Updated at: 17-02-2023 - By: Gemaga

With the popularity of optical keyboards on the rise, we decided to dedicate some time to researching the market and compiling this guide to the top optical keyboards currently available.

It’s no secret that gamers have strong opinions about the best keyboards for gaming. Is there a certain keyboard that can make a noticeable difference in your gaming abilities? Will this type of switch allow you to fire that shot or attack a little bit sooner?

Comfort, speed, and accuracy are all crucial when gaming because the keyboard (and the mouse to some extent) is your direct interface with the game world. Appearances matter too.

Though they have only been around for a short time, optical keyboards have quickly risen to prominence as the gold standard of mechanical keyboard performance. The actuation sequence is controlled by a laser, and the signal travels at the speed of light.

To help you find the best optical keyboard for gaming, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options currently on the market and compared their key features.

HK Gaming GK61

Choose from a Gateron Optical Black, Blue, Brown, or Red Switch.

Size: 60%

The Pros:

  • Amazing, right?
  • Reasonable Cost
  • Superior adaptability

The Cons:

  • There are some shoddy additions
  • Software that is incredibly difficult to use

The HK Gaming GK61 is our entry because of its low price. This keyboard, like the others on our list, features an RGB LED backlight and “mechanical-optical” switches. In place of a mechanical one, these switches use light as the actuating mechanism.

The Best Optical Keyboards for Gaming 2019 - IGN

Few of the keyboards in this family use the Gateron optical-mechanical switches found on this one. There is a common misconception that because this keyboard is “hot-swappable,” it can be used with any type of mechanical switch. However, only optical-mechanical switches are supported. All the keyboards on this list probably work like this.

If you want to type efficiently on this keyboard, you’ll be very disappointed to learn that it lacks effective stabilizer legs. Comfort-wise, it’s not great, and it feels a little cheap, but it doesn’t really affect the keyboard’s operation. Because of this, using a keyboard is less satisfying overall.

There is a wide selection of colors and styles available for this keyboard. You can pick between a white or red keyboard in addition to four different optical switch options. This level of customization comes at a surprisingly low price.

In addition, this keyboard’s RGB software is terrible. The majority of it is incomprehensible because it hasn’t been translated from Chinese into English. You can get a better user experience for the same price or not much more, and it’s not a bad keyboard functionally if you can figure out how to muddle your way through the software.

Razer Huntsman Elite

Razer Opto-Mechanical Switches, available in Purple (clicky) and Red (linear).

Completely sized

The Pros:

  • Extremely adaptable
  • a business based in the United States of America
  • User-friendly

The Cons:

  • Costs a lot of money.
  • It’s possible that this feature set is more robust than necessary for some users.

The Razer Huntsman could be considered the first “major” gaming keyboard to feature optical-mechanical switches. The Razer Huntsman Elite is, without a doubt, a high-end gaming keyboard with every conceivable feature. You’ve probably heard of Razer if you use a personal computer. Possible ownership of one or more Razer gadgets.

Unlike the other brands featured in this guide, which might be considered “off-brand,” Razer has a massive fan base and is headquartered in the United States. The premium price you’ll pay for their wares is indicative of the high standard you can expect to receive.

The Elite model of the Razer Huntsman is a full-size keyboard that features a magnetized wrist rest. The wrist rest isn’t the most comfortable one we’ve tried; its near side has a sharp corner that can be irritating to some users. How you sit while playing video games or typing is of utmost importance.

The Huntsman Elite is the only keyboard here with Razer-made proprietary switches. Razer Opto-Mechanical switches, available in both red and purple, are used. In contrast to the red switch’s linear, nearly silent operation, the purple switch’s clicky, tactile feel is more akin to that of a blue switch.

The Huntsman Elite is the best choice for those who prefer a full-featured keyboard. The full keyboard, in addition to volume and playback controls, can be found on the same panel.

The Huntsman Elite, like all Razer products, is highly customizable thanks to the company’s Synapse software. Features like “gaming modes,” macro creation, and flexible lighting controls are just the beginning of the software’s many user-friendly additions.

You can tell this is a high-quality product because of the high price tag. Quality and personalization come at a price, but for many consumers it is well worth it. However, if you’re not set on having a black mouse, you can get the regular Razer Huntsman in white or pink by skipping the Elite model.

