Best gaming and typing keyboard: Best mechanical keyboard 2022: 15 picks for gaming, typing and coding

Best mechanical keyboard 2022: 15 picks for gaming, typing and coding

Which are the best mechanical keyboards on the market? That was the question I tried to answer in our feature on whether mechanical keyboards are good for gaming, and how they became popular in the first place. I ended that piece with three keyboard recommendations, but the response to the article made it clear that you wanted to see more recommendations for different use-cases than we considered — particularly full-fat gaming keyboards with features like macro and media keys, programmable RGB lighting and game-state integration or quieter models that can be used in a busy office.

We’ve updated this article as of fall 2022 after testing more than three dozen new keyboards, adding new options for wireless and low profile models, modular keyboards offering deep customisation and high-end premium keyboards with unique features and eye-catching designs. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate gaming keyboard, a surprisingly solid budget offering or just something to code on, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the ten best mechanical keyboards on the market, all tried and tested by Digital Foundry.

Note: The pictures of each keyboard show either a UK or US layout, but I’ve linked to the appropriate regional layout wherever possible — so don’t worry if you see a keyboard with a different-sized Enter key than what you’re used to!

Click the links below to jump right into the category you’re most interested in. We’ve chosen keyboards for programming, gaming, building yourself and much more, so take a look. If you’re not sure, scroll on to browse our full selection of recommendations!

Best mechanical keyboard 2022

Best full-size gaming keyboard: Corsair K95 Platinum XT
Best compact mechanical keyboard: Fnatic Streak 65
Best 60% mechanical keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini
Best wireless keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL
Best quiet mechanical keyboard: Epomaker Lite
Best mechanical keyboard for coding or typing: Drop CTRL
Best value mechanical gaming keyboard: Xtrfy K4 TKL
Best cheap mechanical keyboard: Redragon K551/K552
Best compact keyboard: Keychron K2
Best mechanical keyboard for Mac: Das Keyboard MacTigr
Best retro mechanical keyboard: Durgod Fusion
Best optical mechanical keyboard: Wooting Two HE
Best modular keyboard: Mountain Everest Max
Best ergonomic keyboard: Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
Best mechanical keyboard for laptops: Epomaker NT68

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Best full-size gaming keyboard: Corsair K95 Platinum XT

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, few can match Corsair’s high-end models for pure depth of features. The £190/$158 full-fat K95 Platinum XT keyboard has super-programmable RGB backlighting and edge lighting that can reflect in-game stats, plus dedicated macro, volume and media controls, a USB port and a plush wrist rest. The actual typing experience hasn’t been forgotten either, with a wide range of switches — including hard-to-find MX Speed options alongside more usual Cherry switches. The keyboard is well-built too, with an aluminium chassis and PBT keycaps that should provide excellent longevity. Of course, everything comes at a cost — and for the K95 Platinum XT, that includes a substantial footprint and a premium price tag.

Thankfully, a cheaper option is also available. The £156/$160 K70 RGB Pro offers its own advantages — namely an 8000Hz polling rate of interest to competitive, high-refresh-rate gamers and a detachable USB-C cable — but comes without the macro keys, USB passthrough and the added RGB lighting strip of the K95 Platinum XT. Given that you still get the same core features like a full-size layout, PBT keycaps and excellent RGB lighting, the K70 RGB Pro is a strong alternative — especially as more price drops are likely to come as the keyboard gets a bit older.

Best compact mechanical keyboard: Fnatic Streak 65

The £95/$110 Fnatic Streak 65 is our new favourite compact keyboard, offering all of the functionality you need for competitive games in a small, convenient form factor that gives you plenty of space for your mouse and superior ergonomics. The keyboard uses Fnatic’s own silent, linear and low profile ‘speed’ mechanical switches, allowing extremely rapid key presses and making double-taps easier. The layout is slightly wider than the 60 percent size Razer Huntsman Mini below, but adds dedicated arrow keys and four programmable keys — I think most people will benefit from these inclusions. As well as not taking up much desk space, a 22mm height and 420g weight means that this keyboard will fit in a bag or even the front pocket of a hoodie easily. The compact dimensions and aluminium frame contribute to a very sturdy feel too.

Beyond the form factor, Fnatic have done well to nail the details here as well. The stabilisers on larger keys are pre-lubed for silent and easy operation, the USB-C port is offset to the left to ensure the cable doesn’t interfere with your mouse and the legends on each keycap are inscribed with a legible font that feels more grown-up than those on most gaming keyboards. The switch housings are even transparent and two extra LEDs are embedded beneath the space bar to ensure that the customisable RGB lighting is evenly distributed throughout the board. I particularly liked the inclusion of a ‘competition mode’, which sets to the lighting to dim orange and locks the Windows key.

The only downsides I’ve discovered while testing the Streak 65 have concerned the ‘Fnatic OP’ software, which is still in active development. The app crashed a few times while changing lighting modes, didn’t permit a single colour to be set and didn’t offer an option to change the four numbered macro keys to act as their listed secondary functions (Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down). (There’s a Function lock key combo, but this also changes the arrow keys to control the music — not ideal for text editing.)

None of these are dealbreakers, but considered together they represent the only minor forthcomings I have about recommending this narrow keyboard to a wide audience. Altogether, this new tiny Streak is every bit as easy to love as its bigger brothers and certainly among the best gaming keyboards on the market.

Best 60% mechanical keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini

The 60 percent size is a favourite of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, but one that saw remarkably little attention from major gaming brands before 2020. Now, we’ve found enough great examples to dedicate a whole article to the best 60 percent keyboards, but for now let’s focus on one: the £83/$90 Razer Huntsman Mini.

Like other 60 percent boards, there’s no f-key row, no num-pad, no nav cluster and no arrow keys. That results in a beautifully clean keyboard that takes up minimal desk space, while still allowing access to the excised functions via a Function layer. As 60 percent is an aesthetic as much as a practical choice, it’s nice to see Razer offer both black and white colour options for the keyboard’s chassis and keycaps — and a completely standard layout that allows for custom keycap sets to be installed. Similarly, it’s great to see a removable USB-C cable, allowing fans to install custom-made cables to further customise their board.

Of course, the Huntsman Mini doesn’t get a spot on our list just for looking nice. It also feels great to use, with Razer’s individually-stabilised optical switches delivering consistent feedback with minimal key wobble. We tested a unit with soft linear red switches with a 1mm actuation distance and 40g actuation force, but clicky purple switches with a 1.5mm actuation distance and 45g actuation force are also offered. The keycaps themselves are also unusually high quality, made from PBT with shine-through legends, so they feel great and won’t succumb to the shiny patches that can afflict lower-quality ABS keycaps.

As well as these unique switches, the Huntsman Mini also sets itself apart with its Synapse software, which allows you to set intricate custom lighting modes — something impossible on keyboards that can only switch between a few preset effects. You can also synchronise your lighting with other RGB-encrusted Razer peripherals or supported Razer Chroma games, which is a nice bonus.

Best wireless keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL

The £143/$210 Logitech G915 TKL is the fusion of two growing trends from the very companies that promulgated them: dependable, low-latency wireless connectivity from Logitech and low-profile, laptop-like mechanical switches from Kailh. The combination is an impressive one, allowing the construction of an ultra-thin keyboard for gaming and typing that feels great to use and looks super clean on your desk — especially in this new compact form factor. There are three low profile switch types offered here right off the bat — clicky, tactile and linear — so you can opt for the amount of tactile and audible feedback that makes sense to you.

The Lightspeed wireless connection worked perfectly in our testing, providing the same wired feel as Logitech’s G Pro Wireless gaming mouse. Battery life was also strong, at around 40 hours with backlighting at max brightness — ten more hours than the full-size G915. (If you turn down the backlight, the G915 TKL manages over a thousand hours!) Bluetooth is also available, which adds more latency but allows the keyboard to work with devices like phones and tablets; it’s possible to switch between Bluetooth and Lightspeed connections with a press of a button which makes it a convenient companion for a smartphone, iPad or laptop without a full-size USB port.

Elsewhere, Logitech has paid an impressive amount of attention to detail. The aluminium alloy body of the G915 TKL feels incredibly robust despite its thin design, with softly rounded corners and a comfortable «zero friction» volume roller in the upper right corner. The tenkeyless design means that there’s no dedicated macro keys or number pad, as we saw on the full-size G915, but there are still media controls beneath the volume roller and various profile settings along the top. RGB backlighting is included beneath each key, which of course can be set to a single colour, turned down or disabled entirely if you prefer.

Full-height alternative: Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro

If you prefer the feel of full-height mechanical switches, the £154/$230 Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is your best bet. It sports a gorgeous full-size layout, a wrist rest, a convenient volume wheel and media keys, a long-lasting battery and your choice of 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth support. Razer’s software is more advanced than Logitech’s, so this might be a better choice if you want to set intricate or game-specific RGB lighting effects. Both clicky/tactile (Razer Green) and linear/silent (Razer Yellow) switch options are available; we used the clicky version in our testing and had a lovely time typing and gaming at maximum volume.

Best quiet mechanical keyboard: Epomaker Lite

The $100 Epomaker Lite, aka the Skyloong GK61S Lite is a supremely quiet 60 percent size mechanical keyboard with a stylish look. The soft key feel is down to the keyboard’s unique ‘shallow gasket’ design, which places a 2mm silicone pad between the keyboard’s metal plate and the PCB. This gives every key a soft landing, and together with sound absorbing foam drastically cutting the noise that normally accompanies typing on a mechanical keyboard. I’m a big fan of how this keyboard looks too, with keycaps in retro-inspired yellow or red colourways and a weighty aluminium chassis. The feature list is strong as well, with wired and wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches and accompanying software for PC and Mac. The Lite has been great fun to use — the muted, raindrop-like sound it produces is brilliant — and it’s so rare to find something unique like this in the keyboard space.

If you can get on with the relatively restrictive 60 percent size layout, then this innovative indie keyboard is well worth a look.

Best mechanical keyboard for coding or typing: Drop CTRL

The $149 Drop CTRL is the best-built and most cleanly designed mechanical keyboard for gaming we’ve tested. Available in a compact yet convenient TKL (tenkeyless, aka ‘no numpad’) layout, the CTRL has a minimal footprint, with no extra keys for macros, media controls and the like; these functions are handled by a Fn layer. The keyboard comes in black or grey with six different switch options; I opted for the delightfully light and clicky Kailh Box Whites rather than alternatives from Cherry or Kailh. The switch mounts are hot-swappable, so you can fit any other standard MX-style switches in if you prefer.

The aluminium used on the top and bottom makes the keyboard extremely resistant to deck flex; it feels as well-built as an old IBM Model M but in a much more compact form factor. USB-C is also included, with a non-recessed port that means that pretty much any USB-C data cable can be used. The black and grey PBT keycaps provided with the board look great, and the entirely standard layout means that you can swap them for a set of custom keycaps in the colour or material of your choice without difficulty.

