Buying Guide
The Best RGB Keyboards
From the K582 to the PRO X 60: five keyboards ranked on layout and switches, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Per-key RGB lets you colour-code keys and match other gear. Every pick has RGB lighting, ordered by polling rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: layout, switches and connection come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon K582 Surara RGB Mechanical KeyboardA lower price than the Apex 3 TKL and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Apex 3 TKL.
Check price for Redragon K582 Surara RGB Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Tenkeyless Layout
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming KeyboardA tenkeyless layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout.
Check price for SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Full-size Layout
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGBA full-size layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Check price for SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Huntsman MiniOptical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer.
Best for: Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer.
Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Logitech G PRO X 60 LightspeedA choice of tactile or linear optical switches at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K582 costs less.
Check price for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the Apex 3 TKL and the rest when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Apex 3 TKL. | Check price for Redragon K582 Surara RGB Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A tenkeyless layout. | Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout. | Check price for SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A full-size layout. | Buyers who want a full-size layout. | Check price for SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. | Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. | Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A choice of tactile or linear optical switches at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K582 costs less. | Check price for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Redragon K582 Surara RGB Mechanical Keyboard
The K582 keeps the number pad for players who need it.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Apex 3 TKL.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest full-size mechanical board in this list. It has 100% anti-ghosting with N-key rollover, and 18 backlight modes adjust from the keyboard. Linear red switches need little force, and full N-key rollover means every key in a combo registers.
Six lighting themes and 18 backlight modes adjust from the keyboard itself. You get a full-size (104 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the PRO X 60 and its a 60% layout. Red linear switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Apex 3 uses whisper-quiet membrane switches.
It also offers per-key macro recording. The K582 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 Apex 3 TKL was closest.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size (104 keys)
- Switches
- Red linear
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Red linear switches
- Anti-ghosting across all keys
- Per-key macro recording
- Full-size (104 keys) layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Wired only
Tenkeyless Layout2 of 5
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
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
- Worth skipping when wired only is a problem.
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. It is the only pick here with a tenkeyless layout; the K582 has a full-size (104 keys) layout instead. You also get 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. Its price falls between the K582 and the Apex 3, based on our last check.
Key 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 K582 at the time of writing
Full-size Layout3 of 5
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB
SteelSeries's Apex 3 uses whisper-quiet membrane switches with IP32 water resistance and a magnetic wrist rest.
Best for
- Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
The maker specifies Xbox Series X|S, PS4 and PS5 support. Its whisper-quiet switches are rated for 20 million presses, and 10-zone RGB and dedicated media controls sit on the board. It is IP32 water resistant against accidental spills.
A full-size layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Apex 3 TKL uses a tenkeyless layout. You get whisper-quiet membrane switches here, which sets it apart from the K582 and its red linear switches. The Apex 3 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It was priced above the Apex 3 TKL and below the Huntsman Mini at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size
- Switches
- Whisper-quiet membrane
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- IP32 water resistance
- Magnetic wrist rest
- Listed support for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 and PS5
- Full-size layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
Also Consider4 of 5
Razer Huntsman Mini
Razer's Huntsman Mini uses linear optical switches and doubleshot PBT keycaps in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function row is a problem.
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 PRO X 60; the K582 goes with a full-size (104 keys) layout.
You get linear optical switches here, which sets it apart from the K582 and its red linear switches. It also comes with 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.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It was priced above the Apex 3 and below the PRO X 60 at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Costs more than the K582 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed
Logitech's PRO X 60 is a 60% board with Lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable, plus a choice of tactile or linear optical switches.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K582 costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
A volume roller sits on top. Like the Huntsman Mini, it has a 60% layout, while the Apex 3 TKL uses a tenkeyless layout. You also get Lightsync RGB.
Use the PRO X 60's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the K582 at the time of writing. 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.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- GX optical
- Connection
- Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Choice of tactile or linear optical switches
- Volume roller
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Costs more than the K582 at the time of writing
How We Chose These RGB Keyboards
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.
- What we compared
- We compared five keyboards on layout, switches and connection, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the K582 to the PRO X 60, state layout, switches and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The K582 for a lower price than the Apex 3 TKL and the rest when we checked; the Apex 3 TKL for a tenkeyless layout; the Apex 3 for a full-size layout.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the K582 (under $50) to the PRO X 60 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in an RGB Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fit and compatibility
The K582 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Use the PRO X 60's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Features beyond the spec table
The Apex 3: a magnetic wrist rest. The Huntsman Mini: Hypershift for a second layer of key functions. The PRO X 60: a volume roller.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the K582, the Apex 3 TKL and the Apex 3; $50 to $100 buys the Huntsman Mini and the PRO X 60 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Apex 3 TKL: the K582. Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout: the Apex 3 TKL. Buyers who want a full-size layout: the Apex 3.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk 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.
How to Choose an RGB Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Apex 3 TKL | K582 | A lower price than the Apex 3 TKL and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a tenkeyless layout | Apex 3 TKL | A tenkeyless layout |
| Buyers who want a full-size layout | Apex 3 | A full-size layout |
| Buyers who want optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer | Huntsman Mini | Optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K582 costs less | PRO X 60 | A choice of tactile or linear optical switches at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The K582, the Apex 3 TKL and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| K582 | Full-size (104 keys) | Red linear | Wired |
| Apex 3 TKL | Tenkeyless | Whisper-quiet gaming switches | Wired |
| Apex 3 | Full-size | Whisper-quiet membrane | Wired |
| Huntsman Mini | 60% | Linear optical | Wired |
| PRO X 60 | 60% | GX optical | Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the K582, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the PRO X 60 at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | K582, Apex 3 TKL, Apex 3 |
| About $50 to $100 | Huntsman Mini, PRO X 60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Apex 3 TKL the Tenkeyless Layout?
It earns the label for a tenkeyless layout. It makes sense for anyone who wants a tenkeyless layout.
Do the K582 and the Apex 3 TKL differ on layout?
The K582 uses full-size (104 keys); the Apex 3 TKL uses tenkeyless; the Apex 3 uses full-size; the Huntsman Mini and the PRO X 60 use 60%.
What should I check before buying the K582?
The K582 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.
Beyond the specs, what sets the K582 and the Apex 3 TKL apart?
The K582: anti-ghosting across all keys. The Apex 3 TKL: whisper-quiet switches rated for over 20 million keypresses. The Apex 3: IP32 water resistance.
Who should choose the Apex 3?
The Apex 3 carries our Full-size Layout label for a full-size layout. It ranks third of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a full-size layout.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the K582, chosen for a lower price than the Apex 3 TKL and the rest when we checked. Look at the Apex 3 TKL for a tenkeyless layout, the Apex 3 for a full-size layout and the Huntsman Mini for optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer if those matter more to you.
Sync lighting through one app to avoid conflicts.
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: miceGaming Mouse Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best ASUS 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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