DIERYA x KEMOVE 60%

Black, Blue, Brown, and Red Gateron Optical Switches

Size: 60%

The Pros:

  • Upgraded User Interface
  • Qualities that can be considered acceptable
  • Absence of intrusive advertising

The Cons:

  • LEDs’ lack of illumination is a common criticism.
  • Keyboard lacks color options

DIERYA x KEMOVE’s 60% keyboard is yet another non-name brand option at a low price. It’s on par with our first keyboard in terms of price, but weighing the pros and cons, there are some obvious differences.

The keyboard’s customization software, for one thing, is easier to use than that of competing products. Obviously, it’s not as user-friendly as Razer’s software, but it’s light years ahead of HK Gaming’s. However, the RBG lighting isn’t as bright as on some of the other models here. If you need a keyboard with clearly visible LEDs, look elsewhere.

To be fair, though, for 60% of its intended purpose, this keyboard is quite adequate. It has a pleasant tactile experience and doesn’t look or feel like a cheap keyboard. We appreciated that keyboards like the Redragon ones didn’t scream “look at me!” with their logo everywhere you type.

This keyboard’s optical switches are fine, but they don’t particularly stand out. Gateron optical-mechanical switches are used in this keyboard, just as they were in our original keyboard. In addition to these standard white optical switches, we also offer options in black, brown, blue, and red. The lack of customizable keyboard color options is a minor bummer.

Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition

Linear Optical Switch by Razer

Tenkeyless, a diminutive

The Pros:

  • Software that can be used by anyone
  • Size is reduced (when compared to Huntsman and Huntsman Elite).
  • Uncomplicated and reasonably priced

The Cons:

  • Just one color option, black.
  • Features only linear switches

The Huntsman Tournament Edition is a great option if you want a Razer keyboard but are on a tighter budget. This keyboard’s goal is to condense the Elite’s features down into a more manageable, portable, and cost-effective package, and it does a respectable job of doing so.

There is no magnetic wrist rest on this keyboard, but we’re not really missing it. All Razer Huntsman keyboards have optical-mechanical switches, but we’ve only included the Huntsman Tournament Edition and the Huntsman Elite on this page.

It would be unequal to only include Razer items, so if you enjoy the Huntsman, you should check out the original as well. In terms of cost and features, the original Huntsman falls between the Huntsman Elite and the Tournament Edition.

The Huntsman Tournament Edition is optimized for competitive play. Because of this, it comes with red linear switches exclusively. Only the original Huntsman and the Huntsman Elite, both of which cost more, feature purple tactile switches. There is only a matte black color option for the Tournament Edition.

Redragon K580-PRO

OUTEMU Optical Blue, Brown Switches

Completely sized

The Pros:

  • Seems pricey but isn’t
  • Excellent value considering the size and number of included features.

The Cons:

  • Bad typeface and logo design.
  • Uniquely offered in black

Redragon products fill out the rest of our selection. Redragon, despite being a Chinese brand, has been a leading manufacturer of mechanical and membrane keyboards for many years. They don’t always deliver on quality, but for the price, their wares are hard to beat.

The K580-PRO is our first optical mechanical keyboard from Redragon. The K580-PRO is a brown or blue LED-illuminated full-size keyboard with OUTEMU switches. When activated, blue switches provide a very tactile experience, while brown switches provide a hybrid of the two.

Since it’s a full-size keyboard, it comes equipped with every shortcut and media button you could possibly need. On the other hand, its physical dimensions are more substantial. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well made this keyboard is. It has a satisfying weight and solidity, giving the impression that it is much more expensive than it actually is.

The price is unreal for a full-sized keyboard of this quality. You can get it for less than half the price of the Razer Huntsman Elite, and it still has all the features you need apart from the magnetic wrist rest. We don’t particularly like the font used for the keys or the fact that the keyboard is branded with the Redragon name, but these are minor complaints given the price and quality.

Redragon K587-PRO

OUTEMU Blue Optical Switch

Tenkey-less sizing

The Pros:

  • Well-built
  • Wrist support built in.
  • Inexpensive
  • Suggests high cost but offers low actual value.

The Cons:

  • Bad marketing and typeface

The Redragon K587-PRO is nearly identical to the K580-PRO, but it lacks ten keys and is therefore smaller. The blue switches on this keyboard are the only available color; red and brown versions are not yet available.

You could easily order your own optical switches and swap them out, but doing so would drive up the price considerably.

