Buying Guide
The Best Optical-Switch Gaming Keyboards
Five keyboards ranked on layout and switches; the TUF K3 Gen II is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Optical switches register a press with light, so there is no contact bounce. Every pick uses optical switches, ordered by polling rate.
Rankings weigh layout, switches and connection as the makers state them; if a maker skips connection, the guide says so 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.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen IIThe lowest price among these keyboards at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Huntsman MiniOptical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer.
Best for: Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer.
Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog)Rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
SteelSeries Apex 9 MiniSwappable OptiPoint switches.
Best for: Buyers who want swappable OptiPoint switches.
Check price for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini 60%The top of this price range, adding Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation.
Best for: Spending more than the Apex 9 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini 60% on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these keyboards at the time of writing. | Keeping the cost under $100. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. | Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. | Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes. | Buyers who want rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes. | Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Swappable OptiPoint switches. | Buyers who want swappable OptiPoint switches. | Check price for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation. | Spending more than the Apex 9 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini 60% on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II
ASUS's TUF K3 Gen II is a 97-key wired board with optical-mechanical switches, PBT keycaps and an IP57 rating against water and dust.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired only is a problem.
Why we like it
A gasket mount and foam are unusual at its price. A 97-key compact layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog uses a 60% layout. You get optical-mechanical switches here, which sets it apart from the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and its analog optical switches.
You get PBT keycaps here, which sets it apart from the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and its doubleshot PBT keycaps. You also get a detachable top plate. The TUF K3 Gen II needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Huntsman Mini the next step up.
Key specs
- Layout
- 97-key compact
- Switches
- Optical-mechanical
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- PBT
Pros
- Optical-mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- IP57 water and dust resistance
- Silicone gasket mount with dampening foam
Cons
- Wired only
Also Consider2 of 5
Razer Huntsman Mini
Razer's Huntsman Mini uses linear optical switches and doubleshot PBT keycaps in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function row is a problem.
Why we like it
Hypershift adds a second layer of functions. Snap Tap prioritises the latest of two keys, and Chroma RGB syncs with games and Philips Hue. No other pick in this guide offers linear optical switches; compare the Apex 9 Mini, which has OptiPoint optical switches.
You also get optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. The Huntsman Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Its price falls between the TUF K3 Gen II and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Linear optical
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Linear optical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog)
This analog Huntsman V3 Pro Mini listing offers rapid trigger and on-the-fly actuation changes.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is rated for less than the Esports edition. You get analog optical Gen-2 switches here, which sets it apart from the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and its analog optical switches. It also offers an onboard visual guide for adjustments.
The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Worth noting: PBT keycaps resist shine. It was priced above the Huntsman Mini and below the Apex 9 Mini at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Analog optical Gen-2
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes
- Onboard visual guide for adjustments
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini
SteelSeries's Apex 9 Mini uses swappable OptiPoint optical switches with zero debounce.
Best for
- Buyers who want swappable OptiPoint switches.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It costs less than the Apex Pro Mini. Two-point actuation switches between a light 1mm press and a deliberate 1.5mm press, and double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine. It is the only pick here with OptiPoint optical switches; the TUF K3 Gen II has optical-mechanical switches instead.
The Apex 9 Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog and the pricier Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- OptiPoint optical
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Swappable OptiPoint switches
- Zero debounce
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini 60%
The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini is built around Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation, with textured keycaps on top.
Best for
- Spending more than the Apex 9 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
You get analog optical switches here, which sets it apart from the Apex 9 Mini and its OptiPoint optical switches. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Another plus: compact 60% layout. Only the Apex 9 Mini came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Analog optical
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation
- Textured keycaps
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Costs more than the TUF K3 Gen II at the time of writing
How We Chose These Optical-Switch Gaming Keyboards
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and keycaps from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while connection has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the TUF K3 Gen II to the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, state layout, switches and keycaps.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini gives no connection.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the TUF K3 Gen II ($50 to $100) to the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in an Optical-Switch Gaming Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Switches
The TUF K3 Gen II lists optical-mechanical; the Huntsman Mini lists linear optical; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog lists Analog optical Gen-2; the Apex 9 Mini lists OptiPoint optical; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini lists analog optical. Settling switches first narrows 5 picks to 1, 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
What to check at home
The TUF K3 Gen II needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps Extras that separate them
The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog: an onboard visual guide for adjustments. The Apex 9 Mini: zero debounce. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini: textured keycaps.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the TUF K3 Gen II, the Huntsman Mini, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog and the Apex 9 Mini; $100 to $150 buys the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini at our last check.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Start from what matters most
Keeping the cost under $100: the TUF K3 Gen II. Spending more than the Apex 9 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini.
How to Choose an Optical-Switch Gaming Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $100 | TUF K3 Gen II | The lowest price among these keyboards at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer | Huntsman Mini | Optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog | Rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes |
| Buyers who want swappable OptiPoint switches | Apex 9 Mini | Swappable OptiPoint switches |
| Spending more than the Apex 9 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | The top of this price range, adding Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The TUF K3 Gen II, the Huntsman Mini and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Keycaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUF K3 Gen II | 97-key compact | Optical-mechanical | Wired | PBT |
| Huntsman Mini | 60% | Linear optical | Wired | Doubleshot PBT |
| Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog | 60% | Analog optical Gen-2 | Wired | Doubleshot PBT |
| Apex 9 Mini | 60% | OptiPoint optical | Wired | Doubleshot PBT |
| Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | 60% | Analog optical | Not listed | Doubleshot PBT |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The TUF K3 Gen II was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | TUF K3 Gen II, Huntsman Mini, Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog, Apex 9 Mini |
| About $100 to $150 | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini our Premium Pick?
It carries the badge for the top of this price range, adding Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation. The TUF K3 Gen II, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits spending more than the Apex 9 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Do the TUF K3 Gen II and the Huntsman Mini differ on layout?
The TUF K3 Gen II uses 97-key compact; the Huntsman Mini, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog, the Apex 9 Mini and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini use 60%.
Will the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog work with my setup?
The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
What extras do the TUF K3 Gen II and the Huntsman Mini include?
The TUF K3 Gen II: IP57 water and dust resistance. The Huntsman Mini: optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog: rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes.
Who should choose the TUF K3 Gen II?
The TUF K3 Gen II carries our Lowest Price Here label for the lowest price among these keyboards at the time of writing. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits keeping the cost under $100.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TUF K3 Gen II, chosen for the lowest price among these keyboards at the time of writing. Look at the Huntsman Mini for optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog for rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes and the Apex 9 Mini for swappable OptiPoint switches if those matter more to you.
Check switch compatibility before buying replacement switches.
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 Keyboard for Gaming
- 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 60% Gaming Keyboards
- 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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