When it comes to peripherals dedicated to gaming, keyboards are essential for certain types of games. If you’re a MMORPG fanatic, having extra keys can make a huge difference. So let’s look at some of the best mechanical keyboards money can buy in 2023.
Alongside your mouse, your keyboard is essential to any gaming setup. Especially when playing competitive online games, every click matters, and you want the best response time possible. Genres like MOBA, MMORPG, and even certain fighting games put a lot of emphasis on response times when it comes to your keyboard. And with hundreds of models available, choosing the right one can seem like a chore. So let us help you by showing you which is the best mechanical keyboard for gaming you can purchase now.
Best high-end mechanical gaming keyboard
Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro
The Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro is a premium mechanical keyboard with plenty of features. It has fully customizable RGB keys with up to four profiles. Even though it lacks extra keys, it does have media keys. These media keys can perform multiple tasks, including play/pause, volume control, and brightness. You have a central media key that can switch between various profiles, depending on your current game.
Hardcore gamers will be happy to learn that the Blackwidow V3 Pro features Razer Green or Razer Yellow mechanical switches. The Razer Green switches are tactile and clicky for that satisfying feel, while the Razer Yellow switches are linear and silent if you prefer a quieter gaming environment. Its keycaps are made of ABS with a premium look that is also resistant to smudges from your fingerprints.
This is an excellent wireless mechanical keyboard, even though it is expensive. Players heavily invested in MMOs should probably look elsewhere though since this keyboard lacks any extra keys that can be used for macros and other commands.
Best overall mechanical gaming keyboard
Roccat Vulcan II Max
Even though it’s a pricy one, the Roccat Vulcan II Max is one of the best gaming keyboards out there right now. It has a luxurious build that makes it look straight out of a Sci-Fi movie. Despite the lack of extra buttons, it has media controls that are very intuitive.
It has raised keys that are on top of the switch base. While this might bother some people, it does allow the RGB lightning to truly pop. There is also a more practical benefit due to this build style since cleaning out between the keys is extremely simple. So no longer will you have to deal with the “turn the keyboard upside down while half a pantry’s worth of chips falls out of it” style of cleaning.
Regarding switches, it uses the proprietary Titan II Optical Switches. These switches have a very fast travel time, making them feel extra responsive. But they are also very sensitive, meaning precision is essential. It will take a while for you to get used to them, but once you do, going back to anything else will feel like a downgrade.
Best mid-range mechanical gaming keyboard
MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic
Even though MSI are a newcomer to the keyboard market, the GK71 Sonic is an excellent mid-range and cheap option. It has a classic look, which might turn some people away if they want something more exotic. It features total RGB lightning that looks great. Even though it lacks macro buttons, it features a responsive volume roller. You also get a wrist rest, even though it’s not magnetic.
The MSI Sonic Red keys have only 35 grams of actuation force, leading to a very silent experience compared to other mechanical keyboards. If you’re sick of finger fatigue due to heavier switches, the GK71 Sonic could be a perfect fit for you.
This is also a very compact keyboard, which makes it ideal for travelling around with it. It can be fully customized through the MSI Center, which is the MSI hub for all gaming gear. You can even activate Ambient Link which will sync the RGB lightning to the game you are playing. Sadly, this currently works with only seven games, so it has limited functionality.
Best low-end mechanical gaming keyboard
HyperX Alloy Elite 2
The first keyboard to be launched under the HyperX moniker, the Alloy FPS is a great budget mechanical keyboard dedicated to FPS players. It’s incredibly compact and one of the smallest keyboards on this list. This is excellent for FPS players who need much more room to swing their mouse around. The keyboard comes with a soft carrying case, making it portable for LAN parties or competitions.
Since it’s so cheap, it lacks individual RGB lighting. But even so, you can adjust the overall brightness and your preferred color with the cursor keys. If you want your gaming setup to look like a Christmas tree, you should probably look at other solutions that offer fully customizable RGB lighting. It also lacks software or drivers, which means even fewer customization options than other keyboards.
The Alloy features Cherry MX Blue keys, giving a consistent and heavy feel. After using it for a while, you’ll understand why it caters to FPS players since accidentally pressing other keys is next to impossible. It will take a while to get used to them, but after you do, the Alloy offers top-notch performance. Serious gamers will also be attracted to the metal-textured keycaps available for the 1-2-3-4 and WASD keys, offering more grip and tactile feel.
Best budget mechanical gaming keyboard
Cooler Master CK552
An excellent option for people with a limited budget, the Cooler Master CK552 is a great mechanical keyboard. It features full RGB lighting with an aluminium top plate. You can opt between multiple switch types, but the standard is the Gateron Red switches. These switches are very responsive, sometimes even too responsive. It’s very easy to press multiple keys simultaneously, meaning that typing sessions might prove inaccurate until you get used to them.
The CK 552 has onboard memory with up to four profiles. These can store macros or lightning setups for a highly customizable experience. You can also use the Cooler Master Portal utility, which offers even more customization options. It can’t compete with the likes of the Razer Synapse, but it gets the job done.
If you’re also in the market for the best wireless gaming mouse, make sure to check our other article to get the best gaming experience.
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