For avid PC gamers, having the right keyboard is a must. Sure, you could plop down ten bucks and get the cheapest keyboard, but your gaming is going to suffer. When it comes to gaming keyboards, there is a lot to consider. We have compiled a guide to help you find the best gaming keyboard to meet your needs and budget.
Why Do You Need a Gaming Keyboard?
If you are new to gaming, you may be wondering why a special gaming keyboard is so important. Your computer came with a keyboard that works just fine, so why pay big bucks for a gaming keyboard?
A standard keyboard is lacking the macro buttons gaming keyboards offer. These keyboards are specifically designed with customizable buttons that can be assigned to any function. Having access to your own programed buttons will speed up your reaction time and greatly improve your ability to destroy.
Another reason gaming keyboards are superior over standard models is the level of comfort. If you have ever gotten caught up in a game for hours, your wrists have likely been punished. Gaming keyboard manufacturers think like gamers and offer special features that make gaming more comfortable, including comfortable wrist pads, palm rests, and ergonomic designs.
Before you jump into making a purchase, continue reading for the top ten gaming keyboards of 2019. You can also read about other gaming topics on our website.
Top Ten Gaming Keyboards of 2019
When it comes to choosing the right gaming keyboard for your setup, it is important to have all the facts. We cut through the hype and offer you the precise specs and benefits of each of the brands and models listed below. This guide should take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect gaming keyboard, so you dominate every opponent.
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is one of the most powerful and intuitive gaming keyboards on the market. This mechanical keyboard is the first to offer adjustable mechanical switches for precise control and per-key sensitivity.
Not only does this keyboard look amazing, with its rainbow of backlights, but it also offers much more than eye candy. First, let’s talk about materials.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is not your average plastic keyboard. This model is made from an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, so it is going to be able to stand up to abuse and minor accidents. Try dropping your plastic keyboard one time and you will quickly appreciate such brawn.
The quiet magnetic switches will amaze you, and the detachable palm rest makes PC gaming much more comfortable. With the OLED smart display, this keyboard precisely delivers information from your game, so your keyboard interactions are always on-point. This means you are ready to strike at any time and take down your opponent.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro retails for $199
2. Razer Huntsman Elite
If you are looking for custom actuation in a gaming keyboard, look no further. The Razer Huntsman Elite, aside from its killer name, is a keyboard that will bring out your best skills as a PC gamer. If you stumble around with hit and peck, this keyboard will bring a more intuitive edge to your gaming experience.
Razer has created its keyboard with Opto-Mechanical switches. Each of the switches is connected to an optical light sensor for lightning speed. Forget the delays from your old keyboard. The Razer Huntsman Elite is pure power you must witness.
For those who want to hear the clicks of each switch or key, this model delivers without being too loud. What really sets this model apart is the multi-function digital dial that allows you to program three tactile media keys for instant brightness or volume changes.
You can personalize the lighting looks and the magnetic palm rest keeps you in the perfect ergonomic form so your wrists do not give out in the middle of a battle.
The Razer Huntsman Elite retails for $199
3. ROCATT Vulcan 120 Aimo
The ROCATT Vulcan 120 Aimo was made with avid PC gamers in mind. Just like the top two in our list, the Vulcan is ultra-sleek and will make your gaming rig look sweet. Although looks are certainly important, you are likely even more interested in how this baby performs.
The Vulcan Titan switches were developed by ROCCAT. These switches give you the tactile feel you want, with a minimal sound that is just enough. The structural housing of the switches was developed using German design and engineering, so there is no wobble.
The structural stability of the Vulcan is meant to hold up to millions of keystrokes. With its anodized aluminum plate, the Vulcan is durable and strong. The keyboard lighting is fully customizable and the palm rest and design make this keyboard truly comfortable to use, even after hours of gameplay.
The ROCATT Vulcan 120 Aimo retails for $159.99
4. Logitech G513
The Logitech G513 is a gamer’s keyboard any gamer can learn to master. This mechanical gaming keyboard offers a level of performance that is meant for demanding players.
Logitech allows gamers to choose the type of switches they want to be installed. You can choose between Romer-G Linear, Romer-G Tactile, and GX Blue switches, depending on how you like to play. Each of the switches has been thoroughly tested for at least a 70-million click lifespan.
What is most astonishing about the Logitech G513 is the ultra-fast response times. They are reported at 1 ms. With an anodized brushed finish, this keyboard looks amazing and performs like many in a higher price bracket.
This keyboard is fully customizable and even allows you to cancel the functions of some buttons which is particularly helpful if you tend to fat-finger during gaming. The G513 means no more canceled games because you hit the wrong button.
The gaming keycaps keep you in control during any game and the memory foam palm and wrist rest springs back into action after each use, so the last play always feels like the first. The keycap puller is an amazing tool that puts you in charge of what happens during gaming.
The Logitech G513 retails for $149.99
5. Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768
Alienware is one of the top producers of computer gaming gear and when you think of the name, it is often thought of as expensive. We were quite surprised when we came across this Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 because of the price alone.