An RGB wave lighting effect is enabled by default, but there are several calmer presets available and you can use Drop’s configurator to make your own custom key layouts and lighting settings. This is a powerful option for advanced users, but lacks the accessibility of software from more prominent keyboard brands.

All things considered, the CTRL is a fantastic keyboard for gaming or programming with a nice clean aesthetic. For something a bit cheaper, more widely accessible and with easier (if more limited) software, consider our previous picks for this category — the HyperX Alloy Origins or Alloy Origins Core.

Best value mechanical gaming keyboard: Xtrfy K4 TKL

The £78/$99 Xtrfy K4 TKL is one of the best mechanical keyboards on the market when it comes to gaming, and given its feature set and build quality it’s surprisingly affordable at less than £100. We like its high quality Kailh Red plate-mounted switches for fast-paced FPS games like Counter-Strike and Valorant, which provide a soft and linear feel ideal for quick taps or double-taps. They’re quite comfortable for typing too, with a good amount of feedback despite not having a tactile bump or click like Brown or Blue switches.

The bright RGB backlighting looks great too, especially as you can control all of the effects on the keyboard with no software required. As well as backlighting controls, you can also adjust the volume, access media controls or launch common programs using the Function (Fn) layer.

Xtrfy’s attention to detail is also impressive. For example, rather than using expensive but trendy PBT keycaps that would raise the price, the Swedish company has found a middle ground with thicker-than-normal ABS keycaps that provide more durability and a nicer feel than standard ABS caps. Each stabiliser is oiled to reduce noise, and combined with foam padding in the bottom of the chassis, the K4 TKL is actually reasonably quiet for a mechanical keyboard. The key legends are also neat and tidy, with even the secondary functions clearly visible. These small details are often ignored, so it’s great to see them taken care of here.

There are three colour schemes available for the K4 TKL: black, white and «retro». We tested the latter, and the off-white, grey and red keycaps provide a unique look that we really dig. If you’re after a well-made keyboard for gaming that doesn’t cost the earth, then the Xtrfy K4 TKL comes highly recommended. A full-size model, simply titled the Xtrfy K4, is also available.

Best cheap mechanical keyboard: Redragon K551/K552

The Redragon K551/552 are some of the most popular budget mechanical keyboards available, thanks to their low price, good range of regional layouts and full complement of mechanical switches. The keyboards are available in a variety of switch configurations, from clicky Blues to tactile Browns and soft linear Reds, with the £45/$34 K551 being a full-size board and the £38/$33 K552 being the more compact TKL variant. (The K551-R and 552-R add RGB lighting, rather than single-colour.) Despite its low price, the keyboard feels reasonably well built, with an aluminium frame, plate-mounted switches and decent backlit ABS keycaps. There are few advanced features here; this is just a simple keyboard that delivers a great typing and gaming experience for the money.

Best compact keyboard: Keychron K2

The best compact keyboard I’ve tested is the £81/$80 Keychron K2. Originally on Kickstarter, this 84-key mechanical keyboard comes with a choice with Brown, Blue or Red switches and — unusually — both macOS and Windows keycaps in the box. This keyboard has an 80 percent layout, so it misses out the numpad but still has arrow keys on the bottom right, F keys at the top of the keyboard and a single column of navigational keys on the right side. That provides considerable space savings compared to a standard or tenkeyless design, while still keeping the most important keys within easy reach. As you’d hope for such a portable keyboard, the K2 supports both Bluetooth and USB-C connections, so it can be used in both wired and wireless modes with a range of devices.

The Keychron K2 performed excellently in my testing, with a satisfying feel from the Brown Gateron switches, while the aluminium frame looks great and ensures this keyboard can survive quite a bit. This model also comes with full RGB backlighting, including a number of different effects. Given this keyboard’s long feature list and great build quality, it’s a surprise to find that it’s also among the most affordable keyboards in its category. The deluxe model with an aluminium frame and RGB costs $89 plus shipping. Swap the metal frame for plastic to save $10, and chop another tenner off the price by opting for white backlighting instead of RGB.

Best mechanical keyboard for Mac: Das Keyboard MacTigr

The Das Keyboard MacTigr is an excellent choice for Macs, with a brilliant typing experience, plenty of nice touches and tank-like build quality… as long as you can look past its $219 list price.

The fact remains that there simply aren’t a lot of dedicated mechanicals for MacOS, which is arguably why the MacTigr exists in the first place. The best way to actually describe the MacTigr is that it’s a ‘thoughtful’ keyboard — Das has put every effort in to make it as functional and as lovely to use as possible. You’ll find a twiddly volume wheel with tactile-feeling multimedia playback buttons, as well as an entire function row to play with, complete with additional keys for things like sending your Mac to sleep or adjusting screen brightness on the fly. Did I also mention you get a pair of USB-C passthrough ports on the back of the board? It seems Das really has thought of everything.

Keeping in with that pleasant user experience theme, it’s also a keyboard that offers a smooth and light keypress with Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches. The MacTigr also comes with full N-Key rollover so you can push down as many keys as you want, which is critical for some game genres and otherwise ensures no key presses go unregistered. The keyboard is also supremely built and should last for decades, which is nice.

As for bugbears, the lack of any form of key illumination, RGB or not, is a bit of a pain, as is the lack of any software-based configuration to unlock the MacTigr’s true potential. It would have been nice to see Das’ own Q software bundled here, but alas, it’s not to be.

And of course, there’s the $219 asking price. This is up there with some of the most expensive and therefore premium mechanicals out there, and it arguably doesn’t seem like you get much outside of the keyboard for that money — especially given the existence of Keychron’s Mac-friendly keyboards such as the K2, our pick as the best compact mechanical keyboard out there. While these keyboards may be better value though, the MacTigr remains the superior choice.

Best retro mechanical keyboard: Durgod Fusion

Okay, okay, so this isn’t really a retro keyboard. Instead, it’s a modern keyboard with a retro aesthetic, with colourways and design language that evoke memories of the 80s. The £140/$152 Durgod Fusion is a compact keyboard — a 65 percent, if you want to be specific — with both wired (USB-C) and wireless functionality, accessible via a chunky switch in the upper right. A built-in battery provides up to 40 days of use, thanks to the lack of LEDs on the keyboard, and you have the choice of standard Bluetooth 5 or lower-latency 2.4GHz wireless via a USB dongle hidden under the Durgod logo. That makes it a good choice for a wide range of mobiles, tablets and computers. I did have some issues connecting via the wireless dongle in my testing, but that was solved by a firmware update to the keyboard and shouldn’t affect retail units.

The keycaps are made from durable double-shot PBT, while the switches beneath come in seven different flavours of Cherry MX from clicky Blues and tactile Browns to quiet Silent Reds. The typing experience is generally excellent and the compact layout makes sense — although it may require some mental effort if you’re used to a larger keyboard with F keys or a numpad. The build quality is impressive too, given the reasonable price, but the small frame means that the keyboard is still portable if you want to put it in a backpack or simply carry it into another room.

Another nice 65 percent keyboard with retro sensibilities is the $140 Epomaker B21. This one is covered in knobs, with one on each corner to control your computer’s volume and the keyboard’s lighting brightness, and the F keys have been replaced by media controls, a calculator button, three profiles and a Mac/Windows toggle. I don’t think these are necessary more helpful than F keys, depending on the workload, but they certainly contribute to a unique design. There are round corners and soft colours everywhere here, and if you like the look this Bluetooth and USB-C combo keyboard certainly does the job.

Best optical mechanical keyboard: Wooting Two HE

The £158/$182 Wooting Two HE is something special: an analogue mechanical keyboard. That’s an interesting prospect for gaming, as their pressure-sensitive keys allow you to steer into corners or creep around a level with the same fine-grained control you only normally only get with a wheel or controller. You can adjust the actuation point of the keyboard in software too, anywhere from 0.1 to 4.0mm, making a trade-off between speed and control that normally demands switching to an entirely different keyboard with different mechanical switches inside. You can also trigger up to four different effects as a single key is pressed and released — eg selecting a grenade with a light touch, throwing it when you bottom out the key and swapping back to your weapon as the key is released. All of this requires some setup and tweaking, but the result is something special.

The Two HE is a solid keyboards even if you use it entirely digitally, with a clean ‘floating keys’ design, programmable RGB backlighting and a comfortable full-size layout with four extra keys. The use of an advanced Hall Effect sensor also means that key presses should be registered faster than traditional switches, especially when combined with the keyboard’s ‘tachyon mode’ that strips out nonessentials like RGB effects for a lightning-fast response. For more on this special keyboard, check out our full Wooting Two HE review!

Best modular keyboard: Mountain Everest Max

The €250 Mountain Everest Max is a modular keyboard in the strictest sense of the word, offering novel customisability and a multi-part design. The centrepiece is a TKL (tenkeyless, ie no numpad) keyboard, to which three additional components can be joined: a numpad with four Stream Deck style LCD keys, a multi-function LCD wheel and media controls piece, and a palm rest. There’s flexibility in the way in which these pieces come together too — the numpad can be positioned to the right as standard or on the left, an alternative that combines easy access to numeric inputs while leaving loads of room to the right of the keyboard for your mouse. The volume wheel part can also be placed on the top left or top right, according to your preference. The smaller pieces connect via USB-C and magnets, and can be freely swapped around in just a couple of seconds. The Everest Max offers all of the components in one box, along with a handful of extra switches (all of the switches here are hot swappable, so you can install your own switch of choice) and magnetically attached discs that angle the keyboard (as an alternative to flip-out feet). You can also get the base model Everest Core, which is just the TKL keyboard, or even the Everest Core Barebones which comes without switches or keycaps at a lower price.

The Everest Max is extremely convincing as a full package, and thanks to its LCD keys and the Base Camp software it can function as a mini Stream Deck alternative for controlling scenes in OBS. I found the software package a little flaky as it’s still under active development, but I didn’t encounter any serious bugs and the possibilities here are powerful indeed — with comprehensive controls for lighting, key binding, macros, the LCD wheel and multiple profiles. The keyboard itself is a pleasure to use too, especially with that left-handed-style layout with the numpad on the left and the multi-function wheel in the upper right. Having quick access to volume controls as well as lighting selections, a clock, PC stats and even an APM (actions per minute) counter is entirely novel and I’d love to see this on more boards in future — it’s much more powerful than the OLED screen on the likes of the SteelSeries Apex Pro, which includes some similar functions but is much clumsier to use and is mostly relegated to showing a custom graphic in my experience.

So: a very interesting keyboard and I’m curious to see how the package develops further over time! I’d love to see more add-ons available that really push the boundaries of what the mechanical keyboard is capable of — and the LCD keys built into on the numpad make this a really canny pick for streamers and content creators already.

Best ergonomic keyboard: Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

The $320 Ultimate Hacking Keyboard is a split-design ergonomic keyboard, similar to the Ergodox but with a much smaller footprint and the ability to use it both joined up (for portability) and split apart (for ergonomics and having a mug of tea in the middle). If you’re already used to a 60 percent keyboard for your work, then this split layout should be ergonomically superior while including some useful functions not found on standard compact keyboards like built-in mouse controls, two extra keys below the space bar and easily accessible arrow keys.

