Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards for CS2
Five keyboards ranked on layout and switches; the K552 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Counter-Strike 2 uses a handful of movement and utility keys, and a tenkeyless board keeps the mouse hand free. Every keyboard here is a wired tenkeyless model, so there is no pairing step before a match.
We ranked these keyboards on layout, switches and connection using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Alloy Origins Core the next step up.
Our take Check price for Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
TKL Layout
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
A TKL layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a TKL layout.
Our take Check price for HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Tenkeyless Layout
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
A tenkeyless layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon K707 HE
Rapid trigger turned on through software.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger turned on through software.
Our take Check price for Redragon K707 HE (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Logitech G515 TKL Rapid
The top of this price range, adding actuation adjustable from 0.1mm to 2.5mm.
Best for: Spending more than the Redragon K707 HE costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for Logitech G515 TKL Rapid (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K552 has been a starter mechanical board for years.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Alloy Origins Core the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired only rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is simple, wired and tenkeyless, with a choice of linear or tactile switches. It shares a TKL (87 keys) layout with the Redragon K707 HE; the Apex 3 TKL goes with a tenkeyless layout. Red linear or brown tactile switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Redragon K707 HE uses hall effect magnetic switches.
It also comes with anti-ghosting across all keys. The K552 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Alloy Origins Core was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL (87 keys)
- Switches: Red linear or brown tactile
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Red linear or brown tactile switches
- Anti-ghosting across all keys
- Choice of red or brown switches
Cons
- Wired only
TKL Layout2 of 5
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX puts the Alloy Origins Core in an aluminum body, which makes it the sturdiest board in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want a TKL layout.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
It is wired only, but the cable detaches for transport. Its tenkeyless layout frees mouse space, and the aluminium body resists flex. It is a wired tenkeyless board with low-profile HyperX Aqua switches and customizable RGB lighting.
Dropping the number pad leaves more room for mouse movement. It is the only pick here with a TKL layout; the Apex 3 TKL has a tenkeyless layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers HyperX tactile switches; compare the K552, which has red linear or brown tactile switches.
The Alloy Origins Core needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Its price falls between the K552 and the Apex 3 TKL, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: HyperX tactile
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- HyperX tactile switches
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Detachable USB-C cable
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Tenkeyless Layout3 of 5
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries's Apex 3 TKL uses what SteelSeries calls whisper-quiet gaming switches, rated for over 20 million keypresses.
Best for
- Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.
Why we like it
It is a wired tenkeyless board with IP32 water and dust resistance. It works with Windows, Mac, Xbox and PlayStation, and PrismSync RGB syncs effects. Its tenkeyless frame frees space for mouse movement.
The switches are designed for near-silent use with anti-ghosting, and an IP32 rating guards against spills and dust. You get a tenkeyless layout here, which sets it apart from the Redragon K707 HE and its a TKL (87 keys) layout. It also comes with a clickable volume roller and media keys.
The Apex 3 TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. When we checked, only the Alloy Origins Core and cheaper picks cost less, and the Redragon K707 HE cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Tenkeyless
- Switches: Whisper-quiet gaming switches
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Whisper-quiet switches rated for over 20 million keypresses
- IP32 water and dust resistance
- Clickable volume roller and media keys
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Redragon K707 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Redragon K707 HE is built around rapid trigger turned on through software, with actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 3.9 mm on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger turned on through software.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the K552 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers an 8,000Hz polling rate. It shares a TKL (87 keys) layout with the K552; the Apex 3 TKL goes with a tenkeyless layout. Hall effect magnetic switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Alloy Origins Core uses HyperX tactile switches.
You also get three layers of noise dampening. 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. When we checked, only the Apex 3 TKL and cheaper picks cost less, and the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL (87 keys)
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired, detachable USB-C
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Rapid trigger turned on through software
Cons
- Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Logitech G515 TKL Rapid on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Logitech G515 TKL Rapid is built around actuation adjustable from 0.1mm to 2.5mm, with key priority for opposing keys and multipoint actions on one key on top.
Best for
- Spending more than the Redragon K707 HE costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired only rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also comes with a stainless steel top plate and a 22mm profile. The Logitech G515 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.
You also get this: tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse. Worth noting: magnetic Hall effect switches. Another plus: PBT keycaps resist shine.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the K552 at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Redragon K707 HE the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL, low-profile
- Switches: Low-profile magnetic analog (Hall effect)
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Actuation adjustable from 0.1mm to 2.5mm
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards for CS2
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five keyboards on layout, switches and connection as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the K552 to the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid, state layout, switches and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The K552 for the lowest price of the group at our last check; the Alloy Origins Core for a TKL layout; the Apex 3 TKL for a tenkeyless layout.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the K552 (under $50) to the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard for CS2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Setup checks
The K552 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Extras that separate them
The Apex 3 TKL: IP32 water and dust resistance. The Redragon K707 HE: actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 3.9 mm. The Logitech G515 TKL Rapid: key priority for opposing keys and multipoint actions on one key.
Budget
Under $50 buys the K552, the Alloy Origins Core, the Apex 3 TKL and the Redragon K707 HE; $100 to $150 buys the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending as little as possible, with the Alloy Origins Core the next step up: the K552. Buyers who want a TKL layout: the Alloy Origins Core. Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout: the Apex 3 TKL.
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.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboard for CS2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the Alloy Origins Core the next step up | K552 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want a TKL layout | Alloy Origins Core | A TKL layout |
| Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout | Apex 3 TKL | A tenkeyless layout |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger turned on through software | Redragon K707 HE | Rapid trigger turned on through software |
| Spending more than the Redragon K707 HE costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Logitech G515 TKL Rapid | The top of this price range, adding actuation adjustable from 0.1mm to 2.5mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The K552, the Alloy Origins Core and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| K552 | TKL (87 keys) | Red linear or brown tactile | Wired |
| Alloy Origins Core | TKL | HyperX tactile | Wired |
| Apex 3 TKL | Tenkeyless | Whisper-quiet gaming switches | Wired |
| Redragon K707 HE | TKL (87 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | Wired, detachable USB-C |
| Logitech G515 TKL Rapid | TKL, low-profile | Low-profile magnetic analog (Hall effect) | Wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The K552 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | K552, Alloy Origins Core, Apex 3 TKL, Redragon K707 HE |
| About $100 to $150 | Logitech G515 TKL Rapid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Apex 3 TKL our Tenkeyless Layout pick?
The label rests on a tenkeyless layout. It is aimed at anyone who wants a tenkeyless layout.
Will the K552 work with my setup?
The K552 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the K552 and the Alloy Origins Core include?
The K552: anti-ghosting across all keys. The Alloy Origins Core: an aircraft-grade aluminum body. The Apex 3 TKL: whisper-quiet switches rated for over 20 million keypresses.
Who should choose the Alloy Origins Core?
The Alloy Origins Core carries our TKL Layout label for a TKL layout. It ranks second of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a TKL layout.
Should I pick the K552 or the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid?
The K552 suits spending as little as possible, with the Alloy Origins Core the next step up; the Logitech G515 TKL Rapid suits spending more than the Redragon K707 HE costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the K552, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Alloy Origins Core for a TKL layout, the Apex 3 TKL for a tenkeyless layout and the Redragon K707 HE for rapid trigger turned on through software if those matter more to you.
Check that the keyboard stores its settings on board if you play on more than one PC.