The best gaming keyboard in 2023: Tenkeyless, 60%, optical and more

Looking for the best gaming keyboard in 2023? We’ve rounded up our top picks for all shapes, sizes, budgets and technologies

Choosing your new keyboard is never easy and in 2022, it’s never been more of a crucial decision. Whether you’re working from home, or even just keeping up to date with your favorite game, can mean the difference between a massive waste of cash and time or something that sticks around for years.

There are so many things to think about, from size, form factor, switches, and customization options. It can get pretty dizzying to look for your next keyboard. So here’s us, with our many keyboard reviews coming in to tell you what our top recommendations are across the many on offer.

Contents

• The best gaming keyboards of 2023
• Gaming keyboard vs regular keyboard: What’s the difference?
• What are mechanical switches and N-key rollover?
• What to look for in a Gaming Keyboard
• Gaming keyboard types
• How to choose a gaming keyboard

Cooler Master CK720 – Best budget gaming keyboard

Key specs

• Switch type: Kailh Box v2 (Red, White, Brown)
• Keycaps: PBT double-shot Keycaps
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Form factor: 65%
• Lighting: RGB Per-key
• Features: 5-pin hot-swap, rotary encoder, Mac compatibility
• MSRP: $99

The Cooler Master CK720 is a gorgeous gaming keyboard with a minimalistic design and functional features. It has an aluminum face plate with a plastic bottom. You get Kailh Box switches with an option to choose between Red, White, and Brown switches. Hot-swappable switches allow you to pop out a faulty switch and repair the keyboard quickly.

The CK720 is a wired 65% keyboard that comes in Windows and Mac layouts. It also has bundled software that helps you tweak settings quickly.

The icing on the cake is the typing experience. We reviewed this keyboard and found it a delight for people who type a lot. The same goes for gaming as well.

If you’re looking for a keyboard with a dedicated rotary knob for volume control, excellent build quality, fantastic typing experience, per-key control, and hot-swappable switches. In that case, the Cooler Master CK720 should be your first choice.

Higround Basecamp series: The best 65% keyboard

Key specs

• Switch type: TTC White Flame (Hot-swappable)
• Keycaps: 1.5mm thick PBT Dye-Sub
• Connectivity: Wired
• Form factor: 65%
• Lighting; RGB, configurable via keyboard macro
• Features: 1000-Hz, Anti-ghosting, NKRO, Aluminum plate, dual silicon dampening, transluscent frame.
• MSRP: $135

More gadgets on your desk mean more wire clutter. However, some smart-thinking folks came out with the 3inus Kebohub EE01. This mechanical gaming keyboard is good at its core job and has a built-in full-blown USB hub. You’ll get HDMI 2.0, USB-C x1, and three USB-A ports which can help you connect various devices to your PC or charge your wireless earbuds, headsets, mouse, fitness trackers, and more.

The EE01 has a subtle design and eight different RGB color schemes to light up your gaming cave. It has a 75% layout, meaning you miss out on a dedicated number pad, but that should be ok if your primary usage is gaming.

The EE01 has blue switches and a sturdy build quality. While these switches are slightly loud, there was no complaint with the gaming performance. Our review found this keyboard an all-rounder that can quickly help you through gaming sessions and office chores.

Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro: The best overall gaming keyboard

Key Specs

• Switch type: Razer Green (Clicky) / Razer Yellow (Linear)
• Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS
• Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth & 2.4Ghz wireless
• Features: Multi-function digital roller, cable routing options, N-Key roll-over, programmable macro keys, gaming mode option, on-board memory, Aluminum construction.
• Lighting: Razer Chroma
• MSRP: $229.99

The Razer Blackwidow and its subsequent models look great and come with a comfy armrest and a couple of different flavors. You can also use it entirely wirelessly via Razer Hyperspeed or Bluetooth. The board comes in two switch flavors, either Razer Greens, tactile and clicky or Razer Yellow, smooth, linear switches much more suited to high-octane gaming.

With a semi-transparent legend, you’ll be able to get all of that Razer Chroma goodness with shine-through keycaps and RGB control via Razer Synapse.

3inus Kebohub EE01 – The smart gaming keyboard

Key Specs

• Switch type: Blue box switches
• Keycaps: ABS Keycaps
• Connectivity: Wired
• USB hub connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB-C x1, USB-A x3
• Form factor: 75%
• Lighting: LED RGB
• MSRP: $84.99

More gadgets on your desk mean more wire clutter. However, some smart-thinking folks came out with the 3inus Kebohub EE01. This mechanical gaming keyboard is good at its core job and has a built-in full-blown USB hub. You’ll get HDMI 2.0, USB-C x1, and three USB-A ports which can help you connect various devices to your PC or charge your wireless earbuds, headsets, mouse, fitness trackers, and more.

The EE01 has a subtle design and eight different RGB color schemes to light up your gaming cave. It has a 75% layout, meaning you miss out on a dedicated number pad, but that should be ok if your primary usage is gaming.

The EE01 has blue switches and a sturdy build quality. While these switches are slightly loud, there was no complaint with the gaming performance. Our review found this keyboard an all-rounder that can quickly help you through gaming sessions and office chores.

