Every PC Gamer needs a quality gaming keyboard, but which one is the best? Here are our top 5 best gaming keyboards in 2021.
We have already checked out the best gaming mice in 2021, but what are the best gaming keyboards? Sure, a good gaming keyboard has to meet quite a few criteria in order to be considered as such, but almost every model offers the most important features.
Honestly, all you need to do is enter "gaming keyboard" into Google, and you'll have a decent selection right in front of you. It can be challenging, though, to figure out which ones are the best, which ones are worth your time and money, and which ones you should avoid like the plague. We're not going for the cheapest, nor the most expensive, but the best. These are, in our opinion, the five best gaming keyboards available in 2021.
What Makes A Good Gaming Keyboard?
Ultimately, a focus on mechanical switches, fast response times, and a stable, durable design is key to determining a good keyboard. That being said, however, there's no way to determine what makes a gaming keyboard perfect, as it truly depends on what you want out of it. Casual players often want programmable macro keys and multimedia keys, for example, while shooter players rely on TKL keyboards (smaller keyboards that are reduced to the essentials).
Since the choice of best gaming keyboard is very subjective and, for example, not everyone attaches importance to things like macro keys of a numpad, we are going to present you with the following five keyboards in no particular order. Instead, they are based on what's best for five different playstyles.
The Wireless-King: Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Some people might ask: "Why do I need a wireless keyboard? It's on the table anyway, and won't move?" This may be true for some players, but for many, portability is key. The Logitech G915 Lightspeed offers flat keys, presenting us with a clicky, tactile, and linear set of GL switches. The keyboard features some fantastic battery life, and a reliable wireless connection with no latency. It can also be used via Bluetooth, or with a USB cable, and offers programmable macro and multimedia keys.
Clocking in at around $250 USD, the Logitech G915 is also available in a more compact design. The smaller version does not feature a numpad, and the extra macro keys have been removed. The F keys can be assigned as desired, though, and it doesn't take up too much space.
The Full Kit: Mountain Everest Max
What makes the Mountain Everest Max so special, is that it is modular. This keyboard can be enlarged or reduced as desired, and equipped with a multitude of new features. If you also need your keyboard for work, you will probably also use the numpad, but it can often be a nuisance when gaming. Wait a minute, no it can't, because you can simply remove the numpad when you are not going to be using it. The modular system is designed around easily removable magnetic components.
If you want, you can configure the keyboard to your absolute perfect design, with your preferred switches and keyboard caps, palm rests, and multimedia keys. This all comes at a price, of course, but its roughly $250 USD cost is actually surprisingly reasonable. Think about it this way: many of the keyboards in this list sit at around the same price point, and they are not as versatile.
The All-Rounder: Corsair K100 RGB
The Corsair K100 RGB is an absolute premium keyboard that offers everything you could possibly want. It comes with programmable macro keys, multimedia keys, and an incredibly comfortable palm rest that can be removed as needed. This keyboard is very sturdy and even the component for adjusting the volume is made of metal. The new Corsair OPX switches feel damn good and the query rate of 4000Hz (most keyboards only have 1000Hz) is rarely noticeable, but it is quite impressive.
All in all, it can be said that the Corsair K100 RGB offers everything a gamer could want. This only comes with one disadvantage - the keyboard takes up a lot of space, especially with the palm rest. If you have no problem with that, and can easily cough up the $250 USD required to purchase this bad-boy, then you can get the Bentley among gaming keyboards right here.
The Pioneer: Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog offers technology not previously available in any other keyboard. Of course, the keyboard comes with multimedia keys and a comfortable palm rest, and the design and workmanship is both top-notch. What sets the Huntsman V2 Analog apart, though, is its analogue optical switches. These innovative switches combine the advantages of a controller with those of a keyboard.
Analogue switches register how hard you press them, in a similar way to how a controller would detect how far the sticks are pressed in a particular direction. Thus, you can determine with just one button how fast you run or, for example, set the grenade to be equipped with a light pressure on G and throw it with a harder push.
Honestly, this is pretty new technology, so keep your eye out for how well it works, but at around $250 USD, Razer is offering a really innovative new keyboard with the Huntsman V2 Analog - a true pioneer in the field of gaming keyboards!
Small But Nice: Ducky Mecha Mini
The Ducky Mecha Mini only offers the absolutely necessary keys, and comes with the so-called 60% layout. In other words: it does not include a numpad, macros, nor multimedia and arrow keys. Everything about this keyboard is of extremely high quality and durability. Thanks to its compact design, you can probably fit it in a large trouser pocket. Cool, right?
When buying, you can choose from pretty much all Cherry Switches on the market, and the scope of delivery also includes some key caps for exchanging and customizing. The keyboard is connected to the PC with a detachable USB-C Cable, making it perfect for players who travel a lot, or have little space on their desk. At about $150 USD, it's also the cheapest keyboard on our list.
These were our five best gaming keyboards in 2021. We hope that there was something for you, and that we could help you with your purchasing decision. If you still need a gaming mouse right now, maybe check out the five best gaming mic in 2021!
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This article was originally written by Lukas Ballat.