Gaming on computers has progressed significantly in the last several years. People are increasingly seeking the quickest and most convenient gaming options.

Even the most frequent problem of being unable to properly game on a couch with a PC has been addressed due to lapdogs introduced by companies like Razer, Corsair, and Roccat.

Considering how much of the PC gaming industry has changed, from the physical components to the accessories, this isn’t surprising.

While gaming headphones and mice have remained mostly the same, keyboards have changed dramatically since PC gaming became popular.

For starters, keyboards used to have membrane keys in them back in the day, and some entry-level keyboards that cost about $10 still feature membrane keys. Mechanical switches have been used by keyboards intended for gaming.

Cherry MX, a German firm, and Kailh, a Chinese corporation, are both responsible for these switches. Aside from these two major manufacturers, there are many clones on the market that attempt to mimic the impact of these mechanical switches. Finally, Omron’s Romer G switches are utilized extensively in Logitech keyboards, including the G910.

These mechanical switches come in a variety of colors that correlate to their characteristics; for example, blue switches have a tactile bump and need a greater actuation effort, while red switches are linear, have no tactile bump, and require a lower actuation force. The brown switches are all in the same place.

These switches have made keyboards very quick and responsive in both gaming and typing, and they are the preferred choice of both gamers and typists both.

The market is now saturated with thousands of mechanical switches from a variety of manufacturers, and it’s easy to lose track of what you’re searching for.

While hardcore gamers and enthusiasts are well aware of where to search, newbie gamers and enthusiasts are often overwhelmed by the variety of options accessible.

To ensure that our readers do not face the same problem when purchasing gaming keyboards, we will discuss the best gaming keyboards presently available on the market.

To make it easier for readers to comprehend, we’ll divide each review into three categories: build quality, software, and typing/gaming. So, without further ado, here is a list of the best gaming keyboards for 2021 on the market.

10 Best Gaming Keyboard For Regular Use

The Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire is the first gaming keyboard on our list. Some may be surprised by this keyboard since it is essentially an upgraded version of the K70 RGB and the K70 RGB LUX.

If you’re curious what’s improved and what has not, bear in mind that you’ll be receiving an updated lighting controller as well as the all-new Cherry MX Speed switch, which is also known as the MX Silver switch due to its color.

The actuation force on this switch is the same as on the MX Red, however, the actuation point has been lowered from 2mm to 1.2mm.

For those who are unfamiliar, the actuation force is the amount of force needed to bottom out the key, whereas the actuation point is the distance a key must travel to register.

If you’re looking for a keyboard with the top-of-the-line build quality, the Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire comes with a completely aluminum construction, making it one of the most durable gaming keyboards on the market.

The whole front of the keyboard is encased in a beautiful, brushed metal frame that is both robust and attractive. The back is made of plastic, yet it is very comfortable. Furthermore, the accompanying removable wrist rest has a rubberized texture that feels great and aids typing greatly.

The cable is strong and braided, with two USB connections going out, one for the LEDs and one for the keyboard. There’s also a USB pass-through at the rear of the keyboard, as well as a polling rate hardware switch.

The cable is strong and braided, with two USB connections going out, one for the LEDs and one for the keyboard. There’s also a USB pass-through at the rear of the keyboard, as well as a polling rate hardware switch.

Overall, the build quality is excellent; unfortunately, Corsair’s choice to use ABS keycaps rather than the more robust PBT keycaps is a major flaw. ABS keycaps, as you may know, lose their matte appearance and become shinier.

Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) is used to control all LED features as well as configure the keyboard to your preferences. The good news is that the program is very comprehensive; however, the bad news is that it may be extremely difficult for novices to understand.

Generally, the software is excellent once you get the hang of it, and you can sync other Corsair peripherals with RGB lighting as well as build your profiles if you have other Corsair peripherals with RGB lighting. There’s also a unique function that allows you to download hundreds of profiles from the internet and upload your own.

That’s where things start to get interesting; believe it or not, the MX Speed/Silver switches make the keyboard very responsive and quick whether typing or gaming. Every keystroke is recorded without the need to bottom out the keycap, and the entire experience is very enjoyable.

