Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards for FPS Games
Five keyboards compared, from the EK60 HE to the K2 Ultra, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Shooters reward fast key response and desk space for wide mouse swipes. Every pick is a compact or TKL board with 8000Hz polling or optical or magnetic switches, ordered by polling rate.
We sorted these picks by layout, switches and connection, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips polling rate, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Our take Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Rapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger.
Our take Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Keychron K2 Ultra 8K
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Keychron K2 Ultra 8K (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II
IP57 water and dust resistance.
Best for: Buyers who want IP57 water and dust resistance.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II (opens in a new tab)
Linear Optical Switches
Razer Huntsman Mini
Linear optical switches.
Best for: Buyers who want linear optical switches.
Our take Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. | Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money. | Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid trigger. | Buyers who want rapid trigger. | Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Keychron K2 Ultra 8K (opens in a new tab) |
| IP57 water and dust resistance. | Buyers who want IP57 water and dust resistance. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II (opens in a new tab) |
| Linear optical switches. | Buyers who want linear optical switches. | Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
DAREU's EK60 HE pairs Hall effect switches with 8000Hz polling and a web driver that supports macOS.
Best for
- Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. It shares a 60% layout with the K617 HE and Huntsman Mini; the TUF K3 Gen II goes with a 97-key compact layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the K617 HE; the Huntsman Mini goes with linear optical switches.
You also get adjustable rapid trigger. The EK60 HE 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.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the K617 HE the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Adjustable rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
Also Consider2 of 5
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K617 HE brings Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling to Redragon's 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE and Huntsman Mini; the TUF K3 Gen II goes with a 97-key compact layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the EK60 HE; the K2 Ultra goes with keychron Apex Red linear switches.
It also comes with the lowest price among the 8000Hz boards here. The K617 HE 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.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. When we checked, only the EK60 HE cost less, and the TUF K3 Gen II cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
Keychron K2 Ultra 8K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Keychron's K2 Ultra reaches 8000Hz polling on both wired and 2.4GHz and uses an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the EK60 HE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. No other pick in this guide offers a 75% layout; compare the TUF K3 Gen II, which has a 97-key compact layout. It is the only pick here with keychron Apex Red linear switches; the EK60 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
Like the TUF K3 Gen II, it has PBT keycaps, while the Huntsman Mini uses doubleshot PBT keycaps. Use the K2 Ultra'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.
It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Huntsman Mini and the rest. The trade-off is polling rate; for more, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: Keychron Apex Red linear
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Battery life: 760 hours
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Keychron Apex Red linear switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 8,000Hz polling
Cons
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Buyers who want IP57 water and dust resistance.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired onl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
A gasket mount and foam are unusual at its price. No other pick in this guide offers a 97-key compact layout; compare the K2 Ultra, which has a 75% layout. It is the only pick here with optical-mechanical switches; the EK60 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
Like the K2 Ultra, it has PBT keycaps, while the Huntsman Mini uses doubleshot PBT keycaps. It also offers a detachable top plate. The TUF K3 Gen II needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper K617 HE and the pricier Huntsman Mini, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & 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
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Linear Optical Switches5 of 5
Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Huntsman Mini uses linear optical switches and doubleshot PBT keycaps in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want linear optical switches.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
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. It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE and K617 HE; the TUF K3 Gen II goes with a 97-key compact layout.
Linear optical switches is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses hall effect magnetic switches. Doubleshot PBT keycaps is unique to it among these picks, while the TUF K3 Gen II uses PBT keycaps. It also offers 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. When we checked, only the TUF K3 Gen II and cheaper picks cost less, and the K2 Ultra cost more. If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the EK60 HE instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & 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
- No published polling rate
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards for FPS Games
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the EK60 HE to the Huntsman Mini, state layout, switches and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The TUF K3 Gen II and the Huntsman Mini give no polling rate; the EK60 HE and the K617 HE give no keycaps.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the EK60 HE (under $50) to the K2 Ultra ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard for FPS Games
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Switches
The EK60 HE and the K617 HE list hall effect magnetic; the K2 Ultra lists Keychron Apex Red linear; the TUF K3 Gen II lists optical-mechanical; the Huntsman Mini lists linear optical. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Keycaps
The K2 Ultra and the TUF K3 Gen II list PBT; the Huntsman Mini lists Doubleshot PBT. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
The EK60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Use the K2 Ultra's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Features beyond the spec table
The K2 Ultra: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The TUF K3 Gen II: a silicone gasket mount with dampening foam. The Huntsman Mini: Hypershift for a second layer of key functions.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the EK60 HE and the K617 HE; $50 to $100 buys the TUF K3 Gen II and the Huntsman Mini; $100 to $150 buys the K2 Ultra at our last check.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboard for FPS Games
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money | EK60 HE | Undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger | K617 HE | Rapid trigger |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | K2 Ultra | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes |
| Buyers who want IP57 water and dust resistance | TUF K3 Gen II | IP57 water and dust resistance |
| Buyers who want linear optical switches | Huntsman Mini | Linear optical switches |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EK60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K617 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K2 Ultra | 75% | Keychron Apex Red linear | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 8,000Hz |
| TUF K3 Gen II | 97-key compact | Optical-mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
| Huntsman Mini | 60% | Linear optical | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The EK60 HE was the lowest-priced pick and the K2 Ultra the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EK60 HE, K617 HE |
| About $50 to $100 | TUF K3 Gen II, Huntsman Mini |
| About $100 to $150 | K2 Ultra |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Huntsman Mini the Linear Optical Switches?
It earns the label for linear optical switches. It suits anyone who wants linear optical switches.
Do the EK60 HE and the K2 Ultra differ on layout?
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the Huntsman Mini use 60%; the K2 Ultra uses 75%; the TUF K3 Gen II uses 97-key compact.
What should I check before buying the Huntsman Mini?
The Huntsman Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Linear Optical Switches pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the EK60 HE and the K617 HE apart?
The EK60 HE: adjustable rapid trigger. The K617 HE: rapid trigger. The K2 Ultra: 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Should I pick the EK60 HE or the Huntsman Mini?
The EK60 HE suits getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money; the Huntsman Mini suits buyers who want linear optical switches.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the EK60 HE, chosen for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. Look at the K617 HE for rapid trigger, the K2 Ultra for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes and the TUF K3 Gen II for IP57 water and dust resistance if those matter more to you.
Set the actuation point low only for movement keys; accidental presses cost rounds.