form factor, there’s a full-size version of this keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3. It’s virtually identical apart from its size, but it includes a wrist rest and is typically only a bit more expensive.
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Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Size TenKeyLess (80%)
Hot-Swappable Switches No
Connectivity Wireless
Switch Type Mechanical
Analog No
If you’re specifically looking for a more approachable wireless gaming keyboard, we recommend the Logitech G715. It’s noticeably more expensive than our wireless enthusiast pick on this list, the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra. Some of that price difference comes down to the peace of mind that can come from buying from a more established brand. While we don’t test things like customer service or warranty support directly, Logitech has a longstanding reputation. The G715 also comes with a two-year warranty, compared to one year with the MonsGeek. That’s not to say you should expect perfect support from Logitech or poor support from MonsGeek as a rule, but as a newer sister brand of Akko, MonsGeek hasn’t yet built the same level of trust.
While the G715 doesn’t offer adjustable actuation or polling rates above 1000Hz, it still delivers excellent all-around latency performance that’s more than fast enough for competitive gaming. It also has a larger compact 75% layout with dedicated arrow keys, a function row, navigation keys, and a full set of media controls—useful if you watch or listen to content while gaming. Depending on what games you play, those extra keys can be essential, and they’re missing on smaller layouts like the MonsGeek.
The G715 also stands out visually. It has a more playful aesthetic than other picks on this list, with pastel colorways, a plush cloud-shaped wrist rest, shine-through RGB key legends, and a frosted underglow lighting strip. Despite its higher price, it’s a great out-of-the-box option. There’s no need to tweak settings to get it feeling right, though Logitech’s software still supports remapping, macros, and custom profiles if you want them.
Notable Mentions
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023):
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL uses Hall effect switches with adjustable actuation, like the NuPhy Field75 HE. It’s also a bit less expensive, and it has a programmable OLED screen and shine-through keycaps. Unfortunately, it doesn’t perform as well, and both the build quality and typing quality aren’t as good.
See our review - Wooting 60HE:
This keyboard is a smaller sibling to the Wooting 80HE and is a great option if you prefer a compact 60% layout. Due to its standard design, it offers more hardware customizability and compatibility with a wide array of aftermarket cases. That said, it doesn’t support an 8000Hz polling rate and falls a bit short of the 80HE’s total raw performance output.
See our review - Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.]:
While it’s not explicitly marketed as a gaming keyboard, the Keychron V5 Max delivers impressively low latency. It’s part of a broader lineup with multiple size options that offer the same performance and features. Although it’s typically more expensive than the Corsair K70 RGB TKL, it offers wireless connectivity and a more premium typing experience thanks to its gasket-mounted design. However, it uses south-facing LEDs and non-shine-through keycaps, so the legends can be difficult to see in darker environments.
See our review - NuPhy Air75 HE:
The NuPhy Air75 HE is a strong alternative to the NuPhy Field75 HE if you prefer a low-profile keyboard. It offers the same performance and core features, but its slimmer design makes it more comfortable to use without a wrist rest. However, it lacks the Field75 HE’s dedicated macro buttons and metal volume wheel. It also has a different, though equally bold, aesthetic that may or may not resonate with you.
See our review
Recent Updates
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We’ve added the MonsGeek FUN60 ULTRA as our new top wireless pick for enthusiasts. We’ve also updated category names, revised our Notable Mentions list, and made minor text changes throughout to reflect our latest selections.
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We’ve reviewed current pricing and aren’t making any changes to our picks at the moment. We’re keeping a close eye as trade conditions evolve. If you notice unusual pricing or availability issues, we’d be grateful if you let us know so we can keep this guide as accurate and helpful as possible.
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No change in recommendations. Small text changes for conciseness and clarity.
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We’ve moved the Wooting 60HE from its spot as our ‘Best Enthusiast’ pick into the Notable Mentions section and replaced it with the new Wooting 80HE. It’s more expensive but offers a better overall typing experience, superior build quality, and slightly lower latency performance with support for 8000Hz polling.
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We’ve replaced our former ‘Best Gaming Keyboard’ pick, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023), with the NuPhy Field75 HE. It’s typically more expensive but offers better build quality, better typing quality, and significantly better raw gaming performance. We’ve also moved the Logitech G715 into a new category to provide a better spread of price options.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best non-mechanical and best mechanical keyboards for gaming for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper product wins over a pricier one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no keyboard that is difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing the best gaming keyboard yourself, here is the list of all our relevant reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no product is perfect for every use, most keyboards are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. Be sure to know your key switch preferences before choosing.
