This article provides a thorough review of gaming keyboards suitable for various budgets, highlighting key features such as customizable backlighting, mechanical switches, and ergonomic designs that enhance the gaming experience. It presents a table of top recommendations, including the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro as the test champion, and the Steelseries Apex Pro Gen 2 as a budget-friendly option. The article explains the unique benefits and drawbacks of each keyboard, helping readers make informed purchasing decisions.
Discover Gaming Keyboards for Every Budget
Our evaluation of gaming keyboards was conducted by a dedicated test center, ensuring an independent and unbiased review process. Your engagement through our links supports our ability to provide these free services.
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Explore our curated recommendations and offers below.
Table of contents
With features ranging from customizable backlighting to programmable keys, mechanical switches, and ergonomic designs, gaming keyboards are designed to elevate your gaming experience. In the fast-paced world of gaming, where every millisecond counts, the speed, durability, and adaptability of the keyboard can make all the difference. We’ve examined a variety of gaming keyboards across different price points to assist you in making an informed decision.
In this article, you will find: We will begin with a summary of our top recommendations in a table format, followed by detailed insights into each category. Finally, we will explain what sets gaming keyboards apart from standard keyboards, what key features to prioritize when shopping, and how we conducted our evaluations.
Top Picks for Gaming Keyboards
Here’s a selection from our testing of 15 different products:
Test Winner
Budget-Friendly Option
Another Quality Gaming Keyboard
Outstanding (1.1)
Great (1.6)
Satisfactory (2.4)
Good (1.8)
Acceptable (2.0)
Excellent (1.3)
Exceptional (1.0)
Very Good (1.1)
Outstanding (1.0)
Fair (3.5)
Affordable (1.0)
Acceptable (3.3)
912 g
960 g
1,320 g
5
2
5
yes
yes
yes
97
105
104
107
105
104
none
none
none
Price: €245
(Available on Amazon)
Price: €251
(Available on Amazon Marketplace)
Price: €182
(Available on Otto)
Test Champion: Razer Huntsman V3 Pro
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro
Shop Option
(Buy on Amazon)
Discounted Shop
(Buy on Notebooksbilliger)
Benefits
Top-notch Features
Ultimate Customization
Dedicated Multimedia Control
Adjustable Actuation Point
Quick Trigger and Snap Tap Capabilities
Drawbacks
Premium Pricing
Snap Tap Feature Restricted in Some Games
Switches Cannot Be Customized at Purchase
Lacks Hot-Swap Functionality
Conclusion of the Test
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro stands out due to its exceptional features, extensive customization options, and impressive gaming capabilities. It caters particularly to FPS enthusiasts with its customizable actuation point for precise control and its Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap functions. However, gamers should be aware that the Snap Tap feature may be prohibited in certain titles. The keyboard features second-generation analog optical switches and includes five dedicated multimedia keys along with a multimedia volume wheel. Its build quality and typing experience are top-tier, complemented by an impressive 97 programmable keys, along with 107 macro-capable keys. While the price is on the higher side, the absence of a hot-swap function and the inability to select switches at purchase are notable downsides.
For an in-depth review, check out the details on the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro.
Budget-Friendly Pick: Steelseries Apex Pro Gen 2
Steelseries Apex Pro Gen 2
Shop Option
(Available on Amazon Marketplace)
Discounted Shop
(Buy on Coolblue)
Benefits
Lightweight Design
Great Customization
Rapid Trigger and USB Passthrough
Adjustable Switch Actuation
Dedicated Multimedia Volume Control
Drawbacks
ABS Keycaps
No RGB Backlighting
Switches Cannot Be Customized at Purchase
Lacks Hot-Swap Capability
Higher Price Point
Conclusion of the Test
The Steelseries Apex Pro impresses with its lightweight design, weighing just 960 grams, making it a standout among mechanical keyboards. It offers good customizability and features, but there are operational drawbacks. A unique aspect of this keyboard is its cable, which includes a USB passthrough function, allowing you to connect an additional device directly to the keyboard. Other notable features include the Rapid Trigger capability and adjustable actuation points for the switches, alongside multimedia controls. However, we were disappointed by the use of ABS keycaps, the lack of RGB backlighting, and the absence of a hot-swap function. Additionally, the price tag is on the higher side.
For a detailed review, refer to the Steelseries Apex Pro Gen 2.
Another Solid Option: HyperX Alloy Rise
HyperX Alloy