Best Gaming Keyboards — Summary & Picks
Summary of a recent Engadget roundup of the best gaming keyboards: the guide prioritizes mechanical keyboards (especially TKL and smaller layouts), favors linear or analog-style switches for gaming responsiveness, and values solid build quality, PBT keycaps, hot‑swappability, and useful companion software. Wooting’s 80HE is named the top overall pick for its analog control. The guide covers options for compact builds, wireless setups, budget models, and high‑end magnetic/Hall‑effect keyboards.
What to look for
- Mechanical vs non‑mechanical: Mechanical switches are preferred for durability and feel.
- Size: Tenkeyless (TKL) or smaller to keep your mouse close and reduce arm strain.
- Switches: Linear (red) for many gamers; Hall effect and optical switches offer analog features and custom actuation.
- Keycaps & build: Double‑shot PBT keycaps, stiff frames, stable stabilizers, and hot‑swappable PCBs are ideal.
- Connectivity & software: Detachable USB‑C, 2.4GHz wireless (not Bluetooth) for low lag, and easy companion software for macros.
How it was tested
The reviewer used each keyboard as a daily driver for several days, testing across shooters (Counter‑Strike 2, Valorant), action games (Hi‑Fi Rush), RPGs (Baldur’s Gate 3), and racing (Forza Horizon 5). Emphasis was placed on latency, typing feel, stabilizer noise, battery life (for wireless), and software usability.
Top picks & links
- Wooting 80HE — Editor’s top pick for analog control. Search on Amazon: Wooting 80HE (Amazon search)
- Wooting 60HE+ — Compact 60% analog option. Search: Wooting 60HE+ (Amazon search)
- Lemokey P1 HE — Hall effect magnetic switches, solid aluminum build. Product page: Lemokey P1 HE — Amazon search: Lemokey P1 HE (Amazon search)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Gen 3) — Wireless option with adjustable actuation. Search: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (Amazon search)
- Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid — Magnetic-switch alternative from a major brand. Search: Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid (Amazon search)
- Sony Inzone KBD-H75 — 75% magnetic Hall effect option with PBT keycaps. Search: Sony Inzone KBD-H75 (Amazon search)
Notes & buying advice
Analog/Hall effect keyboards offer extra customization (adjustable actuation, rapid trigger), but they’re pricier and not essential for single‑player gamers. For most users, a well‑built mechanical TKL with PBT keycaps and a decent companion app is a meaningful upgrade. Consider whether you want wireless, hot‑swappability, and the layout size before buying.
Source: Engadget (original roundup)
Did you upgrade recently?
Tell us your current keyboard model and why you like or dislike it — we may update this post with reader experiences.