For some gamers, having one of these gaming keyboards is as important as their graphics card or computer . We've already talked about the best gaming mouse , and now it's time to discuss this essential component. Even though they're accessories, keep in mind that even a one-second click to move, change weapons, or perform any similar action will make all the difference if you're serious about PC gaming.
Guide Index
Best gaming keyboards
In this comparison, we've analyzed the best gaming keyboards on the market that you can buy this year. For those buying their first gaming keyboard, many look for one of those affordable gaming keyboards. While it's true that a good one won't cost you €100, it won't cost €10 or €100 either, as you can find the best value for money somewhere in between. You'll find it in this post.
To help you choose your next gaming keyboard , we've put together a comparison chart below where you can find the best models in their price range. Which one will you choose?
Cheap gaming keyboards
The different gaming keyboards have different features, of course, but each one comes with a handful of extra options that have the potential to significantly improve your gameplay.
After showing you the highlights at the end, we offer you a guide of what you are interested in looking for in one of these gaming keyboards, explaining concepts and technicalities in case you are not familiar.
Best of all. SteelSeries Apex PRO TKL
Among gaming keyboards, the SteelSeries Apex PRO TKL is relatively new, having been announced not too long ago, and it's our favorite, although also the most expensive of all the ones we've tested. But don't worry if it's out of your budget; we'll offer some alternatives.
Its design features a low-profile profile, loosely based on the style of the original Apex. It's built at a low, ergonomic angle for maximum comfort , and the linear keys reduce finger movement, resulting in faster keystrokes.
The ergonomic design of the keyboard isn't the only thing that caught our attention about the M800; it's the outstanding backlighting it offers . It doesn't just offer the typical backlighting behind the keys like Apple Macs, but rather individual backlighting for each key with over 16.8 million colors . Impressive. This means that using SteelSeries software, you can design your own custom color schemes for different games.
For example, what we've done is turn off the backlighting on all the keys and only light up the ones we're using. We've made the damage buttons red, the healing buttons green, and so on. It 's truly a luxury , and you can feel a noticeable difference in the gaming experience, especially with new games when you're unsure of the key combinations. You'll definitely learn new games faster with this, something you don't see on all gaming keyboards.
Aside from the custom design, the M800 also comes with several preset lighting effects, including Breathe, Cooldown Timers, Reactive Keys, and more. This gives the M800 the wow factor it deserves, and we can guarantee that everyone you show the keyboard to will be amazed and ask you about it.
Aesthetics aside, the M800 is one of those gaming keyboards that also comes well-equipped with technology , giving you what you're looking for while gaming. First, it comes with two processors , with one CPU dedicated solely to key presses, which completely eliminates any lag issues. In fact, the M800 can handle up to 256 keys pressed simultaneously without problems (just in case you get carried away...).
Furthermore, the Pro TKL also features switching technology specifically designed for this keyboard. SteelSeries teamed up with experts to create the QS1 . This provides a much clearer, linear action, 25% faster than mechanical switches . The keys only require 45cN of force to register each press, allowing for less pressure to press the keys and resulting in faster reactions.
And if that weren't enough, it even has a USB 2.0 port and a series of macro keys that can be reprogrammed with the brand's software for both PC and Mac. We could say that this model is the best gaming keyboard we've ever seen and tested (and we've tested a lot). For the price and all the features, we recommend it for dedicated gamers who spend many hours playing.
So it is a keyboard for gamers that is bulky but in return you have a bull on the keys. Provides quick responses by tapping when you need it most. It turns on different colors in each key or zone, as you choose. Something that is an extra but we have fallen in love. A level of customization that you can't find on cheap gaming keyboards.
The second option. Razer BlackWidow V3
The Razer brand is well-known in the gaming world for its peripherals and accessories . Razer keyboards are a top choice for many. In our previous comparison, we featured the Anansi model, but we've replaced it with the BlackWidow, which has truly earned its place.
The main feature of the BlackWidow is that Razer creates its own switches, which provide a great feel for both typing and gaming . They use an actuation force of 50 grams and have a long lifespan of over 60 million keystrokes , meaning you'll have it for a good while. It's considered a budget-friendly gaming keyboard because of its durability. You can also buy it with the option of silent keys.
