Best Gaming Keyboard 2023: 9 top picks from Asus, Razer and more

The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless was lucky enough to score five stars from us alongside a Trusted Reviews Recommended badge, putting it firmly at the top of this list. It provides a solid frame with a plastic chassis and metal top plate, bringing a decent amount of heft that makes it feel very sturdy to type on. 

Our model came with pre-lubricated NX Snow switches; the lubrication makes them extremely smooth to type on with no form of scratchiness and a very short amount of travel, making them feel supremely snappy to the touch. The keyboard is also hot-swappable, so you can use any switches you like, so long as they conform to the MX standard of a 3-pin or 5-pin mounting. 

The Strix Scope II 96 Wireless comes with a quoted battery life of up to 1500 hours when using the bundled 2.4GHz receiver, so long as the RGB lighting is disabled. We didn’t have to top this keyboard up even once during our review period, so you can rest easy knowing that there is no fear of it dying halfway through a gaming session. 

Download the Asus ROG Armoury Crate application and you can fiddle with the RGB lighting capabilities of this keyboard as much as you like. We did find the software to be a little slow at times, but we were able to remap keys and customise the lighting as well as the functions of the wheel in the top right corner. 

The only downside of the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is that it does not come with a lot of software customisation compared to some other keyboards out there. However, if you prefer hardware-driven personalisation and favour a study and sleek build, then the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a very good choice. It scored five stars for a reason, and if you’re happy to pay the premium prices, then you will be treated to a premium experience.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless

The Asus ROG Azoth really impressed us during testing – to such an extent that we placed it right at the top of our best gaming keyboard ranking. It flaunts high-end features such as hot-swappable switches and a bundled lubing kit, allowing you to configure the performance to your liking.

Stick with the default switches, and you’ll still benefit from a fantastic performance. We loved using the NX Red switches, which we felt provide a light and buttery smooth performance.

The Azoth supports wireless connectivity, in the form of both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. This not only provides a lot of flexibility, but also allows the user to swap between two devices seamlessly, which we really appreciated. Our testing showed battery life to be excellent, lasting over 2000 hours, while the OLED display is a fun addition that lets you view the likes of battery percentage and media playback settings.

The downside of this laptop is undoubtedly the price, costing near £300. But if you’re on the hunt for a high-end gaming performance with oodles of customisation options, then this is the best gaming keyboard we’ve tested so far.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Asus ROG Azoth Review

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog features a clever trick in the form of its clever analog switches. They essentially bring the powers of progressive inputs and controller-like accuracy to a keyboard. We found them to offer some incredible accuracy when playing a range of different games from racers to shooters.

The Huntsman V2 Analog looks superb with a sturdy and thick plastic frame that we found to offer no flex whatsoever. It feels like a high-end product, with every element of it considered, ranging from the plastic housing right down to the keycaps, made of textured PBT plastic. They feel fantastic under finger, and are also sure to be mighty durable given the high quality plastics used. More and more premium keyboards are beginning to use PBT for their keycaps, as opposed to the more standard-issue ABS, and the ones present on the Huntsman V2 Analog feel great.

We also found the software experience here to be second-to-none with practically infinite levels of customisation thanks to the analog switches on offer. There’s the clever ability to remap any key to any controller function contained within the Synapse software, as well as Razer’s usual trimmings when it comes to multiple function layers and convenient integration with the Chroma RGB lighting engine. On the point of lighting, the Huntsman V2 Analog looks fantastic, with bright and vibrant lighting helping to prove Razer’s continues to be the best out there.

Do note though, the Huntsman V2 Analog is an expensive keyboard, with its retail price being the same as an Xbox Series S, even though it does go on sale at various points of the year. If money is no object and you’re looking for the ultimate gaming keyboard, this is an amazing choice.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review

The Corsair K65 Pro Mini is an incredible small-form-factor gaming keyboard and a perfect alternative to the full-sized Corsair K100. It has an especially sturdy chassis with minimal deck flex. This is aided by the blend of the metal top plate and hefty plastic casing; the premium look and feel of this keyboard help to justify its high price, which sits at $129.99/£129.99. 