The magnetic wrist rest that comes standard with this mechanical keyboard is an interesting bonus. The design of this wrist rest is superior to that of the Razer version because it lacks the latter’s sharp back edge, which can be irritating to the user’s wrists.

This layout is perfect for those who like using wrist rests. This keyboard, like the other Redragon, only comes in black, but the vast majority of gamers don’t care about aesthetics anyway.

The K587-PRO is priced similarly to the K580-PRO, but lacks some of those features and has a few extras. You sacrifice some keyboard space but gain a welcome wrist rest.

Both the K580-PRO and the K587-PRO suffer from the same branding and font flaws. Although not terribly shocking, this is still annoying. If the keyboard’s branding and font aren’t a dealbreaker, then you should definitely buy it.

Corsair K100: Fastest Optical Keyboard for Gaming

  • Highly Practical
  • Rapid 4000 Hz Surveying
  • Select Cherry or Corsair Buttons
  • Expensive
  • Maximal Dimensions
  • Extraneous Programs

The K100 is Corsair’s most recent flagship gaming keyboard, and it features an unprecedented number of macro and media controls, lightning-fast switches, and a polling rate of 4000 hertz (hz).

The K100 is the most expensive option on this list, as one would expect from a keyboard with such high-end features.

Weighty and well-made for a full-size keyboard, the K100 has a solid reputation.

But for such a high price, you would expect more aluminum rather than just the top frame, and less plastic than what’s actually on the K100.

The double-shot PBT keycaps are an excellent touch, as they let the RGB lighting do its thing without compromising on build quality.

The new OPX optical switches from Corsair are available alongside the tried-and-true MX Speed Silver mechanical switches. No matter what polling rate you use, the speed of both types of switches will be more than adequate. However, the optical switches will be slightly faster.

The fastest polling rate available is 4000hz, but it will put a strain on your computer. It’s possible that the keyboard is only “future proofing” because many games can’t even run at 4000hz polling.

The USB passthrough ports on the keyboard make it easy to charge or connect your devices and peripherals. It might be worth it to sacrifice a USB port on your computer for this added convenience.

Although the attached nature of the included cable is understandable due to safety concerns regarding power, it is less than ideal on a high-priced keyboard in this age of the ubiquitous removable USB-C.

The iCue software from Corsair is robust and features full RGB and macro programmability, but it is a cumbersome, overly feature-rich application that takes up close to 800MB to download.

For added convenience and support, there is a magnetic plush wrist rest that can be removed.

If you need a quick keyboard with a ton of features for gaming and vfx workstation tasks, look no further than the Corsair K100.

Keychron K8: Best Optical Keyboard for Gaming and Typing

  • Built-in Bluetooth 5.1 and USB Type-C
  • Powerful Battery
  • Great Mac Compatibility
  • Keyboard Covers Made of ABS Plastic
  • Problems with Bluetooth Reported
  • It’s Time to Improve the Stabilizers

The Keychron K8 is a mac-optimized, 87-key TKL keyboard that connects via bluetooth and USB Type-C.

Keychron Optical switches are utilized here, with the customary clicky blue, linear red, and tactile brown options available.

While Keychron claims their keyboards poll at 1000 Hz, the actual response time is closer to 13 ms when using a wired connection and 30 ms when using Bluetooth.

This could be a problem for rhythm games like OSU that rely on quick input and minimal latency.

The stabs aren’t great, but they’re easily modifiable or replaceable with plate-mount clip-in stabilizers and hot-swappable optical switches.

Although the K8 itself is made entirely of plastic, an aluminum frame is available as an optional upgrade that can be attached to the device by means of four panels that slide and screw onto the plastic’s sides.

The large 4000mah battery ensures that you have power and Bluetooth connectivity for up to 10 days, although this will vary based on how often you use RGB. Some users have complained that the Bluetooth connection frequently drops or disconnects, but your experience may be different.

Unfortunately, the software does not allow you to change the keys or the RGB lighting, so if you want to program your layout, hotkeys, or macros, you will need to try a different program, such as Autohotkey.

The Keychron K6 is the way to go if you’re looking for a 65% layout.

If you’re a Mac user who prefers a TKL layout, the K8 is your best bet.

