Investing in a solid gaming setup is useless if you’re not going to go the extra mile to purchase an excellent gaming keyboard. Of course, high-end products will cost you a pretty penny, yet it is possible to find more affordable versions featuring the same capabilities.
In this article, we will look at some of the best gaming keyboards on the market. This info will help you to make an informed decision regarding your purchase.
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Best Gaming Keyboards For First-Person (FPS) Games
HyperX HX-KB1SS2-UK Keyboard
If you were to judge this keyboard only by its looks, you would assume that it costs much more than it does. It has a pretty LED rainbow-colored backlight and an overall e-sports design.
While it may lack the plethora of features available with high-end models, it is functional and reliable.
It is a bit on the smaller side (17.4 x 5.1 inches) and can be slightly uncomfortable for gamers who are used to larger models.
For hardcore gamers who spend more than 4hrs per day playing, the lack of a wrist rest can cause discomfort afterward. After all, pro keyboards should be competitive during tournaments, yet they should be used just as well as everyday items.
I appreciate that the power cable is detachable. One of the most common causes of breakdowns comes from damage during transportation. This feature also helps to avoid cable tangling while setting up your rig.
The keys use Kailh Silver Speed switches, and it is up to debate if they are as good as Cherry MX Switches. In my experience, I haven’t felt the difference.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Gaming keyboard is an excellent choice for hardcore FPS gamers. Yet, it can function very well for other games, and you can even use it for heavy articles or book writing.
It gets top marks for its software, as it lets you program and redefine all keys, in addition to changing the lighting color scheme. Thankfully, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Gaming keyboard comes with a wrist rest, as it can be uncomfortable gaming without one.
It improved upon its predecessor in every way, making it well worth its market price.
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As for the keys themselves, the keyboard incorporates Cherry MX Speed switches for each button, designed to maximize actuation speed.
Make sure you use it on a larger desk because it is quite sizable. You can tell that it was made for pro gaming and not standard desk work.
The design quality is top-notch, with a quality plastic base overlapped by a metal plate. It is refreshing to see its feet open sideways, as they are much harder to close by accident.
Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard
Ah yes, Razer. No gaming-related list would be complete without at least one product featured. Do not be fooled that the term “Chroma” was removed from the name. This model still incorporates the excellent Chroma RGB backlight.
This keyboard is not a mechanical model. Still, it offers the same performance despite this fact. It has a 1000 Hz polling rate that guarantees the removal of any input lag. Every press feels like it has an instantaneous response.
It incorporates membrane switches that help with light diffusion, yet the keyboard remains very bright and pretty to observe.
One would expect the Razer keyboard software to be of the highest quality, and that expectation is met. You can program every single key in terms of both coloring and commands.
This keyboard model is ergonomic, and you can adjust it to 3 distinct levels, so feel free to search for the best position for your hands.
It is not as ridiculously massive as other gaming keyboards, so it is possible to use it for general writing, programming, or office work.
Overall, this keyboard offers mid-high tier features for an entry-level price. One would struggle to find a better offer from any product or company.
SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid
When discussing FPS and gaming-related keyboards, the first question is always: “Is it mechanical or membrane?”. The answer is yes with the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
The distinction is false with this model, as it incorporates spring-based keys but also has a membrane underneath. The exact reason for this hybrid design is unclear, yet it seems to work just fine.
The only downside is that the membrane can disperse and absorb some of the standard backlights, making it seem dimmer and the colors less vibrant overall.
This tradeoff is the trouble with hybrids in general. While they combine both advantages, they also do the same for the drawbacks. In this case, you get the noisy aspect of mechanical keyboards coupled with a membrane model’s blander lighting.
In terms of performance, you don’t need to worry. The response rate feels instant, as there is no perceivable input latency between command and action.
Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the right choice for casual and hardcore FPS gamers. It looks and feels great and is available for a modest price.
However, this keyboard may not be for everyone. If you live in a small house, or those close to you are light sleepers, they may be disturbed by the sound it makes.
I adore the sound and feel of a well-made mechanical keyboard.
It is very tactile and requires you to press with more force, after which you are rewarded with an almost typewriter-like sound.
The keys use Logitech GX Blue Clicky switches and an LED RGB backlight. The response times are excellent and can be used for programming and office work.
The ergonomics are mid-tier, with only a couple of incline settings. Overall, this keyboard is functional, affordable, and tactile.
HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Gaming Keyboard
This keyboard combines functionality with aesthetics, making it one of the best options for gamers. Its style is modern and sleek, as the LED lights are exposed to enhance the overall brightness.
The software is well-designed, allowing to user to customize both the light settings and the actual commands. Thankfully, the keyboard’s cable can be detached, reducing the risk of it being damaged while relocating your gaming setup.
Its frame is made from solid steel, and while it is not advisable to be rough with your equipment, the Alloy can take it. A mechanical keyboard’s actuation force is relatively low, resulting in a smoother feel while typing.
The model is very durable, as the key uses Kailh Silver Speed switches, and each key will hold up to about 70 million presses.
The quality you get for a relatively small price is this keyboard’s most attractive feature.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Gaming Keyboard
Let’s finish out strong with the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 mechanical gaming keyboard. Although it is designed with gaming in mind, this model can be used for almost any other purpose.
While it is not very ergonomic, you can type on it for programming and office work if your desk is large enough.
Thankfully, it has a well-made wrist rest with an integrated texture that prevents slipping. Its single major downside is that it can get a little pricey, especially compared to other entries on this list. Still, if money is no issue, I highly recommend it.
The aesthetics are top-notch, and the components use high-quality materials. They spared no expense with the key switches, given that they use Cherry MX switches, which are currently best-in-slot.
The software is versatile, yet it can seem a little daunting for those without experience programming their keys.
Minor gripes aside, this is one of the best gaming keyboards on the market, with almost no drawbacks aside from the spicey-er price.