When compared to MX Red switches, the switches are a little noisier, and there is no tactile bump. However, the general feel of the switches is excellent, with no mushiness in typing and precise outcomes whether typing or gaming.

The Razer BlackWidow Chroma is the next in line. For those who don’t know, Razer’s initial gaming keyboards were membrane keyboards, just like any other manufacturer. However, they eventually went on to mechanical keyboards.

While the fact that the BlackWidow Chroma uses Razer’s proprietary green and orange switches rather than Cherry MX’s may turn some people off, bear in mind that these switches are fantastic for both gaming and typing. Let’s have a peek without further ado.

The good news is that Razer has finally abandoned their all-plastic structure in favor of metal with this keyboard. This keyboard, like many other high-end mechanical keyboards, has a metal top that adds a layer of protection.

The keyboard has a USB pass-through as well as a speaker and microphone pass-through, and the wire is appropriately braided for optimum security.

Razer’s classic typeface looks fantastic, and the keycaps are well-designed. However, bear in mind that Razer chose ABS rather than PBT to keep the price down, but given how much more costly PBT is, we can forgive this.

Another thing to consider is that this keyboard does not have a removable wrist rest, and the one that is built-in to the keyboard may be smaller than some people like.

While Razer may not have developed the best gaming keyboard, they did manage to build the best customizing software available. The Razer Synapse 2.0 software is required for the BlackWidow Chroma to provide customization and macro options.

The Synapse 2.0 is very basic and nicely built when compared to software options such as Logitech’s Gaming software and Corsair Utility Engine.

Yeah, you won’t receive as many functions as the competitors, but you will get a program that is very well designed, responsive, and simple to use.

With that being noted, the Razer Synapse 2.0’s virtues are also its shortcomings; although this software is very easy to learn and use, its simplicity prevents it from being as comprehensive and configurable as the competition’s.

Now for the most essential part: this keyboard comes with Razer’s green and orange switches. Keep in mind that these switches are unmistakably rebranded Kailh switches. The typing experience on the green switches was mediocre at best, with no significant advantages over the Cherry MX switches.

In terms of gaming, the green switches outperform the rest of the keyboard, providing one of the best gaming experiences available.

While it isn’t the best gaming keyboard on the market, it is adequate and deserving of a place on our list.

The thing with Logitech and gaming peripherals is that they’ve always managed to remain one step ahead of the competition. The Orion line of peripherals piqued our interest, and given that we’re looking at the best keyboards on the market, we couldn’t pass up the G910 Orion Spark.

For those unfamiliar, the G910 Orion Spark is one of the first Logitech keyboards to use their own Romer G switches, which were developed in collaboration with none other than Omron. Is this a decent keyboard? Let’s have a look.

The keyboard is a monster in terms of size, but you’d be shocked to learn that Logitech chose brushed plastic over metal for the build quality. While this reduces the keyboard’s weight compared to the competition, it also gives the keyboard a cheap impression to those who examine it carefully.

Unfortunately, the keyboard does not have a pass-through, which is disappointing, particularly considering the price. Instead of the two USB braided cables seen on the Corsair range of keyboards, the G910 Orion Spark utilizes only one.

One feature we appreciate is that the keyboard comes with two removable wrist rests, each of which is somewhat different and designed to give you the comfort you want. Another smart feature of this keyboard is that it includes a dock where you can store your phone if necessary.

This keyboard, for those who don’t know, has ABS plastic keycaps that are aggressively sculpted and curved. While they may be better for gaming, the shape of these keycaps makes them unsuitable for typing.

There’s no disputing that Logitech’s Gaming software is one of the best customization programs we’ve ever seen. It’s simple to use, and it’s jam-packed with features that are plentiful and quick to locate.

Without further ado, we can simply state that this software combines the best elements of both the Razer Synapse and the Corsair Utility Engine to provide us with the best possible experience.

The modifications are extensive, and they’re so simple to access that you won’t even need to look at the instructions to learn all there is to know about the keyboard’s software.

The most essential consideration when purchasing a gaming keyboard is that you may wish to use the same keyboard for typing at some time in the future. This prevents you from being seduced by the game-centric features.

