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Disclosure: We may earn money from the products mentioned in this post.
So you've picked out your PC internals, you've spent a whole load of cash and you're tempted to skimp out on your peripherals? Not so fast my frugal friend, let me tell you why a proper gaming keyboard might be the best purchase you make.
You might not realise it, but the best gaming experience is heavily reliant on not only your PC internals but also the hardware you physically use.
But before we get into the top 5 list, let's quickly clear up a few technical terms that might not make sense.
What are membrane switches?
Simply put, membrane switches in a keyboard are ones whose keys are not separate moving parts.
Whereas mechanical switches have actual moving parts in them. This gives them the following benefits:
– Mechanical switches typically last longer than membrane switches (even with their moving parts)
– Mechanical switches will also have the same feedback response no matter how old they are. Membrane switches can often wear out over long periods of use and provide different levels of feedback
Don't worry about budget size, we've made sure to have a choice for people wanting to splash out and those who want a fantastic gaming keyboard without breaking the bank.
Best Gaming Keyboards 2019
1. SteelSeries Apex pro
| Technical Specifications | |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Backlighting | Yes (RGB Lighting) |
| Programmable/Macro Keys | Yes |
Starting off with what we feel is the current best gaming keyboard of 2019, the SteelSeries Apex Pro. There's a few very good reasons for this, the first being that it features a unique and stylish OLED display above the numpad.
Why do you need an OLED display there? Well why not, you can choose your favourite picture or GIF to sit in this OLED display and really make this your own personal keyboard.
Moving on from that gimmick it does actually serve an important purpose. Through this OLED display you can adjust your actuation, lighting and OLED brightness without having to tinker around in the software.
Having custom actuation for your keyboard actually makes it more accessible to a wider range of people.
The switches used are also magnetic which explains why this keyboard is so elegantly quiet. There's even RGB lighting because it's 2019 and that's pretty much the standard these days for a high-end keyboard.
So what do we think? Put simply, it's an exceptional achievement by SteelSeries and it could very well be the best keyboard we have ever had the pleasure of testing. It will set you back a fair amount, but if you have that sort of money to spend on a gaming keyboard then look no further.
2. Razer Huntsman Elite
| Technical Specifications | |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Backlighting | Yes (RGB Lighting) |
| Programmable/Macro Keys | Yes |
It was inevitable that a Razer product would end up on our list at some point, so here it is the Razer Huntsman Elite.
Let's get this out of the way early, it's not a cheap keyboard by any means but i'm guessing you figured that out already.
If you didn't know already, Razer has its own set of mechanical switches. These are of similar quality and feel to Cherry MX switches, but if you're not happy to use them then scroll on to the next gaming keyboard on our list.
Speaking of switches, this keyboard makes use of Razer's very first Optomechanical switch… a what??? Put simply, this type of switch utilises the best of mechanical switches and throws in a laser into the mix.
Trust us when we say that it's not a gimmick, this ingenious combination has created some of the fastest actuation we've ever experienced. If you require lightning fast key clicks then this keyboard should be of serious consideration to you.
Looking past the insanely quick actuation, it's also a pretty damn comfortable keyboard to type on. The palm wrest could be made a little bit less sharp around the edges but that's about the only design change we would make.
The keyboard itself is something of an art piece, everything key and feature is actually where you expect it to be. Again, RGB lighting makes another appearance so don't panic your Christmas tree PC setup will be complete.
In summary, it's an exceptional keyboard that will set you back a fair amount. It also requires 2 USB cables to power it, which isn't the end of the world. However, with all of the benefits it's still an absolutely amazing deal.
3. Logitech G513
| Technical Specifications | |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Backlighting | Yes (RGB Lighting) |
| Programmable/Macro Keys | Yes |
Another powerful entry in our top 5 gaming keyboards list. The Logitech G513 poses a powerful threat to mid-range keyboards everywhere with its range of features.
Much like Razer, Logitech often use their own Romer-G switches instead of Cherry MX ones. The Logitech G513 makes use of the Romer-G Linear switches which are a direct competitor to the Cherry MX Reds.
However, there is one key difference, whilst the the Cherry MX Red switches are great for gaming they aren't the best for typing. The Romer-G Linear switches provide you with the best of both worlds, great gaming performance along with a smooth typing experience.
Design is also another key feature, the brushed metal finish is simply immune to fingerprints and feels great to touch.
It's a fantastic step up from its predecessor, the Logitech G413. Although it's in a slightly higher price bracket, it more than makes up for this with a whole host of new features. It even has a stunning and vivid RGB lighting that could probably light up your entire desk.
4. Corsair K63 Wireless
| Technical Specifications | |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Funnily enough…) |
| Backlighting | Yes (RGB Lighting) |
| Programmable/Macro Keys | Yes (6 Dedicated macro buttons) |
We couldn't have a top 5 list without including the best wireless gaming keyboard now could we? Introducing the Corsair K63 Wireless, a feature packed wireless gaming keyboard that can turn into the ultimate gaming couch peripheral.
Packed full of Cherry MX Red switches and a complete RGB lighting setup you get the best of functionality and also style.
This keyboard runs at a 2.4GHz connection which we found to be 100% stable during our test run.
Be sure to turn off the backlight if you want to make the most of this keyboard's battery life. Having it turned off will provide you with, roughly, a total of 75 hours of usage. However, this drops very quickly depending on how bright your backlight is. If you have it set to maximum brightness then expect somewhere in the region of only 10 hours of battery life.
Cherry MX Red switches make this a formidable keyboard for gaming, but don't get too excited about typing on it as it can feel a little lackluster.
There's not really a better wireless gaming solution on the market. If having a wireless keyboard is a must then this should be your go to, it's not the most expensive wireless keyboard so it won't break the bank either.
5. Razer Cynosa Chroma
| Technical Specifications | |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Backlighting | Yes (RGB Lighting) |
| Programmable/Macro Keys | Yes |
Last, but certainly not least, on our list is the Razer Cynosa Chroma. An exceptionally good value for money membrane gaming keyboard.
This is the choice for anyone who needs a cheap gaming keyboard and isn't entirely sure if they should splash out on premium models.
Don't be fooled, it might have a small price tag but it doesn't lack features. The membrane switches have a 1ms polling rate which provides you with a super responsive experience.
Like every other keyboard on this list, the Razer Cynosa Chrome comes with stunning RGB lighting that improves any PC setup.
Whilst it doesn't come with standalone macro keys, if this is an important feature for you then there are plenty of other options.
Also, if you're someone who is prone to spilling liquids on your keyboards then fear not. Because membrane switches are used instead of mechanical you'll be happy to know that it is waterproof.
For the price you pay, you'll be hard-pressed to find something better that offers the same performance and build quality. This definitely wins our award for being the best budget gaming keyboard for 2019.
That's about all we have time for today! We hope you found this post useful and if you're looking for some additional components and need some recommendations why not check out our other posts:
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