Buying Guide
The Best Keyboard for Gaming
We weighed five keyboards on polling rate and layout, and the EK60 HE costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
For gaming, switch type, layout and connection matter more than extra lighting. This set is ordered by listed polling rate.
We ranked these keyboards on layout, switches and connection using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these keyboards ourselves, and where a maker leaves out switches, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic KeyboardAdjustable rapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger.
Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic KeyboardRapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger.
Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
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)
Premium Pick
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming KeyboardThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a built-in display.
Best for: Buyers who want a built-in display and can spend more than the K10 Ultra 8K costs.
Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Full-size Layout
Corsair K55 CORE Gaming KeyboardA full-size layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Check price for Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
DAREU's EK60 HE pairs Hall effect switches with 8000Hz polling and a web driver that supports macOS.
Best for
- Buyers who want adjustable 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
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. On polling rate it ties with the K617 HE, the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 at 8,000Hz. Like the K617 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the K55 CORE uses a full-size layout.
Like the K617 HE, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the K55 CORE uses membrane switches. It also comes with 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.
Key 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
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. On polling rate it ties with the EK60 HE, the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 at 8,000Hz. Like the EK60 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the K55 CORE uses a full-size layout.
Like the EK60 HE, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the K55 CORE uses membrane switches. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the K55 CORE and the K10 Ultra 8K, based on our last check.
Key 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
Worth a Look3 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
- Pass on it if full-size board takes more desk width rules it out for your setup.
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 EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the Vanguard 96 at 8,000Hz.
It is the only pick here with a full-size (100%) layout; the EK60 HE has a 60% layout instead. 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. Its price falls between the K617 HE and the Vanguard 96, based on our last check.
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 EK60 HE at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 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 a built-in display and can spend more than the K10 Ultra 8K costs.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the K10 Ultra 8K on polling rate (8,000Hz).
A 96% layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses a 60% 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. Only the K10 Ultra 8K came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a built-in display
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Full-size Layout5 of 5
Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard
The full-size K55 CORE is the same idea with a number pad, at one of the lowest prices in Corsair's range.
Best for
- Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Skip if
- Pass on it if full-size board takes more desk width rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Ten-zone RGB lighting and four media keys cover the basics, and its membrane keys are quiet. It is a low-cost first gaming keyboard. On polling rate it trails the group at 1,000Hz, while the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
It is the only pick here with a full-size layout; the EK60 HE has a 60% layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers membrane switches; compare the EK60 HE, which has hall effect magnetic switches. It also comes with 12-key rollover. The K55 CORE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size
- Switches
- Membrane
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
Pros
- Dedicated media keys
- 12-key rollover
- Full-size layout, the only one here
- Membrane switches, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
How We Chose
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 lined up five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out switches.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the EK60 HE to the K55 CORE, state layout, connection and polling rate.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 give no switches.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the EK60 HE (under $50) to the Vanguard 96 ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Keyboard for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much polling rate you need
The EK60 HE tops polling rate at 8,000Hz and the K55 CORE sits lowest at 1,000Hz; 4 picks share the top figure. If polling rate is your first filter, the EK60 HE sets the ceiling at 8,000Hz.
Switches
The EK60 HE and the K617 HE list hall effect magnetic; the K55 CORE lists membrane.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Setup checks
The EK60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Use the K10 Ultra 8K's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Extras that separate them
The K10 Ultra 8K: ZMK firmware for remapping. The Vanguard 96: a 96% layout that keeps the number pad in a smaller frame. The K55 CORE: 12-key rollover.
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps How much to spend
Under $50 buys the EK60 HE, the K55 CORE and the K617 HE; $100 to $150 buys the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 at our last check.
How to Choose a Keyboard for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger | EK60 HE | Adjustable rapid trigger |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger | K617 HE | Rapid trigger |
| 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 a built-in display and can spend more than the K10 Ultra 8K costs | Vanguard 96 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a built-in display |
| Buyers who want a full-size layout | K55 CORE | A full-size layout |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The EK60 HE leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the K617 HE at 8,000Hz. "Not listed" marks switches where the K10 Ultra 8K and the Vanguard 96 leave the figure out.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EK60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K617 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K10 Ultra 8K | Full-size (100%) | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 8,000Hz |
| Vanguard 96 | 96% | Not listed | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K55 CORE | Full-size | Membrane | Wired | 1,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The EK60 HE was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Vanguard 96 the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EK60 HE, K55 CORE, K617 HE |
| About $100 to $150 | K10 Ultra 8K, Vanguard 96 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the K55 CORE our Full-size Layout pick?
It earns the label for a full-size layout. The price of that: the EK60 HE, the cheapest pick, still beats it on polling rate (8,000Hz against 1,000Hz). It is aimed at anyone who wants a full-size layout.
Do the EK60 HE and the K10 Ultra 8K differ on layout?
The EK60 HE and the K617 HE use 60%; the K10 Ultra 8K uses full-size (100%); the Vanguard 96 uses 96%; the K55 CORE uses full-size.
Will the K617 HE work with my setup?
The K617 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and second of 5 on polling rate (8,000Hz).
What extras do the EK60 HE and the K617 HE include?
The EK60 HE: adjustable rapid trigger. The K617 HE: rapid trigger. The K10 Ultra 8K: 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Should I pick the EK60 HE or the K55 CORE?
The EK60 HE suits buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger; the K55 CORE suits buyers who want a full-size layout.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the EK60 HE, chosen for adjustable rapid trigger. Look at the K617 HE for rapid trigger, the K10 Ultra 8K for 8000Hz polling in both wired and 2.4GHz modes and the Vanguard 96 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a built-in display if those matter more to you.
Hall effect boards with rapid trigger help most in competitive shooters.
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 60% 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 Hot-Swap TKL 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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