Last Updated on December 17, 2021
Best gaming keyboard 2021 : Only gamers can understand the value of an amazing rig including gaming keyboard, gaming mouse and screen. Not just the pixels on the screen are important, the responsiveness and ease of navigation also matters a lot for gamers who seek thrill and feel a rush of adrenaline in parallel realms. We are discussing gaming keyboards here and in the next installment, we will talk about gaming mouse of the year.
Like in everything, everybody has different considerations while buying a gaming keyboard. Some prefer mechanical keyboard while some prefer to go with wireless gaming keyboard to resist the distraction of wires. Other than this, other decisive factors of buying keyboards are wrist pads, sleek size, compact shape, volume controls and numeric keypad. Here are our top recommendations for best gaming keyboards that bring the better of each, all rolled into one!
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Overall:
Razer Blackwidow Chroma
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This has to be none other than Razer Blackwidow Chroma as it rolls in features like just the right amount of macro keys, beautiful design and responsiveness. It certainly is the beauty that gives you the function you seek from a gaming keyboard. However, the makers have made sure that the features don’t get too much and the keyboard stays compact in size. The keyboard also offers a dedicated Gaming Mode for the gamers so that you don’t mix pleasure and work while you are at it. The RGB panel on the keyboard can be customized too. The dimensions of the keyboard are 18.7 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches and, the keyboard weighs about 3.3 pounds.
The mechanical switches by Razer are deemed to have the best overall silent gaming performance and tactile bump. The keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty and can register up to 80 million keystrokes. The backlit keys can be customized and you can choose from 16.8 million color range. It has s5-additional macro keys. This Razer keyboard has an open SDK, due to which you can customize lightening effects and create alerts as per your choice. The keyboard doesn’t have a palm rest and hence, many users don’t find it much ergonomic especially when they are into gaming marathons. The headphone jack also sometimes make a hissing sound that is barely noticeable and can be heard only if you are using quite sensitive headphones.
This keyboard has a new successor, Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2, Silent RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard- Razer Yellow Switches, which is available for $170.
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Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard 2021
Razer Turret : Best Wireless Keyboard
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Razer Turret is one top-of-the-line gaming keyboard that has no macro keys. Since this is wireless, it offers you unlimited control and you don’t have to fuss over the messy wires. The keyboard packs in robust software and easy keys. You can create macros and customize the keys as per your preference. The best part is while it brings in all the benefits and robust software on board, you aren’t limited by wires. It connects via Bluetooth or USB Dongle. At 20.8 x 4.8 x 0.46 inches and 3.75 pounds,
this keyboard is the must-have if you are serious gamer and wouldn’t want to compromise on your experience. It offers dual wireless connectivity, and a lag-free performance. It is ergonomic and flaunts a compact body that sits comfortably on your lap. It has a foldable hinge that can used to dock the keyboard when you aren’t gaming. The keyboard is compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, Mac, PC and Steam Link. It has chiclet –styled keypads and anti-ghost capability to register even the slightest of finger response. Razer Turret has dedicated android button and 3500 DPI laser sensor. It has a long battery life of up to 4 months. It comes with a magnetic mouse mat that implies that your gaming mouse doesn’t slip off during the game. While the keyboard is designed for ambidextrous use, the mouse pad is attached to the right side of the keyboard.
Apart from these, the keyboard also comes with the seamless integration with the Razer Forge TV via Remotr app.
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Best Gaming Keyboard for Mac
Razer Ornata Chroma : Best for iMac
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If you are looking for a keyboard to pair it up with Mac, then Razer Ornata Chroma – Revolutionary Mecha-Membrane Gaming Keyboard is for you! The mid-height keycaps are designed for faster actuations and let your finger move freely as you zap on them. The keyboard brings in the soft membrane rubber dome paired with the super responsive and crisp mechanical switch. You can sync your Razer peripherals for a unified set up and a spectacular aesthetic effect.
The keyboard also features anti-ghost technology, which means it lets you execute ten commands at the same time. It also has wrist rest to make you feel entirely comfortable when your intense gaming marathons are on! The ‘wrist rest’ is detachable. The keyboard doesn’t feature a USB port. While we have specified as the best keyboard for MAC, it can work with any PC that has basic universal keyboard driver installed. However, it is the robust Synapse 2.0 software that is fully compatible with the Mac.