Epomaker SK96s: Best Optical Keyboard With A Unique Layout

  • Southpaw numeric keypad layouts make up 96% of the population.
  • Radio Frequency Identification and Type C (USB-C)
  • Extremely Powerful Battery
  • Integral Stabilisers
  • Superior Mac Compatibility
  • Sculpted Keycaps Can Be An Option
  • Choices Abound in the Switches
  • No Separate Arrow Keys for Southpaws
  • In some cases, the polling rate of the optical version may be lower.

Epomaker’s SK68 is a 96% keyboard that supports bluetooth, hot swapping, and a southpaw numpad.

Because the Southpaw layout is similar to a 60% with function row and numpad, it is distinct from the standard 96 layout in that it lacks dedicated arrow keys.

Since the Southpaw is so close to being a completely standard layout, it can use any keycaps you like.

The plastic case shows no signs of creaking and the build quality is excellent for a low-priced keyboard. If you’re looking for a pre-built keyboard, look no further than the Epomaker. Its factory-lubed stabilizers are among the best in the industry.

Hot swappable Gateron mechanical and optical switches are at your disposal.

There are seven distinct Gaterons available for use as optical switches. These range in color from blue to red to brown to black. You can pay an extra $5 for the option of purchasing a yellow, silver, or green optical switch.

Perhaps the most customizable Optical keyboard available.

Backlit doubleshot ABS OEM profile keycaps and Dye-Sublimated PBT keycaps with a custom sculpted GK1 profile are both available.

However, the ABS option will still let the RGB light through, so your legends will be legible even if they get shiny faster from perspiration and body oils.

The PBT keycaps are well worth the price because they have a deep, rich sound and a contoured design that prevents glare.

The GK96 is a great low-cost option for those seeking full-sized functionality in a TKL size, thanks to its high Mac compatibility, bluetooth and wired dual mode, and software that allows you to customize your layout, keys, and RGB.

Kickstarter backers will soon be able to purchase Epomaker’s SK96S and SK96LS.

If you need a hot-swappable 96% or Southpaw numpad, look no further than the SK96 or SK96LS.

Best Optical Keyboards For Gaming 2023 [Guide] - GamingScan

Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro: Best Optical Keyboard with RGB

  • Controls for Sound Level and Mute
  • One Thousand Hertz Sampling Rate
  • Quick Changing
  • Fantastically Rich Color Scheme
  • Possible Overexposure to Switches
  • Not Everyone Preferes These Keycaps

Although it costs more than you might expect for a gaming keyboard, the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro is a delight to use and a pleasure to game on.

These quick optical linear switches have a red box for a stem.

While the red switches are ideal for gaming, the low force required to actuate them may make accurate typing difficult.

A 32-bit ARM processor and a rapid polling rate of 1000 Hz support the connection, ensuring consistent performance in any gaming environment.

If you don’t like the keys that come with your keyboard, you should be able to easily find replacement keycaps online because they adhere to industry standards for size and spacing.

The Roccat stabilizers are a custom design that doesn’t appear to be modded, but they do a good job smoothing out the ride as-is.

In terms of construction, it’s fairly sturdy, sharing the same alloy top and plastic bottom as the Corsair K100 we discussed earlier.

There will be no wiggle room on the board thanks to the height-adjustable feet.

The USB type-C connector is conveniently located in the middle of the detachable cable. The Roccat Vulcan should work fine with your own specially made cables.

Any board would benefit from a volume control and mute button built into a single, easy-to-use unit.

The keycaps are ultra-smooth doubleshots that are also very low-profile, and the resulting negative space lets a ton of RGB light up the keyboard beautifully.

If you’re a demanding gamer in need of a quick TKL, look no further than the Roccat Vulcan.

Razer Huntsman TE

  • 1000 Hertz Frequency Polling
  • Colorful RGB that really pops
  • Multishot PBT Keycaps
  • Connectors and Regulators Sway and Shift
  • Bottom-Row Spacing That’s Not Typical
  • Extraneous Programs

One of the most popular gaming companies in the world has a lightning-quick TKL design: the Razer Hunstman TE.

In any game, you won’t miss a second thanks to the 1000 Hz polling rate and optical switches designed by Razer.

There isn’t a lot of wiggle and rattle in the switches and stabilizers, but the overall build quality isn’t great.

Each switch has a stabilizer wire, which, ironically enough, may be distracting to use because of the instability.

Quality doubleshot PBT is used for the keycaps, allowing the vivid RGB effects to shine through without jeopardizing the legacies’ durability.

