Ultimately, the best gaming keyboard comes down to what feels right when you’re playing. For instance, although membrane switches feel familiar, they’re usually spongy. On the other hand, mechanical keyboards have key switches that are quite responsive when moving in a game or typing. How your keyboard ‘feels’ to you is extremely important since it’s the primary peripheral you’ll be interacting with the most while sitting at your PC gaming. So, you’ll need to feel very comfortable and familiar with it.
Expert gamers tested a wide variety of different gaming keyboards, both mechanical and membrane, in order to determine which ones felt right for gaming.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the top 5 hardcore gaming keyboards available today:
Logitech G910 Orion Spark RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you need a keyboard for MMO with countless macro buttons for extreme multiplayer action, consider buying the Logitech G910 Orion Spark for a great gaming option. This keyboard comes with Romer-G Mechanical Switches that offer 25 percent quicker actuation overall. Also, it comes with different options for RGB illumination for each key (16 million color palette) as well as programmable G-keys, a smartphone dock, and more. Overall, this is one of the best gaming keyboards on the list.
PROS
• Outstanding key response time
• Excellent illumination options
• Great dedicated media keys
• Keyboard’s actuation is 25 percent faster due to Romer-G Mechanical Switches
CONS
• Keys M1, M2, and M3 are a bit small
• Keys feel somewhat sensitive
ROCCAT RYOS MK Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
ROCCAT just happens to make one of the best PC gaming keyboards around. The newer MK Pro model sits high at the top of the list on ROCCAT’s PC gaming line up. The CHERRY MX key switches are available in a wide variety of colors and every key also has the option to be backlit. Other key features include 2 MB of installed flash memory and ARM Cortex processors. The ROCCAT RYOS is noted as one of the best gaming keyboards that serious gamers can buy.
PROS
• Excellent thumb macro keys
• Each key has the option for backlit illumination
• Option for Easy-Shift customization is a plus
CONS
• After an extensive amount of time, the keyboard may start having some functional problems
• Plastic finish is super glossy and may distract some people
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth Edition Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The BlackWidow gaming keyboard’s Ultimate Stealth not only looks amazing, but feels great too. The dedicated keys are incredibly easy to both decipher and locate. There are essentially five programmable keys to perform simple macro recording and feel great when touched. This particular Razer gaming keyboard is available in a number of options, including Ultimate MAC, Tournament, and Chroma.
PROS
• Easy-to-use, identifiable media keys
• Five additional programmable keys are available in addition to many other keys for customization
• Available in a number of different model options
CONS
• Secondary key functions do not have back lighting options
• Width of keyboard is somewhat large and may not accommodate some people
SteelSeries Apex Gaming Keyboard
Many serious gamers use SteelSeries. This particular model is extremely simple to configure in order to cater to your personal tastes, while the overall quality of the Apex model is considered superb. The white illumination lights really stand and you also have an infinite amount of choices regarding macro creation. Also, you have the ability to store an infinite amount of different player control profiles into the keyboard as well.
PROS
• Unlimited options for configuration
• Keys are easily customizable
• Illumination looks outstanding
CONS
• No mechanical keyboard keys
• No plug-in for USB included
5. Corsair Vengeance K70 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This outstanding keyboard comes fully equipped with a full suite of desirable features, including Matrix Anti-Ghosting featuring a 20-key rollover, six target keys dedicated to multimedia integration, each key has customizable backlighting options, and Cherry MX Red Mechanical Switches. The striking red backlighting makes this hefty keyboard a worthwhile pick for the serious gamer.
PROS
• Mechanical Switches provide a seamless, smooth response when tapped on
• Ideal keyboard for FPS key location due to textured WASD keys
• Keyboard is striking with attractive red backlighting illumination
CONS
• Only offers 2 USB ports
• Overall weight of keyboard is significantly heavy than most other gaming keyboards
Any dedicated hardcore PC gamer is forced to make a number of important decisions before buying anything new. As far as the best PC gaming keyboard goes, any of these high-end gaming keyboards mentioned here will bring you the best possible results during an extreme gaming session.
