July 2021
Gaming Keyboards: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Gaming Keyboard rankings posted by key online experts, as of July 2021.
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 July 2021 ranking
Laptop Mag
TechRadar
PC Gamer
Tom's Hardware
T3
Tom's Guide
CNET
Rtings.com
Digital Trends
PCMag
At a glance - July 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
|
- | $210 |
Corsair K100 RGB
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
6
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
|
2
|
+1 | $120 |
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
|
3
|
-1 | $160 |
SteelSeries Apex Pro
|
-
|
10
|
9
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $160 |
Razer Huntsman Elite
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $200 |
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
-1 | $234 |
Logitech G915
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
11
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
7
|
+2 | $100 |
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
|
4
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
8
|
-1 | $246 |
Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
9
|
+8 | $180 |
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
10
|
-2 | Check price |
Corsair K65
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $130 |
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
12
|
-1 | $187 |
Logitech G915 TKL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
8
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
-1 | $146 |
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
-1 | $129 |
DAS Keyboard X50Q RGB
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-1 | $110 |
Glorious GMMK
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
-1 | $160 |
Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
-1 | $50 |
Razer Cynosa V2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $70 |
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
|
19
|
+1 | $199 |
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
|
8
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
+1 | $140 |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
+1 | $120 |
Razer Huntsman Mini
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
|
22
|
+1 | $156 |
Roccat Vulcan 120
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
+1 | $63 |
Logitech G413
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Corsair K100 RGB #1 in July 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
|
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 July 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
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
|
We ranked SteelSeries Apex Pro #3 in July 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
+Quiet
|
Cons
Expensive
|
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 Huntsman Elite #4 in July 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
|
T3
The best premium gaming keyboard
|
Pros
+Revolutionary optomechanical switches
+Impressive focus on RGB backlighting
+Mature and minimalist design
+Incredibly fast typing performance
|
We ranked Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro #5 in July 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
-Some software issues
-Battery life may be an issue
|
We ranked Logitech G915 #6 in July 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 HyperX Alloy Origins 60 #7 in July 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
Premium build
|
Cons
No macros
|
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 Razer Huntsman v2 Analog #8 in July 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
+Extremely comfortable wrist rest
|
Cons
-Eye-wateringly expensive
-Built-in twin-cable
|
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 Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed #9 in July 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
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 Corsair K65 #10 in July 2021 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
|
Cons
Pricey
Shortcuts take getting used to
|
TechRadar
Hard to ignore performance in a compact design
|
Pros
Beautiful yet sturdy
Hyper responsive keystrokes
|
Cons
No way to change elevation
|
We ranked HyperX Alloy Elite 2 #11 in July 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
|
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 Logitech G915 TKL #12 in July 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
An excellent wired or wireless compact option
|
Pros
+Fantastic typing experience
+Compact form factor
+Plenty of lighting options
|
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 Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 #13 in July 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 as #1.
Laptop Mag
One of the best mechanical keyboards for a seasoned gamer
|
Pros
Stunning aesthetics
Multiple key-switch choices
High-quality build
Useful extras
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Tom's Guide
The best gaming keyboard overall
|
Pros
Gorgeous design
Key switch selection
High-quality components
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked DAS Keyboard X50Q RGB #14 in July 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked DAS Keyboard X50Q RGB as #1.
T3
The best gaming keyboard for most people
|
Pros
+Gamma Zulu mechanical key switches
+Premium, aluminium build
+Strong RGB brightness
+Full N-Key Rollover
|
We ranked Glorious GMMK #15 in July 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
|
We ranked Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro #16 in July 2021 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
Compact form factor
|
Cons
Pricey
|
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 Cynosa V2 #17 in July 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
|
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 K55 RGB PRO XT #18 in July 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
We ranked Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB #19 in July 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 Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT #20 in July 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
|
We ranked Razer Huntsman Mini #21 in July 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 Roccat Vulcan 120 #22 in July 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Gaming Keyboards” rankings.
T3
A great all-round premium gaming keyboard
|
Pros
+Silent mechanical keys
+Incredible build quality
+Stunning AIMO lighting
|
We ranked Logitech G413 #23 in July 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
|