May 2022
Gaming Keyboards: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Gaming Keyboard rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2022.
At a glance - May 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Gaming Keyboard |
Laptop Mag
|
Rtings.com
|
TechRadar
|
PC Gamer
|
Tom's Hardware
|
T3
|
GamesRadar+
|
Tom's Guide
|
Digital Trends
|
PCMag
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
+2 | $150 |
Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
|
6
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
9
|
7
|
9
|
|
2
|
-1 | $71 |
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
|
11
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
10
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
|
3
|
-1 | $220 |
Corsair K100 RGB
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
|
4
|
- | $220 |
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+7 | $185 |
Logitech G915 TKL
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $88 |
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
|
5
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
|
7
|
- | $140 |
SteelSeries Apex Pro
|
-
|
1
|
10
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $300 |
Mountain Everest Max
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $49 |
Razer Cynosa V2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
+1 | $80 |
Corsair K65 RGB Mini
|
9
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
24
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-6 | $230 |
Logitech G915
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
New * | $220 |
Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
13
|
-3 | $200 |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
7
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
-1 | $129 |
Razer BlackWidow V3 Hyper
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
12
|
5
|
-
|
|
15
|
-1 | $160 |
Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
New * | $182 |
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
New * | $100 |
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
-2 | $199 |
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
19
|
+1 | $60 |
Corsair K63 Wireless
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
+1 | $90 |
SteelSeries Apex 5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
+1 | $96 |
Roccat Vulcan 121
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
+1 | $48 |
Razer Ornata V2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
We ranked Razer Huntsman v2 Analog #1 in May 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Razer Huntsman v2 Analog as #1.
Laptop Mag
A quiet, smooth killer enters the arena — It’s the Razer Huntsman V2
|
Pros
Super comfortable wrist rest
Neat compact design
Great gaming performance
Smooth keys
|
Cons
Lighting could be brighter
Expensive
|
TechRadar
The best gaming keyboard right now
|
Pros
Fully customizable key actuation
Delightfully tactile key clicks
|
Cons
Eye-wateringly expensive
|
Tom's Hardware
Best Optical Mechanical Keyboard
|
Pros
Smooth, responsive switches
Highly programmable
|
Cons
No macro keys to compete with similarly priced rivals
8,000 Hz polling rate is hard to notice
|
GamesRadar+
The best premium gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Analog function
Satisfying click
Comfy, bezel-less wrist rest
|
Cons
Requires USB-A and USB-C connection
|
Tom's Guide
The best optical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Innovative actuation features
Gorgeous design
Great performance
|
Cons
Keys feel stiff
Inconsistent software
|
Digital Trends
The best gaming keyboard with optical switches
|
Pros
Oh-so smooth linear opto-mechanical switches
Great wrist rest comfort and ergonomics
Quiet typing
Tidy design
Detachable USB-C cable
|
Cons
No media keys
Although comfortable, wrist rest has a handful of issues
No tactile switch option
|
PCMag
Best for a Fast-Twitch Alternate to Mechanical Switches / Editors 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 Corsair K70 RGB TKL #2 in May 2022 because:
- 8 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
|
Tom's Hardware
Best TKL Gaming Keyboard
|
Pros
Space-saving, durable build
Premium keycaps
|
Cons
Close keys can require getting used to
Expensive
|
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
|
GamesRadar+
The best TKL gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Wide range of switches available
Incredible speeds
Portable and convenient
|
Cons
TKL design does limit dedicated macro keys
|
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
|
Digital Trends
The best TKL gaming keyboard
|
Pros
8,000Hz hyper-polling
Distraction-free tournament mode
Durable keycaps
|
Cons
No wrist rest is included
|
PCMag
Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard / Editors' 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 May 2022 ranking
Laptop Mag
Rtings.com
TechRadar
PC Gamer
Tom's Hardware
T3
GamesRadar+
Tom's Guide
Digital Trends
PCMag
We ranked Corsair K100 RGB #3 in May 2022 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 Gaming Keyboard for Serious Streamers
|
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 Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro #4 in May 2022 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 TKL #5 in May 2022 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
|
Digital Trends
The best wireless gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Superb typing experience
Bright RGB lighting
Fast wireless technology
Long battery life
Bug-free, useful software
|
Cons
Expensive
Incompatible with most mechanical keyboard accessories
|
We ranked HyperX Alloy Origins 60 #6 in May 2022 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 60 Percent Gaming Keyboard
|
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 SteelSeries Apex Pro #7 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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?
