Playing your favorite games on a PC requires either a gamepad or a keyboard and mouse. It's possible to purchase a keyboard designed for gaming for as little as $20, but I'd recommend splashing out a little more if you can. The more you spend, the better the features you'll unlock access to. My collection of gaming keyboards will include some budget-friendly examples, as well as some of the best mechanical keyboards around.

  • Source: Keychron
    Keychron K3 Max
    Best low-profile keyboard
  • Source: Ducky
    Ducky One 3 TKL
    Best custom keyboard
  • Source: Roccat
    Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
    Best value keyboard
  • Best gaming keyboard
    RAZER BLACKWIDOW V4

    The Razer BlackWidow V4 is a top-tier gaming keyboard with Razer optical switches, a unique command dial, macro keys, and stunning RGB backlighting. This keyboard will help optimize your gameplay and push you to the top of the leaderboards.

  • Runner-up
    Keychron Q1 Pro
    Wireless
    Bluetooth only
    Backlight
    South-facing RGB LED
    Battery
    4,000mAh
    Num Pad
    None
    Switch Type
    Keychron K Pro Red, Keychron K Pro Brown, Keychron K Pro Banana
    Replaceable Keys
    Yes

    The Keychron Q1 Pro is the mechanical keyboard to choose for those who want to do some modding. It's available as a bare bones kit or a full assembled keyboard, depending on which you'd prefer. Feel free to swap out just about anything inside the chassis.

  • Best wireless keyboard
    Logitech G915 Lightspeed
    $200 $230 Save $30

    The Logitech G915 Lightspeed is a full-size wireless mechanical keyboard with plenty of high-end features and a premium build quality. It's expensive but well worth it if you're after the best PC gaming experience.

  • Best-performing keyboard
    Razer Huntsman V2
    $120 $250 Save $130

    The Razer Huntsman V2 features 2nd-generation Razer linear optical switches, new sound dampening mechanisms, programmable keys and Chroma RGB lighting. it also includes media controls and a multi-function dial.

  • Bes budget keyboard
    Havit KB487L

    Havit KB487L is a super-affordable mechanical keyboard with a focus on perfecting as much of the absolute base experience as possible.

  • Best low-profile keyboard
    Keychron K3 Max

    Keychron's K3 is designed around a wireless connection with your PC, using low-profile Gateron switches for quick keystrokes. This allows you to type thousands of words or make quick in-game movements with little effort, resembling an experience that of a laptop.

  • Best custom keyboard
    Ducky One 3 TKL

    This keyboard has it all. Improved stabilizers, a revamped PCB, full hot-swap support for switches, a variety of designs and configurations, sound dampening, and even per-key programmable RGB lighting. If you want a custom mod-friendly keyboard, you can't go wrong with the Ducky One 3 TKL.

  • Best value keyboard
    Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
    $80 $100 Save $20

    The Roccat Vulkan TKL Pro is a gaming keyboard with an emphasis on in-game performance. It's wired, is more compact, and has excellent switches with great feedback for intense sessions.

How to choose the best gaming keyboard

There are some factors to bear in mind when shopping around for a keyboard, especially one for playing PC games. The most important part of a keyboard is the price, which will determine how much you're comfortable paying for one. With mechanical keyboards, you'll have plenty of choices available for the kind of switch used. Not all switches feel and sound the same. Some are more "clicky" and louder than others, while there are switches for those who prefer silence and less tactile feedback.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 is one of the best gaming keyboards around and for good reason. Razer has perfected this keyboard over the years and the latest version brings together the best of what the brand has to offer with in-house switches and other improvements over V3. If you're already using a Razer mouse, the BlackWidow V4 will be able to connect to the same software for easier management of both peripherals. The excellent switches, cool lighting effects, and handy programmable buttons will take your gaming to the next level.

Roccat's Vulcan TKL Pro is a good pick for saving money and getting the most bang for your buck. This mechanical keyboard has optical switches, which are usually reserved for more expensive keyboards. Its clean design and responsive feel make it one of the better-value keyboards out there.