When searching for the finest gaming keyboard, we consider functionality, comfort, and value for money. Each of the gaming keyboards in our guide meets these three criteria, though we’ve focused on a variety of pricing points to accommodate any budget.
Currently, the greatest gaming keyboard is the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless. It succeeds in every way—excellent mechanical feel and a full-size yet compact design. But if you want something less expensive, we’ve been completely blown away by the G.Skill KM250 RGB, which is clearly the finest budget gaming keyboard in 2024.
Best Gaming Keyboards
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Switch: Pre-lubed ROG NX switches – Size: 96% – Backlights: Per-key RGB – Passthroughs: None – Media Controls: Multi-function wheel – Wristrest: Included – Keycaps: PBT or ABS
Reasons To Buy:
- Excellent switch feel
- Sound dampening that really works
- Hot-swappable switches
- Adjustable multimedia control wheel
Reasons To Avoid:
- Armoury Crate app is messy
The best gaming keyboard is the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, and it’s rare that a keyboard is such an all-round joy to use as this is. There are faster, smarter, even cheaper boards—you’ll find all of those recommendations below—but the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless brings together many of the features we’re looking for in a modern gaming keyboard.
Firstly, some of the smoothest mechanical switches in the biz. You can pick between ROG-branded NX Snow or NX Storm switches in this board. I’ve been using the Snow switches, which are your regular linear dealio with an actuation force of 45g, though the Storm switches are a moderately heavier tactile option. These switches alone aren’t anything special, but a little lube goes a long way.
Not one of the usual things we’d find on a gaming keyboard, but a drop of lube on every mechanical key switch makes a surprising amount of difference to the typing experience. Each key press is smooth, consistent, and every thwack produces a glorious clack.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
Switch: SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 – Lighting: Per-Key RGB – Media Controls: Multi-function key, volume roller – Wristrest: Included – Keycaps: PBT or ABS – Onboard Storage: Yes – Weight: 1.65lbs / 747g
Reasons To Buy:
- You can customize the actuation point of individual switches.
- Remarkably low latency.
- Impressive build quality.
Reasons To Avoid:
- No wireless connectivity.
- Keys wobble a bit.
- Bloated, somewhat intrusive companion software.
This keyboard stands out from many gaming keyboards as it allows you to customize how far down you need to press a key before registering a keystroke. You can also set how far the keys need to travel back up before you can register another keystroke with the Rapid Trigger feature, or you can assign two inputs depending on how far down you press your key. Whether you want a nearly instant actuation point for competitive gaming or a longer pre-travel distance for general typing, you can dial in each key’s performance within a wide range to best suit your play style and the games you play.
This keyboard also includes a detachable wrist rest for added support, a rare feature for keyboards of its size. Speaking of size, if you’re interested in this keyboard but looking for an even more compact version to give you the most room for sweeping mouse movements, check out the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. Or, if you prefer a version that includes a numpad, look no further than the full-size SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Also, if you prefer wireless keyboards so you don’t have cables cluttering your desk, most Apex Pro boards have wireless versions available.
Razer Huntsman V2
Switch: Razer Optical Linear 2nd Gen (tested) or Clicky Optical – Lighting: Per-Key RGB – Media Controls: Yes – Wristrest: Included – Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT plastic – Onboard Storage: 4 profiles – Weight: 2.7 pounds (1,210g)
Reasons To Buy:
- Linear option is smooth, quiet and responsive
- PBT keycaps that look and feel good
- Highly programmable
- Plush, detachable wrist rest
Reasons To Avoid:
- Expensive
- No macro keys to compete with similarly priced rivals
- 8,000 Hz polling rate is hard to notice
Keyboards like the Razer Huntsman V2 don’t come around very often, leaving such an incredibly positive and lasting impression on you that all alternatives simply pale in comparison. In fact, I’ve been enjoying its optical switches and other great qualities so much (of which there are many) that I almost forgot that I had to review it.
I’ve been using the Razer Huntsman V2 for almost a year now, specifically the full size model complete with numpad and media keys, and it’s easily the best gaming keyboard I’ve ever used. However, it’s worth mentioning that you can pick it up in tenkeyless and 60% form factors. While I can’t speak to the quality of those versions personally, I’d imagine most of my thoughts here will translate to them.