Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards With a Numpad
Five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout; the K521 is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
If you enter numbers or use numpad binds, keep a board with the number pad. Every pick is full-size or 96%, ordered by polling rate.
The order reflects layout, connection and polling rate from maker specifications; a missing polling rate is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
Keychron K10 Ultra 8K8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Best for: Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Check price for Keychron K10 Ultra 8K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming KeyboardA built-in display.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in display.
Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming KeyboardThe top of this price range, adding built-in Stream Deck keys with a display.
Best for: Spending more than the Vanguard 96 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Keychron K10 MaxQMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping.
Best for: Buyers who want QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping.
Check price for Keychron K10 Max on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Redragon K521 Gaming KeyboardThe cheapest way into this group, below the K10 Ultra 8K.
Best for: Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Check price for Redragon K521 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes. | Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes. | Check price for Keychron K10 Ultra 8K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in display. | Buyers who want built-in display. | Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding built-in Stream Deck keys with a display. | Spending more than the Vanguard 96 costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping. | Buyers who want QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping. | Check price for Keychron K10 Max on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the K10 Ultra 8K. | Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money. | Check price for Redragon K521 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Keychron K10 Ultra 8K
The Keychron K10 Ultra 8K is a full-size wireless board that offers 8000Hz polling over both cable and 2.4GHz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
Keychron quotes up to 760 hours of battery with the backlight off. The Keychron Launcher web app remaps keys and records macros without installed software. On polling rate it ties with the Vanguard 96 and the Galleon 100 SD at 8,000Hz.
No other pick in this guide offers a full-size (100%) layout; compare the K10 Max, which has a full-size (108 keys) layout. It also offers ZMK firmware for remapping and Bluetooth pairing with three devices. Use the K10 Ultra 8K's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper K521 and the pricier K10 Max, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size (100%)
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Battery life
- 760 hours
Pros
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 8,000Hz polling
- Up to 760 hours per charge
- 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard
The Vanguard 96 keeps a number pad in a compressed layout and adds a small display and 8,000Hz polling.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in display.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired only is a problem.
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 K10 Ultra 8K and the Galleon 100 SD on polling rate (8,000Hz).
You get a 96% layout here, which sets it apart from the K521 and its a full-size (104 keys) 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. When we checked, only the K10 Max and cheaper picks cost less, and the Galleon 100 SD cost more.
Key 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
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard
The Galleon 100 SD is an expensive full-size board with Stream Deck keys built in.
Best for
- Spending more than the Vanguard 96 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when full-size board takes more desk width is a problem.
Why we like it
It only makes sense if you would otherwise buy a separate Stream Deck. It matches the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 on polling rate (8,000Hz). You get a full-size layout here, which sets it apart from the K521 and its a full-size (104 keys) layout.
You also get FlashTap SOCD handling. The Galleon 100 SD 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Vanguard 96 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
Pros
- 8,000Hz polling
- Built-in Stream Deck keys with a display
- FlashTap SOCD handling
- Full-size layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Keychron K10 Max
Keychron's K10 Max is a 108-key board that connects over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or cable and remaps through QMK and a web app.
Best for
- Buyers who want QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
It suits a desk that mixes work and games. Its 1,000Hz polling rate is the slowest in this group; the K10 Ultra 8K leads at 8,000Hz. A full-size (108 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Vanguard 96 uses a 96% layout.
It also comes with QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping, Bluetooth pairing with three devices and acoustic foam. Use the K10 Max's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It was priced above the K10 Ultra 8K and below the Vanguard 96 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size (108 keys)
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
Pros
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping
- Bluetooth pairing with three devices
- Acoustic foam
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Polling rate trails the K10 Ultra 8K (8,000Hz)
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Redragon K521 Gaming Keyboard
Redragon's K521 is a full-size membrane board with multimedia keys and no driver needed.