Razer Huntsman Mini – Best Small Gaming Keyboard

Key specs

• Switch type: Optical
• Keycaps: PBT
• Connectivity: Wired
• Form factor: 65%
• Lighting; RGB
• Features: smooth performance, customization on Razer Synapse 3 software
• MSRP: $119.99

The Razer Huntsman Mini is one of the best 60% keyboards and will suit people who love a compact gaming keyboard. Its software offers many options to people who love to customize every bit of their keyboard.

The Huntsman Mini is ideal for gamers who prefer optical switches, clean and minimal design and the Razer Ecosystem. If you prefer a hot-swappable keyboard, the Huntsman Mini might not be ideal because you can only use optical switches, and the ones on the keyboard cannot be easily removed.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL – Best premium gaming keyboard

Key Specs

• Switch type: OmniPoint Mechanical switches
• Keycaps: PBT double shot
• Connectivity: Wired
• Form factor: TKL
• Lighting: RGB
• Features: Sturdy build, highly customizable, dual adjustable actuation
• MSRP: $189.99

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is another tremendous all-around mechanical gaming keyboard. It is feature-rich, offers excellent performance, and is highly customizable. The 2023 variant comes with new switches that are highly durable.

While the keyboard might not have a unique design, it’s swift, responsive, sturdily built, has excellent switches, and robust software support.

The Apex Pro TKL also offers adjustable actuation, and its dual actuation is a fan-favorite feature that can improve the gaming experience.

Gaming Keyboard Vs Regular Keyboard: What’s the difference?

As you may guess from the name, gaming keyboards are designed to work for gaming. Compared to a regular keyboard, gaming keyboards use mechanical keys that are designed for a faster response and no input lag. This could mean shorter draw time, a different layout, or a smoother experience. The best gaming keyboards are high quality and filled with innovative ideas and unique functions.

Generally, a good gaming keyboard tends to be more expensive, but if you play a lot, it’s worth that investment up front. Don’t let RGB and flashy marketing put you off – gaming keyboards are worth your time. One of the most significant changes is the switch from membrane switches to mechanical ones.

What are mechanical switches and N-Key rollover?

Mechanical switches are one of the most common types of switches that gaming keyboards use, and they tend to be more durable, efficient, and have a faster response time. They also tend to have N-Key rollover, meaning they register multiple keys simultaneously. Pressing a bunch will feed them to your computer in the order you put them in. This is great for those looking to game at a high speed. Membrane keyboards may need some help with all this information.

You can choose between Linear, Clicky, and Tactile Quiet switches.

This being said, membrane switches aren’t useless. They tend to be softer, quieter, and cheaper to purchase, making them great for someone who wants to use a PC casually. If you have a gaming keyboard, it will likely have one of a few different types of switches. Linear switches tend to have a smooth press – hitting the bottom and coming back up again. Gamers tend to pick these for their efficient movement and relative easiness.

Tactile switches, on the other hand, have a slight pushback when pressed. This allows you to register a hit and move on. They are satisfying and of particular use to someone who touch types or plans on doing a lot of writing. Clicky is the final type, giving a sound and bump at the expense of some efficiency. They too are satisfying and tell you directly when something has been hit. If you can, it’s worth experimenting to find out what type you prefer, especially since many gaming keyboards offer the chance to pick your switches when buying them.

What to look for in a Gaming Keyboard

Once you’ve settled on picking one up, you may wonder what makes a good gaming keyboard. First, look at the size of the keyboard. Some keyboards have everything you look for on top of a few media keys and reprogrammable buttons. Others remove the number pad on the side to make it smaller and easy to move around. These are often called TKL keyboards. Both have benefits, and you need to consider the size of your hands, your desk space, and more when deciding what works for you.

There is also a distinction between optical switches and mechanical ones in keyboards. As a rule of thumb, optical switches are a little faster and more efficient, whereas mechanical switches provide more tactile feedback, avoid accidental presses,  and can be more satisfying to use.

Assuming you have considered how it looks, you can move on to build quality and any unique selling point.Generally, on the official site, the manufacturer will highlight  what they think makes it stand out. From here, look into what other people think through user reviews and draw your conclusions.

The Apex Pro is Steelseries’ top-of-the-line mechanical keyboard.

Gaming keyboard types

If you’re looking for the types of gaming keyboards, you are better off looking for what sets one apart. There are many variants, so it can be hard to identify where the differences start. Here are some things you should keep an eye on.

Know the size and layout of your keyboard. This will be important for long-term use. You don’t want to rush into a keyboard type that doesn’t work because it’s too big, too small, or missing keys you use regularly. Some may favor new keys and brand-new layouts, while others may prefer a more “classic” feel.

How to choose a Gaming Keyboard

The best gaming keyboard won’t always be the most impressive or expensive. If you’re looking to find out if a gaming keyboard is worth it for you, you have to know what you’re getting and even try it if possible. There are many factors to consider.

And don’t forget you aren’t just looking for the best keyboard; you’re looking for the best gaming keyboard and mouse. It would be best if you had something that fits with your desk and works alongside your setup. Conversely, some keyboards come with armrests, which can be great if you have space.

100 Thieves owns Higround, a company that makes custom keyboards for “hypebeasts.”

Also, make sure to check out our other guides:

The best PS5 controllers | The best mobile games to play in 2023 | Best gaming keyboards | Best CPU for gaming | Best PC controller | Best budget gaming desk | Best power bank for steam deck | Best 1440p Monitor for PS5 | Best gamecube controller for Switch and PC

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