The best gaming keyboard in 2022: Tenkeyless, 60%, optical and more

A black image with three keyboards and the text "Best gaming keyboard 2022"Dexerto

Looking for the best gaming keyboard in 2022? We’ve rounded up our top picks for all shapes, sizes, and technologies.

Choosing your new keyboard is never easy and in 2022, it’s never been more of a crucial decision. Whether you’re working from home, or even just keeping up to date with your favorite game, can mean the difference between a massive waste of cash and time or something that sticks around for years.

There are so many things to think about, from size, form factor, switches, and customization options. It can get pretty dizzying to look for your next keyboard. So here’s us, with our many keyboard reviews coming in to tell you what our top recommendations are across the many on offer.

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Contents

Wooting 60HE: The best gaming keyboard for esports

Wooting 60HEDexerto

Sporting a 60% layout, hall-sensing magnetic switches, in addition to incredible software, the Wooting 60HE is the best gaming keyboard for those looking for the highest performance possible. The rapid-trigger functions in tandem with the excellent software suite making the Wooting 60HE the fastest gaming keyboard by a long shot. All the while, you can customize the board to your will. For those looking for the best esports performance, this is undoubtedly the best gaming keyboard that money can buy right now.

However, you have to be comfortable with the 60% layout, but if you wanted to take customization further, you can pop the board into any other standard custom 60% chassis.

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Tachyon mode allows for a sub 1ms latency, which not many other gaming keyboards can manage to achieve. while also allowing for analog inputs in certain games, which emulates the smooth actuation of a joystick.

This keyboard really has it all, don’t sleep on this.

You can read more about the Wooting 60HE in our perfect, 10/10 review.

Key specs

  • Switch type: Lekker linear60 (Hot-swappable)
  • Keycaps: Double-shot PBT (ANSI only)
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Form factor: 60%
  • Lighting; RGB, configurable through Wootility.io
  • Features: Fully customizable analog inputs, less than 1ms response time, rapid trigger, three programmable keyboard layers, full remapping functionality, universal tray mount.
  • Price: $174.99
  • Where to buy: Wooting

Higround Basecamp series: The best 65% keyboard

Higround Basecamp gamingDexerto

The Higround Basecamp keyboard is probably one of the best out-of-box keyboard experiences you can have. Equipped with Higround’s own switches on a hot-swappable board, which is bolstered by great sound dampening.

With PBT keycaps and fully-lubed switches and stabilizers, the board feels buttery smooth. For the asking price, the Higround Basecamp offers a premium keyboard experience that should make other brands wince, they are just doing almost everything right. Though, we do still take issue with the keyboard’s relatively meager software offering.

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You can read more about the Higround Basecamp in our review.

Key specs

  • Switch type: TTC White Flame (Hot-swappable)
  • Keycaps: 1.5mm thick PBT Dye-Sub
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Form factor: 65%
  • Lighting; RGB, configurable via keyboard macro
  • Features: 1000-Hz, Anti-ghosting, NKROAluminum plate, dual silicon dampening, transluscent frame.
  • Price: $135.00
  • Where to buy: Higround

Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro: The best overall gaming keyboard

Razer BlackWidow V3 ProRazer
Razer’s latest keyboard, the BlackWidow V3 Pro, offers wireless convenience without sacrificing input latency.

Buy the Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro: Razer US, Razer UK & Amazon UK,

The Razer Blackwidow and its subsequent models look great, come with a comfy armrest, and also come in a couple of different flavors. You can also use it entirely wirelessly via Razer Hyperspeed, or Bluetooth. The board comes in two flavors of switches, either Razer Greens, which are tactile and clicky or Razer Yellow, smooth, linear switches that are much more suited to high-octane gaming. 

With a semi-transparent legend, you’ll be able to get all of that Razer Chroma goodness with shine-through keycaps and RGB control via Razer Synapse.

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Key Specs

  • Switch type: Razer Green (Clicky) / Razer Yellow (Linear)
  • Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS
  • Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth & 2.4Ghz wireless
  • Features: Multi-function digital roller, cable routing options, N-Key roll-over, programmable macro keys, gaming mode option, on-board memory, Aluminum construction.
  • Lighting: Razer Chroma
  • Release date: September 28, 2020
  • Price: $229 / £229
  • Where to buy: Razer US, Razer UK, Amazon UK

If you’re not a fan of the full-sized Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro, you should take a look at smaller options such as the Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini (Razer US, Razer UK, Amazon US, Amazon UK), which has a smaller layout. Or, if Razer just isn’t your thing, you might want to check out the Steelseries Apex Pro (Steelseries US, Steelseries UK)

Corsair K100 (Optical-Mechanical): The best optical gaming keyboard

An image of the Corsair K100 keyboard in blackCorsair
The K100 has some powerful features under the hood.