Best for
- Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
The maker specifies PS4, PS5, Xbox and macOS support. A one-touch light button and breathing modes adjust the rainbow backlight, and the keys give a mechanical-like feel. It is the only pick here with a full-size (104 keys) layout; the K10 Ultra 8K has a full-size (100%) layout instead.
The K521 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the K10 Ultra 8K was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the K10 Ultra 8K, which offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size (104 keys)
- Switches
- Membrane
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Dedicated multimedia keys
- Listed support for PS4, PS5, Xbox and macOS
- Plug and play with no driver
- Full-size (104 keys) layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards With a Numpad
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five keyboards on layout, connection and polling rate from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 3 fields compared are stated for every pick, while polling rate has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the K10 Ultra 8K to the K521, state layout and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The K521 gives no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the K521 (under $50) to the Galleon 100 SD ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard With a Numpad
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Polling rate across these picks
Across these 4 picks polling rate spans 1,000Hz (the K10 Max) to 8,000Hz (the K10 Ultra 8K). The K10 Ultra 8K is the pick for polling rate. The K521 gives no polling rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Setup checks
Use the K10 Ultra 8K's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. The Vanguard 96 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor Extras that separate them
The Galleon 100 SD: FlashTap SOCD handling. The K10 Max: Bluetooth pairing with three devices. The K521: listed support for PS4, PS5, Xbox and macOS.
Budget
Under $50 buys the K521; $100 to $150 buys the K10 Ultra 8K, the K10 Max and the Vanguard 96; $250 to $500 buys the Galleon 100 SD at our last check.
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor Start from what matters most
Spending more than the Vanguard 96 costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the Galleon 100 SD. Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money: the K521.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboard With a Numpad
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes | K10 Ultra 8K | 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes |
| Buyers who want built-in display | Vanguard 96 | A built-in display |
| Spending more than the Vanguard 96 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Galleon 100 SD | The top of this price range, adding built-in Stream Deck keys with a display |
| Buyers who want QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping | K10 Max | QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping |
| Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money | K521 | The cheapest way into this group, below the K10 Ultra 8K |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The K10 Ultra 8K leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the Vanguard 96 at 8,000Hz. "Not listed" marks polling rate where the K521 leaves the figure out.
| Keyboard | Layout | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| K10 Ultra 8K | Full-size (100%) | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 8,000Hz |
| Vanguard 96 | 96% | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Galleon 100 SD | Full-size | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K10 Max | Full-size (108 keys) | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 1,000Hz |
| K521 | Full-size (104 keys) | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The K521 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Galleon 100 SD the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | K521 |
| About $100 to $150 | K10 Ultra 8K, K10 Max, Vanguard 96 |
| About $250 to $500 | Galleon 100 SD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the K521 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the K10 Ultra 8K. It makes sense for getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Do the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 differ on layout?
The K10 Ultra 8K uses full-size (100%); the Vanguard 96 uses 96%; the Galleon 100 SD uses full-size; the K10 Max uses full-size (108 keys); the K521 uses full-size (104 keys).
Will the K10 Max work with my setup?
Use the K10 Max's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, and fourth of 4 on polling rate (1,000Hz).
What extras do the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 include?
The K10 Ultra 8K: 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes. The Vanguard 96: a built-in display. The Galleon 100 SD: built-in Stream Deck keys with a display.
Should I pick the K10 Ultra 8K or the K521?
The K10 Ultra 8K suits buyers who want 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes; the K521 suits getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the K10 Ultra 8K, chosen for 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes. Look at the Vanguard 96 for a built-in display, the Galleon 100 SD for the top of this price range, adding built-in Stream Deck keys with a display and the K10 Max for QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping if those matter more to you.
96% layouts keep the numpad in a shorter body.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards
- Similar guideThe Best Wireless Full-Size Gaming Keyboards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceHow to Choose a Gaming Mouse
- Similar guideThe Best Compact Keyboards for a Numpad Setup
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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