Buying Guide
The Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
Six mechanical boards with conventional switches, wired and wireless.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Not every player wants magnetic switches. These six use conventional mechanical or optical-mechanical switches with a fixed actuation point.
We compared layout, connection and keycaps from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Wireless 96%
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Tri-mode wireless and PBT caps.
Best for: Number-pad users.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Profile
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard
A low-profile TKL with double-shot PBT.
Best for: Flat typing.
Our take Check price for Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Battery Value
Redragon K768 PRO Wireless
An 8000mAh battery.
Best for: Rare charging.
Our take Check price for Redragon K768 PRO Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best 65%
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace
ROG NX switches in a 65% frame.
Best for: Compact desks.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace (opens in a new tab)
Best Logitech Wired
Logitech G713 Wired TKL Gaming Keyboard
A wired TKL.
Best for: Wired setups.
Our take Check price for Logitech G713 Wired TKL Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium
Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard
A full-size board with 8000Hz.
Best for: High budgets.
Our take Check price for Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-mode wireless and PBT caps. | Number-pad users. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| A low-profile TKL with double-shot PBT. | Flat typing. | Check price for Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| An 8000mAh battery. | Rare charging. | Check price for Redragon K768 PRO Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| ROG NX switches in a 65% frame. | Compact desks. | Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace (opens in a new tab) |
| A wired TKL. | Wired setups. | Check price for Logitech G713 Wired TKL Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| A full-size board with 8000Hz. | High budgets. | Check price for Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Wireless 96%1 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keeps a number pad in a frame ASUS lists as only 1cm wider than an 80% board.
Best for
- Number-pad users.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the K768 PRO, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or cable, with a 1,500 hours of battery on 2.4GHz. A 96% layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Falchion Ace uses a 65% layout. It shares PBT keycaps with the K768 PRO; the Falchion Ace goes with double-shot PBT keycaps.
It also offers hot-swappable pre-lubed switches and sound-dampening foam. Use the Scope II 96 Wireless's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It also brings ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky switches. It was priced above the G713 and below the G915 X TKL at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Battery life: 1500 hours
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Up to 1500 hours per charge
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Costs more than the K768 PRO at the time of writing
Best Low-Profile2 of 6
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G915 X TKL adds an aluminum top, a volume roller and media keys to the low-profile layout, at a premium price.
Best for
- Flat typing.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the K768 PRO cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It switches between LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth and wired USB-C with a key press. KEYCONTROL lets you assign up to 15 functions per key. Low-profile GL switches with 1.3mm actuation speed up key presses, and LIGHTSYNC RGB syncs with other Logitech G gear.
It shares double-shot PBT keycaps with the Falchion Ace; the K768 PRO goes with PBT keycaps. Use the G915 X TKL's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Worth noting too: PBT keycaps resist shine. When we checked, only the Scope II 96 Wireless and cheaper picks cost less, and the Galleon 100 SD cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL, low-profile
- Connection: Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Aluminum top plate
Cons
- Costs more than the K768 PRO at the time of writing
Best Battery Value3 of 6
Redragon K768 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's K768 PRO offers an 8000mAh battery, the largest here, in a 96% tri-mode board.
Best for
- Rare charging.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It adds a knob and a gasket mount. A 96% (100 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Falchion Ace uses a 65% layout. You get custom linear switches here, which sets it apart from the Falchion Ace and its ROG NX mechanical switches.
It shares PBT keycaps with the Scope II 96 Wireless; the Falchion Ace goes with double-shot PBT keycaps. Use the K768 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Falchion Ace the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96% (100 keys)
- Switches: Custom linear
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Custom linear switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- 8000mAh battery, the largest here
Best 65%4 of 6
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Falchion Ace fits arrow and navigation keys into a 306mm, 65% frame with ROG NX mechanical switches and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Compact desks.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
It is wired only. A touch panel on the left adjusts volume or runs shortcuts, and lubricated stabilisers smooth the larger keys. It is the only pick here with a 65% layout; the Scope II 96 Wireless has a 96% layout instead.
No other pick in this guide offers ROG NX mechanical switches; compare the K768 PRO, which has custom linear switches. Like the G915 X TKL, it has double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Scope II 96 Wireless uses PBT keycaps. It also offers lubricated switch stems.
The Falchion Ace needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Its price falls between the K768 PRO and the G713, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: ROG NX mechanical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- ROG NX mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K768 PRO at the time of writing
Best Logitech Wired5 of 6
Logitech G713 Wired TKL Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G713 is a wired tenkeyless board with media controls and an included palm rest, which the other picks leave out.
Best for
- Wired setups.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
Per-key and perimeter LIGHTSYNC RGB comes with preloaded animations, and it belongs to the Aurora collection with matching headset and mouse. Keycaps and top plates in other colours are sold separately. Its cloud-shaped palm rest and compact TKL layout suit a small desk, and you choose between GX switch types.
A TKL layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K768 PRO uses a 96% (100 keys) layout. The G713 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It was priced above the Falchion Ace and below the Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Dedicated media controls
- Included palm rest
- A wired TKL
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K768 PRO at the time of writing
Best Premium6 of 6
Corsair Galleon 100 SD Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Galleon 100 SD is an expensive full-size board with Stream Deck keys built in.
Best for
- High budgets.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
It only makes sense if you would otherwise buy a separate Stream Deck. You get a full-size layout here, which sets it apart from the G713 and its a TKL layout. It also comes with FlashTap SOCD handling.
The Galleon 100 SD 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. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the K768 PRO at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the G915 X TKL the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Full-size
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- 8,000Hz polling
- Built-in Stream Deck keys with a display
- FlashTap SOCD handling
- Full-size layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K768 PRO at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
What to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
How to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Number-pad users | Scope II 96 Wireless | Tri-mode wireless and PBT caps |
| Flat typing | G915 X TKL | A low-profile TKL with double-shot PBT |
| Rare charging | K768 PRO | An 8000mAh battery |
| Compact desks | Falchion Ace | ROG NX switches in a 65% frame |
| Wired setups | G713 | A wired TKL |
| High budgets | Galleon 100 SD | A full-size board with 8000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Keycaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope II 96 Wireless | 96% | ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | PBT |
| G915 X TKL | TKL, low-profile | Not listed | Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired | Double-shot PBT |
| K768 PRO | 96% (100 keys) | Custom linear | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | PBT |
| Falchion Ace | 65% | ROG NX mechanical | Wired | Double-shot PBT |
| G713 | TKL | Not listed | Wired | Not listed |
| Galleon 100 SD | Full-size | Not listed | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | K768 PRO, Falchion Ace, G713 |
| About $100 to $150 | Scope II 96 Wireless |
| About $150 to $250 | G915 X TKL |
| About $250 to $500 | Galleon 100 SD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Bottom Line
ASUS's Scope II 96 Wireless is the pick for a 96% layout with a 1500-hour battery listing. Logitech's G915 X TKL is the low-profile choice, and Redragon's K768 PRO is the value wireless option.