Based on my testing, the chief advantages of the UHK over the Ergodox are two-fold: the closer-to-standard layout is easier to learn and the keyboard is more easily programmable, thanks to an excellent UHK Agent software. It is trivial to change layouts on the fly, with the small LED display in the upper left of the keyboard reminding you which layout is active. Windows, Mac and Linux are all well supported, with preset layouts for Qwerty, Colemak and Dvorak.

A wide range of case colours, mechanical switches, key legends and accessories are also available — including click-into-place add-ons like thumb keys, touchpad, trackpoint or trackball. A palm rest is also available, adding more options for tenting, tilting and otherwise positioning the keyboard in an ergonomically optimal way. Sadly, key backlighting is not offered currently, something that is possible with the Ergodox Glow. Regardless, the UHK is a well-designed ergonomic keyboard worth considering for anyone that relies on a keyboard for work.

Best mechanical keyboard for laptops: Epomaker NT68

The best mechanical keyboard for laptops we’ve tested is the £102/$91 Epomaker NT68. It’s designed to perfectly cover the keyboards on most 15-inch laptops, immediately upgrading the typing experience to something with bags more tactile feedback, key travel and comfort. The 65 percent size keyboard comes with a stand, which can fold around the keyboard to protect it during travel, prop up the keyboard or prop up a smartphone or tablet. You have the option of USB-C and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, suitable for a wide range of devices including your computer at home. Software is available to change the lighting and other keyboard settings, but most things can be accomplished with Function keys, accessible via a Fn button in the lower left corner between the Ctrl and Win modifiers. Both Mac and Windows are supported, with Mac and Windows keycaps in the box, and the switches are hot-swappable — so you can use a wide range of replacements with different characteristics. I used Epomaker’s own Chocolate Brown switches, and found them pleasantly tactile with a deep ‘thock’ sound when typing. A separate low profile variant of the keyboard is also available, if you prefer. Given the moderate price point and the flexibility of this keyboard, it seems a great value for mobile typists.

With that, our recommendations come to an end. Of course, even if we chose 200 keyboards we’d still not scratch the surface of the many options available — so if we didn’t cover your favourite keyboard, it’s nothing personal. If you think we’ve missed a good option though, feel free to get in touch with me @wsjudd.

I hope you’ve found this article useful, and I look forward to the feedback. If you haven’t read it before, I’d also encourage you to check out our feature on how — and why — mechanical keyboards become popular in the first place.

HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review: Slick Simplicity (Updated)

Tom’s Hardware Verdict

HyperX’s $110 Alloy Origins is a well-designed, colorful and compact mechanical keyboard that’s good for those who want a quality product but also want to skip the fuss and just get down to gaming.

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
—
No USB pass-through ports
—
A little expensive

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HyperX Alloy Origins mechanical gaming keyboard (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Update 10/5/2020: After its initial launch with HyperX Red switches and follow-up update with HyperX Aqua tactile switches, HyperX today announced a version of this keyboard debuting its HyperX Blue clicky switches. We’ve updated the switch section below with our experience and thoughts about the keyboard with this switch, which is most similar to Cherry MX Blues. The Blue version of the Allow Origins is now available via HyperX’s website .

What do you want from your best gaming keyboard, a truckload of features that you’ll want to futz around with for hours, or a sleek, solid, compact and colorful package that feels great while letting you get down to gaming? If the latter sounds like you, HyperX’s $110 Alloy Origins is well worth considering. Its metal shell is compact, sleek and solid. HyperX’s in-house linear switches feel familiar, in a good way. And the RGB backlighting looks about as vivid as any I’ve seen on a mechanical clacker.

HyperX Alloy Origins Specs

Switches	HyperX Blue (clicky), HyperX Red (linear) or HyperX Aqua (tactile)
Lighting	RGB LED
Onboard Storage	Yes
Media Keys	With FN
Game Mode	Yes
Interface	1x USB Type-C port
Cable	5. 9 feet (1.8m), braided, detachable
Additional Ports	None
Key Caps	ABS plastic
Construction	Aluminum top and bottom plate
Software	NGenuity lighting and macro software
Dimensions (WxDxH)	17.4 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches (442.5 x 132.5 x 36.4mm)
Weight	2.4 pounds (1,075g)
Warranty	2-year limited
Price	$109.99

Measuring 1.4 x 17.4 x 5.2 inches (36.4 x 442.5 x 132.5mm) and weighing 2.4 pounds (1,075g), the Alloy Origins is pretty compact for a full-size mechanical keyboard. And a removable braided USB-C cable (that’s nearly 6 feet long) helps make the keyboard more travel-friendly. The slim, aluminum shell looks attractive and feels solid, while giving the exposed switches and keys a nice surface to reflect off of, resulting in bright, attractive lighting effects.

Image 1 of 4

In short, this is one of the nicest-looking mechanical keyboards I’ve used in recent memory. It’s certainly prettier (and feels more premium) than the pricier, switch-swapping Logitech G Pro X. The only features I miss when using the Alloy Origins are dedicated media controls and (ideally) some sort of volume wheel. But there isn’t enough physical space on the keyboard’s frame for more than one or two extra buttons anyway, and HyperX at least integrated media controls (as well as basic lighting controls and a Game Mode switch) into the Function row. A strip above the numpad on the right looks like a tiny monochrome screen (similar to the SteelSeries Apex Pro), but it’s only used as an indicator for Num Lock, Caps Lock and Game Mode.

There’s a couple things worth pointing out on the underside of the keyboard as well. First, the bottom shell is one curved-edge, cool-feeling piece of aluminum, just like the top, which helps lend the keyboard a very premium and solid feel. Second, the feet at the back of the Alloy Origins can be flipped up to two different heights, letting you adjust the angle to three different positions (the third with the feet flipped down) to whatever feels right for you — I liked typing and gaming with the feet at their maximum height.

Typing and Gaming Experience

This keyboard comes with your choice of HyperX-branded Red linear switches, Aqua tactiles or Blue Clicky ones.

The HyperX Red switches to my fingers feel about the same as the Cherry MX Reds in the Corsair keyboard I use for gaming at home. According to HyperX, the HyperX Red switches have the same 45g actuation force as Cherry MX Reds. But HyperX has cut both the actuation distance (1.8mm) and total travel distance (3.8mm) down by 0.2mm. Cherry MX Reds have rated distances of 2mm and 4mm, respectively.

HyperX Alloy Origins’ Red switches

Honestly, in both typing and gaming, I didn’t really notice the 0.2mm difference. And you probably won’t either, unless maybe you’re legitimately an elite-class gamer. Even then, if it’s shorter activation that gives you an edge, Cherry’s MX Silver switches have a significantly shorter 1.2mm activation point. So if you’re convinced a shorter key throw will help you excel in competitive gaming, there are better keyboard models out there.

Because I’m pretty familiar with linear switches, and HyperX hasn’t done anything crazy with the layout, the Alloy Origins felt immediately comfortable to me — at least until I reached out with one hand for media controls that aren’t there. Red switches aren’t the best for typing, but they didn’t bother me too much while banging out this review. If anything, I noticed fewer repeated keystrokes while typing with this keyboard than I normally make when typing with the Cherry MX Red switches on my Corsair keyboard.

Since the initial launch HyperX has also started offering tactile (HyperX Aqua) switches with the Alloy Origins. The company sent us Aqua model, which is most similar to Cherry’s MX Brown switches, after we put up our initial review.

HyperX Alloy Origins’ Aqua switches (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Like the Red switches, the Aquas also have a slightly shorter 1.8mm actuation than Cherry’s competing Browns. And there’s an actuation bump you can feel when pressing the key down, right before it bottoms out.

I put the Aqua switches through the craziness of a few Borderlands 3 battles, and I do prefer them to the Red switches, if only slightly. But comparing them to MX Brown switches I have on a Das Keyboard 4 Professional , I couldn’t physically feel the 0.2mm shorter travel and actuation of the Aqua switches over the Browns. The main difference I noted is that the sound of the keys bottoming out is a bit hollower on the HyperX keyboard, and feels a bit softer, compared to the keys on the Das Keyboard, which have a sharper sound and feel when the keys hit the end of their travel distance.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Finally filling out the Alloy Origins’ mechanical switch offering, this keyboard is now available with HyperX Blue switches. This is the first time we’re seeing these switches, which have 3.8mm total travel and actuate at 1.8mm with 50G of force and are supposed to last for up to 80 million presses. They’re similar to Cherry MX Blues , which have 4mm total travel, actuating at 2.2mm with 60G of force.

In a side-by-side comparison to the Cherry Blues, HyperX’s take on a sky-colored switch had less of a plastic-like ring to its clicks and a subtly more hollow sound overall. The HyperX’s switches’ shorter travel, again, wasn’t obviously noticeable compared to Cherry’s offering. But the Cherry Blue tactile bump does feel more substantial, contributing to why HyperX’s switches require less force to register an input, with more of a pop feeling on the way back up.

In the Alloy Origin’s case, the HyperX Blue switches made for a snappy space bar that bounces back into place quickly with a satisfying hollow ‘thock’ noise accompanying the click, for a sound reminiscent of an old cash register.

When gaming with HyperX Blue switches, I enjoyed a satisfying sound that didn’t quite overpower the game’s audio — although teammates who could hear me may beg to differ. The switches were light and easy to press for tactile switches, and the keys snapped back quickly. That helped in gaming, but the HyperX Blues still aren’t ideal when you have to press a key quickly or repeatedly. But when it came to typing, the clicks were a delight and the lighter bump and force needed to actuate the switches made it so my speed wasn’t hindered. Combined with the smooth keycaps, the Blue switches were great for heavy typing sessions.

Switch preference is a personal thing but I don’t think, for most people, the shorter actuation will make a noticeable difference in feel or gaming performance. Personally, I’d go for the Aqua switches over the Reds for pure gaming, but I still by far prefer clicky Blue switches for typing and other kinds of productivity work.

While I didn’t notice anything funky about the layout of the keys, HyperX has done something that’s visually odd and potentially distracting with the Alloy Origin’s keycaps. Note in the image above that the primary and secondary functions of each key are placed beside one another, rather than above and below, as is typical. Of course, this won’t bother some people at all, but something about glancing down and seeing a glowing semicolon and colon right next to each other kept distracting me.

I also put the Alloy Origins through its paces while playing a few hours of Borderlands 3 and found it a worthy weapon in the battle against the Calypso Twins. The HyperX Red switches felt familiar and responsive (though no more so than the Cherry MX Red switches I’m more used to). With my office lights switched off, the RGB lighting was arguably too bright at the default maximum setting, though it certainly looked vibrant.

Thankfully, dialing down the lumens is as easy as mashing the Function and down arrow keys. And if you want to watch a movie or just give your eyes a rest from the constant RGB rainbow, a combo of FN and F3 engages a reactive lighting preset where nothing lights up until you press a key, and then the lights fade out a second or so later.