Lighting has been a staple of the gaming world for years, so it will look just as good playing at your desk as it does as it does as decoration inside your Seat Ibiza. If you've made it this far, you should know that the M800 isn't the only one that can customize colors, as the BlackWidow supports 16.8 million colors , allowing you to do whatever you want. Whether it's for gaming or creating different color schemes to match your bedroom or living room decor, you can create very advanced color combinations.
We really liked the reactive mode , which highlights the keys when you press them or define colors for each game. For example, in FPS mode, the "WASD" keys are highlighted, and when playing League of Legends, we colored the "QWER" keys.
Again, putting the pretty lights aside, the Chroma gaming keyboard comes with many features that will help you with your gaming . It has a gaming mode that disables the Windows or Mac keys that take you to the desktop, and it can be expanded with Alt+Tab or Alt+F4. There are many things you can do with macros. It has five dedicated macro keys on the left side, and this keyboard supports macro recording.
The Razer keyboard features a braided fiber cable that requires two USB ports. This design allows you to use the USB ports on the keyboard side , saving you from having to put everything under the desk to plug it in. It also has speaker and microphone ports , which we found very useful.
The prettiest. Corsair K70 RGB
This is a really nice gaming keyboard . Constructed from aluminum , it's both very lightweight and sturdy , and it has a very attractive design. The style itself is simple, square, and a bit understated, but we can live with that. It also comes with a small wrist rest (which you can attach or detach, of course), a nice extra feature.
It looks even better with the key backlighting on. Like another model we've listed here, this gaming keyboard boasts 16.8 million colors per key , offering virtually endless combinations. The Corsair peripheral comes with software that allows for endless customization, creating pulse, wave, and ripple effects in vibrant colors , as well as assigning colors to specific keys.
Some of the color combinations we've implemented, similar to our other models, include green movement controls, blue for learning, and red combat keys. You can also assign timers to the lighting, for example, so your attack key changes color when it's refreshed and ready to use.
Initially it is a somewhat confusing interface to edit, but it is worth adapting in a few days for the maximum flexibility, and it leaves you breathless playing the professional thing that is compared to other gaming keyboards.
However, while it supports macros and clocks within the software and they can be assigned to any key, the K70 RGB doesn't have dedicated macro keys, forcing you to reassign macros to any other key you don't use. The toggle switches are again Cherry MX models, and the red versions we used in our comparison of these gaming keyboards are attractive and responsive.
There isn't much physical feedback , and they're quite loud (though not as loud as the Roccat Ryos, which you'll see as the last option), but whether you like the keys to make noise or not is a matter of personal preference. If you're interested, we like them.
Instead of assigning music and video controls to function keys like most budget gaming keyboards do, Corsair has opted to assign them to dedicated buttons. There's also a volume wheel for precise and instant audio control. It's a small detail, but for some reason, we love it.
Another thing that we did not like so much is the two USB ports that are required to use the keyboard. In this case we can understand why it is necessary, due to the intensity and infinity of the key lights. The braided cable is quite large, something weird that we had not seen.
While it's not packed with hardware features like some models we've seen on the list, in terms of pure aesthetics it's a clear winner for us. If you desperately need to press special macro keys, it's probably not the best choice, but it's so beautiful that we can't help but recommend it.
The simplest. Roccat Vulcan
It is apparent that the strength of the Roccat keyboard falls into the range of their mice after using the MK. For starters, they don't have a light underneath, a feature we've seen to be very common among gaming peripherals and keyboards. For this reason it is a bit disappointing that only a few elements light up, although there is a version that lights up completely but then costs more.
This is a really large peripheral, its shape designed to support your wrists . It's quite ergonomic and comfortable , with a noticeable size. It's worth noting that you'll need a fair amount of desk space. The keyboard also feels a bit bulky and lightweight at the same time. This is a side effect of using Cherry MX switches, as pressing a key produces a typewriter-like echo.