This keyboard includes Corsair’s optical OPX switches, previously used in the Corsair K100. These switches offer a bodied, snappy and smooth keypress, making them an excellent choice for gamers. Typing also felt very polished and comfortable, although we wouldn’t recommend using this to type out any long essays since optical switches can make a lot of noise. 

The K65 Pro Mini features an 8000Hz polling rate, which is incredibly high. In a nutshell, a higher polling rate translates to less latency, in turn providing a more responsive and perceivably less laggy experience. This feature may not make too much of a difference for casual gamers, but pros will be thankful for every millisecond saved with the combo of an 8000Hz polling rate and fantastic optical switches. 

Another feather in the K65 Pro Mini’s cap is its inclusion of RGB lighting. The lighting is vibrant, crisp and saturated. Delve into Corsair’s iCUE software and you can choose between a variety of presets across the entire keyboard. You can even light up certain sectors – such as the WASD keys – if you want even more precision while you game. 

Unless you are looking for a full-sized keyboard, the Corsair K65 Pro Mini is almost faultless. Its high-end build combined with optical switches and a blisteringly fast 8000Hz polling rate makes this a perfect choice for gamers that want to take their skills to the next level. 

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Corsair K65 Pro Mini Review

The Roccat Pyro is an excellent value gaming keyboard, especially considering it does the basics incredibly well.

It’s well built, with its sturdy plastic frame ensuring no noticeable flex in the chassis. We also found its metal top plate to feel fantastic and offer a more premium look than the price of the Pyro suggests. The keycaps on offer may not be PBT, but their smooth ABS plastic felt good under finger for both typing and gaming. The fact the keycaps were also double-shot moulded also allow the vibrant RGB lighting to shine through with ease. It also comes with a plastic wrist rest for added comfort which we thought was a nice touch, although it is made of scratchy plastics, which feel a little jagged on our wrists with extended use.

Inside, there are some TTC Red Switches, which we found to be great for general gaming, given their light actuation force and snappy linear keypress. They’re also some of the more substantial feeling Cherry MX clones out there, with a consistent force and tone. Some other clones we’ve tested can feel scratchy and offer an inconsistent sound and feeling between two keys, but these TTC Reds didn’t fall into that camp at all. Alongside this comes handy creature comforts for a gaming keyboard in the form of anti-ghosting and full NKRO which make keypresses as precise and accurate as they can be through ensuring no inputs are missed.

We also found the accompanying software, Roccat Swarm, to offer fantastic functionality with loads of customisation on offer, ranging from configuring the Pyro’s RGB lighting to programming macros and mapping keys. On the point of convenience, the Pyro is a wired keyboard and connects up via a standard USB-A connector, which is handy.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Roccat Pyro review

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a keyboard with customisability at its forefront. First off, there’s the customisable Command Dial – essentially a more elaborate macro key. The dial allows you to adjust the parameters of various settings within your PC. You can use it to adjust the keyboard’s RGB lighting, move through playback, zoom in and out, and more. Each setting isn’t far away, with just a click of the dial required to toggle between different ones.

The level of customisation doesn’t end with the Command Dial, with plenty of regular macro keys on offer. There are five going down the left of the keyboard as well as three on the side of the peripheral. It’s a plethora of options for those who love a good shortcut, with Razer’s software offering up nigh-endless choices on what you can do with the macros.

Customisability extends beyond macro keys as well, with RGB lighting able to be tweaked to the nth degree. Each key is individually backlit and you’ve got a wide range of timid or extravagant effects you can apply to the lighting. This keyboard is about choice and it’s lived up to whether that’s with the macro keys or the RGB lighting.

Along with the freedom and control the BlackWidow V4 Pro offers you, it’s a keyboard with Razer’s stamp of quality. There’s a sturdy metal build and a simply phenomenal wrist rest for dodging typing fatigue. You’re paying a lot for this keyboard but Razer does a lot to back up its high price with luxury materials and comfort.

Reviewer: Callum Bains
Full review: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Review

The Corsair K70 Max is an excellent new gaming keyboard from a trusted brand, with cutting-edge features to ensure you are getting one of the best gaming keyboard experiences around.

