Top 10 Best Gaming Keyboards of 2020

We’re kicking off this list with a keyboard that prioritises function instead of form. Sure, this deck looks pretty slick, and it makes use of super-responsive Cherry MX mechanical switches, but the biggest asset of the ROG Strix Scope is its FPS-geared layout. If you’re looking to nab precious milliseconds on the battlefield then the ROG Strix Scope’s compact form factor is great, reducing overall stretch time, particularly for the bottom row keys. Speaking of, the Ctrl key on this keyboard has actually been widened for ease of use. Of course, we can’t not mention the silver-finished WASD keys.

If you want your gaming keyboard loaded with clever features, then this Apex 7 model from SteelSeries is an awesome choice. First off, as it’s a SteelSeries model, its aircraft-grade aluminium build quality is second-to-none. Its RGB lighting is phenomenal too, offering pretty much endless amounts of per-key customisation. Then there’s its OLED display, which lets you quickly and swiftly tweak settings and even display imagery. The ability to choose from linear Red, tactile Brown, and clicky Blue switches is a great plus point too. Add to that its USB passthrough and velte magnetic wrist support, and you’ve got one of the most rounded gaming keyboards on the market.

Although this keyboard is relatively understated in terms of aesthetics, it does not go cheap on features. First off, you can choose between brown, red or blue Cherry MX switches. There’s also extensive RGB backlighting, USB passthrough, dedicated media controls and a detachable wrist rest. And for those worried about ghosting, the Alloy Elite also supports full N-key rollover, so no key presses will go unregistered. We love the fact that this board comes with an extra set of silver WASD and number key caps too, for those who want to add a bit of extra flair and precision.

The Apex 3 is proof that you can buy a keyboard that is both premium and budget at the same time. With 10-zone RGB lighting, this board looks high-end. It also has an IP32 water resistance rating, which is surprising given its price tag. Although it may utilize whisper-quiet membrane switches rather than more traditional mechanical ones, it still manages to offer things like dedicated media controls, a full-size number pad layout, and it is compatible with SteelSeries’ Engine 3 customisation software. The Apex 3 is the perfect pick for those looking to dip their toe in the elite side of gaming, without spending a lot.

On the subject of affordable membrane switch keyboards, we can’t not mention the Razer Cynosa Chroma - which is not to be confused with the slightly pricier Razer Cynosa V2. This board may not have as many frills as its more expensive Razer siblings, like media controls or even a wrist rest, but it still offers extensive per-key or zonal RGB lighting that looks stunning. On the membrane key front, we love this board’s low profile look - and if you are specifically in the market for a membrane set-up, this board should definitely be on your shortlist.

Gaming keyboards can be bulky. So if you want to keep things a little more streamlined, then this Logitech G915 TKL is an awesome choice. And if the name sounds familiar, that’s because it’s a scaled down version of the G915 Lightspeed - and by scaled down we mean you don’t get the Lightspeed’s G keys or numpad - which means it’s about 2 to 3 inches smaller than other popular gaming keyboards. It may be smaller, but you still get gorgeous RGB lighting, the choice of either tactile, clicky or linear mechanical switches, and wireless functionality that allows you to connect via Bluetooth or USB dongle.

The majority of the keyboards on this list use the ever popular Cherry MX switches - but not the Roccat Vulcan. This harcore-looking keyboard uses Roccat’s own Titan switches, which offer almost silent operation and superb tactile feedback, a difficult combo to find in the gaming world. There’s also the added convenience of a detachable wrist rest. The look of this keyboard cannot be overstated though - with its sleek braided cable and anodised aluminum construction offers a rock solid build quality. In fact, it weighs around 2.5 pounds. Its highly-customizable RGB Aimo lighting is one of the brightest in the bizz too.

This keyboard is pricey, but if you’re looking for a serious leg up on the competition - specifically when it comes to speed - then the Huntsman Elite will give you just that. And that’s mainly because of its hybrid switches. The idea of combining mechanical switches and optical sensors is pretty controversial, but Razer pulls it off with aplomb here. The optomechanical switches on this keyboard are lightning fast, and you’ll be hard pressed to find anything quicker on the gaming market. Sure, it may take two USB cables to power this beast, but if you want to show people that you’re a force to be reckoned with, look no further!

The Apex Pro has all the premium features of the Apex 7 we mentioned earlier - like its OLED display and impressive RGB lighting, but it has a pretty significant trick up its sleeve - OmniPoint magnetic switches. These switches allow you to completely customise the actuation points of the keys - and you can do this for individual keys across the deck. Stretching to reach certain keys can slow you down, but having the ability to toggle actuation settings allows you to balance things out. And even though this keyboard is highly-sophisticated, we kinda love its retro-looking raised keycaps.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Sure, this keyboard is one of the most expensive out there, but with its excellent build quality and myriad of features, we think it’s definitely worth the extra cash. This anodised, brushed aluminium keyboard may be wired instead of wireless, but it makes up for it with its sophisticated and gorgeous-looking RGB lighting, USB passthrough, three user profiles, dedicated media controls and six dedicated macro keys. We love that this keyboard has fast 1.2 mill Cherry MX speed switches too, which feature double shot keycaps - in other words, the lettering of the keys won’t fade and you get a premium feeling texture to go with it!