The best gaming keyboard has a lot to do with personal preference. Josh likes tactile and clicky switches that make a sound, while Lori prefers a more mushy feel with lower actuation points (the moment when the key registers an input). It also depends on how much you’re willing to spend. Thankfully, most of the keyboards on our list have extensive lighting customization and are built to last for years.
The Corsair MM100 might be the most minimal-looking pad we’ve ever seen, but it’s one of the most useful ones, too. This moderately-sized soft mouse mat is smooth on top and rubberised on the bottom to keep it on your desk without sliding around. It’s not exactly a design statement, but its back-to-basics simplicity is a good fit for gamers who don’t want to eat up their desk with another piece of hardware.
If you’re looking for a smaller 60% keyboard with lots of features, check out the Dell Alienware Pro 2024. Its rounded and super-compact body is designed to be a companion to a slim gaming laptop, but it’s also a great keyboard in its own right thanks to a surprisingly robust wireless connection, a slew of customizable lighting options, and a solid out-of-the-box setup that requires little tweaking or programming to get going.
Its bare bones feel are just the tip of the iceberg, though. It’s loaded with perks, including full programmability and dedicated media controls, which is uncommon for this price range. And its optical switches are reliable, quick and satisfyingly snappy with a low actuation point that helps avoid fatiguing finger workouts. best gaming keyboard