Every Major Gaming Keyboard Brand Ranked Worst To Best

When it comes to gaming (and particularly PC gaming), having the right equipment can make a significant difference in performance and overall gaming experience. Among the many gaming peripherals available, the keyboard stands as one of the most essential tools for any dedicated gamer. A quality gaming keyboard can double as a primary communication device as well as a controller, so there is plenty of value in having the right one. With an array of options from various brands, it becomes crucial to assess the strengths and weaknesses of all brands to make the most informed choice possible when the time comes to invest in a new keyboard.

Of course, the major brands on both ends of the spectrum share many similar traits. Top brands typically deliver on performance, customization, and innovation, and bundle their core features with other key components such as durability and ease of use. A good gaming keyboard ultimately provides consumers with a seamless and immersive gaming experience, allowing for lightning-fast key inputs and precise control, enhancing their competitive edge and overall fun factor. Weaker gaming keyboard brands may contain many of the same traits while lacking in one or two key areas such as durability or latency. However, it is also worth noting that many of these brands have gained popularity among gamers for a reason.

Read on to learn about 12 major gaming keyboard brands ranked from worst to best.

Like Cloud Nine, Kinesis is another company that prioritizes ergonomic gaming keyboards. However, Kinesis has an edge on Cloud Nine thanks to its experience in the space, having been a company for over 20 years, firmly establishing its gaming division in 2016. As Kinesis gained traction, it formed a partnership with the Overwatch League's San Francisco Shock to put its TKO Tournament Keyboard on one of the grandest stages in esports. 

The TKO is one of the company's two flagship keyboards, and though it is branded as a "tournament keyboard," it also happens to be the more conventional of the two. Kinesis' other major product, the Freestyle Edge RGB, is a split keyboard that is ergonomically designed for comfort and efficiency. This keyboard also uses Cherry MX mechanical switches, offering four different options for those looking to invest. The TKO, meanwhile, uses ergonomics in different ways while also giving consumers a choice of one of three Kailh Box mechanical switches. 

Some may prefer the ergonomic design of the Freestyle Edge RGB to the TKO, but gamers can rest easy knowing they have a choice with Kinesis' gaming keyboards. Kineses also boasts the more affordable gaming keyboard compared to Cloud Nine, with the TKO checking in at $125.00 and the Freestyle Edge RGB coming in at $219.

ASUS is a company that likely needs no introduction. ASUS, short for "ASUSTeK Computer Inc.," is a Taiwanese company that over its 34-year history has become an industry-leading manufacturer of laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, networking equipment. ASUS also makes peripherals for gamers, including its line of gaming keyboards. But while these keyboards are generally solid compared to competitors, they are branded under the specialty RoG (Republic of Gamers) brand and can be relatively expensive, especially when given the number of features and the quality of the keyboard.

One positive for the ASUS RoG brand of gaming keyboards, however, is the product diversity. While the RoG Azoth stands out as the kingpin of ASUS keyboards for its form factor, customizability and advanced features, gamers could just as easily be satisfied with something from the RoG Strix Scope NX TKL series, which often comes in at half the price. 

The RoG brand is more than just a name, though. The gaming division of one of the leading computing manufacturers in modern times tailors its products to gamers and is not short on gaming-specific features, such as customizable RGB lighting, dedicated macro keys, and profile storage. However, with keyboards such as the RoG Azoth and Claymore II costing upwards of $250, gamers will need to make sure they need everything the product has to offer. In many cases, gamers might just be better off taking a chance on a smaller company with a more dedicated approach to gaming keyboards in particular.

Mountain is among the fastest-growing brands in the space and has recently received critical acclaim for its various products. The company touts its innovative premium hardware and software, and strives to provide gamers and content creators everything they need to excel. Mountain's modular design is one of its defining characteristics, as these keyboards are easily among the most customizable on the market. With that flexibility comes the ability to buy replacement parts, switches, and other keyboard accessories through the company's website, lending to a more fun and efficient experience.