The main difference between the Logitech G910 Orion Spark and the Cherry MX or Kailh switches is that Romer G switches are used instead of Cherry MX or Kailh switches. These switches don’t feel anything like the Cherry MX or its clones, and they’re very different.

When typing or even gaming on these switches, the first thing you’ll notice is how quiet they are, which is a nice thing, but you’ll also note how mushily and dull they are.

They don’t feel like mechanical switches, to say the least. When you add in the poorly shaped keycaps, you’ve got yourself a catastrophe waiting to happen.

While the majority of the competition was busy producing keyboards with Cherry MX switches, Steel Series was content to stick with rubber dome switches. However, things changed dramatically, and the Steel Series has finally produced something fresh and unique.

Raise a toast to the Steel Series Apex M800, a mechanical keyboard that replaces Cherry MX, Kailh, and Romer G switches with proprietary QS100 mechanical switches. What is the Apex M800’s performance like? So, let’s see what happens.

In a world where aluminum-built keyboards are the norm, Steel Series has chosen to go with plastic construction. We can’t say we blame them since the keyboard is well-built and looks a lot nicer than some of the other keyboards we’ve seen.

You can see right away that this keyboard is designed for gamers. You’ll get two USB cables to plug in, one for the lighting controller and the other for the keyboard itself.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a wrist rest included, thus anyone seeking anything in that line may want to consider alternative options. Fortunately, Steel Series has added two USB ports on the back of the keyboard; however, these are not USB 3.0 ports, but they will do.

The Steel Series Apex M800 runs on Steel Series’ Engine 3 software, which, although it has an outdated UI, makes up for it with the simplicity of use and a large number of functions.

In other words, the software is comparable to Logitech’s Gaming software, but without aesthetics. However, we can’t complain about the software since it worked very effectively.

Now, this is where things start to become very intriguing. The Apex M800 utilizes a QS100 switch that looks a lot like Romer G switches, however, there’s no comparison when it comes to typing. In fact, among the mechanical switches that you have, you will not find any that have a comparable sensation.

The keycaps are quite short, almost like chiclet keys, and also the travel distance is about a quarter of what you’ll find on most gaming keyboards. These are linear switches, so they may feel a bit squishy. The good news is that the switches are very reliable.

Whether you’re gaming or typing, these switches are quick, and the shorter travel distance allows you to play FPS games without difficulty. While they aren’t quite as excellent as Cherry MX switches, they are still very decent.

The next keyboard on our list is one that many people are unfamiliar with. Das is one of the best keyboard brands on the market, and they are renowned for producing some of the best keyboards available. Both gamers and typists will benefit from it.

The Das Keyboard X40 is the company’s effort to create a decent gaming keyboard, and the good news is that it has succeeded in creating one of the best keyboards available. Let’s have a look at the Das Keyboard X40 without further ado.

You’ll be pleased to learn that the Das Keyboard X40 is composed of a mix of metal and plastic, as found on almost all high-end gaming keyboards. There is, however, one very positive aspect about it.

Unlike other designs, the metal top may be removed and replaced with a plate of a different color, giving you more personalization options than before.

For those that demand it, there is a USB pass-through as well as an audio pass-through, and the general design is neatly done without sacrificing too many functions. Last but not least, if you need one, you will also get a thick braided cable to make your typing experience even more pleasant.

The great thing about this keyboard is that it doesn’t need any software to operate; all of the functions can be handled directly from the keyboard. However, if you want more control over your keyboard, such as recording macros or customizing it, you may utilize the software.

Because there are no RGB LEDs on this keyboard, the software is as basic as it gets, which is exactly what most people want. In all honesty, the necessity for the software would not have existed if it hadn’t been for the thorough macro setup.

This is intriguing, however many people are unaware that this keyboard utilizes Alpha Zulu switches rather than the more common Cherry MX switches. Instead of the usual 2.0mm actuation point, these switches feature a 1.7mm actuation point. They should, therefore, be quicker than other switches.

In our typing and gaming testing, we discovered that this keyboard is a pleasure to use; the switches, although linear, provide a pleasant experience, and you can type without difficulty. The gaming experience was also pretty enjoyable.

