Top Gaming Keyboards in 2020: Features, Brands, and Recommendations

Cherry MX switches have been dominating the market for a long time, but now there are many affordable Cherry MX clones that offer similar performance. This means that finding a good gaming keyboard has never been easier. If you're willing to spend a bit more, Logitech is another highly respected gaming brand to consider. However, if customization is your priority, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is the keyboard for you.

The keyboard switches are designed to be extremely quiet, making them perfect for shared spaces or for those who dislike loud, clicky keyboards. They are also durable, with a rating of 20 million keystrokes. The keyboard offers six programmable macro keys for customized inputs in your favorite games, and it has 8MB of onboard memory to save your layout profiles for quick swapping between games. The K95 also features Corsair's iCUE software for controlling RGB lighting effects and colors for each key, as well as the 19 zones of strip lighting around the keyboard. It even comes with an attachable wrist rest for support and comfort during long gaming sessions, and the macro and WASD keys have diamond plate textures for added tactile button presses and style.

While not every gaming keyboard prioritizes ergonomics, there are some keyboards that take care of your wrists. If you enjoy marathon gaming sessions, this is something to consider. However, some gamers prefer the minimalist designs offered by certain peripheral manufacturers.

There are many brands to choose from in the gaming keyboard market, and it can be overwhelming. In our best-of guides, we select high-quality products and often recommend keyboards from leading manufacturers. Most manufacturers offer gaming keyboards in various price ranges, so your budget will play a big role in your decision-making. Wireless gaming keyboards are less common and are usually avoided by serious gamers due to concerns about reliability and responsiveness.

Our list of gaming keyboards includes a fantastic mix of both mechanical and non-mechanical options. While mechanical keyboards are often regarded as the gold standard by gamers, we have included non-mechanical keyboards as well. Mechanical keyboards feature individual switches with springs for a more satisfying typing experience and faster response times. Rubber-dome keyboards, on the other hand, can feel mushy when pressed. The keyboards on our list offer a range of features, including aircraft-grade alloy construction, premium wrist rests, RGB illumination, and customizable software suites.

The Corsair K100, for example, offers customizable RGB backlighting, dedicated macro keys, and media playback controls. The Razer Huntsman Elite is another top-tier mechanical gaming keyboard boasting premium features. Cooler Master also produces highly customizable mechanical keyboards with a range of switch options and software.

In conclusion, finding the right gaming keyboard depends on your personal preferences and budget. Mechanical switches offer superior typing feel and responsiveness, but they can be more expensive. Membrane keyboards are cheaper and spill-resistant, but they may wear out faster. Cherry MX switches are widely considered to be top-quality, but there are many other excellent switch manufacturers as well. Additional features such as wrist rests and RGB backlighting can enhance comfort and style. Ultimately, the best gaming keyboard for you is the one that suits your needs and preferences.