Software

As noted above, basic lighting controls can be handled by key combinations. But if you want to truly customize the lighting of individual keys, add effects, create macros and save profiles (up to three) on the keyboard’s internal memory, you’ll need to install HyperX’s questionably named NGenuity software.

Image 1 of 4

Despite its name, NGenuity works fairly well and is reasonably attractive, letting you choose between 10 different lighting effects, tweak the speed and direction and decide whether the whole keyboard or individual keys get lit. Any reassigning of keys or recording and assigning of macros also happens here.

Overall, I like the way the software looks, hate the name and just wish parts of it were more intuitive. For instance, there are 30 or so presets, most based on games, under a Library tab. But every time I clicked on one, the lights would flash for a second, then go immediately back to the previously selected lighting effect—I couldn’t get any of them to stick easily.

While its custom switches aren’t worth getting excited about and there’s little else in the way of ground-breaking features here, HyperX’s Alloy Origins keyboard still manages to flirt with excellence. Both the keys and the frame look and feel premium. The RGB lighting is about as vivid and bright as it gets, and the overall design is compact and comfortable to use.

At $109.99, the price seems a little high given that the software isn’t quite great and there are no dedicated media controls or other flashy features. But for those looking for a premium gaming clacker that works well without much fuss (while letting you adjust the back end to three different heights for maximum comfort), the Alloy Origins is easy to recommend—especially if you can find it at or below $100.

If you’re willing to sacrifice the number pad for a lower price point, HyperX also now sells a tenkeyless version, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core for $90 . It looks to sport the same design and a similar feature set as the original Origins, just with a smaller footprint thanks to its lack of a numberpad.

Image Credits: Tom’s Hardware

MORE: Best Gaming Keyboards

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After a rough start with the Mattel Aquarius as a child, Matt built his first PC in the late 1990s and ventured into mild PC modding in the early 2000s. He’s spent the last 15 years covering emerging technology for Smithsonian, Popular Science, and Consumer Reports, while testing components and PCs for Computer Shopper, PCMag and Digital Trends.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL Review: Compact Power

Tom’s Hardware Verdict

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a powerful yet compact gaming keyboard. We didn’t notice an immediate benefit from the 8,000 Hz polling rate, but with a sleek look plyus premium media controls and keycaps, this keyboard’s in a league of its own.

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Let’s be real: Mechanical keyboards can get expensive. While the best budget mechanical keyboards can give you the switches you need, the best gaming keyboards often come with extra bells and whistles that up the price. At $140, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL is one example, but you get a lot for that price.

Corsair’s been dubbing keyboards «K70» for a while. Just look at our Corsair K70 RGB Red review from 2016 or the most recent iteration, the low-profile Corsair K70 RGB MK.2. Our review focus brings the tenkeyless (TKL) form factor to the lineup.

The K70 RGB TKL is a competitive board that earns its price with extra features, like programmable keys, per-key RGB via manageable software. And as someone who games full-time, the quality of the keyboard’s build seems like a great investment. This is a sturdy keyboard that should hold up over extended use. And since this is a TKL keyboard, you’ll have all the space you need on your desk for your mouse, to let you focus exclusively on playing.

On top of that, Corsair is continuing its trend of upping the polling rate of its gaming keyboards, with the K70 RGB TKL offering an 8,000 Hz polling rate — 8 times the 1,000 Hz you usually see. The usefulness of that high spec, however, is debatable.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL (Black) at Amazon for $108.61

Corsair K70 RGB TKL Specs

Switches	Cherry MX Red (tested), Cherry MX Silent Red or Cherry MX Speed Silver
Lighting	Per-key RGB
Onboard Storage	8MB
Media Keys	Yes
Interface	USB Type-A
Cable	6 feet (1.8m) USB-C to USB-A , braided, detachable
Additional Ports	None
Keycaps	Doubleshot PBT plastic
Software	Corsair iCue
Dimensions (LxWxH)	14.2 x 6.5 x 1.9 inches
Weight	2.1 pounds
Extra	1x ABS plastic A, S, D, Q, E and R keycaps, 2x ABS plastic W and D keycaps, 1x keycap puller

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is a tournament-ready keyboard with a colorful and durable design in a small form factor. As a TKL keyboard, it forgoes the numpad in favor of more desk space, which makes it great for people who don’t have a lot of room on their desk or travel a lot. At 14.2 x 6.5 x 1.9 inches, the K70 RGB TKL is similar but slightly taller than other TKL keyboards, such as the Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless (14.3 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches) and more petite Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro (14.2 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches). Another downside for travel is the K70 RGB TKL’s weight. It’s 2.1 pounds compared to 1.9 pounds for the Razer and 1.5 pounds for the Roccat.

But part of that slightly larger design comes thanks to the K70 RGB TKL’s inclusion of luxurious media keys. There are five dedicated hotkeys, plus an aluminum, textured volume roller, which are all a decent accomplishment to include on a TKL.

All those keys felt pretty solid, especially compared to the cheap plastic alternatives available on lower-priced keyboards.

This brings us to the overall durability of the keyboard. The K70 RGB TKL feels more rigid and sturdy than the ~$250 Logitech G915 Lightspeed full-sized wireless gaming keyboard I often use, (which has an identical design to its TKL counterpart, the Logitech G915 TKL). The Logitech is conveniently lightweight (2.3 pounds) and thin (0.9 inches) but feels like it might break if dropped. Suddenly, the K70 RGB TKL’s $140 price tag starts to make more sense. The K70 RGB TKL lives in a plastic chassis with a black matte finish and aluminum frame.

With its media key layout and brushed aluminum finish the K70 RGB TKL looks more interesting than a lot of other TKLs (looking at you, Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless). And it’s mature and subdued enough to go well with any setup. But I’m not wowed by its overall look; it’s not earning any style points from me at first. Out of the box, this appears to be a tool for competitive gamers, not a showy looker. You can add a little more flair, however, if you use the included silver W, A, S, D, Q, E, R, D or F keycaps. These keycaps are a cheaper ABS plastic than the doubleshot PBT that the keys come with by default, but do add more color to the design and a slight texturing that I like a lot.

For even more customization, you’ll have to rely on the K70 RGB TKL’s per-key RGB effects. You’ll need the software to create and play with different RGB effects. But you can also toggle through 10 different presets and control speed and direction using FN shortcuts. You can also create profiles in the iCue software with different RGB effects and store them in your onboard memory. When you toggle through profiles with the dedicated profile switch button, the RGB will change accordingly. As somebody who loves the variety of RGB settings on my keyboard, it is wonderful to be able to control these settings regardless of whether iCUE is running or not.

Next to the profile switch button are an RGB brightness key and Windows lock key as well. These and the media keys are also reprogrammable via iCue for ultimate customization.

Corsair didn’t skimp when it came to the keycaps. The use of doubleshot PBT plastic delivers a more premium feel than standard ABS plastic. And doubleshot means the legends will never fade. The keycaps feel strong at 1.5mm thick and have a matte coating that easily fought off grease and fingerprints during my testing. With many still working from home, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t eating near their keyboard, so this feature is highly appealing.

The K70 RGB TKL uses a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable that’s high-quality braided. Some keyboard’s USB cables can feel thin or cheap, but this one should survive a good amount of bending and wear. Our review focus’ cable is 6-feet-long, which is standard among gaming keyboards but can still feel a little long in actual use, which is why I prefer one of the best wireless keyboards when possible.

Typing Experience on Corsair K70 RGB TKL

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL comes with either Cherry MX Speed Silver, Cherry MX Silent Red or Cherry MX Red switches. All three options actuate with 45g of force and are linear, a mechanical switch style that tends to be a favorite among gamers for its interruption-free travel. Our review unit came with Red switches, which are specced for 2.0mm pretravel and 4. 0mm total travel. Those who want less travel, (perhaps, potentially, for more speed, may prefer the Speed Silver switches (1.9mm / 3.7mm) or even the quieter Silent Reds (1.2mm / 3.4mm).

Pressing keys on the K70 RGB TKL felt lovely and easy because it felt like the keys registered quickly. But there’s very little space between the keys which, in addition to the lighter actuation force of Cherry MX Reds, made typos more common. As such, the K70 RGB TKL may require a slight adjustment period in order to use it smoothly, but this wasn’t a huge concern, as I was eventually able to adapt.

The doubleshot PBT keycaps were also a boon, both for typing and gaming. The quality plastic was more comfortable than the keyboards on most other keyboards I’ve tried. My typing accuracy increased slightly but like I stated I used less pressure to type, which I believe made typing easier.

8,000 Hz Polling Rate

(Image credit: Corsair)

Initially kicked off with the 4,000 Hz Corsair K100 RGB last year, Corsair is continuing its polling rate race with the 8,000 Hz K70 RGB TKL. It’s launching alongside the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro gaming mouse, which also has an 8,000 Hz polling rate, showing a newfound dedication to Hz from the gaming brand.

Your keyboard (or other peripheral) polling rate tells you how many times per second the device sends data to your PC. Instead of doing so 1,000 times a second, like the vast majority of gaming keyboards, the K70 RGB TKL can do it 8,000 times per second. It achieves this through what Corsair calls Axon, “an embedded onboard system with Corsair’s purpose-engineered, real-time operating system» running on a system-on-chip (SoC) with multi-threading in order to “process multiple complex instructions in parallel.” Corsair claims Axon uses an advanced scheduling algorithm. There are some caveats though.

First, there are some requirements. You’ll need a USB 3.0 port and to download iCue software and change the polling rate (from 1,000 Hz) in order to use the 8,000 Hz polling rate. Corsair also noted in its reviewer’s guide that the keyboard “transits keystrokes to the PC up to 8x faster than standard” but can only “detect keypresses up to 4x faster than conventional gaming keyboards. ” The vendor doesn’t get too specific in terms of system requirements for 8,000 Hz. A rep told us, “Keyboards send a lot less data, so 8,000 Hz has only a small added CPU usage impact” but added, “the more up-to-date the system is – the smoother the experience.”

But similarly to when we used the 4,000 Hz polling rate on the K100 RGB, I didn’t notice a difference when moving from 1,000 Hz on the K70 RGB TKL to 8,000 Hz, despite using a system running an AMD Ryzen 5950X CPU. There’s a bit of future-proofing here, and it wouldn’t hurt for a very competitive pro player to have this feature handy. But as a low-level competitive player, I didn’t notice my speed or accuracy increase in Fortnite or Destiny.

Gaming Experience on Corsair K70 RGB TKL

This is still a powerful gaming weapon though, as it feels incredibly responsive and fast on the battlefield (whether gaming at 1,000 Hz or 8,000 Hz). I used the K70 RGB TKL during intense Fortnite matches, as well as crucible matches in Destiny, and it didn’t disappoint. The quick and easy actuation of the go-to Cherry MX Red switches honestly made me feel like I was able to better focus on gameplay without looking at my keyboard as often as I normally do.

The best part was how lightly I had to touch the keys for them to register. This really cut down on hand fatigue. When I play, I usually overpress buttons and can even be guilty of mashing (gasp!). On Corsair’s TKL, I quickly realized I didn’t need to press the keys nearly as hard. That really reduced hand pain, which I sometimes experience after several hours of gaming.

