The Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now

MGX switches with rapid trigger and double-shot PBT keycaps suit competitive play. It shares a TKL layout with the PRO X TKL Rapid; the K2 HE goes with a 75% layout. You get MGX Hall effect magnetic switches here, which sets it apart from the PRO X TKL Rapid and its hall effect magnetic switches.

It shares double-shot PBT keycaps with the ROG Azoth; the Huntsman V3 HE Mini goes with doubleshot PBT keycaps. The K70 PRO TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It was priced above the Huntsman V3 HE Mini and below the Vanguard 96 at the time of writing.

A small OLED display shows settings and battery. Like the K2 HE, it has a 75% layout, while the K70 PRO TKL uses a TKL layout. Like the K70 PRO TKL, it has double-shot PBT keycaps, while the K2 HE uses shine-through PBT keycaps.

It also comes with a hot-swap PCB with a switch and keycap kit. Use the ROG Azoth's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the PRO X TKL Rapid. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the Huntsman V3 HE Mini, which offers 8,000Hz.

It supports macOS and Windows. On polling rate it trails the group at 1,000Hz, while the Huntsman V3 HE Mini offers 8,000Hz. Like the ROG Azoth, it has a 75% layout, while the K70 PRO TKL uses a TKL layout.

No other pick in this guide offers gateron Hall effect magnetic switches; compare the PRO X TKL Rapid, which has hall effect magnetic switches. It is the only pick here with shine-through PBT keycaps; the ROG Azoth has double-shot PBT keycaps instead. It also comes with acoustic foam.

Use the K2 HE's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Huntsman V3 HE Mini was the next step up.

Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation matter most in shooters where keys reset constantly. It shares a TKL layout with the K70 PRO TKL; the K2 HE goes with a 75% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the Huntsman V3 HE Mini; the K2 HE goes with gateron Hall effect magnetic switches.

The PRO X TKL Rapid needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It was priced above the Vanguard 96 and below the ROG Azoth at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the Huntsman V3 HE Mini offers 8,000Hz.

Per-key tuning runs in Synapse Web. On polling rate it ties with the Vanguard 96 at 8,000Hz. It is the only pick here with a 65% layout; the ROG Azoth has a 75% layout instead.

Like the PRO X TKL Rapid, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hall effect magnetic switches. It is the only pick here with doubleshot PBT keycaps; the K2 HE has shine-through PBT keycaps instead. The Huntsman V3 HE Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.

High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. Its price falls between the K2 HE and the K70 PRO TKL, based on our last check.

It maps Stream Deck functions to programmable G-keys, polls at 8,000Hz, and FlashTap SOCD resolves opposing key presses. A 1.9-inch LCD shows custom images or system info. It matches the Huntsman V3 HE Mini on polling rate (8,000Hz).

You get a 96% layout here, which sets it apart from the PRO X TKL Rapid and its a TKL layout. The Vanguard 96 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the K2 HE at the time of writing.