Top Keyboards 2023

The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is an outstanding keyboard for gaming. It feels very well-built and has extra features like macro-programmable keys and a Game Mode that acts as a Windows key lock. It uses linear Kailh Silver Speed switches that don’t require much force to actuate and provide a very responsive feel. The keyboard also comes with full RGB backlighting that’s easily customizable within the fantastic companion software.

Excellent gaming keyboard. The Cooler Master MK730 we tested has Cherry MX Blue switches, which have a low pre-travel distance and offer good tactile feedback. All keys are macro-programmable and there's full RGB backlighting. Also, it's a fairly well-built keyboard that comes with a wrist rest, which is unfortunately on the smaller side.

The Razer BlackWidow Chroma (Origin PC Edition) is the most tricked-out keyboard in Razer's lineup, with a full numpad, macro keys and extensive lighting and software options. The company's own Green switches are on board, but the stabilizers flanking the larger keys can be problematic. (The same applies to the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, with the exception of its more limited lighting options and a lower price tag.)

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL 2023 is an outstanding gaming keyboard. It has remarkably low latency, and the OmniPoint switches allow you to fine-tune the sensitivity of your keypresses to best suit your preferences and the game you're playing. It also feels well-built, and the PBT keycaps have a pleasant texture for added grip. There's also an included wrist rest for added comfort, a rare feature on smaller TKL keyboards.

The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is an outstanding gaming keyboard. The linear HyperX red switches are light to actuate and have a fairly short pre-travel distance, meaning they feel very responsive. The keyboard as a whole feels incredibly well-built thanks to its solid aluminum case, and the RGB backlighting shines through each key, and you can easily customize it in the companion software. It also has incredibly low latency, and all keys are macro-programmable using the companion software. On the downside, its ergonomics are only okay as it's a high-profile board that doesn't come with a wrist rest, though it does have two incline settings to alleviate any strain.

The Ducky One 3 is an exceptional gaming keyboard. It feels very well-built and has remarkably low latency. The Cherry MX Brown switches feel light and responsive and have a small tactile bump to overcome. However, this keyboard is also available in a range of other Cherry MX switches, and it's hot-swappable, so you can use switches of your choice without soldering. This keyboard also has full RGB backlighting. However, its keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so you may not be able to read them in dark rooms. You can set macros to any of its keys, but there isn't any dedicated software, so all macro assignments and settings adjustments are made with key combinations right on the board itself.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is decent for gaming. The rubber dome switches are fairly light to press, but they have a long pre-travel distance. All keys are macro-programmable, and it has RGB backlighting, but the keys aren't individually lit, so you can only customize the lighting to 8 zones. Sadly, the latency is high for competitive gamers, but it should be fine for casual gamers.

The ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is great for mobile use. It's a compact keyboard that should fit into most bags, and it has good build quality. It has multi-device pairing with up to three devices over Bluetooth, and there's blue backlighting in case you need to use it in a dark environment. Unfortunately, it has a high profile, so typing on it may feel tiring because it doesn't have a wrist rest.

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is an outstanding gaming keyboard. It features proprietary HyperX Red switches, which have a low actuation force. It has full RGB backlighting and every key is macro-programmable. Sadly, using it may feel tiring for long gaming sessions and it doesn't come with a wrist rest.

The Razer Huntsman Elite is an outstanding gaming keyboard. The Linear Optical switches on our unit feel incredibly responsive due to their low actuation point, and they require hardly any force to actuate. There's full RGB backlighting, you can reassign or set a macro to any key, and its dedicated media controls include a customizable volume dial. Unfortunately, there aren't any dedicated macro keys for MMOs.