September 2021
Gaming Keyboards: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Gaming Keyboard rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2021.
At a glance - September 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Gaming Keyboard |
Laptop Mag
|
TechRadar
|
PC Gamer
|
Tom's Hardware
|
T3
|
Tom's Guide
|
CNET
|
Rtings.com
|
Digital Trends
|
PCMag
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $230 |
Corsair K100 RGB
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
6
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
|
2
|
- | $120 |
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
|
3
|
- | $158 |
SteelSeries Apex Pro
|
-
|
10
|
9
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $230 |
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $230 |
Logitech G915
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
11
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
6
|
-1 | $154 |
Razer Huntsman Elite
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
+3 | $153 |
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
12
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $100 |
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
|
4
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
9
|
+4 | $170 |
Logitech G915 TKL
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
8
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-2 | $250 |
Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
11
|
-2 | $120 |
Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-1 | $62 |
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
|
13
|
-1 | $100 |
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
14
|
- | $110 |
Glorious GMMK
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Mountain Everest Max
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $52 |
Razer Cynosa V2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+5 | $97 |
Corsair K65 RGB Mini
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
-1 | $199 |
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
|
10
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
-1 | $100 |
HyperX Alloy Origins
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-1 | $160 |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
-1 | $110 |
Razer Huntsman Mini
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
|
22
|
-1 | $64 |
Logitech G413
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Corsair K100 RGB #1 in September 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Corsair K100 RGB as #1.
Laptop Mag
The best overall gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Premium attractive build
Comfortable typing experience
Blazing fast key inputs
Tons of functionality and customization options
|
Cons
Pricy
OPX keys need getting used to
|
PC Gamer
The best gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Responsive optical switches
All the RGB, all the time
Premium build quality
|
Cons
Lots of software
|
Tom's Hardware
Best Gaming Keyboard for Work and Play
|
Pros
1mm-actuation optical mechanical switches
Cushioned wrist rest and premium PBT keycaps
|
Cons
Expensive
Some features feel gimmicky
|
T3
A high-end keyboard that feels super-premium
|
Pros
Beautiful build and design
Dedicated media keys
Some great extra features
|
Cons
Very expensive for the features
Not wireless
|
PCMag
Best for Streaming
|
Pros
Extra macro buttons, with Stream Deck support
Useful iCue control wheel
Comfortable wrist rest
USB Passthrough
|
Cons
Stream Deck support limited to extra Macro keys
Corsair OPX Optical Switches are an acquired taste
Very expensive
|
We ranked Corsair K70 RGB TKL #2 in September 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Laptop Mag
One of the best mechanical keyboards for a seasoned gamer
|
Pros
Excellent build
Speedy key response
Great Build quality
Very customizable
|
Cons
Takes getting used to
|
T3
The most customisable TKL gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Per-key RGB lighting
Tournament Switch
Detachable USB cable
|
Cons
Expensive to buy
Day-to-day typing takes getting used to
Slightly larger than the most compact TKL keyboards
|
Tom's Guide
The best TKL gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Gorgeous design
Authentic Cherry MX key switches
Handy tournament features
|
Cons
Expensive
Media controls have a learning curve
|
PCMag
Best for a Premium Tenkeyless Exprience / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Media and profile buttons on a tenkeyless keyboard
Physical Tournament Mode switch
Compact design
Detachable USB-C cable
|
Cons
8000Hz isn’t necessary for a keyboard
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Gaming Keyboards.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Gaming Keyboards, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2021 ranking
Laptop Mag
TechRadar
PC Gamer
Tom's Hardware
T3
Tom's Guide
CNET
Rtings.com
Digital Trends
PCMag
We ranked SteelSeries Apex Pro #3 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked SteelSeries Apex Pro as #1.
TechRadar
Taking magnetism to another level
|
Pros
Beautiful aluminum build
Custom actuation settings
|
Cons
Is it worth its high price tag?