At over £200/$200, the K70 Max isn’t a cheap keyboard but if you’ve got the capital then you won’t be disappointed. Your cash gets you a high-end feel that offers no deck flex at all and robust overall construction. There’s a touch of solid plastics but it’s backed up by smooth anodized aluminium. This gives the keyboard a luxurious look and feel that’s fitting its high price.

To appeal to serious gamers, Corsair is using hall-effect switches here. These kinds of switches use a magnet and a sensor to register a click rather than a more traditional mechanical option. As a result, you can make adjustments to the actuation point to suit your needs and wants. Some games may warrant a higher actuation point whereas some are more befitting of something lower, it’s a feature that avid gamers should love. The keypress itself is smooth and snappy, backed up by an 8000Hz polling rate.

On top of its high-end design, the lighting receives top marks too. The Corsair iCue software allows for endless customisation of the vivid RGB lighting as well as allowing you to easily tweak the actuation point and more.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Corsair K70 Max review

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless is an Ultra Low Profile gaming keyboard, with a skinny frame and slender keys resulting in a wonderfully sleek design that takes up very little desk space.

Low-profile switches can sometimes feel a little too shallow and uncomfortable, but that’s not the case here. The Cherry switches provide a satisfying tactile bump, with the high actuation force requiring firm presses as to avoid accidental keystrokes. The short travel distance also ensures a speedy performance, so there’s little delay between key presses and the resulting on-screen action.

It also has onboard macro keys and multimedia buttons, while offering both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz support for wireless connectivity. Our tests also show the quoted 50-hour battery life to be accurate.

The biggest issue? This gaming keyboard is very expensive at £279.99/$279.99/€299.99, which is likely too pricey for the vast majority of gamers. But our reviewer called it one of the best gaming keyboards he’s ever used, so we still think it’s worth the investment.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Corsair K100 Air Wireless review

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is the best mini gaming keyboard we’ve reviewed. Its compact size ensures that you won’t clutter up your desk space, and it delivers a top-notch performance for those who want to gain an edge in multiplayer games.

We found the OmniPoint switches to offer a smooth actuation, with light key presses. What’s more, you’re able to configure the actuation point of each key, anywhere between 5% and 95% of the total key travel. This makes this keyboard extremely customisable.

The Apex Pro Mini can connect up to your PC with two different wireless formats: via the bundled USB-C receiver, or through Bluetooth. The former is the fastest, ensuring there’s virtually no latency when playing games wirelessly. We were also hugely impressed with the compatible software, allowing you to remap keys and configure the vibrant RGB lighting.

If you love the idea of a mini gaming keyboard, but don’t want to miss out on having arrow keys, we also recommend considering the HyperX Alloy Origins 65. Although it doesn’t offer quite as much customisation as the Apex Pro Mini, especially in terms of software.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Review

The Asus ROG Claymore II is a modular keyboard, meaning that you can rearrange the layout. The main frame is a tenkeyless keyboard with a detachable number pad, so you can chop and change its placement whether you want to put it on the left, right, or not use it at all. We found the attachment mechanism to be secure and simple, with the Claymore II itself feeling incredibly sturdy, complete with a metal top plate.

Inside, you’ll get access to a choice of Asus’ own RX switches. These can either be the linear RX Reds or the clicky and tactile RX Blues, which we had in our sample. The Blues themselves felt good, with a substantial keypress thanks to its 65cN actuation force. These switches are also optical, which makes them faster than normal mechanical switches and more ideal for gaming. Do note though that these Blue switches are pretty loud, given their audible click, so it may not be the best choice if you’ve got other people in close proximity.

The battery life on offer is also good with a quoted 40 hours of playtime before you’ll need to charge it up, and that’s with the Aura RGB lighting cranked to the max. Compared to other premium wireless keyboards we’ve tested, it beats off the competition comfortably, such as the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro, which lasted a quarter of the time the Claymore II did. The lighting is sharp and bright, and looks smart. Combined with this, the accompanying software provides a good level of customisation; you can fiddle with the lighting, or program macros, and remap keys if you so wish.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Asus ROG Claymore II review