Buying Guide
The Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
Five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout; the EK60 HE is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A wired gaming keyboard never needs charging and usually costs less than a wireless twin. These list a wired connection and are ordered by polling rate.
The order reflects layout, switches and connection from maker specifications; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 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
AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic KeyboardRapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Check price for AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect KeyboardA 16,000Hz key scan rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 16,000Hz key scan rate.
Check price for NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Mini 65%Rapid trigger and Snap Tap at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EK60 HE costs less.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 HE Mini 65% on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- 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. Like the K617 HE and WIN60 HE PRO, it has a 60% layout, while the BH65 uses a 65% layout. 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 undercut the K617 HE and every other pick on price 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
- Adjustable rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
Also Consider2 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. Like the EK60 HE and WIN60 HE PRO, it has a 60% layout, while the BH65 uses a 65% layout. 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 EK60 HE and the WIN60 HE PRO, 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
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard
The WIN60 HE PRO keeps the WIN60 HE's magnetic switches and 8000Hz polling and adds under-LED lighting.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function row is a problem.
Why we like it
The switches are hot-swappable. It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE and K617 HE; the Huntsman V3 HE Mini goes with a 65% layout. It also comes with rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
The WIN60 HE PRO 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 K617 HE and cheaper picks cost less, and the BH65 cost more.
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 with adjustable actuation
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect Keyboard
NuPhy's BH65 offers a 16,000Hz key scan rate and hot-swappable magnetic switches in a 65% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16,000Hz key scan rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
Actuation and rapid trigger are set per key. The body is solid aluminum, and the NuPhyIO web driver remaps keys, assigns macros and sets actuation and rapid trigger from a browser with no download. Hyper Tap lets a second key fire when the first is released, which helps cancel movement inertia.
Like the Huntsman V3 HE Mini, it has a 65% layout, while the EK60 HE uses a 60% layout. The BH65 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.
Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. Its price falls between the WIN60 HE PRO and the Huntsman V3 HE Mini, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65%
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- 16,000Hz key scan rate
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Mini 65%
Razer's Huntsman V3 HE Mini is a 65% Hall effect board with rapid trigger, Snap Tap and 8000Hz HyperPolling.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EK60 HE costs less.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired only rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Per-key tuning runs in Synapse Web. Like the BH65, it has a 65% layout, while the EK60 HE uses a 60% layout. The Huntsman V3 HE Mini 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. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. 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 BH65 and the rest. The trade-off is polling rate; for more, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65%
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
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 compared five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the EK60 HE to the Huntsman V3 HE Mini, state layout, switches and connection and share Hall effect magnetic switches and Wired connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The EK60 HE for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked; the K617 HE for rapid trigger; the WIN60 HE PRO for rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the EK60 HE (under $50) to the Huntsman V3 HE Mini ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Wired Gaming Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
What to check at home
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 WIN60 HE PRO: hot-swappable magnetic switches. The Huntsman V3 HE Mini: per-key tuning in Synapse Web.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the WIN60 HE PRO; $50 to $100 buys the BH65; $100 to $150 buys the Huntsman V3 HE Mini at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money: the EK60 HE. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EK60 HE costs less: the Huntsman V3 HE Mini.
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps 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 Wired Gaming Keyboard
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 rapid trigger with adjustable actuation | WIN60 HE PRO | Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation |
| Buyers who want 16,000Hz key scan rate | BH65 | A 16,000Hz key scan rate |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EK60 HE costs less | Huntsman V3 HE Mini | Rapid trigger and Snap Tap at the highest price in the group |
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 |
| WIN60 HE PRO | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| BH65 | 65% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Huntsman V3 HE Mini | 65% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
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 Huntsman V3 HE Mini the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EK60 HE, K617 HE, WIN60 HE PRO |
| About $50 to $100 | BH65 |
| About $100 to $150 | Huntsman V3 HE Mini |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Huntsman V3 HE Mini our Premium Pick?
It carries the badge for rapid trigger and Snap Tap at the highest price in the group. 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 buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the EK60 HE costs less.
Do the EK60 HE and the BH65 differ on layout?
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the WIN60 HE PRO use 60%; the BH65 and the Huntsman V3 HE Mini use 65%.
Will the WIN60 HE PRO work with my setup?
The WIN60 HE PRO needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
What extras do the EK60 HE and the K617 HE include?
The EK60 HE: adjustable rapid trigger. The K617 HE: rapid trigger. The WIN60 HE PRO: rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
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 5 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 WIN60 HE PRO for rapid trigger with adjustable actuation and the BH65 for a 16,000Hz key scan rate if those matter more to you.
A detachable cable makes a wired keyboard easier to move and replace.
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 Wired TKL Gaming Keyboards
- 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 Keyboard for Gaming
- 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
View all articles