Best Gaming Keyboards 2023

The top best gaming keyboards are ergonomic, stylish, and, of course, have the most pleasurable clicks and clacks.

When it comes to choosing the perfect gaming keyboard, the selection process can be overwhelming. However, we will simplify it for you. The most significant aspects to consider are the keyboard’s latency, switch types, and overall comfort. These factors will enable you to determine if additional features such as RGB backlighting, media controls, or software customization options are necessary to personalize the board for your needs. It is common for gamers to prefer mechanical keyboards because of their lower latency, additional features, and durability, and as such, our recommendations tend to lean towards mechanical offerings.

Another important factor to consider is keyboard size. Opting for a 60% gaming keyboard or a tenkeyless (TKL) design will give you more space for broader mouse swipes, which is important for gamers who play online competitive games. A full-sized keyboard, on the other hand, is more likely to include additional features like media controls and a vibrant LED display.

Our team has conducted tests on over 190 keyboards, and we have identified the best non-mechanical and mechanical keyboards for gaming. If you are not exclusively searching for a gaming keyboard, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards or the best mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget, we have recommendations for the best budget gaming keyboards.

---

Best Gaming Keyboards

---

TheGamingLaptop got your back – Our experienced team dedicates many hours to every review, to really get to the heart of what matters most to you. Find out more about how we review the hardware.

1. Asus ROG Azoth

The best money-no-object wireless gaming keyboard

---

---

Asus, the Taiwanese tech giant, has introduced its first true enthusiast gaming keyboard, the Asus ROG Azoth, and it’s truly impressive. This technical term translates to a quality keyboard that checks off all the boxes and even adds some additional features to the list. Although Asus has released mechanical keyboards before, it has only dabbled in the enthusiast keyboard market. With the ROG Azoth, however, Asus has entered the market with a bang, which isn’t surprising considering the growing demand for high-end custom keyboards.

The ROG Azoth is built with exceptional quality, and it has a weight that is out of the ordinary, which is something I appreciate. It’s also equipped with all the pre-lubed, gasketed, and dampened features that a premium typing experience demands.

The keyboard comes with custom linear mechanical switches that are Cherry MX Red analogs but feel even better. What’s even better is that the ROG Azoth has hot-swappable switches, a must-have for any enthusiast keyboard, and the switch puller bundled with the keyboard is my absolute favorite.

In the top right-hand corner, the keyboard features a two-tone OLED display with a three-way switch that can be customized. However, the ROG Azoth relies on Asus’ Armoury Crate software, which is notoriously frustrating due to its sluggishness, and it has a tendency to reset the device.

The app does have some useful features, such as LED backlighting controls and the ability to adjust the control knob’s settings to suit your preferences. The control knob has five discrete modes as standard, and you can add a customizable sixth mode that can be assigned to anything you want.

The ROG Azoth is the best gaming keyboard Asus has ever released, and it’s the best enthusiast keyboard I’ve seen from an established brand that doesn’t specialize in this segment. While the Everest 60 and its detachable numpad remain my top choice, the ROG Azoth is a close second for everyday use. It would be my new office board if I could afford it, given its high price point.

2. Wooting Two HE

The best gaming keyboard

---

---

The Wooting keyboards have captivated my interest for an extensive period of time. I had already scrutinized the previous offerings, Wooting One and Wooting Two, and was exceedingly impressed with their premium quality. As a result, the new addition, the Wooting Two HE, has instilled a heightened sense of enthusiasm in me. It is the latest and greatest from the company and must conform to my exceedingly lofty expectations while already possessing the components for an outstanding mechanical keyboard. Fortunately, it most definitely delivers.

A quick glance at the black façade and keycaps of the Wooting Two HE might lead one to question the hype. I don’t blame you, the Wooting appears presentable, but it doesn’t appear to differentiate itself significantly from typical mechanical gaming keyboards. In fact, it appears somewhat dreary compared to the increasingly common keyboards that are going overboard with design.

The Wooting Two HE has analog key control which sets it apart from its predecessors, the Wooting One and Wooting Two. Rather than sending a simple on/off signal to your PC upon depressing a key, the keyboard measures the entire range of motion for that particular key. Therefore, it enables you to vary your range of motion in a game between walking and running, without having to use a controller or even providing some degree of control in a driving game without a joystick or steering wheel. It’s particularly beneficial for games like GTA V where players must frequently switch between running, driving, and flying.

While larger brands have started to adopt this concept, Wooting was the first to bring a usable and affordable product with the Wooting One. The Wooting Two HE differs from its predecessors in terms of how it measures analog input. The previous Wooting models utilized optical Flaretech switches, while the newer HE model utilizes the Lekker switch produced by Wooting with the assistance of the popular switch maker Gateron. The Hall effect is employed in the Wooting Two HE to achieve analog input, hence the ‘HE’ in the name.

The Hall effect depends on the power of magnets. There is a magnet within the stem of every Lekker switch. The Wooting Two HE can track the entire depression and return of the mechanical switch by measuring the magnetic force of that magnet as it moves through a Hall effect sensor on the keyboard’s PCB.