The zone-based RGB backlight ensures you can easily find the switches and keycaps without fumbling in the dark and missing a shot. It can be maddening to hit the wrong button in the middle of a battle, but Alienware has worked to make sure that doesn’t happen with their AW768.
This gaming keyboard offers 15 programmable macro keys so you can set it up to meet your exact needs. The mechanical switches are highly intuitive and respond in lightning-fast speed. This keyboard offers anti-ghosting and N-key rollover on every key.
Alienware made sure gamers are comfortable by offering three leg heights and a palm rest that attaches magnetically. With a high level of comfort and a command center that allows you to fine-tune your settings, this keyboard is perfect for new PC gamers and old pros alike.
The Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 retails for $84.99
6. Cooler Master MasterSet MS120
The Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 has been masterfully crafted with PC gamers in mind. This keyboard/mouse combo is ideal for hardcore gamers who must keep their competitive edge. With the tactile keyboard and mouse, you will notice a higher level of precision in your gaming.
The Hybrid Mem-Chanical switches are what set it apart from other keyboards in the same price range. These switches are “clicky” and highly responsive, so they offer the highest level of performance. This membrane keyboard has been expertly designed to help you dominate in every battle you fight.
The MasterSet MS120 comes with a full per-key RGB customization with brilliant colors and specialized effects for every key. You set this gaming keyboard up and make it your own from the very beginning.
With its 26-key anti-ghosting, you can rest assured you will never make duplicate keystrokes again because the keys are so intuitive and respond precisely with each touch. The mouse has been tested for a 10-million keypress lifespan. The Avago optical sensor responds with amazing speed, so you always get the kill.
The Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 retails for $90.02
7. Corsair K63 Wireless
The Corsair K63 Wireless gaming keyboard is perfect for gamers who do not want to be tied down with a wire. You can move this keyboard around without losing function. This keyboard features CHERRY MX mechanical switches for the perfect response times, no matter how intense the game becomes.
The switches on the K63 have been tested at 1 ms, offering you the speed that is necessary to beat your opponent and win the game. The tenkeyless design makes the K63 much more portable than other gaming keyboards, so you can take it with you.
If you prefer, you can hook this up with a wired connection. Whether you choose wired or wireless, you will always get the same incredible and reliable speed.
The keyboard features a bright, customizable blue per-key backlight, and the ergonomic design is kind on your palms and wrists for less fatigue. Because the design is so compact, it leaves you with valuable desk room other brands can’t offer.
Corsair has worked to protect gamers by offering this keyboard with 128-bit AES wireless encryption. This means hackers cannot eavesdrop on your keystrokes which protects your personal data.
The Corsair K63 wireless keyboard retails for $159.00
8. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
Again, we are including another Corsair keyboard in our top ten 2019 gaming keyboard list. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is considered the Rolls Royce of gaming keyboards. Like the K63, this keyboard features CHERRY MX Speed keyswitches that are surrounded in a lightweight protective aluminum shell.
The K95 offers 8MB of profile storage so your settings remain constant. This model allows you to store and even playback the most complex of macros and lighting effects on a per-key basis. With this keyboard, you remain in complete control of its style and play mechanisms.
The ultra-fast actuation is tested at 1.2mm. With the 6 dedicated macro keys, you can choose the functions and make the keyboard your own. Corsair even textured these keys differently from the rest for easy finding in low lighting.
With 100% anti-ghosting and full key rollover, you will game like never before. From the palm pad to the ergonomic design, you can play in full comfort.
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum retails for $199.99
9. Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard
The Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard is an affordable option with loads of power. With its easy-to-install driver, Havit puts you in control of setting up your macros, backlight effects, response times, and more. It seems they have thought of everything when it comes to customization options.
This keyboard has the standard 104 keys, but it is 25% thinner than other keyboards, making it much more comfortable to use. This gaming keyboard will help you to avoid the pain of palm and wrist strain when you are playing your favorite shooter.
The keyboard comes pre-programmed with six backlight settings or you can fully customize it to your liking. The keys have been tested with a 50-million key service lifespan. This keyboard offers anti-ghosting and full key rollover for a quick and intuitive response without double strikes.
The Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard retails for $82.99
10. Razer Cynosa Chroma
Coming in at number 10 is another Razer product. The Razer Cynosa Chroma offers infinite lighting choices and amazingly fast keystroke response. With each key individually backlit, you have full control over the shine.
You can choose from the pre-loaded design options or fully customize it the way you want. The Chroma offers 22 customization areas on the right, left, and front of the keyboard.
The switches are all cushioned for a virtually silent keystroke. This keyboard allows you to target your enemy and strike with immediate deadly force. With the Razer Synapse 3, you will be able to fully customize your keyboard and set up the switches for perfect gameplay. Now, the power is at your fingertips like never before.
The Razer Cynosa Chroma retails from $59.99
Conclusion
You cannot go wrong with any of the above gaming keyboards. Take your time reading over the specs and visit the manufacturer sites to see which keyboard will fit your gaming needs best. A gaming keyboard will up your gaming experience to lightyears and beyond, giving you that competitive edge you’ve been missing by using a standard board.