Keep in mind that this keyboard is aimed at gamers, and although it may seem counter-intuitive, it performs better in gaming than in typing; nevertheless, that is a subjective opinion.

Overall, we have no complaints with the keyboard, and although the lack of RGB illumination should result in a lower price, the keyboard is still rather expensive.

Many people believe that Cooler Master is solely renowned for producing cases, power supplies, and coolers. Well, not anymore; you may be shocked to learn that the business is also well-regarded in the peripheral sector.

Today, we’ll have a look at a TKL (tenkeyless) Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid-i, which is one of Cooler Master’s best mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches. Let’s have a peek without further ado.

The build quality of any keyboard, as well as some of the other redeeming aspects, is crucial, and unsurprisingly, the build quality of this keyboard stays pretty satisfactory. The keyboard is made of solid materials throughout, and although the majority of the structure is plastic, the good news is that the components are strong, so you won’t damage your keyboard.

The keyboard is available with MX blue, brown, or red switches, and for those who don’t know, it just has a white LED, which looks great since white isn’t mixed with other colors.

ABS keycaps are used on the keyboard, and you also receive a braided cable that can be removed, which we like since it makes it easier to repair problems if the cable fails.

Given that this is a TKL keyboard, the total footprint is tiny enough to allow the keyboard to fit into tight places or your bag.

Here’s where things get interesting: rather than utilizing software to provide customization, Cooler Master has chosen to forego the software entirely and ensure that all of the functions you may use or program are available directly from the keyboard itself.

While this simplifies things, it also makes them more difficult since you now have to remember the combination of instructions you’ll need to utilize a certain feature. However, one advantage is that all of the features are kept on the keyboard, allowing you to make fast and simple modifications.

Overall, the lack of software may seem strange to some, but the fact that it’s very polished and simple to learn is a huge plus for this keyboard.

Cooler Master has made things as easy as possible. This fantastic keyboard is available in Cherry MX blue, red, and brown. Meaning, if you’re a gamer, the red switches are best, if you’re a typist, the blue switches are best, and if you require a mix of both, the brown switches are best.

Overall, typing on the keyboard was a pleasurable experience. We tried the blue variant, and even in gaming, it was a nice experience. This is the pinnacle of Cherry MX switches.

Cooler Master also did a fantastic job with the keycaps, which are excellent since they are simply built without any advanced features or odd curves to obstruct your typing experience, although they are ABS plastic.

Needless to say, the Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid-i has mastered the art of typing while gaming.

When Corsair first announced the K70 RGB, many people were concerned about the keyboard’s expensive price owing to its aluminum build. The Corsair Strafe RGB is a new type of mechanical keyboard from Corsair that offers everything you’re looking for.

The build is plastic, which is understandable given how much less expensive it is than the K70 RGB. However, just because it’s plastic doesn’t imply it’s terrible. Corsair has added additional flairs to the keyboard to make it even better, which will please even the most devoted K series fans.

The Strafe series isn’t constructed of metal; instead, Corsair has chosen high-quality plastic, which may put some people off, but there’s a catch.

The Strafe’s plastic build has enabled Corsair to include some improved features, such as a red faceplate that helps the RGB lights reflect and appear more vivid than the K series. In addition, there is an illuminated bar on both the right and left sides of the keyboard.

The keyboard comes with a hefty wire with two USB connections, which, as you would expect, is not braided. However, you should bear in mind that the cable will not break unless your cat nibbles on it.

There are some minor modifications, such as the removal of the volume dial and media buttons, but there is one nice addition on the top left: a concealed Corsair logo that will light up according to the lighting setting you choose.

When it comes to software, the most important thing to remember is that it is identical to that of the Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire. In fact, Corsair’s CUE controls all of the company’s peripherals (headphones, microphones, mousepads, and keyboards) (Corsair Utility Engine).

While the previous version of the software was very difficult to comprehend due to many features, it became considerably more user-friendly when the 2.0 version was released. Nonetheless, we don’t despise the software just because it requires the user to pay more attention. In fact, the level of customization offered by CUE is unmatched, and the option to share your profiles and download the profiles created by other users is a boon.