Wooting always meets expectations with their products. The Wooting Two HE is solid, well-built, and comes with a two-year warranty. If a switch malfunctions, you can simply swap it out since the board is hot-swappable. There are not many mechanical moving parts with the magnetic Lekker switch, which is a plus, and there is less potential for failure.

What I appreciate about every Wooting keyboard that I’ve examined, particularly the Wooting Two HE, is that they do not simply have a great concept; they also deliver on it. Even if you believe that the analog movement of the Wooting is not suitable for your preferred games and genres, there are plenty of other reasons to appreciate it.

3. Ducky One 3

The best no-frills gaming keyboard

---

---

Ducky has built a solid reputation in the mechanical gaming keyboard world. Despite the growing trend of flashy keyboards with blinking lights, Ducky has remained committed to its no-nonsense design philosophy, which it calls “Quack Mechanics.” However, Ducky has also started exploring more stylized and vibrant designs, and the Ducky One 3 Fuji is a prime example of Ducky’s new direction.

The One 3’s vibrant and colorful design is evidence of Ducky’s recent shift. The Fuji is Ducky’s latest flagship keyboard, available in various colors and styles. The standard Fuji design, which includes every key seen in the images, gives the impression of a keyboard with a custom keycap set pre-installed.

The Ducky’s keycaps are made of durable PBT plastic, which outlasts ABS plastic, resists stains, and maintains its color-matched legends without fading or rubbing away. From the keycaps to the rest of the board, the Ducky impresses with its exceptional quality.

The blue underbelly of the Ducky contains cable runs for the included braided USB Type-C to Type-A cable, which is a perfectly matched shade of pink. The One 3 also features four DIP switches that provide a couple of hard-coded shortcuts for various keyboard modes. However, these switches may not always function correctly.

Despite this, the One 3 is built like a tank with absolutely no flex. The keyboard features a wide range of Cherry MX switches to choose from, depending on the vendor. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer a smooth press with only 1.2mm of travel before actuation and a total distance of 3.4mm, making them perfect for gaming. The linear press without a tactile bump or click results in moderately low noise.

The Ducky barely rattles, and its switches, including those with stabilizers, produce impressively uniform sound. The keyboard has significant sound dampening, which results in a satisfying mechanical thud that is amicable to one’s ears, whether for a day’s worth of constant typing or gaming with a nearby microphone.

However, the best part is that the Ducky One 3 is hot-swappable, allowing you to swap out a key switch if it breaks or installs new ones. While many gaming keyboards feature hot-swapping, the Ducky One 3’s inclusion of this feature is a definite win. Although the Ducky does not have any RGB lighting or backlighting, this is not an issue for many users, as the One 3 looks stunning and is a joy to type on. Additionally, it is more affordable than other flagship keyboards of similar quality.

4. G.Skill KM360

The most affordable mechanical keyboard

---

---

This G.Skill gaming keyboard may not satisfy your desire for a colorful light display, as it only offers a single color option. However, the white LED lights on this board are exceptionally luminous, brighter than any I’ve ever seen. I typically prefer to keep my brightness settings at maximum all day, but with the KM360, doing so could damage my retina.

Although lacking in rainbow colors, the absence has helped to maintain an affordable price point.

This tenkeyless keyboard is basic, but its performance is exceptional. Its construction is durable, robust, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing. While I would have preferred a wrist rest, media controls, and passthrough capabilities, I am content with its affordability and functionality. Moreover, its detachable USB Type-C feature enhances its lifespan.

Overall, it is a reliable and straightforward choice.

5. Keychron K2 (Version 2)

The most affordable wireless keyboard

---

---

The Keychron K2 is a wireless mechanical keyboard that has caught the eye of many enthusiasts and for good reason. It boasts an impressive set of features, such as compatibility with both Mac and Windows, Gateron Brown switches, and white backlighting. Its 84-key layout is compact, which may appeal to gamers looking to save space, but it also has a slightly squashed nav cluster, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it’s the 75% layout that really sets it apart from the competition.

The past couple of years have seen a rise in hobbyists who enjoy building their own keyboards. To get started, one must first understand what a mechanical keyboard is. The Keychron K2 has been deemed an exceptional entry-level keyboard that can serve as a gateway into the world of mechanicals.

The Keychron K2 has a sleek design with grey ABS keycaps and a compact layout. The build quality is decent, with no deck flex and a sturdy build. While it may not be as robust as the legendary Model M, it’s a great budget option.

One of the advantages of the Keychron K2 is that it is a Windows and Mac keyboard that can support different MX-stem keycap sets. These can be sourced from Keychron or other retailers online. It comes with swappable function keys for Mac or Windows, and the keycap puller is easy to use.

If you’re not a fan of Gateron Brown switches, you can opt for the hot-swappable variant and switch them out. The K2 is compatible with various MX-stem switches, including Gaterons and TTCs.

The white backlighting on the Keychron K2 is crisp and vibrant, and it complements the dark keycap coloration nicely. There are several lighting presets, including static, ripple, and breathing styles, as well as some more unusual choices. You can also choose from four lighting levels.

All things considered, the Keychron K2 is a solid entry-level mechanical keyboard. It has a nice weight to it, and the triple-device connectivity is useful if you switch between devices frequently. However, it may feel cheap in some cases due to its light switches and standard lighting presets. At around $69, though, it’s a great value for money.