Usually the plastic casing makes us feel like it's cheap. The lack of braided cable also makes us think that it is not a cheap gaming keyboard. A common feature among peripherals of this type is that there are multimedia controls near the function keys. To play, there is the standard of several profiles and the ability to switch between them.
It also has a column of four macro buttons on the left side of the gaming keyboard, as well as a thumb rest below the space bar, similar to the Anansi. However, the Ryos has three keys instead of seven, which we found to be a more sensible number.
Some of us felt it was insufficient. But Roccat EasyShift+ technology lets you assign a second function to each key , which can be accessed by pressing what would otherwise be the Shift key. Even with 100 programmable keys available, we haven't encountered any situations where using the double keys was necessary.
Unfortunately, the macro and interface settings are less understandable than some we've seen, and it's definitely less intuitive. It is separate from the Roccat mouse drivers, so if you buy multiple devices it won't be easy to share them between them. In addition, we have not found any option to change the resolution of the software, which has seemed extremely small on our screen, forcing us to change the monitor options.
Lots of bad points, right? Perhaps compared to the other gaming keyboards we've discussed, but contrary to what you've read so far, the Roccat Vulkan is a decent gaming keyboard . Of course, that's if you don't mind the old-school lights and sounds. Even so, for the price, we remind you that there are better options on the market; just take a look at the beginning of this article.
Which of the cheap gaming keyboards to buy?
As we mentioned at the beginning, calling a keyboard a "gaming keyboard" means it has extra features you won't find in a regular wireless keyboard . That's why they're more expensive, and whether they're cheap is relative. What we do recommend is getting one from the list. It'll be a bargain even if you spend your budget because it will last for years and you'll enjoy it immensely.
Mechanical and membrane keyboards
One of the main differences may be whether the keyboard is mechanical or membrane-based. The latter use a layer of conductive plastic under the keys that makes an electrical contact when you press.
Mechanical keyboards are said to be more responsive and have a smoother typing experience, and gaming keyboards using high-quality Cherry MX switches are a favorite among gamers. They allow for more precise and faster keystrokes . One of the downsides of mechanical keyboards is that they are more expensive and thicker compared to membrane models, but we'll now look at what might suit you best.
It is also true that mechanical keyboards tend to be louder, although higher quality gaming keyboards incorporate mechanisms to minimize the sound of pressing the keys, so it should not be a serious problem.
Lights are important
Naturally, how we feel a gamer keyboard feels is part of the gamer's nature. You want it to look good. It will help these lights on the back of the keys that you have seen in the higher models, allowing you to write even in the dark, as well as activating the programming of specific color patents.
For this reason, the internal color templates of the keyboards are optimized for maximum efficiency, with colors assigned to make them more ergonomic, with programmable keys and numerous shortcuts. Something that means that everything you need will be in place.
For example, in an FPS you can illuminate the surface of the WASD keys. They are small details but that make a difference in the most professional gamer.
Why do you want macro keys
Part of this involves macro keys: programmable buttons that you can assign to key combinations . This allows you to execute commands and complete maneuvers with a single press , saving you time and effort and letting you focus on your strategy. You can even create multiple profiles with separate macros, allowing you to use a different macro for each game.
For example, in Counter Strike you can assign a macro key to make an automatic purchase of your favorite weapons before each game, allowing you to save a lot of time and get out faster on the map.
anti-ghosting
Antighosting is a problem that some keyboards have that prevent a specific action in a game that requires pressing several keys at the same time. This is very annoying when we play, therefore, gaming keyboard manufacturers incorporate an anti-ghosting or anti-ghosting feature so that this does not happen.
This is one of the reasons why gaming keyboards are somewhat more expensive than conventional ones and is that the controller that manages the keystrokes is more complex to avoid this ghosting effect.
Opinion and recommendations
Many other additional features can influence the gaming keyboard models that you can find. Design and build quality, customization with manufacturer's software, multimedia key additions, and much more.
You might find yourself a casual gamer perfectly happy with standard peripherals. But for those of us who take gaming seriously, upgrading to one of the gaming keyboards on this list will change the way you play.
Telecommunications Engineer closely linked to the world of computing. I complement my daily work with a suitable laptop for my tasks and I help you to achieve the same adapted to your needs.