And while the tight spacing of the keys was a bit of a hindrance for general typing, this became helpful when gaming, as it meant my fingers had less distance to travel to input my next move. Meanwhile, the TKL form factor gave me a little more room to breathe with my mouse, and I found it easier to focus on the game than when using a full-sized keyboard. I have always been a fan of a larger build but now I am thinking compact is the way moving forward.

Those doubleshot PBT keycaps also came in handy in action. The premium plastic doesn’t get slick, including from sweaty hands. These keys managed to stay dry during high-pressure gaming.

Features and Software on Corsair K70 RGB TKL

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

To create new RGB effects or make onboard or software-based profiles, you’ll need iCue, which I found user-friendly. The Corsair K70 RGB TKL features 8MB of onboard storage allowing you to customize to your heart’s content. You can store up to 50 onboard profiles, depending on the configuration, that allow you to customize your RGB settings with up to 20 lighting layers, as well as custom macros.

(Image credit: Corsair)

A unique feature, the keyboard also includes a Tournament Switch on the top edge. This could help you focus on your game more by swapping the keyboard to static backlighting to reduce distractions and disabling programmed actions / macros. As someone who’s been known to press incorrect buttons or clumsily drop things in the heat of battle, I found this to be a great addition.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

If you want a powerhouse of a keyboard made for competitive gameplay, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL is an immediate must-have. This keyboard isn’t just pleasant to look at, it is an efficient tool that will take your gameplay to the next level, thanks to responsive keys, high-end PBT keycaps and a lot of customization options both with or without software.

At $140, this is an expensive wired gaming keyboard though. For comparison, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, one of the best budget mechanical keyboards, is about half the price , and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless is currently $100 . But the K70 RGB Pro gives you a lot for the price. Not only is there a robust featureset, including media keys, this is a tough keyboard. I will definitely be utilizing it more for my tournament gaming needs. And there are pricier TKLs than the K70 RGB TKL, such as the $160 Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro with its optical-mechanical switches or the wireless Logitech G915 TKL, which starts at about $200 and is excellent but not for everyone, since it’s low-profile.

Ultimately, the K70 RGB TKL can be an efficient weapon in your gaming toolkit, granting you the look and functionality you need for your most competitive setup.

Known in the gaming community as Zombaekillz, Natasha Zinda is a professional content creator, a diversity advocate and an activist. You can find her stream on https://twitch.tv/zombaekillz or follow her on Twitter at @zombaekillz.

How to choose a keyboard for gaming and working with text — Hardware on DTF

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Everyone has a keyboard, but not everyone thinks about choosing a suitable «board» for specific tasks.

The keyboard market is surrounded by a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions that arise from the fact that users either do not want to understand, or simply cannot, tying up in marketing formulations and conflicting reviews on the net.

In this guide we will focus on gaming keyboards, but we will also touch on office, couch and eSports keyboards.

Before moving on to discussing specific models, we will answer a few important questions that will help you decide which level of model is best for you.

There are no bad keyboards — there are bad ones

When choosing a keyboard, like absolutely any other electronics, you must first understand why you need it and what you expect from the purchase. There is no «best» or «worst» model — what one person is willing to shell out $200 for another will be a nightmare that he will not even sign up for free.

For example, the owner of a compact ultrabook will find a mechanical keyboard with blue switches that rattles and clicks like a typewriter to seem wild. And in the same way, a “serious professional” will only twist his finger at his temple, looking at a gaming “board” of 60% format, devoid of a digital block and part of the service keys.

If some of the terms above are not familiar to you, don’t worry, we will analyze everything in detail below.

There will be no unambiguous recommendations in this material — only relative recommendations indicating the specific task that the keyboard performs or the type of switches.

Size matters

Keyboards come in several formats, which differ in the number of keys and the area of the substrate.

«Regular» keyboard with numeric keypad, navigation keypad and function row F1-F12 has a 100% format.

Wikipedia

The remaining formats are smaller and vary from 80% to 40% of the «normal» size, gradually discarding the «extra» keys and compacting the layout.

The most popular «small» keyboard has a size of 80% or TKL (ten key-less) — it lacks a numeric keypad, but otherwise is no different.

Notebook layout with F-row and redistributed nav box is considered 70 or 75% format — it still has everything you need, only more compact than TKL.

But in the 60% and 40% formats, there are significantly fewer keys and at first you will have to relearn: they have no arrows, no Delete, no PrtScr, and F-row, and the smallest one has even numbers.

Keyboard 40%

At the same time, lovers of minimalism work without problems even with such “little ones”, using secondary assignments via Fn, which are usually customized through special software for specific tasks.

Keyboard layout standards do not take into account additional multimedia keys that manufacturers can add at will.

Most often, buttons appear above the main unit for controlling volume, playback, lighting or switching modes, but there are also «blank» keys for macros, which were very popular among «gaming» brands for a while.

Some even have built-in screens to display iXBT 9 service information0003

The size and location of some keys varies by region. So, in the USA, the ANSI layout with a “single-line” Enter and “/” on the second line is adopted, while in Russia, ISO with a high Enter and “/” after the letter “e” is considered more familiar.

«Membrane» — is it good or bad?

Keyboards differ in their design. Two main types: mechanical and with a rubber membrane.

Membrane keyboards are the most common — they are purchased in offices and at home, put in a kit for ready-made desktops and installed in laptops. These keyboards are easy, fast, and cheap to produce, which is why they tend to be inexpensive.

Such keyboards consist of a board with flat contacts for each key, a rubber membrane with «domes» that, when pressed, close the circuit and register pressing, and the keys themselves, the shape and fastening mechanism of which depend only on the desire and imagination of the manufacturer.

Benefits of

membrane keypads

Cheaper than mechanical (but not always)
May have low keys with a short stroke — it is for their compactness that laptop manufacturers use them.
Can be very quiet — under the keys in any always there is a silicone or rubber backing that muffles the sounds.
Can be protected from liquids — the membrane itself does not allow water to pass through, but some models have special «drainers» through which everything is poured onto the table before it has time to get to sensitive electronics.
Available in a variety of designs — high key, low key, flat, ergonomic, compact, with built-in touchpad, and even mechanical-like stabilization.

Disadvantages of membrane keyboards

Irregular movement — first you need to push the rubber dome with force, after which the button falls down.
Unstable keys — most models do not have additional guides, and if you «miss» past the center, the button will skew and will not be pressed.
«Gosting» — most models cannot register more than 5-7 clicks at the same time.
Difficult repair — if the membrane breaks, it is necessary to replace it entirely on the entire area of the keyboard.

Membrane keyboards are considered to be more suitable for typing and office use — they are quiet, compact and often nicely designed.

«Notebook» low and flat keys are quicker to press and generally provide the fastest typing speed, especially for those who are used to working on a laptop. Although fans of mechanical models may argue with this — in fact, it is mainly a matter of habit.

But for games, «membrane» is considered less preferable due to uneven movement and lower than mechanical models, indicators of accuracy, speed and reliability of reading each press.

What makes

mechanical keyboards different

Mechanical keyboards are created by dozens of manufacturers, many of which use more or less standard switches (switches), but there are also those who develop their own proprietary technologies.

All models and types of switches vary greatly in feel and function. This is the main secret of the popularity of mechanical keyboards — each user can choose a model to their liking, which will allow them to achieve maximum comfort and performance.

This is what Cherry switches and their analogues look like — the keys are easily removed and replaced

Mechanical switches parameters:

Pressing force — keys may require force or fall down at the slightest touch.
Tactile feedback — Switches are available in «linear» and «tactile» options. The former are pressed evenly from start to finish, while the latter have a noticeable click in the middle or closer to the end of the stroke, which allows better recognition of the pressure registration.
Sound — some mechanical keyboards rattle and chirp like old typewriters, while others make much less noise, hobbyists are on both types.
Stroke — Standard and «low profile» short stroke models available.

For example, it is believed that for fast shooters, quiet keyboards with a linear stroke and very low pressing force are optimal — this way the player has maximum control over the movement of the character and can quickly react to the situation.

But for printing, many prefer models with a tighter ride and tactile feedback to feel and hear every press. True, in offices such keyboards are often subject to a moratorium.

There is no single best or worst combination of characteristics — the choice depends solely on personal preference. Before buying, it is always advisable to look into the store or to friends and try different options, because it is almost impossible to figure out your own preferences based on other people’s reviews and guides on the Internet.

Types of mechanical switches

We will not analyze in detail the whole variety of switches from different manufacturers, but only give general information — there are plenty of detailed, highly specialized reviews on the network.

The most common «mechanics» models use Cherry MX switches or their counterparts from companies like China’s Kailh. There are about a dozen types of such switches, but in general they can be divided into several general categories, which are usually marked with a universal color code.

Linear — Red (red) and Black (black). Red are pressed lighter (force 45 grams), and Black is a little tighter (60 grams).
Linear soft — Silent Black and Silent Red. Inside the mechanism, special gaskets are provided that dampen part of the noise from pressing. Otherwise, they almost do not differ from conventional ones (the stroke length is 0.1 mm less due to the gasket).

Tactile — Brown (brown) and Clear (white). In the middle of the stroke, the mechanism catches a special “antennae”, which allows you to accurately determine the moment of operation by touch. Clear have a tighter ride (65 grams) and a more distinct response.
Click — Blue (blue) and Green (green). Such keyboards have not only tactile, but also an audio response, each operation is accompanied by a perceptible click. Blue have 60 grams of pressure, while Green has 80 grams and a louder click.

Short Stroke — Speed Silver. The keys have a normal height and shape of caps, but they have a shorter stroke to the actuation point — 1. 2 mm versus 2 mm for standard ones. These keyboards are designed for esports players in disciplines like MOBA or RTS, in which you need to press buttons and key combinations very quickly.

Low Profile — Low Profile. Such switches are marked either in silver (Speed) or red (Red), but it is almost impossible to confuse them with ordinary ones anyway, they are much lower and have a shorter stroke: 1.2 mm for red and 1 mm for silver to the actuation point.

Keycaps on low-profile keyboards vary in shape and are usually flat and flush, while «regular» keys are often arranged in rows that differ in height.

Razer makes its own switches, which are mechanically similar to Cherry, but have additional keycap stabilization for a more even click.

Low profile Logitech G915 (GL Clicky) and Razer Blackwidow (Razer Green)

Logitech’s

makes its own switches that differ from Cherry in both looks and feel. For «high» keyboards, patented Romer-G from the Japanese company Omron is used. They feature a wide cap mount and a large pressure-stabilizing spring, a transparent illuminated pin and a short actuation stroke (1.5 mm).

For low profile, special Logitech GL switches have appeared since 2020. They are produced in three versions: linear (red), with a click (white) and with a tactile response without a click (brown). The stroke length before actuation is only 1 mm.

Also on sale you can find keyboards exotic for Russia with Japanese switches Topre . These switches combine a mechanical spring and a rubber dome to achieve a very light actuation, tactile feedback and relatively quiet operation.

