Buying Guide
The Best Keyboards for Esports
Four keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout; the EK60 HE is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Esports boards pair rapid-trigger magnetic switches with compact layouts for mouse room. Every pick is magnetic and 75% or smaller, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects layout, switches and connection 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 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic KeyboardUndercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Strong Alternative
Keychron K2 HEA custom Hall effect board.
Best for: Buyers who want custom Hall effect board.
Check price for Keychron K2 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired KeyboardThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with rapid trigger support.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger support and can spend more than the Keychron K2 HE costs.
Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid trigger. | Buyers who want rapid trigger. | Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A custom Hall effect board. | Buyers who want custom Hall effect board. | Check price for Keychron K2 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with rapid trigger support. | Buyers who want rapid trigger support and can spend more than the Keychron K2 HE costs. | Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
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
- Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no dedicated arrow keys or function row rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. Like the K617 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the Keychron K2 HE uses a 75% layout. Like the K617 HE and Keychron K2 HE, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hall effect magnetic 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the K617 HE was the next step up.
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
Also Consider2 of 4
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. Like the EK60 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the Keychron K2 HE uses a 75% layout. Like the EK60 HE and Keychron K2 HE, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hall effect magnetic 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. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper EK60 HE and the pricier Keychron K2 HE, at the time of writing.
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
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Keychron K2 HE
The Keychron K2 HE is built around a custom Hall effect board.
Best for
- Buyers who want custom Hall effect board.
Skip if
- Its polling rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
No other pick in this guide offers a 75% layout; compare the K617 HE, which has a 60% layout. Like the EK60 HE and K617 HE, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hall effect magnetic switches. It is the only pick here with a wireless connection; the K617 HE has a wired connection instead.
Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper K617 HE and the pricier K70 PRO TKL, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75%
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wireless
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Custom Hall effect board
- Wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard
The K70 PRO TKL is Corsair's magnetic tenkeyless board.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger support and can spend more than the Keychron K2 HE costs.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
MGX switches with rapid trigger and double-shot PBT keycaps suit competitive play. A TKL layout is unique to it among these picks, while the EK60 HE uses a 60% layout. You get MGX Hall effect magnetic switches here, which sets it apart from the EK60 HE and its hall effect magnetic switches.
It shares a wired connection with the EK60 HE and K617 HE; the Keychron K2 HE goes with a wireless connection. The K70 PRO TKL 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. Only the Keychron K2 HE came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key specs
- Layout
- TKL
- Switches
- MGX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger support
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
How We Chose These Keyboards for Esports
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 four keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and polling rate is missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the EK60 HE to the K70 PRO TKL, state layout, switches and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Keychron K2 HE and the K70 PRO TKL give no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the EK60 HE (under $50) to the K70 PRO TKL ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Keyboard for Esports
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Switches
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the Keychron K2 HE list hall effect magnetic; the K70 PRO TKL lists MGX Hall effect magnetic. Sort out switches before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 3 and 1.
Connection
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the K70 PRO TKL list Wired; the Keychron K2 HE lists wireless. Settling connection first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor Fit and compatibility
The EK60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Extras that separate them
The K617 HE: desktop and web-based calibration. The Keychron K2 HE: a custom Hall effect board. The K70 PRO TKL: rapid trigger support.
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor How much to spend
Under $50 buys the EK60 HE and the K617 HE; $100 to $150 buys the Keychron K2 HE and the K70 PRO TKL at our last check.
How to Choose a Keyboard for Esports
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 custom Hall effect board | Keychron K2 HE | A custom Hall effect board |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger support and can spend more than the Keychron K2 HE costs | K70 PRO TKL | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with rapid trigger support |
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 |
| Keychron K2 HE | 75% | Hall effect magnetic | Wireless | Not listed |
| K70 PRO TKL | TKL | MGX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
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 K70 PRO TKL the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EK60 HE, K617 HE |
| About $100 to $150 | Keychron K2 HE, K70 PRO TKL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the K70 PRO TKL our Premium Pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with rapid trigger support. The EK60 HE, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who wants rapid trigger support and can spend more than the Keychron K2 HE costs.
Do the EK60 HE and the Keychron K2 HE differ on layout?
The EK60 HE and the K617 HE use 60%; the Keychron K2 HE uses 75%; the K70 PRO TKL uses TKL.
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 4.
What extras do the EK60 HE and the K617 HE include?
The EK60 HE: adjustable rapid trigger. The K617 HE: rapid trigger. The Keychron K2 HE: a custom Hall effect board.
Who should choose the EK60 HE?
The EK60 HE carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. It ranks first of 4 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
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 Keychron K2 HE for a custom Hall effect board and the K70 PRO TKL for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with rapid trigger support if those matter more to you.
Tune actuation per key: lighter for movement, deeper for abilities.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Keyboards Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Keyboards for PC
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceWired, 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth: which connection for a mouse or keyboard?
- Similar guideThe Best RGB 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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