|
PC Gamer
The best gaming keyboard for per-key actuation
|
Pros
Per key actuation allows for incredible customization
Robust feature set
Attractive, minimalist deck with full RGB
|
Cons
No macro keys or wrist rest
|
Tom's Hardware
Best Customization
|
Pros
Adjustable per-key actuation points for most keys
5 on-board profiles with RGB and actuation settings
Aluminum build
USB passthrough and some cable management
|
Cons
Questionable long-term typing experience
Expensive
|
We ranked Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro #4 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Best wireless mechanical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Excellent build quality
Subtle matte black design
Extensive lighting and customization options
Comfortable typing experience
Lag-free wireless input
|
Cons
Pricey
Battery life is a little short
|
Tom's Hardware
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
|
Pros
Doubleshot keycaps feel premium, resist smudges
Premium wrist rest
|
Cons
Finicky when battery is very low
No macro keys
|
T3
The best wireless gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Lag-free wireless connectivity
Comfortable to use
Very premium feel
|
Cons
Expensive
Some software issues
Battery life may be an issue
|
We ranked Logitech G915 #5 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best wireless gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Lag-free wireless
Great battery life
Low-profile mechanical switches
|
Cons
Macro key placement is odd to some
|
Tom's Hardware
Best Low-Profile Gaming Keyboard
|
Pros
Good for gaming and typing alike
Beautiful slim design
|
Cons
Keys show marks easily
No wrist rest
|
Tom's Guide
The best wireless gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Excellent key switches
Beautiful design
Robust software
|
Cons
No wrist rest
Very expensive
|
We ranked Razer Huntsman Elite #6 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
PC Gamer
The fastest gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Opto-mechanical keys
Beautiful, fully lit, durable full sized board
Dedicated media controls
|
Cons
No USB passthrough or macro keys
|
Tom's Hardware
Best Optical Mechanical Keyboard
|
Pros
Premium switch options
Quality dedicated media controls, RGB wrist rest
|
Cons
Requires 2 USB ports for RGB wrist rest
Expensive
|
T3
The best premium gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Revolutionary optomechanical switches
Impressive focus on RGB backlighting
Mature and minimalist design
Incredibly fast typing performance
|
Cons
Expensive
Needs two USB ports for power
|
We ranked Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed #7 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
The best premium 65% form factor wireless keyboard
|
Pros
Premium build quality
Wired and wireless
Up to 200 hours of battery life
|
Cons
Very expensive
Do you need a 65% form factor?
|
Tom's Guide
The best 65% mini keyboard
|
Pros
Just enough keys
Comfortable switches
Streamlined design
|
Cons
Extremely expensive
Short battery life on default settings
|
We ranked HyperX Alloy Origins 60 #8 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Laptop Mag
The best 60% mechanical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Petite, unique design
Comfortable key switches
Dazzling RGB lighting
|
Cons
Limited onboard profile storage
Windows-only compatibility
|
TechRadar
Compact gaming keyboard at an affordable price
|
Pros
Affordable yet premium build
HyperX Red switches are speedy and responsive
|
Cons
No macros on hand
|
Tom's Guide
The best mini gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Tiny profile
Comfortable key switches
Pretty RGB lighting
|
Cons
Not ideal for productivity
Keys are a little loud
|
PCMag
Best for Compact Keyboard Fans
|
Pros
Proprietary HyperX switches offer balanced typing feel
Cool, alternate space bar cap
Slightly more affordable than other 60 percent gaming keyboards
PBT keycaps
|
Cons
Only three onboard profiles
Non-PBT alternate keycaps
|
We ranked Logitech G915 TKL #9 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
TechRadar
The best wireless TKL gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Amazing tactile feedback and typing experience
Wireless multi-device connectivity is impressive
|
Cons
No full remapping/macro capabilities
|
T3
An excellent wired or wireless compact option
|
Pros
Fantastic typing experience
Compact form factor
Plenty of lighting options
|
Cons
No number pad on this model
It's going to cost you
Older microUSB connection
|
Tom's Guide
The best wireless tenkeyless gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Compact size
Excellent switches
Discrete media keys
|
Cons
Extremely expensive
No wrist rest
|
We ranked Razer Huntsman v2 Analog #10 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Razer Huntsman v2 Analog as #1.
TechRadar
The best gaming keyboard right now
|
Pros
Fully customizable key actuation
Delightfully tactile key clicks
|
Cons
Eye-wateringly expensive
|
Tom's Guide
The best optical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Innovative actuation features
Gorgeous design
Great performance
|
Cons
Keys feel stiff
Inconsistent software
|
PCMag
Best for Tinkerers / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Razer Analog Optical switches offer fine-tuned controls
Adjustable key triggers give you more customization options
Customizable media controls
USB 3.0 passthrough
Detachable wrist rest with RGB lighting
|
Cons
Doesn't fully simulate a gamepad's functionality
Extra features make the Synapse software overly complicated
Expensive
|
We ranked Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro #11 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
TechRadar
First in its class compact gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Fast and accurate performance
Satisfying yet quiet operation
|
Cons
Plethora of shortcuts have a steep learning curve
|
T3
The best gaming keyboard without a number pad
|
Pros
Incredibly responsive
Beautifully bright RGB lighting
Compact
|
Cons
High-priced compared to other TKL options
Very loud switches
|
We ranked Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT #12 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Laptop Mag
A premium gaming keyboard at a much more affordable price
|
Pros
Bold and vibrant RBG lighting
Extensive lighting and customization options
Comfortable typing experience
Affordably priced
Attractive design
|
Cons
Rubberized cable is cumbersome
Plastic construction flexes easily
|
We ranked HyperX Alloy Elite 2 #13 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
Everything you could want in a gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Sharp, responsive switches
Full set of media keys
|
Cons
Fingerprint magnet
No wrist rest
|
PCMag
Best for RGB Fans
|
Pros
Sleek look
HyperX Red mechanical switches
Durable "pudding" keycaps
USB pass-through
Dedicated media buttons and volume roller
|
Cons
No wrist rest
No dedicated macro keys
Ngenuity software is improved but could use slightly better menu organization
|
We ranked Glorious GMMK #14 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Glorious GMMK as #1.