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Best MMO Keyboard 2021
Logitech RGB G910 Orion Spark Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
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Logitech RGB G910 Orion Spark Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the world’s fastest RGB mechanical gaming keyboard and packs in exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches, which means that you get 25 percent faster response as well as durability of withstanding up to 70 million keystrokes.
You can customize the RCB band by choosing from over 16 million colors. The keyboard has ARX control app and smartphone dock to give you an instant access to the gaming data of your smartphone and sync your gaming information for a seamless experience. The G-keys are 9 in number and can be programmed. You can create custom macros as per your preference, resulting in never before speed and accuracy. The media controls are also dedicated, which mean you can play, mute, up and down or skip via one-touch control panel.
Users have been complaining about key spacing as they feel that it is bit cramped but given all these features, this can be worked out and got used to. You can also find pre-loaded lighting profiles for over 300 games with Logitech software. The keyboard comes with a palm rest, allowing you to be comfortable during the action!
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Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50
Turtle Beach Impact 100
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Though, it was difficult to zero in on something in this segment but the Turtle Beach Impact 100 tries hard to catch your fancy. It is a membrane keyboard that is comfortable and as close as a membrane keyboard could get to a mechanical keyboard. It is cheaper and while it can’t be a mechanical keyboard no matter how hard it tries to be, it is the sleek design and user-experience that makes it the winner in this segment.
The dimensions of the keyboard are .6 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches and it weighs around 2.6 pounds. This cheap gaming keyboard has smart-guided keycap sleeves to give you the feel of top gaming mechanical keyboard. The anti-ghosting features means that even the slightest of keystroke is counted and registered. So, no more missed moves and dropping of the movements! The keyboard has a sturdy unit; it is a circuit board on the steel plate, which means it is durable. The PBT keys don’t wear down easily. This plug-and-play keyboard comes with a braided USB cable and certainly can be deemed as a best budget gaming keyboard.
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How we Tested Best Gaming Keyboards of 2021:
The right gaming keyboard is the rig that lets you experience the perfect feel and comfort of holding one. The switches are responsive and familiar. You shouldn’t feel like being in an unfamiliar territory as you hold one because the peripheral of gaming rig also matters and shouldn’t be just limited to just screen. One could witness the changes the keyboard market has gone through over the years. The products have become more compact, classier and user-friendly. It is the user-experience that counts.
Here, you can find the listings of top-tier keyboard, mid-tier and low-budget keyboard that have topped the list in the following categories such as:​
Switches
Switches should stand out in the keyboard because this is where you are going to type in or sending the commands. In this realm, there has been none to beat the classy Cherry’s Mechanical MX switches due to their excellent tactical response. Generally, the switches on the keyboard should be durable and reliable and to be honest, you have no dearth of options in this category. You can choose from tactile and browns, tactile and blues, linear blacks and reds. Apart from Cherry’s, you can choose the not-so-amazing but nonetheless better Razer Green switches and SteelSeries QS1.
Design :
First thing first. Superfluous designs were never a hit, be it office keyboard or gaming keyboard. It is the function that counts in the end of the day.
Other High-End Specs: :
Keyboards that pack in high-end features such as N-key rollover, USB, audio hub, macro keys and fabric-covered cables, this all have been covered too.
Apart from these, you should be paying attention to mechanical switches most importantly because an ordinary keyboard won’t be able to do justice to your gaming spree. The tactile feedback is of utmost importance and membrane models don’t just cut it. RGB lighting is the most sought-after feature but you know how it adds to the price tag of a keyboard. Extra Macro keys are important for gamers into shooting games.
