Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
Six boards across magnetic, optical and mechanical switches.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Pick a layout first, then decide between adjustable magnetic switches and conventional mechanical ones. These six cover both.
We compared switch type, connection and polling from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Magnetic TKL
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard
MGX Hall effect switches with double-shot PBT.
Best for: Shooters with room to spare.
Our take Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless Mechanical
ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless
A 2000-hour battery listing and a 75% frame.
Best for: Cable-free desks.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless Magnetic
Keychron K2 HE Wireless
Gateron magnetic switches with tri-mode.
Best for: PC and Mac.
Our take Check price for Keychron K2 HE Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Logitech Pick
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard
Hall effect switches in a TKL.
Best for: Esports.
Our take Check price for Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best 65% Magnetic
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Mini 65%
Snap Tap and 8000Hz polling.
Best for: Compact desks.
Our take Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 HE Mini 65% (opens in a new tab)
Best 96%
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard
8000Hz polling in a 96% frame.
Best for: Number-pad users.
Our take Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Magnetic TKL1 of 6
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K70 PRO TKL is Corsair's magnetic tenkeyless board.
Best for
- Shooters with room to spare.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
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 K2 HE at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the Huntsman V3 HE Mini offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: MGX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger support
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 HE Mini at the time of writing
Best Wireless Mechanical2 of 6
ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Azoth is ASUS's enthusiast 75% board: gasket-mounted with three layers of foam, hot-swappable, and wireless over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth.
Best for
- Cable-free desks.
Skip if
- The maker gives no polling rate, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Battery life: 2000 hours
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Up to 2000 hours per charge
Cons
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 HE Mini at the time of writing
Best Wireless Magnetic3 of 6
Keychron K2 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Keychron's K2 HE adds Gateron magnetic switches, rapid trigger and tri-mode wireless to the K2's 75% layout.
Best for
- PC and Mac.
Skip if
- Skip it if polling rate matters most to you; the Huntsman V3 HE Mini offers 8,000Hz.
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: Gateron Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
- Keycaps: Shine-through PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Polling rate trails the Huntsman V3 HE Mini (8,000Hz)
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 HE Mini at the time of writing
Best Logitech Pick4 of 6
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO X TKL Rapid is Logitech's magnetic-switch board.
Best for
- Esports.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation
- Hall effect switches in a TKL
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 HE Mini at the time of writing
Best 65% Magnetic5 of 6
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Mini 65% on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Huntsman V3 HE Mini is a 65% Hall effect board with rapid trigger, Snap Tap and 8000Hz HyperPolling.
Best for
- Compact desks.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.
Why we like it
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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the K70 PRO TKL was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
Best 96%6 of 6
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Vanguard 96 keeps a number pad in a compressed layout and adds a small display and 8,000Hz polling.
Best for
- Number-pad users.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
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. Worth noting too: built-in display.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- 8,000Hz polling
- Built-in display
- 96% layout that keeps the number pad in a smaller frame
- 8000Hz polling in a 96% frame
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 HE Mini at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboards Right Now
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Linear, tactile or magnetic
Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboards Right Now
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shooters with room to spare | K70 PRO TKL | MGX Hall effect switches with double-shot PBT |
| Cable-free desks | ROG Azoth | A 2000-hour battery listing and a 75% frame |
| PC and Mac | K2 HE | Gateron magnetic switches with tri-mode |
| Esports | PRO X TKL Rapid | Hall effect switches in a TKL |
| Compact desks | Huntsman V3 HE Mini | Snap Tap and 8000Hz polling |
| Number-pad users | Vanguard 96 | 8000Hz polling in a 96% frame |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K70 PRO TKL | TKL | MGX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| ROG Azoth | 75% | ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| K2 HE | 75% | Gateron Hall effect magnetic | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 1,000Hz |
| PRO X TKL Rapid | TKL | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| Huntsman V3 HE Mini | 65% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Vanguard 96 | 96% | Not listed | Wired | 8,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Huntsman V3 HE Mini, K70 PRO TKL, K2 HE, Vanguard 96, PRO X TKL Rapid |
| About $150 to $250 | ROG Azoth |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Bottom Line
Corsair's K70 PRO TKL is the magnetic TKL pick. ASUS's ROG Azoth is the wireless mechanical choice, and Keychron's K2 HE brings magnetic switches to a wireless 75% board.