T3
The best gaming keyboard for modular customisation
|
Pros
Fully modular
Simple software
Robust design
|
Cons
No wireless option
Rather dull status lights
On the expensive side
|
We ranked Mountain Everest Max #15 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
TechRadar
Jack-of-all-trades
|
Pros
Innovative modular design
Creative media deck and macro pad
|
Cons
Software can be fussy
|
PC Gamer
The best modular gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Fully modular
Simple, elegant style
Great hardware
|
Cons
Unsure about Base camp software
|
We ranked Razer Cynosa V2 #16 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
The best budget membrane gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Great keyboard feel
Quiet membrane keys
Customisable RGB lighting
|
Cons
Do you want membrane switches?
|
Tom's Guide
The best budget gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Robust RGB lighting
Profiles and Game Mode
Reasonable price
|
Cons
Convoluted software
Bulky, plain design
|
We ranked Corsair K65 RGB Mini #17 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Laptop Mag
An impressive compact mechanical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Neat, compact design
Mesmerising per-key RGB backlighting
Precise and fast key inputs
Lightweight portabilityOnboard profile storage
Onboard profile storage
|
Cons
Pricey
Shortcuts take getting used to
|
TechRadar
Hard to ignore performance in a compact design
|
Pros
Hyper responsive keystrokes with up to 8,000Hz polling rate
Individually lit customizable RGB keys
|
Cons
No way to change elevation
|
We ranked Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB #18 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Laptop Mag
Best outside-the-box design
|
Pros
Unique split-keyboard design
Optional lift kit to improve ergonomics
Customizable to the max
|
Cons
Lift kit not included
|
PC Gamer
The best gaming keyboard for customization and ergonomics
|
Pros
Split keyboard and unique layout to reduce strain
Optional lift kit and wrist rests to improve ergonomics
Extremely customizable
|
Cons
Learning curve on hand positioning
|
We ranked HyperX Alloy Origins #19 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Tom's Hardware
Best Mainstream Gaming Keyboard
|
Pros
Attractive, compact design
Excellent RGB lighting
Three-level rear height adjustment
|
Cons
No dedicated media controls or macro keys
Shorter 1.8mm switch actuation (versus 2mm) feels like a gimmick
NGenuity software could be more intuitive
|
We ranked Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT #20 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Tom's Hardware
Best Gaming Keyboard Splurge
|
Pros
Comfortable classic design with dedicated media keys and metal volume roller
Double Shot keycaps and wrist rest feel more premium
Elgato Stream Deck support makes macro keys more versatile
|
Cons
Cumbersome cable
Plastic clips on removable wrist rest feel like they could break
Elgato Stream Deck support means installing two pieces of software
|
T3
The best alternative to the Huntsman Elite
|
Pros
Fantastic build quality
Premium look and feel
Excellent RGB lighting and synchronisation
|
Cons
Pricey
|
We ranked Razer Huntsman Mini #21 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
Tom's Hardware
Best Small Gaming Keyboard
|
Pros
Light optical switches
Textured, shine-free PBT keycaps
5 onboard memory profiles
Software customization option
|
Cons
Doesn't feel rugged for the price
60% form factor means no dedicated arrow keys
|
PCMag
Best for Esports Pros
|
Pros
Ultra-reduced footprint
Razer optical switches
PBT keycaps
Lighting changes and keycap "sideprints" help you navigate extra shortcuts
Detachable USB Type-C cable
|
Cons
Can't remap essential key combos
A little pricey versus some 60 percent alternatives
|
We ranked Logitech G413 #22 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
A great budget mechanical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Precision Romer-G lighting system
Robust build quality
Low price point
|
Cons
No media keys
Been on the market a while now
|