Buying Guide: How to Buy Best Gaming Keyboard
Yes, nobody is going to question you if you want to live your gaming life on an office keyboard and nobody is going to bother about your $100, all-exclusive gaming keyboard, either. But there are some things that one does for sheer pleasure and for ulterior selfish motives. And splurging on a gaming keyboard is one of them. Besides, if you want to exploit your gaming rig to the fullest, you need to invest in stunning and quality peripherals that could do justice to your gaming experience. Investing in a good keyboard is mandatory to increase effectiveness and for a seamless experience. Before you scroll down to read on about keyboard variations that are available in the market, you need to assess the kind of gaming you do. Are you into single player thing or do you prefer a raid party? Do you want extra buttons on the keyboard?
First of all, do you really need a gaming keyboard?
If your gaming streak is an occasional thing and all you are looking for is fancy lighting, it is advised that you do not confuse your episodic gaming occurrence with a binge and religious streak. Also, you need to understand the genre the keyboards work with. Keyboards tend to enhance the gaming experience for gamers who are into MMOs, shooting and strategy games.
Gaming Keyboards Prices:
The price of a good keyboard depends on the features it brings onboard. It also depends on the brand and upgrade of the model. However, the criteria of good gaming keyboard don’t only depend on prices alone. There are many features that you need to be sure of before you take a plunge on this one. For more information on this, you can read here.
Best Gaming Keyboard under $100
Don’t expect to find something really amazing and ‘caught my fancy’ stuff in this section as here you only have membrane models and old mecahniocal models with lesser-known companies such as Poseidon. If your budget doesn’t permit you to go beyond this price range, you can go for Turtle Beach Impact 100 that is available for under $60. The keyboards tries to make up for the lack of mechanical keyboard in this section at the price of a membrane model. You can also go for older version of mechanical keyboard that have been upgraded by their fancier younger siblings.
Between $100 and $150
Just increase your budget a bit, you can experience the new high in this section with regards to features like mechanical switches, numpad and keys as well as monochrome backlighting. The noteworthy members of the segments definitely are Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 and Corsair Strafe.
More Than $150
Splurge as much as you can because there is no stopping you! Here you have keyboards such as Logitech G910 Orion Spark and Corsair K70 RGB that offers you RGB lighting with mechanical switches and full range of macro keys.
Understanding the Difference Between Membrane vs. Mechanical
In simpler words, the basic gaming models are called membrane models whereas high-end gaming keyboards that pack in superlative specs are mechanical models. The latter has a better tactical response and is more reliable, hence also more expensive. Usually the keyboard makers go for Cherry mechanical switches that have been hailed by industry as the standard. Red, blue and brown color key are by Cherry.
Types of Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboard doesn’t have many variations and are usually versatile too. You can use your gaming keyboard to do mundane work of filling the official data in spreadsheets. While mechanical keyboards look nothing like standard keyboard due to RGB backlighting and extra keys, their mechanical switch give them leverage of being extra responsive and tactical. Please note that not all keyboards have extra macro keys. One of the best gaming keyboards is Logitech G910 Orion Spark that packs in extra macro keys (about 18) in different rows. Of course, it is expensive. On the other hand, you have tenkeyless models that don’t have numpads at all, because you don’t need them for gaming! The tenkeyless keyboard doesn’t offer you anything that isn’t meant for gaming! It is compact and lightweight. They come with a carrying case and wireless models of tenkeyless keyboards are also available in the market. If you are a serious gamer who binge game and compete in tournaments, it certainly is worth the investment.
Backlighting
​Your choice of backlighting in gaming keyboard is full RGB, monochrome or none. However, many gamers have admitted that it isn’t much of use, anyway since if you are a good typist or gamer, you wouldn’t need the help of those color patterns to navigate you through. Even though, a full band of RGB can increase the price of a keyboard model as it happens in the case of Corsair Gaming K70 RGB. If you are serious gamer and own peripherals like gaming mouse or headset, then the color becomes more about being in sync. Then, it is about completing the gaming rig and flaunting uniform gaming software with the same illumination. Moreover, it is always recommended that you have unified brand pattern in place too to reduce the burden on resources.
Final Words
The best gaming keyboard for gaming is entirely your choice. There are chances you may or may not like anything that has been recommended so far and find your companion in other brand. However, the gaming keyboard reviews here reflect the overall sentiments towards the particular brand and while curating the list, the team has made sure that the users get the best value for their money as well as don’t have to compromise on the performance a bit.