Razer, SteelSeries, Gateron and some other manufacturers also offer so-called optical or opto-mechanical switches. Their difference is that the operation does not occur due to the closure of the electrical contact, but due to the fact that the light beam passes through the hole in the pin and hits the sensor, which registers the pressure.

Such switches are considered the most technologically advanced, as they provide the highest readout speed. In addition, the Razer version is sensitive to pressure, so the actuation point can be adjusted, and through special software, an “emulation” mode for an analog stick or gamepad trigger is available.

With or without wire

Wired keyboards still make up the majority of the market, but are slowly being replaced by wireless models. However, there are several pitfalls here that may not be obvious when buying.

With Bluetooth — for text.

With USB receiver — for gaming.

Bluetooth keyboards are primarily made to connect to tablets, smart TVs, and all-in-ones like the iMac — they don’t take up any ports, connect completely «over the air» and are compatible with a variety of devices, including, for example, smartphones.

However, Bluetooth has two disadvantages: the connection is not always stable and has a high latency, and some systems, such as Windows 10, require you to repeat the pairing procedure periodically.

Keyboards with USB-radio are spared signal problems and confusion with connection, so the keyboard «communicates» only with its «whistle» on a dedicated channel and usually does not require additional pairing.

However, such a keyboard does not allow, for example, to quickly switch between several devices, and the adapter takes up a USB port and can be lost during transportation — and it will be very difficult to restore or replace it.

Gaming brands like Razer, Logitech and Corsair are investing in developing their own wireless standards based on 2.4GHz radios. Lightspeed, Hyperspeed and similar technologies offer communication with a response time of the order of 1ms — this is comparable to wired models. True, such keyboards are much more expensive than conventional ones, as they are aimed at enthusiasts.

TV or tablet keyboard

Separately, I would like to mention a rather exotic and not too common segment of “sofa” keyboards, which gradually appear in parallel with the spread of “smart” TVs and media centers.

These are simple membrane wireless keyboards that have a built-in touchpad instead of the Num-Pad. They are not intended for serious long-term work with text or games, but at the same time they are light, compact and allow you to conveniently control playback or use the browser without pain on a computer connected to a TV.

Brands and Models

The keyboard market is oversaturated with offers, and it’s hard to recommend specific models — the perception of comfort and convenience of each person is very individual, and it would be rash to give any specific recommendations here.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of brands and keyboards that are familiar to the author of the material and seem interesting to him for consideration — this is not an exhaustive list and not a guide to action, but rather a starting point from which you can start choosing yourself.

HyperX, Corsair, Cooler Master are major computer brands that make keyboards using Cherry MX switches. The most common and easiest way to buy quality gaming «mechanics», as such keyboards are almost always in stock in large retail chains. But prices are often higher than for analogues of less popular brands.

Cooler Master CK530 V2 with wrist rest included

A4Tech Bloody, Cougar, Tesoro, Gamdias, RedSquare are major second-tier brands that produce a variety of gaming models in different price categories, from affordable membranes to quite solid mechanical models based on Cherry MX counterparts. These switches can be of very different quality, so you should not blindly buy such keyboards, it is better to first check the feel of the keys yourself in a store or showroom.
Logitech is one of the market leaders in computer peripherals, offering keyboards in almost every conceivable segment and design. The main drawback of the G series mechanical keyboards is that they are almost impossible to customize or fix on your own, but in Russia the brand has a friendly warranty policy.

Logitech G915 TKL with low profile switches and wireless connection

Razer — the company carefully works on its image and produces products with a very distinctive «gaming» design. In addition to mechanical and optical keyboards on their own switches, Razer also has membrane models. The Razer Chroma backlighting utility is one of the most stable and advanced on the market and has good compatibility with backlighting technologies like Philips Hue.

Razer Huntsman V2 with Optical Switches and

Pressure Sensitive Analog Stick Emulation

SteelSeries, Zowie — brands primarily aimed at eSports players and their sympathizers. They independently develop switches and adhere to a rather strict utilitarian design without non-standard solutions.
Ducky, Drop, Varmilo — keyboards for aesthetes and enthusiasts, which are produced in small batches and are distinguished by a stylish design and high quality materials. With a high probability, you will have to buy them abroad or from your own hands.

ASUS, MSI, Lenovo, Gigabyte — manufacturers of gaming laptops, desktops and components are also trying to produce peripherals in order to keep their customers in a mono-brand ecosystem. In recent years, the quality of such accessories has increased significantly, but there are still dubious products on sale at apparently inflated prices

MSI Vigor GK20 Membrane Keyboard with Extra Key Stabilizers and Non-Adjustable Static Rainbow Lighting that can only be turned off

What keyboard do you use and what parameters seem most important to you? Tell in the comments.

The best gaming keyboards. Review for 2022

Do you think that a powerful gaming computer is the most important piece of gaming equipment? This is not entirely true. The peripherals that you also use regularly play a big role. A standard mouse or keyboard will get you started, but specialized gaming hardware will greatly enhance your PC gaming experience.

Sure, it’s easy to argue that the most expensive keyboards are the best, but chances are you’re not prepared to spend more than $250 on this device.

We offer you a review of gaming keyboards with a good balance of performance, main features and price. Basically, these are mechanical keyboards, where the keys «click» when pressed. (Yes, that click sound we all love)

Logitech G513 Carbon: 9 best gaming keyboard0019

Pros

Full range of gaming features
Convenient shift key layout

Cons

No multimedia keys allocated

Why you should buy it: The Logitech G513 is a well-designed, streamlined mechanical keyboard with a great feature set.

Who it’s for: Anyone who likes a flat and comfortable mechanical keyboard with shift keys.

Why we chose the Logitech G513:

Even though it was released in 2018, the G513 keyboard is still holding up well in the market. Thanks to a well-thought-out set of functions, it will compete with modern analogues.

The Logitech G1513 also features a beautiful aluminum chassis, durable USB cable, USB-Passthrough port, Romer-G linear and tactile switches, and a very comfortable wrist rest. The only design flaw is the lack of dedicated multimedia keys. In fact, the combination of a wrist rest and tactile switches makes this one of the most comfortable gaming keyboards you can buy at an affordable price. After all, this is one of the most important features when choosing a keyboard for long gaming sessions.

Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

Pros

Great gaming performance for the price
RGB lighting from Corsair

Cons

Key switches work a little worse than on analogues

Why you should buy it: This is an affordable keyboard that will help you perform most of the standard gaming functions.

Who it’s for: Anyone who likes Corsair’s RGB lighting but doesn’t want to shell out big bucks for a full mechanical board.

Why we chose the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT: This keyboard is brand new at a very affordable price. Although it is not mechanical, it does have a membrane key design. It’s amazingly enjoyable to type on and has all the features of a gaming keyboard: per-key RGB lighting, macro support, full layout, wrist rest and multimedia keys.

If you’re looking for an all-around keyboard that looks great, has the most gaming features, and doesn’t cost a lot, then the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is definitely worth putting on your shopping list.

Logitech G915 Lightspeed: Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard

Pros

Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming

Cons

More expensive than most other options

Why you should buy it: This is the best smooth wireless mechanical gaming keyboard on the market.

Who it’s for: A buyer for whom money doesn’t matter and who wants only the best.

Why we chose the Logitech G915 Lightspeed:

The Logitech G915 Lightspeed mechanical keyboard delivers everything you’d expect from a mechanical gaming keyboard. It’s great for gamers willing to spend a little more money for a superior design.

If you decide to purchase the Logitech G915 Lightspeed, you won’t be disappointed. It really has it all: sleek aluminum chassis, low-profile mechanical switches, superb per-key RGB backlighting, and long battery life (especially with the bright backlighting).

The G915 Lightspeed is a keyboard that will delight you for years to come.

The battery life is simply amazing: charging lasts more than a week, and if you use the backlight at full power, you are guaranteed more than 12 hours of continuous work. The keyboard gets its name from its fast response time, so you won’t experience pauses or lags in games. Gaming performance is as fast as wired keyboards thanks to the fast Logitech Lightspeed wireless connection. There’s no wrist rest, but the low-profile design makes up for it — it’s just not needed, so typing on the keyboard is very comfortable. For fans of compact layouts, there is a TKL version (without ten keys).

Keychron K2 v2: The best low profile gaming keyboard

Pros

Low profile design with durable mechanical keys
Key settings, more compact layout and more

Cons

Potential wireless latency

Why you should buy it: It’s a budget, low-profile, wireless keyboard.

Who it’s for: Gamers who prefer a more discreet design.

Why we chose Keychron K2 v2:

Although the Keychron K2 v2 isn’t strictly a gaming keyboard, thanks to its mechanical switches and optional RGB lighting, it’s surprisingly popular in the gaming community. This is Keychron’s latest low profile mechanical keyboard at an affordable price and can be customized to suit your needs. It can work both wirelessly and via USB-C and comes with cables for Windows and Mac.

Do you need a full size keyboard or TKL? With RGB backlighting or are you just fine with white? Which switch color do you want: red, blue or brown? The Keychron K2 lets you customize all of these features, and every keyboard option supports Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The keyboard has a solid aluminum frame and a compact size to optimize your gaming space.

Keychron K2 is in the middle price category, while it has many advantages over competitors. Its only real issue is wireless latency, but in practice, unless you’re playing ultra-competitive online games, you won’t even notice it.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series: Best TKL Gaming Keyboard

Pros

HyperPolling Technology (8000Hz Polling Rate)
Tournaments in «no distraction mode»

Cons

Wrist rest not included

Why you should buy it: 8,000Hz polling rate, MX Speed-Silver switches, PBT keycaps, and more. This is one of the best TKL keyboards on the market.

Who it’s for: The customer who wants a high quality TKL keyboard for competitive gaming.

Why we chose K70 RGB TKL Tournament Edition:

Corsair’s latest mechanical keyboard is designed for competitive gaming. This model features Hyper Axon 8,000Hz technology which, combined with Cherry MX Speed Silver fast switches, makes it one of the fastest, if not the fastest TKL gaming keyboard money can buy. The keyboard also features PBT keycaps made of polybutylene, resistant to wear even with heavy use.

The solid aluminum frame and RGB lighting are great competitive features, but we especially like the «tournament switch». It allows you to switch to static background lighting and disables macros for maximum focus and precision. The keyboard connects to the PC using a detachable USB-C cable.

With a Corsair aluminum chassis, excellent RGB ecosystem, fast response times and dedicated modes, the K70 RGB TKL Tournament Edition packs a surprising amount of features for the price and is sure to please TKL fans who have been waiting for the latest Corsair keyboards.

Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed: Best 65% Gaming Keyboard

Pros

Compact High Quality Keyboard

Cons

Compact keyboards are not for every gamer

Why you should buy it: With a 65% layout, wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and great switches, this keyboard can do it all.

Who it’s for: Small keyboard enthusiasts who want dedicated arrow and delete keys combined with wireless connectivity.