Mountain keyboards are known for their premium construction and attention to detail. The keyboards often feature a robust aluminum frame, which not only enhances durability but also adds a sleek and elegant aesthetic to the overall design. The Everest Max, Mountain's most premium offering, also has a unique look and feel to it that could turn heads among gamers less familiar with the brand. However, Mountain's status as a newer brand, not to mention its premium prices, may cause it to be less accessible to many gamers. Its build quality and easily customizable nature could still make it a worthy investment for those less concerned with prices, though. 

Wooting is a Dutch gaming keyboard company known mostly for its use of analog switches in its products, as well as having some of the lowest latency keyboards on the market. The analog makeup provides users with precise and variable control based on key pressure. Unlike many brands on this list that specialize in PC accessories on a more macro scale, Wooting is a company specifically tailored to keyboards, so consumers can take satisfaction knowing these keyboards are conceived by people who are unequivocal experts on the subject.

It is worth mentioning Wooten's keyboards are also known for their durability and portability. The Wooting 60HE comes with a detachable strap on the left side, allowing players to take the keyboard to tournaments without necessarily having to spend on an expensive carrying case. Wooting also allows users to remap keys, adjust actuation points, and create macros to tailor the keyboard to their preferences. However, the analog nature of these keyboards is not infallible. The technology may require software support from games or applications to fully utilize the analog capabilities, a core feature of the board. While an increasing number of games support analog input, compatibility may vary depending on the specific titles. 

Regardless, Wooting's gaming keyboards offer plenty of value to the consumer, with the Wooting 60HE selling for around $219.99 on the company's website.

SteelSeries has been manufacturing PC accessories for over 20 years and is well-established in the space, particularly when it comes to gaming keyboards. These are typically some of the sturdiest keyboards on the market and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes tailored to the needs of the consumer. These keyboards have few known weaknesses, and there is a little something for everybody. 

While the Apex Pro TKL comes packed with OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable switches — with 11 times quicker response, 10 times swifter actuation, and an OLED display designed to deliver information from games and apps — the best-selling Apex 3 comes with a magnetic wrist rest, providing full palm support and added comfort.

SteelSeries has additional credibility thanks to its various partnerships with those in the gaming community. For example, SteelSeries has partnered with multiple esports teams, including FaZe Clan, Team OG and Spacestation Gaming, providing them with official SteelSeries products to use in their winning pursuits. The company claims that professional players have won more prize money using SteelSeries products than any other brand. 

This may not matter to the casual gamer, but luckily, SteelSeries has plenty of affordable products available that are adequately stripped versions of the company's higher-end keyboards. The Apex 3 can be had for between $45 and $70 depending on specifications and add-ons, while the Apex Pro TKL checks in at a more expensive, albeit competitive $189.99.

Corsair is known for its solid line of accessories and aftermarket parts, and its impressive line of gaming keyboards is no exception to its standards. While determining the "best" gaming keyboard brand is a subjective matter, Corsair is a company widely recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of the peripheral, known for high-quality products with an extensive range of features. Corsair's edge over the rest of the market has a great deal to do with its enormous catalog of dozens of keyboards, which truly offers a gaming keyboard for every type of gamer.

While Corsair's saturation of the gaming keyboard market could also be seen as the company spreading itself too thin, the company does not seem to be sacrificing quality for quantity. They are well put together, offer a wide variety of high-quality switches for consumers to choose from, and contain all the must-have gaming features, respective to the wants and needs of the consumer. Additionally, Corsair takes a page out of Razer's playbook by featuring software integration that enables the keyboard to cooperate with other Corsair accessories and software. 

While on the pricier end of the spectrum, the K100 AIR and K100 RGB are two of the finest gaming keyboards on the market for the utility they offer. The K100 AIR tops out at $279.99, but more budget-conscious consumers who still want the comfort of investing in a top brand can pick up the K60 PRO model for under $100.