|
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 Mountain Everest Max #8 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
GamesRadar+
The best hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Versatile modular design
Hot-swappable switches
Digital display dial
Premium look and feel
|
Cons
Not fast enough for tournament use
ABS keycaps on $299.99 base model
|
We ranked Razer Cynosa V2 #9 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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?
|
GamesRadar+
The best budget gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Feels great to type on
Quiet membrane keys
Affordable
|
Cons
Some keys can sound 'squeaky'
|
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 #10 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
T3
The best space-saving gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Super fast response keys
Customisable RGB Lighting
Slim & small
|
Cons
Can't change elevation
|
We ranked Logitech G915 #11 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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 Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate #12 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate as #1.
Tom's Hardware
Best Keyboard for Fun Lighting
|
Pros
LED Dot Matrix Display
Dedicated Media Keys
Aluminium Plate
Cushiony wrist rest
Hot swap PCB
|
Cons
Clunky Per-key RGB software
Clumsy wrist rest installation
|
Digital Trends
The best gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Hot-swappable keys
8,000Hz polling rate
USB passthrough
Comfortable pleather wrist rest
Beautiful AniMe matrix
|
Cons
Software could be more focused
Expensive for a wired keyboard
|
We ranked Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT #13 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
GamesRadar+
The best gaming keyboard for streamers
|
Pros
Excellent build-quality
Aircraft-grade aluminium frame
Large, comfortable wrist rest
|
Cons
Chunky design
|
We ranked Razer BlackWidow V3 Hyper #14 in May 2022 because:
- 3 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
|
Digital Trends
The best 65% gaming keyboard
|
Pros
High-quality compact performance
Up to 200 hours of battery life
Optional Bluetooth mode
|
Cons
Expensive considering the size
|
We ranked Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro #15 in May 2022 because:
- 2 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 Razer Huntsman V2 TKL #16 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
TechRadar
The Razer Huntsman, but smaller and faster
|
Pros
Fast optical switches
Removable cable
|
Cons
Not a lot of extra features
|
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
The keys are very light
|
We ranked HyperX Alloy Elite 2 #17 in May 2022 because:
- 2 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
|
GamesRadar+
The best gaming keyboard for most
|
Pros
Smooth switches with low actuation
Powerful RGB lighting
USB passthrough
|
Cons
Cheaper keycaps
No wrist rest
|
We ranked Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB #18 in May 2022 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
|
PCMag
Best Split-Design Ergonomic Gaming Keyboard / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
True Cherry MX switches in a choice of three varieties.
Comfortable ergonomic design, once you're accustomed to it.
Superb, plush wrist rest.
Per-key customizable RGB lighting
|
Cons
Driverless SmartSet app is more work than we'd like.
Optional "lift kit" costs extra.
Steep learning curve.
|
We ranked Corsair K63 Wireless #19 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
The best gaming keyboard for a wireless,mechanical gaming setup
|
Pros
Reliable wireless signal
128-bit AES encryption mode
Premium build quality
|
Cons
Pricey
Palm rest is just OK
|
GamesRadar+
The best gaming keyboard for wireless fans
|
Pros
Satisfying to use
Compact
Reliable brand
|
Cons
Short battery life
|
We ranked SteelSeries Apex 5 #20 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
GamesRadar+
The best mid-range gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Soft matte key caps
Tactile and responsive
Powerful software
|
Cons
OLED display is underused
|
Tom's Guide
The best hybrid gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Reasonable price
Good in-game performance
Smart multimedia key
|
Cons
Membrane/mechanical hybrid doesn't add much
Somewhat dull lighting
|
We ranked Roccat Vulcan 121 #21 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
GamesRadar+
The best mechanical gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Great mechanical switches for typing
Durable
Drop-dead gorgeous lighting and design
|
Cons
Wrist rest isn't very useful
|
Tom's Guide
The most stylish gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Gorgeous design
Choice of key switches
Great performance
|
Cons
So-so software
Incomplete media bar
|
We ranked Razer Ornata V2 #22 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
GamesRadar+
The best hybrid gaming keyboard
|
Pros
Mixes membrane and mechanical switches
Low actuation
Pleather wrist-rest
|
Cons
Keycaps get greasy
|
PCMag
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
|
Pros
Dedicated media keys
Programmable volume roller
Mecha-membrane keys
Padded wrist rest
|
Cons
Not that many new or updated features
|