Buy the Corsair K100: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Corsair is no stranger to the PC Peripherals market, and their most compelling all-round gaming keyboard is the K100, which has an optical-mechanical variant that could potentially heavily affect the way you’re able to move in games. As the name implies, optical switches allow you to actuate the key and have the game recognize it as an analog input, allowing you to fine-tune your game in a way that you simply can’t on other traditional mechanical keyboards.

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With an enormous range of customizable RGB options, this wired board comes with a ridiculously fast 0.25ms response time, and up to 8,000Hz polling rate, all powered by Corsair’s ‘Axon’ processing tech.

Key Specs

  • Switch type: Corsair OPX RGB optical-mechanical switches (Linear) / Cherry MX Speed Silver (Linear)
  • Keycaps: PBT Plastic
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Features: Up to 200 profiles, mappable macro keys, multi-function wheel, additional textured keycaps, up to 8000Hz polling rate
  • Lighting: Corsair iCue
  • Release date: October 14, 2020
  • Price: $229 / £249
  • Where to buy: Amazon US, Amazon UK

The Corsair K100 gaming keyboard is an incredibly accomplished board. But, if you’re looking for something that might leave a smaller footprint while also having quick switches, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed (Logitech US, Logitech UK) is a great alternative and is also one of the best gaming keyboards around, though it is getting a little bit long in the tooth at this point.

Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro: The best low-profile gaming keyboard

Dexerto

The Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro is Razer’s latest foray into the world of low-profile keyboards, going so far as developing their own switches, which are dampened by silicone to produce a quality typing experience. However, most significantly, Razer has also created these low-profile switches to also be optical. This means that you could get some fantastic gaming performance on the board. 

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The board looks clean, and also comes with a helpful dose of fantastically evenly-lit RGB, as well as having media control features and a full numpad. This accomplished board is extremely expensive, however, but if you have the cash, this is absolutely one of the best boards you can buy today. Key specs

  • Switch type: Razer low-profile optical switch (Linear / Clicky)
  • Keycaps: ABS
  • Connectivity: Razer Hyperspeed, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
  • Form factor: Full-size
  • Features: Aluminum top plate, volume rocker, RGB, multi-device switching
  • Lighting: Razer Chroma RGB
  • Battery life: up to 40 hours
  • Release date: August 2022
  • Price: $249.99/ £249.99
  • Where to buy: Razer

For more info, be sure to check out our full review.

Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro: The best tenkeyless gaming keyboard

The Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro gaming keyboardRoccat
The thin keycaps may be offputting to some tastes.

Buy the Roccat TKL Vulcan Pro: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Our last choice to check out is the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro. It is a tenkeyless board, which means it gets rid of the number pad, which is often not necessary in most games. Sporting a curious design with plate-mounted switches, this is an RGB-lover’s dream, and it also packs a punch with optical switches, which have a 1.4mm travel, meaning there’s a bit more leeway to the bottom out on the switch in comparison to the 1mm Corsair K100. 

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The plate mounting means that this keyboard will be pretty loud, so if you have young children or a spouse who doesn’t like clacking along, then you may wish to avoid this particular keyboard.

Key Specs

  • Switch type: Roccat Titan Switch Optical (Linear)
  • Keycaps: ABS
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Features: Integrated memory, Roccat Easy-Shift, 32-bit processor, 1000Hz polling rate
  • Lighting: Roccat AIMO
  • Release date: Late 2020
  • Where to buy: Amazon US, Amazon UK

This all being said, there are so many great keyboard alternatives out there. Keep an eye on what people say and test as many as you possibly can. A good keyboard will do what it needs to – a great one will fit into your setup and make gaming even more fun. But, the Roccat TKL Vulcan pro manages to save on space, while also being an incredibly performant gaming keyboard, especially if you are looking for those all-important optical switches to step up your game in certain titles. Honestly, the tech is still a little bit early when it comes to getting full compatibility across titles, but if you absolutely need the input then it’s definitely something that you should look into. 

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Mountain Everest 60: The best 60% gaming keyboard

The Mountain Everest 60 with BLUE RGB illuminating it on a Black mousepadDexerto

You can buy the Mountain Everest 60 directly from their store (USUK)

The Mountain Everest 60 has it all, from hot-swappable switches to an excellent typing experience out of the box, you won’t be disappointed by this premium 60% board. It also manages to retain the arrow keys, in a move that simply leaves most other 60% boards in the dust.

For those that still need a Numpad, you can purchase one separately from Mountain’s store, and it can slot into the left or right-hand side. To top it all off, it’s not too expensive either, coming in at a reasonable $139.99.