Overall, we hope Corsair would offer a “basic” option for those who just want little customization, but even without it, the software experience is fantastic as always.

The nice thing about the Corsair Strafe RGB is that it comes with a variety of switches, including the usual red, blue, and brown, as well as Cherry MX Silent switches. The red switches are designed for gamers, the blue switches are designed for typists, and the brown switches are balanced.

The silent switches are similar to red switches, but without the noise signature, and they are linear in the same way as red switches are. Needless to say, typing on all four switch types is still a pleasurable experience, and the same can be said for gaming.

Sure, the reds are quieter, and the blues will make some noise, but regardless of the job at hand, all of the switches are perfectly balanced.

The Corsair Strafe RGB is, in our view, one of the best keyboards on the market, and for those who can’t afford a K70, this is a fantastic alternative.

It’s a well-known truth that the Logitech G910 Orion Spark has more than 11 flaws, and there’s no denying it. So, in case that left a sour taste in your mouth, we’re giving you something new, something better.

Wave hello to the Orion Spectrum, the Orion Spark’s younger brother. The Orion Spectrum is part of Logitech’s budget gaming peripherals, and although it still utilizes Romer G switches, Logitech has made several modifications to improve the experience. Let’s have a look.

We understand why Logitech does not place a high priority on utilizing metal in its peripherals. That isn’t to say that the G810’s build quality isn’t dubious. Even though this keyboard is constructed of plastic, the build quality is very excellent, which is a positive.

The keyboard has a tiny overall footprint, and when you look at it, it reminds you of those old keyboards, but the good news is that everything is still sturdy.

One oddity about this keyboard is that Logitech chose a circular design for the media keys, which, although simple, looks strange when paired with the rest of the keys that aren’t round.

When it comes to the keys, Logitech ditched the G910’s bizarrely carved keycaps in favor of more traditional-looking keycaps, making the keyboard appear a lot more basic and easier to type on.

This should come as no surprise, given our previous experience with Logitech’s incredible gaming software, which is also utilized to operate this keyboard.

Setting up macros, as well as all of the lighting settings that are handled via the software, are all examples of control.

There are a lot of customization options here, and you can even connect your other Logitech peripherals with the lighting setting on this keyboard. While the software allows for a lot of customization, it doesn’t compare to the Corsair CUE, which continues to surprise us with its lighting options and flexibility.

Still, compared to the CUE, the software is a lot simpler to use, which is a nice thing, particularly if you’re a beginner looking for a few basic lighting effects.

The keycaps of the G910 were poorly constructed, so we didn’t receive a favorable impression the first time we tested the Romer G switches. With the classic design back in the mix, we’re taking another look at the same switches to see whether Logitech has redeemed itself.

The good news is that the new keycaps make the key switches feel a lot better, and although the general mushiness remains, the new keycaps make the experience a lot better than it currently is.

The G810 provides a much better gaming and typing experience than the G910, and although the overall sense of switches remains, it’s great to see Logitech making amends to its customers.

The only criticism we have is that this keyboard does not come with a wrist rest. We might understand that, but given the price, it doesn’t seem like a good idea.

If you like the Corsair K70, you should check out the Corsair K95 RGB, Corsair’s flagship mechanical keyboard with aluminum construction, a ton of macro keys, and one of the finest RGB implementations we’ve seen.

In a nutshell, the K95 is a larger version of the K70, and although both keyboards seem almost similar, the left side of the K95 has three columns of programmable keys, each with six buttons. The K95 is one of the most costly mechanical keyboards on the market, but it is also one of the finest, if not the best.

People would have purchased the K95 even if this whole area had been left empty because of Corsair’s build quality. The business is very devoted to the goods it creates, and although some may believe it is overcharging you, bear in mind that their excellent build quality compensates for it.

The keyboard is constructed like a tank, with an aluminum chassis that contrasts with the plastic sides and back. The keyboard is substantial in size and weight, and the USB cable is tightly braided and of high quality.

