One of the most important peripherals for any PC gamer is a quality gaming mechanical keyboard. While you can certainly game on a membrane keyboard, the feel and responsiveness of mechanical key switches give you an edge in competitive gaming. That's without mentioning the sound, which is glorious to anaficionados' ears while striking terror into the hearts of anyone else. The same properties that make mechanical keyboards great for gaming also make them great to type on, and additional features like macro keys are just at home in spreadsheets as in MMOs. I've rounded up a list of my favorite mainstream mechanical gaming keyboards to look at in both wired and wireless versions.
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Editor's choice
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
- Form factor
- Tenkeyless (TKL)
- Switch options
- OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic
- Colorways
- Black
- Backlight
- Yes, RGB
- Construction
- 5000 series aluminum top plate, plastic enclosure
- Keycaps
- Double-shot PBT keycaps
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) uses Hall Effect magnetic key switches for ultra-speedy actuation that is user-adjustable to get your keyboard feeling exactly how you want it. You can even program two actions to the same key, with light touches triggering a different outcome than a deep one.
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Premium pick
Razer BlackWidow V4 75
- Form factor
- 75% with function row and arrow keys
- Switch options
- Razer Mechanical Switches (Orange Tactile, Yellow Linear, Green Clicky)
- Colorways
- Black and white
- Backlight
- Razer Chroma RGB
- Construction
- 5052 aluminum alloy
- Dampening
- Plate foam, poron gaskets, PCB with Tempest Tape mod
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% comes with a host of desirable features, including hot-swappable sockets compatible with 3- or 5-pin switches, an aluminum case, and features that usually require aftermarket mods, like lubricated stabilizers, along with internal tape and two layers of foam for dampening high-frequency sound.
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Best Value
Havit KB487L
This compact keyboard from Havit uses red linear switches for fast, consistent responses while gaming. Plus, the smaller size means more space for your mousing hand. It still retains a numpad for easy number entry, and the PBT keycaps will be pleasant to type on.
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Best purpose-built
Razer Tartarus Pro
The Razer Tartarus Pro is a dedicated keyboard for gaming use, with the WASD cluster and the surrounding keys, a thumbstick, optical key switches, and 32 programmable keys to adapt to the games you play.
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Best 65% keyboard
Epomaker EK68
The Epomaker EK68 is a 65% form-factor mechanical keyboard for gaming with a rotary encoder that can be programmed to suit your needs. It also boasts 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C connectivity, so it'll work with any of your devices.
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Best optical switches
Razer Huntsman Mini
If you use a low sensitivity on your mouse, you know every inch of desk mat space is essential. That's why the Razer Huntsman Mini is perfect for your play style. The 60% form factor only gives you the keys you need, while the optical switches give ultimate responsiveness.
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Best custom
Keychron Q1 Pro
- Wireless
- Bluetooth only
- Backlight
- South-facing RGB LED
- Battery
- 4,000mAh
- Num Pad
- None
- Switch Type
- Keychron K Pro Red, Keychron K Pro Brown, Keychron K Pro Banana
- Replaceable Keys
- Yes
If you want a mechanical keyboard that isn't covered in RGB, the Keychron Q1 Pro will fit your needs and then some. It has a volume knob, Bluetooth and USB-C connections, and hot-swappable switch sockets, so you can customize it with your favorite mechanical switches.
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Best low-profile
Logitech G815 RGB
The Logitech G815 Lightsync is a full-sized, low-profile mechanical gaming keyboard with a bunch of features like programmable macro keys, dedicated media keys, a roller for volume, and an aluminum top plate for stiffness while gaming.
Level up with the best mechanical keyboards for gaming
While picking the best mechanical keyboards for gaming, we had a few main considerations. The first is a choice of switch types, as personal preference for how different switches feel and sound is important. We also picked a variety of form factors, as no keyboard is one-size-fits-all. If you’re only starting to dip your toes into the murky waters of mechanical keyboards, we’ve got an in-depth guide that covers form factors, switches, keycaps, and more.
All that said, we think the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is the best option for most people. It has excellent magnetic switches with an adjustable actuation point for gaming and general use, great RGB effects, and a removable cable, which can be replaced if damaged. The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is one of the best gaming mechanical keyboards on the market, with customized mods to dampen unwanted sounds, hot-swap switches, and dedicated media controls. It is pretty expensive, though, so definitely stick that on your wish list until you know what type of switches and layout you prefer.
If you’re gaming on a budget, there are plenty of great budget mechanical keyboards. While these might not have the flashy features of the more premium keyboards, like RGB or macro keys, the same mechanical switches are used, so they’ll perform at a similar level.