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Key specs

  • Switch type: Mountain Tactile 55, Linear 45, Linear 45 Speed
  • Keycaps: Double-shot PBT shine-through 
  • Connectivity: USB-C
  • Form factor: 60%
  • Features: Lubed and clipped stabilizers, optional Numpad, foam and silicone dampening, multiple USB-C inputs, magnetic height adjustment, 1000Hz polling rate, 5 profiles
  • Lighting: Mountain Basecamp
  • Release date: Spring 2022
  • Price: $139.99 / £119.99
  • Where to buy: Mountain (USUK)

For more on the Mountain Everest 60, be sure to check out our full review.

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Gaming Keyboard Vs Regular Keyboard: What’s the difference?

As you may guess from the name, gaming keyboards are designed to work for gaming. They often give cut down on a player’s reaction time and let you get across it quicker. This could mean shorter draw time, a different layout, or just a smoother experience. They are often high quality and filled with smart ideas and unique functions. 

Generally, a good gaming keyboard tends to be more expensive but, if you play a lot, it’s worth that investment up front. Don’t let all that RGB and flashy marketing get in the way – gaming keyboards are absolutely worth your time. Perhaps one of the biggest changes is the switch from membrane switches to mechanical ones. 

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What are mechanical switches and N-Key rollover?

Mechanical switches are one of the most common types of switches that gaming keyboards use and they tend to be more durable, efficient, and have a faster response time. They also tend to have N-Key rollover, meaning they register multiple keys at once. If you happen to press a bunch, it will feed them to your computer in the order you put them in. This is great for those looking to game at a high speed. Membrane keyboards may get a little lost in all this information. 

Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard side viewLogitech
You can choose between Linear, Clicky, and Tactile Quiet switches.

This being said, membrane switches aren’t useless. They tend to be softer, quieter, and cheaper to purchase, making them great for someone who wants to use a PC casually. If you have a gaming keyboard, it will likely have one of a few different types of switches. Linear switches tend to have a smooth press – hitting the bottom and coming back up again. Gamers tend to pick these for their efficient movement and relative easiness. 

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Tactile switches, on the other hand, have a slight pushback when pressed. This allows you to register a hit and move on. They are satisfying to use and are of particular use to someone touch typing or someone who plans on doing a lot of writing. Clicky is the final type, giving a sound and bump, at the expense of some efficiency. They are satisfying and tell you directly when something has been hit. If you can, it’s worth experimenting to find out what type you prefer, especially since many gaming keyboards offer the chance to pick your switches when buying them.

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What to look for in a Gaming Keyboard

Once you’ve settled on picking one up, you may be wondering what makes a good gaming keyboard. First, look at the size of the keyboard. Some keyboards have everything you look for on top of a few media keys and reprogrammable buttons. Others remove the number pad on the side to make it smaller and easy to move around. These are often called TKL keyboards. There are benefits to both and you need to think about the size of your hands, your desk space, and more when deciding what works for you. 

There is also a distinction between optical switches and mechanical ones in keyboards. As a rule of thumb, optical switches are a little faster and more efficient, whereas mechanical switches are a little nicer and more satisfying to use. 

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Assuming you have taken into account how it looks, you should then move on to build quality and any unique selling point – almost all keyboards have a special reason why people use them. Generally, on the official site, they will tell you what makes it stand out. From here, look into what other people think through user reviews and draw your conclusions. 

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steelseries apex pro mechanical keyboardSteelseries
The Apex Pro is Steelseries’ top-of-the-line mechanical keyboard.

Gaming keyboard types

If you’re looking for the types of gaming keyboards, you are better off looking for what sets one apart. There are tonnes of archetypes and setups but it’s hard to find where the line between keyboards starts. For that reason, here are some things you should keep an eye on. 

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Know the size and layout of your keyboard. This will be important for long-term use. You don’t want to rush into a keyboard type that just doesn’t work for you because it’s too big, too small, or missing keys that you use regularly. Where some may favor new keys and brand new layouts, others may prefer a more “classic” feel. 

As well as this, some opt for a different angle to press against, whereas others have a comfortable armrest. Instead of looking at keyboard types, the thing that really sets them apart is their central selling point and build. 

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How to choose a Gaming Keyboard

The best gaming keyboard won’t always be the most impressive or expensive one. If you’re looking to find out if a gaming keyboard is worth it for you, you have to really know what you’re getting and even give it a try for yourself if possible. There are so many little factors to consider

As well as this, you aren’t just looking for the best keyboard, you’re looking for the best gaming keyboard and mouse. You need something that fits with your desk and works alongside your setup. If you’re focusing on a clean setup, something big and clunky may not work well. Conversely, some keyboards come with armrests, which can be great if you have the space for them. 

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Higround Custom 100 Thieves Keyboard100 Thieves
100 Thieves owns Higround, a company that makes custom keyboards for “hypebeasts.”

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