The keycaps have a matte surface and, despite being ABS, they look and feel great. The wrist rest is removable and, like the K70, has a rubberized surface that is very pleasant. Unfortunately, the K95 lacks a USB/audio pass-through port, which may be a disappointment for certain customers.

Without a doubt, the Corsair K95 is one of the best-built gaming keyboards we’ve ever used. Given that we’re back to utilizing CUE, there’s not much more to say about the software. It already provides a lot of customization, and if you’re brave and daring enough, you can go to advanced mode, which gives you fewer lighting modes but a lot more customization choices.

Although the remapped version is much superior to the original CUE, some individuals, particularly those new to the mechanical keyboard business, may find it overwhelming. With that out of the way, don’t forget that this is still a good piece of software with a lot of customization possibilities, but it would have been great if it was a little more straightforward.

Before we wrap up, it’s worth noting that Corsair did an excellent job at implementing the macro setting, which is very simple to comprehend and utilize.

Corsair has kept things basic and uncomplicated when it comes to typing and gaming. The firm isn’t utilizing any of the latest Cherry MX switches and is offering the keyboard in traditional red, blue, and brown colors.

As with any other Corsair mechanical keyboard, the gaming and typing experiences are the same. The switches are what you’d expect from Cherry, and there’s not much more to say about them, given how much we’ve gushed over Corsair more times than we can count.

Overall, the Corsair K95 is a pleasure to use for gaming and typing, and the additional 18 buttons on the left side of the keyboard are a delight for those who like a broader stance when typing.

You may assume Cherry is just permitted to create excellent keyboard switches, but you’d be mistaken. The Cherry MX Board 6.0 is a plainly labeled mechanical keyboard that comes directly from Cherry’s amazing manufacturers.

The keyboard is completely constructed of metal, which we all like, and it has a very basic, rubberized wrist rest that we all enjoy. The keyboard comes in a variety of color combinations, and we’ll take a look at what makes it unique today.

The only Corsair could produce the finest keyboards in terms of build quality until Cherry entered the picture. In all honesty, it’s one of the best-built keyboards we’ve seen in a long time, and it’s sturdy enough to compete with the K70 and K95.

The keyboard features an all-aluminum shroud that is sandblasted and has an anti-grease coating, the cable is neatly braided, and it only has one USB connection since the keyboard only has a red LED.

The wrist rest is comfortable and well-rubberized, ensuring that your typing experience is not hampered in any way. The wrist rest can be removed, in case you were wondering.

Overall, the build quality is excellent, demonstrating that Cherry didn’t leave any stone unturned when it came to construction quality.

The nice thing about this MX Board is that it doesn’t need any software to operate even the most basic keyboard functions. While some users may find controlling some of the customizable buttons challenging at first, it becomes second nature with time.

The fact that you only get red LEDs means there’s no way to customize the illumination is one of the reasons why this keyboard doesn’t come with software. Cherry is quite clear that this keyboard is designed for purists who don’t care about having all of the other flashy RGB features.

Although Cherry did not label this as a gaming keyboard, it is fair to say that it has all of the features that any gamer would want, particularly when it comes to the amount of usefulness you get out of it.

For starters, the Cherry MX Board 6.0 has red switches, which are designed specifically for gamers to provide the greatest possible experience. Furthermore, you will get a fantastic wrist rest that will offer the greatest degree of comfort for your wrists.

Everything about this keyboard screams “gamer,” and it does so while keeping things as simple as possible.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, gamers and typists. We’ve finally finished reviewing 10 of the top gaming keyboards on the market. Many people may be asking why we only included mechanical keyboards on our list, and the answer is straightforward.

Mechanical keyboards are becoming more and more accessible with each passing day, due to companies like Kailh making them more affordable. While these keyboards are mainly designed for games, the good news is that if you’re a highly oriented content producer or a writer in general, you’ll have a fantastic typing experience with them.

As you may have seen, Corsair is heavily represented on the list, and this is due to the company’s strong relationship with Cherry. Needless to say, remember that every mechanical keyboard on our list is worth a try and whether you like gaming or typing, you have a lot of options.

Please let us know if you think we overlooked any significant gaming keyboards that you believe should have been included in the list. Thank you so much for reading!