Why we chose the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini:

The Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed is the little keyboard that can do it all. This keyboard has a 65% layout which is slightly larger than the 60% super compact keyboards. That extra 5% includes arrow keys, a dedicated delete key, a page up/down key, and an insert key, making it much more practical for everyday use.

Meanwhile, Razer has decided to go all out and put the very best technology into the V3 Mini Hyperspeed, including, you guessed it, excellent wireless connectivity and excellent Razer Yellow switches that have a very pleasant typing experience.

SteelSeries Apex 3: Best Waterproof Keyboard

Pros

IP32 Waterproof
Magnetic wrist rest

Cons

Limited key switch options

Why you should buy it: The water resistance and magnetic stand make the keyboard resistant to liquids, even if you spill a drink on it.

Who it’s for: Gamers who like to put drinks next to their keyboard and often spill something on it

Why we chose SteelSeries Apex 3:

The SteelSeries keyboard is IP32 water resistant, which is a great feature to prevent damage from accidental spills while gaming. Combined with a magnetic wrist rest that’s easy to detach and clean, it’s a great choice for gamers who don’t want to ruin their keyboard by knocking over a nearby drink.

This model also comes with gaming switches that are fairly quiet and rated for 20 million clicks. SteelSeries also offers several clicky keyboard options. In addition, the keyboard features 10-zone RGB lighting for creative color schemes, as well as dedicated media buttons.

Keychron Q1: The best custom gaming keyboard

Pros

Lots of customizable items
Rugged aluminum housing
Works with Mac and Windows
Compatible with

key mapping software

Cons

No Bluetooth
No height or angle adjustment

Why you should buy it: It’s a superbly crafted customizable keyboard that doesn’t cost a lot.

Who it’s for: Custom keyboard enthusiasts who are looking for something of high quality but aren’t willing to overpay

Why we chose Keychron Q1:

Keychron’s Q1 keyboard didn’t hit the market as a gaming keyboard, but it’s arguably one of the best keyboards ever made. There’s a lot to like about the Q1: an aluminum frame, lube-and-replaceable switches and stabilizers, RGB backlighting, silent keys, and an included premium cable. Its 75% layout also lends itself well to a variety of workloads, offering an excellent balance between being small for gaming and having enough keys for most day-to-day tasks.

The Keychron Q1 doesn’t cost a fortune and offers full keyset or bare board options depending on your setup needs. In fact, given the build quality of the CNC anodized aluminum case, Gateron switches, and premium USB-C cable, we wonder why it’s so cheap.

Frequently asked questions when buying a keyboard

What is the best keyboard layout for gaming?

Typically, keyboards come with a standard 104-key layout and number pad. But for gaming, it might be interesting to consider the option of a smaller keyboard layout, sacrificing practicality in favor of being compact. The main reason for this is to free up desktop space for the mouse. Having a free space for the mouse next to the small keyboard allows you to play at lower DPI settings and make more sweeping mouse movements without bumping into the keyboard, which improves in-game performance.

A full size keyboard is a good option if this is your only keyboard and will be used as a work keyboard.

Also note that keyboards with a 60% layout are best suited for first-person shooters. However, manufacturers go to great lengths to meet compact requirements, so TKL (tenkeyless, or num-pad free) keyboards usually offer a more desirable balance of features.

Do keyboard switch types matter?

In the world of gaming keyboards, switches are the subject of everyone’s admiration. As a rule, mechanical keyboards always win a prize in this category, mainly for the feel of mechanical actuation. Traditionally, there are three main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches move down with equal force along the travel, while tactile switches have a distinct ridge on the way down. Clicky switches have tactile movement, but a click is heard halfway through the travel, indicating that the switch has actuated and sent a signal to the computer.

But by now, there are more switch options than just Cherry MX: reds, browns, and blues. They are now also available in low-profile cases, and the new MX Speed Silver switch is on the market, which is similar to the linear red switch, but with a faster actuation point and lighter travel.

Meanwhile, many keyboard makers make their own switches, such as Corsair’s OPX optical switch. Razer has its own switch, Logitech uses the Romer-G switch in many of their keyboards. There are also third party switch manufacturers such as Kailh and Gateron. They produce switches that are also used in many modern keyboards.

In general, we recommend linear switches for gamers and tactile switches for those who type a lot. If you’re just typing, a clicky blue switch can be very nice, although your environment might not be happy with a clicky keyboard. In general, we recommend choosing between linear and tactile switches.

If your keyboard is still too loud, you can always use o-rings to dampen key travel and prevent loud clatter when the keys go down.

Is the RGB backlighting the same on keyboards?

As a rule, all gaming equipment today comes with RGB lighting, whether you like it or not. Top manufacturers such as Corsair, Logitech and Razer release PC software that allows you to fine-tune your lighting effects and supports synchronization with other compatible RGB lights on your devices. Cheaper keyboards can also support this software, but they usually just come with lighting profiles that lack much customization beyond a few types of effects and color options.

In addition, the quality of RGB backlighting on different keyboards can vary greatly. On some keyboards, the backlighting is quite dim, while others, on the contrary, are overflowing with brightness. This may depend on the type of keyboard, the type of switches, and the color of the back panel below the switches.

Does keyboard ergonomics matter?

We are not reviewing a truly ergonomic keyboard for gaming, as the layout can be very uncomfortable for gaming purposes. However, a good keyboard with the right switch type, height, and good wrist rest can improve your typing comfort.

Your posture is also important. If you sit too low, you will have to lift your shoulders. If you sit too high, then your hands get tired quickly. It’s easy to make a palm rest out of a towel, but wrist pain may not go away for weeks. Do yourself a favor and adjust your chair, desk, and monitor to the correct height so you don’t have to miss gaming sessions with your friends.

The best gaming keyboard for esports?

Much of this comes down to personal preference, but performance also matters. Fast response and customizability are great features of an esports keyboard. Some gamers like more compact keyboards with a 65% layout to avoid unnecessary two-handed movements. Again, though, it depends on the player’s preferences. The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Tournament Edition keyboard is a great starting point. However, before you get serious about competitive gaming, you’ll need a lot of practice with any new keyboard.

rating of 2022 and which budget one to choose for working and printing text for a programmer

A computer keyboard is a necessary accessory with which to work on a PC.

The large assortment offered to consumers on the market makes it difficult to choose a device.

A good keyboard has an ergonomic design, comfortable keys and easy connection.

Top 18 Best Keyboards of 2022

Seat	Description	Price
TOP 4 best keyboards for working at a computer
1	Logitech Corded Keyboard K280e Black USB	Ask for price
2	A4Tech KV-300H dark Gray USB	Ask for price
3	Logitech K380 Multi-Device Black Bluetooth	Ask for price
4	OKLICK 969G SHOTGUN Black USB	Ask for price
TOP 4 best gaming keyboards
1	A4Tech Bloody B810R Black USB	Ask for price
2	Logitech G G213 Prodigy Black USB	Ask for price
3	Razer Cynosa Chroma Black USB	Ask for price
4	A4Tech Bloody B760 Black USB	Ask for price
TOP 4 best mechanical keyboards
1	Logitech G G413 Carbon USB	Ask for price
2	OKLICK 940G VORTEX Black USB	Ask for price
3	A4Tech Bloody B820R (Blue Switches) Black USB	Ask for price
4	HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (Cherry MX Red) Black USB	Ask for price
Top 3 best membrane keyboards
1	A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB	Ask for price
2	A4Tech B314 Black USB	Ask for price
3	Apple Magic Keyboard White Bluetooth	Ask for price
TOP 3 best wireless keyboards
1	Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 Black USB	Ask for price
2	Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Plus Black USB	Ask for price
3	Logitech Craft Advanced keyboard Gray Bluetooth	Ask for price

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Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Plus Black USB

Logitech Craft Advanced keyboard Gray Bluetooth

How to choose what to look for?

Customer reviews

Useful video

The best keyboards for working on a computer

The top positions in the ranking of the best are devices from well-known manufacturers of computer equipment. These models are easy to use, have a long service life and have excellent functionality.

Logitech Corded Keyboard K280e Black USB

Classic design model with 103 keys. Silicone

gasket ensures smooth movement and the fastest possible response.

Hand-friendly angle, extended front and extendable stands make the instrument very comfortable to use.

Water-resistant base protects the mechanism from damage in case of accidental spillage of liquid on the keyboard .

If desired, you can set up your multimedia system by simply pressing the Fn key. The small dimensions of the device will allow you to conveniently place it on any desktop.

It is worth noting that this is one of the best models of 2022.

Specifications :

type — membrane;
number of keys — 103;
moisture protection — against spilling and splashing;
connection type — wired USB;
additionally — the «Fn» key.

Pros

Quiet, smooth keystrokes;
quality assembly;
good moisture protection;
comfortable hand position;
does not roll on the table.

Cons

not found.

A4Tech KV-300H dark Gray USB

Full size model ideal for long hours of computer use .

Low-profile, fast-response keys make operation easy and comfortable.

Sufficient distance between the buttons to avoid accidental pressing.

Two USB ports make it possible to connect a computer mouse or flash drive to the device.

Rubberized feet keep your keyboard from sliding on your desktop .

Built-in digital block makes it possible to use the device for office work.

Comfortable inclination provides a comfortable hand position. A sheet of metal inside the case greatly increases the life of the device.

Specifications :

scissor type;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — against spilling and splashing;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — digital block.

Pros

comfortable shape;
comfortable height;
fast key response;
2 USB ports;
stylish design.

Cons

there are no volume and playback keys.

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Black Bluetooth

A versatile model that can be used for both office work and gaming missions .

Bluetooth wireless connection makes the operation of the device as simple and convenient as possible.

Compatibility with almost all operating systems makes this keyboard attractive even for the most fastidious users.

Compact size and powered by AAA batteries make it easy to take with you on your travels .

The case made of durable plastic will reliably protect the instrument from damage caused by impacts and falls.

Specifications :

type — for tablets;
number of keys — 80;
moisture protection — against spilling and splashing;
connection type — wireless Bluetooth;
optional — Easy-Switch.

Pros

compact size;
compatibility with different operating systems;
the ability to simultaneously connect to multiple devices;
long operating time without the need to change batteries;
silent keys.

Cons

small angle;
no backlight.

OKLICK 969G SHOTGUN Black USB

The metal case reliably protects the device from accidental bumps and falls .

The compact dimensions, bright key illumination and optimal tilt angle make the keyboard very comfortable to use. If necessary, the angle of inclination can be increased by using folding legs for this.

Robust braiding of the cable reliably protects it from chafing and breakage .

Locking the start key will prevent accidental crashes from the game due to pressing it. The protruding buttons will give you an advantage in tournaments due to their quick response.

Specifications :

type — mechanical;
number of keys — 87;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — Anti-ghosting, Fn key.

Pros

low cost;
there is a button lock;
compact size;
bright, colored backlight;
comfortable keys.

Cons

small, faded Russian letters;
no wrist rest;
loud keys.

Best gaming keyboards

Best gaming keyboards are more durable, ergonomically designed, faster and have extra keys. Such devices are popular not only among gamers, but also office workers.

