The best gaming keyboards for 2023: our top picks
The best gaming keyboards not only look good, but they're also a pleasure to type on
Don’t underestimate the power of a good gaming keyboard. Sure, the best GPUs like the RTX 4080 can boost your gaming performance, but they won’t improve your reaction times or comfort during long gaming sessions. That’s where the best gaming keyboards come in.
Imagine playing fast-paced games like Overwatch 2 with a keyboard that can’t keep up, or keys that feel great when gaming but inconsistent while typing – frustrating, right? You need a balance, then, of speed, performance and productivity.
If you’re in the market for a new gaming keyboard, we’ve done the hard work for you and gathered our top picks right here. So spend less time shopping and more time playing the best PC games with these fantastic keyboards.
4. Roccat Vulcan 120 AIMO
The winner of the gaming keyboard beauty pageant
➕ Gorgeous design
➕ Easy to clean
➖ Polarizing look
Specs: Switches: Roccat Titan Mechanical | Connectivity: USB-A
The Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo is a gaming keyboard that stands out from the crowd with its striking design. Its minimal frame and raised keys not only give it a sleek and modern look but also make it incredibly easy to clean. No more struggling to get crumbs and dust out from between the keys!
But the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo isn’t just about looks – it’s also packed with features that gamers will love. One of its most impressive features is Roccat’s own Titan switches. These switches are clicky and responsive, providing gamers with the tactile feedback they need for fast-paced gameplay. It’s the perfect combination of performance and aesthetics.
Another great thing about the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo is that it’s a wired keyboard. While some gamers might prefer the freedom of a wireless keyboard, there are definite advantages to going wired. For one thing, you never have to worry about your wireless signal dropping or your keyboard running out of battery in the middle of a match. With the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo, you can game with confidence, knowing that your keyboard will always be ready when you are.
The Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo is an excellent choice for PC gamers who want a keyboard that looks great and performs even better.
3. Alienware AW420K
Alienware’s foray into TKL gaming keyboards
➕ Small form factor
➕ Excellent design
➖ Might break your budget
Specs: Switches: Cherry MX Red | Connectivity: USB-A
Alienware is quickly becoming a favorite brand among PC gamers for its high-quality peripherals, including gaming keyboards. In the past, Alienware’s gaming keyboards may have been a bit over-the-top with their design flourishes, but the company’s most recent line of gaming accessories has taken a more refined approach. In fact, Alienware has already earned a spot on the list of the best gaming mice and best PC gaming headsets, and now with the AW420K keyboard, it’s also making its mark on the list of the best gaming keyboards.
One of the standout features of the AW420K is that it’s a TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard. This means that it doesn’t have a number pad, which might seem like a downside at first. However, unless you’re reliant on the number pad for tasks like data entry or working in Microsoft Excel, it’s not really necessary for gaming. And by getting rid of it, Alienware has been able to reduce the size of the keyboard, leaving more room on your desk for other peripherals or decorations.
But don’t let its smaller size fool you – the AW420K is still packed with features that gamers will love. Its sleek design and high-quality construction make it a great choice for anyone looking for a top-performing gaming keyboard. And with Alienware’s reputation for excellence in PC gaming peripherals, you can be sure that you’re getting a keyboard that will deliver an outstanding gaming experience.
2. Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro
The ultimate gaming keyboard
➕ Minimalist frame design
➕ Comfy keycaps
➖ Premium price tag
Specs: Switches: Low-Profile optical switches | Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Razer is known for its high-quality gaming keyboards, and the Deathstalker V2 Pro is no exception. Its minimal aluminum frame and tasteful RGB lighting make it a beautiful addition to any desk. And as a wireless keyboard, it’s perfect for modern PC gaming setups.
The Deathstalker V2 Pro also features Razer’s latest low-profile optical switches, which are responsive and have a nice linear feel for comfortable typing during long sessions. Plus, it’s not as noisy as some other gaming keyboards, making it a great choice for extended use.
However, the Deathstalker V2 Pro is one of the most expensive gaming keyboards on the market. It’s definitely a luxury product and may not be within everyone’s budget. But if you can afford it, the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro is well worth the investment.
1. Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro
The best gaming keyboard for a no-compromises setup
➕ Feels incredible to type on
➕ RGB wrist rest
➖ Massive footprint
Specs: Switches: Razer Mechanical (clicky or linear) | Connectivity: USB-C
The Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro is a wired keyboard that exudes quality. It’s made of robust aluminum and features Razer’s latest mechanical keys, available in both linear and clicky options. It’s also one of the heaviest gaming keyboards on the market, so we wouldn’t advise buying it if you like attending LAN parties.
One of its standout features is a programmable knob on the top left corner of the keyboard. Out of the box, it can be used to zoom in on your current window or cycle through open windows on your desktop. But with the Razer Synapse app, you can program it to do pretty much anything you want.
In addition to the programmable knob, the Blackwidow V4 Pro also has a full suite of dedicated media controls and six programmable macro buttons. It’s an advanced keyboard that offers a lot of customization options for gamers who want to explore everything it can do.
The linear key switches provide satisfying thocks similar to Cherry MX Brown switches, despite Razer using its own switches. In games, this means every keystroke feels impactful and pleasing.
Of course, at a price of $229, you would expect nothing less than an extremely satisfying PC gaming experience. And with its advanced features and RGB lighting – including lighting that surrounds the detachable wrist rest – the Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro delivers.
Updated: March 23, 2023