A4Tech Bloody B810R Black USB

With a classic design and bright, colorful backlit keys, the gamer will be a real find.

A large selection of settings allows you to choose the backlight, based on your personal preferences. The high response time and the presence of optical switches will give the player a significant advantage in the tournament.

Special protection will reliably protect the mechanism from damage in case of accidental spillage of liquid on the keyboard .

The standard keyboard size makes it possible to use it not only for gaming missions, but also for office work.

Specifications :

type — optomechanical;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — splash and spill resistant;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — Anti-ghosting, Fn key, number pad, programmable buttons.

Pros

RGB lighting;
blue switches;
compact size;
fast, clear response;
comfortable tilt.

Cons

inconvenient font.

Logitech G G213 Prodigy Black USB

Membrane mechanism for quick response and soft, silent action .

Several multimedia buttons greatly expand the possibilities of the device.

Comfortable stand and the ability to adjust the height will make the operation of the keyboard as comfortable as possible.

Multi-colour backlight for a comfortable and vibrant experience .

The sealed case will reliably protect the mechanism from moisture. The presence of a digital block makes it possible to use the device not only for games, but also for office work.

Specifications :

type — membrane;
number of keys — 112;
moisture protection — splash and spill resistant;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — multimedia, volume control, backlight control.

Pros

ergonomic housing;
quality assembly;
fast key response;
classic layout;
comfortable lighting.

Cons

fixed arm rest.

Razer Cynosa Chroma Black USB

Classic shape for maximum comfort during gaming missions .

The membrane keys are absolutely silent and respond quickly even to a light touch. The presence of programmable buttons allows you to customize the parting to individual preferences.

Innovative Razer Cynosa Chroma backlighting with a wide range of color combinations for an enjoyable user experience .

The built-in digital block makes it possible to use the device not only for games, but also for work.

Specifications :

type — membrane;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — splash and spill resistant;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — height adjustment, anti-ghosting, key lock, Fn button.

Pros

moisture protection;
comfortable layout;
pleasant tactile feedback;
there is the possibility of additional settings;
beautiful backlight.

Cons

brand case

A4Tech Bloody B760 Black USB

Enhanced model with attractive design and enhanced functionality .

Robust metal housing significantly increases the service life of the device. Optical keys and fast mechanical switches will give you a significant advantage when completing a game mission.

Adjustable neon lighting adjusts to the individual settings of any game.

Sufficiently large size and built-in digital block make it possible to use the device not only for games, but also for work .

Replaceable keys and tweezers included will allow you to remove faulty ones without much difficulty.

Specifications :

type — mechanical;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — height adjustment, anti-ghosting, Fn button.

Pros

rugged housing;
fast response;
beautiful design;
has an adjustable backlight;
quiet keys.

Cons

not found.

Best mechanical keyboards

The best mechanical keyboards are popular with both office workers and gamers. This is due to their high build quality, fast key response and ease of use.

Logitech G G413 Carbon USB

A classic model with a rugged chassis and comfortable tilt angle for maximum comfort when using the .

Built-in digital block will make the device an indispensable tool for complex accounting calculations. Programmable keys allow you to customize the keyboard for any online game.

The presence of the «Fn» button makes it possible to control the multimedia system without using a computer mouse .

The bright red backlight allows you to find the right key even in the dark. The durable metal case significantly increases the service life of the device.

Specifications :

type — mechanical;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wired USB;
additionally — adjusting the height and brightness of the backlight, the «Fn» key.

Pros

metal case;
nice backlight;
fast key response;
quality assembly;
Software CD included.

Cons

easily soiled case.

OKLICK 940G VORTEX Black USB

Universal model will give comfort both during work and during the passage of gaming missions .

The innovative Anti-ghosting feature prevents you from accidentally pressing the start button, which helps prevent crashes from the game. This will be especially appreciated by fans of online tournaments.

Bright multi-colour backlight makes operation very pleasant and comfortable .

The classic layout and comfortable key shape provide maximum comfort even during extended use. Continuity of work is guaranteed by a wired connection.

Specifications :

type — mechanical;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wired USB;
additionally — adjusting the height and brightness of the backlight, the «Fn» key.

Pros

large selection of backlight modes;
fast key response;
comfortable tilt angle;
quality assembly;
acceptable price.

Cons

not found.

A4Tech Bloody B820R (Blue Switches) Black USB

Full-size model will be an indispensable assistant, both in the office and at home .

Designed specifically for gamers, this keyboard will give you the ultimate gaming experience.

The mechanical type of keys will provide a very fast response, which will give a significant advantage in the online tournament.

Pleasant illumination in a large range of colors makes it possible to use the device without problems even in complete darkness.

Interchangeable keys in bright orange color set to highlight your favorite . The sealed case will reliably protect the mechanism from damage due to moisture.

This model is highly reliable for 2022.

Specifications :

type — optomechanical;
number of keys — 104;
moisture protection — splash and spill resistant;
connection type — wired USB;
additionally — adjusting the height and brightness of the backlight, the «Fn» key, reinforced spacebar.

Pros

attractive design;
quality assembly;
smooth pressing;
fast response;
easy to operate.

Cons

inconvenient font.

HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (Cherry MX Red) Black USB

Compact model that fits easily even on a small desktop . Case made of

durable plastic, framed by a steel frame, reliably protects the mechanism from damage.

Pleasant red backlighting makes it possible to use the device even in poor lighting conditions.

Innovative Cherry MX Red mechanical switches provide the ‘s keys with the fastest response and durability.

The presence of function buttons will give you maximum control of the situation during the passage of the game mission. Comfortable inclination will protect the hands from fatigue even during prolonged work at the PC.

Specifications :

type — mechanical;
number of keys — 87;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — backlight height and brightness adjustment, unlimited anti-ghosting.

Pros

comfortable font;
fast response;
nice backlight;
compact size;
Comfortable tilt angle.

Cons

high cost.

Top Membrane Keyboards

Top Membrane Keyboards are ergonomic, durable, low stiffness and excellent tactile feedback. They are ideal for both office work and gaming.

A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB

Stylish model designed specifically for the gaming environment. High speed

click response will give a significant advantage during the passage of missions.

Innovative Auto/Turbo Shot technology allows you to assign your macros right during your gaming sessions.

The WASD key block is specially highlighted, which eliminates the possibility of a miss during an intense battle in an online game.

Bright and comfortable LED lighting has 5 settings to suit your personal preferences .

The hermetic case will reliably protect the mechanism from damage due to moisture and dust.

Specifications :

type — membrane;
number of keys — 106;
moisture protection — splash and spill resistant;
connection type — wired USB;
additionally — reinforced Space key, 5 brightness levels, Auto/Turbo Shot.

Pros

adjustable backlight;
has a hand rest;
sealed housing;
fast key response;
resistant.

Cons

insufficient backlight brightness.

A4Tech B314 Black USB

Original design model will be a real find even for the most fastidious gamer .

Additional mechanical buttons are highlighted in bright orange, which will eliminate the possibility of missing even in the most intense moment in the game.

The multi-colour LED backlight illuminates the keys very well, making it possible to use the device even in complete darkness.

A large number of buttons provide quick access and maximum ease of operation of the multimedia system .

Robust plastic housing and special protection against moisture will significantly increase the service life of the device.

This model has proven itself in 2022.

Specifications :

type — optomechanical;
number of keys — 113;
moisture protection — splash and spill resistant;
connection type — wired USB;
optional — extended Palm Rest.

Pluses

9 additional keys;
does not slip on the surface;
original design;
nice backlight;
fast key response.

Cons

easily soiled case.

Apple Magic Keyboard White Bluetooth

Compact design in silver design ideal for both work and gaming missions .

Thanks to the scissor mechanism, they do not move when pressed. In addition, it provides the buttons with a quiet, uniform stroke. Additional keys allow you to configure the multimedia system right during the gameplay.

Built-in numeric keypad enables accounting calculations without the need for additional devices.

Wireless Bluetooth connection allows you to connect the keyboard to any transmitting device.

Specifications :

scissor type;
number of keys — 79;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wireless Bluetooth;
optional — multimedia.

Pluses

battery lasts a long time;
soft keys;
compact;
nice design;
good angle.

Cons

no charge indicator.

The best wireless keyboards

The wireless keyboard allows you to control your computer from a distance, making work more comfortable. The top positions in the ranking of the best are occupied by devices with a good range, convenient layout, and with the most positive user reviews.

Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 Black USB

Versatile model ideal for both office and home use .

Innovative USB Nano Receiver ensures stable connection. With its help, the signal is kept within a radius of 10 m.

The bright LED backlight can be adjusted using additional buttons and makes it possible to use the device even in poor lighting conditions.

PerfectStroke technology for smooth and quiet keystrokes .

Comfortable palm rest will make working at the computer as comfortable as possible. Built-in numeric keypad and function key «Fn» make the device multifunctional.

Specifications :

scissor type;
number of keys — 108;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wireless USB;
optional — multimedia, hand proximity sensor.

Pros

long range;
quality assembly;
soft keys;
nice backlight;
Comfortable palm rest.

Cons

no moisture protection.

Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Plus Black USB

Compact model with touchpad and standard layout eliminates the need for a computer mouse .

Membrane mechanism provides a virtually silent and smooth keystroke. The device is compatible with almost all TV models and operating systems.

The innovative Unifying receiver provides a stable signal even at a fairly long distance from the PC.

Additional keys make the device multifunctional . The powerful battery is able to hold a charge for a long time, which allows you to take the keyboard with you on trips.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2022.

Specifications :

type — TV keyboard;
number of keys — 108;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wireless USB;
optional — touchpad, multimedia keys.

Pros

quiet and soft keys;
compatible with all TV models;
have rubber feet;
attractive design;
is a good touchpad.

Cons

not found.

Logitech Craft Advanced keyboard Gray Bluetooth

Enhanced model with easy-to-use control dial makes the computer easy to use.

Additional keys allow you to control the backlight setting, quickly edit images and change the font.

Spherical indentations on the keys greatly increase touch typing speed.

Comfortable angle prevents hand fatigue even during extended use . The built-in indicator prompts you in a timely manner when the battery needs to be charged.

Robust case made of plastic and metal will reliably protect the mechanism from damage in case of accidental bumps and falls.

Specifications :

type — membrane;
number of keys — 109;
moisture protection — no;
connection type — wireless USB, Bluetooth;
optional — multifunctional dial, hand proximity sensor.

Pros

build quality;
nice design;
quick setting;
comfortable lighting;
soft keys.

Cons

high cost.

How to choose what to look for?

Choosing a keyboard for your home computer should be approached very carefully. First of all, it is necessary to decide for what purposes the device is purchased — for work or for games.

The following points should also be studied :

Model . There are keyboards for office work, long typing, multimedia PC and gaming.
Design . It can be full size, compact, foldable, customizable, rubber, waterproof.
Key type . Membrane — is durable, protects the mechanism from debris and moisture. Scissor (island) — provides fast typing. Mechanical — universal type.
Extra keys available .