However, you may have trouble finding fully compatible keycap sets due to the use of proprietary stabilizers and a nonstandard bottom row.

The spacebar, ctrl, and alt keys are probably going to be mixed up.

With Synapse, you can assign hotkeys and macros, configure your own RGB lighting, and even synchronize the effects across all of your Razer peripherals.

The software has a lot of extraneous features and isn’t always stable, but it gets the job done.

The Huntsman Mini is a 60% alternative.

If you like Razer’s products and are looking for a fast and widely available TKL, the Hunstman TE is a great option.

Epomaker SK68

  • Spacebar, Separated
  • There Are Several Discrepancy-Switching Choices
  • Keyboard Capsules with Dye-Sublimation Printing Technology for Polybuty
  • Equipped with both Bluetooth and USB Type-C,
  • Reverse Order
  • As a result, the polling rate of the optical version may be lower.

The SK68XS from Epomaker is the optical variant of their well-liked GK68XS board. The 65% split spacebar module, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-to-PS/2 adapter make the SK68XS an affordable and effective optical keyboard.

This is a regular ABS plastic tray case, so there aren’t any movable feet, but there are four rubber bumpons to help keep it in place.

The aluminum plate makes the case rigid, so it doesn’t wiggle or make noise. Keyboards may need to be foamed or sound-damped if the case is particularly hollow.

For those who prefer a more premium look and feel, an aluminum case is also an option.

The keycaps are a textured smooth plastic made with dye-sublimation ink, so the long-lasting legends won’t fade away, but they can’t be lit with RGB.

The layout is standard 65% in size, with 68 keys, with one minor modification: the backspace key has been shifted to the right by one unit, and the tilde key has been swapped with the backspace key.

You may need a little bit of time to get used to the new layout as a result of this minor adjustment.

The split spacebar unit is convenient because it allows you to reassign the backspace key to one of the two extra keys.

You can alter the layout, set up macros, and fine-tune the keyboard’s RGB lighting profiles in the software and then save the changes locally.

If you want to learn more about the program, I recommend reading Ruby, Epomaker’s Extended Manual.

If you want a small keyboard with a split spacebar and don’t mind learning a new layout, the SK68 is a fantastic choice. Epomaker SK68 is available for purchase on this website.

Keychron K6

  • Support for Macs is Very Good
  • Modified 65% Compact Design
  • Infrared and USB-C
  • Individual Light Switch That Cannot Be Programmed
  • Some Improvements to Stabilizer Technology Are Needed

The K6 from Keychron is very similar to their K8 TKL, with the exception that its 65% layout is reminiscent of the SK68.

When compared to the SK68, the K6’s 68-key layout is more conventional, with the backspace located in its customary spot.

In place of a tilde key, Keychron has a dedicated lighting key that cannot be changed.

Instead of having to repeatedly press different keys, you can just press this single lighting key to quickly and easily cycle through all of the different lighting profiles.

Also, the stabilizers aren’t great, but they’re easily replaceable.

Similarly to the TKL, the K6 is constructed entirely of plastic; however, the 65% layout results in significantly less exposed surface area.

If you’re looking for a little extra support, an aluminum frame is always an option.

Even though a Bluetooth connection is handy, it may not be optimal for online gaming or other activities that require a low-latency connection.

Keychron provides a USB-C cable with a right angle connector for convenient plug-and-play connectivity.

The keyboard and its lighting profiles are not programmable, but you can try using a third-party program like Autohotkey to achieve the same effect.

If you’re a Mac user in need of a compact mechanical keyboard, the Keychron K6 is your best bet.

The K6 is available in an abundance of configurations, all of which can be found on Amazon.

Epomaker SK64

  • Wireless networking via Bluetooth and USB Type-C
  • Excellent Room for Personalization
  • Acceptable Regulators
  • It could take some time to get used to the layout.
  • The polling rate may be lower in the optical version.

The Epomaker SK64 combines the best features of the SK61 (60%) and the SK68 (65%) into a single, space-saving design.

It takes up the same amount of desk space as a 60% layout but provides additional keys, including dedicated arrows and a delete button.

While this may make the 60% layout more user-friendly, it does so at the expense of the appropriate sizes for the keycaps and the “alt” and “ctrl” modifier keys.

To make room for the additional keys, the left and right shifts are greatly reduced in size.

A little practice may be required until you become accustomed to the new layout, especially if you frequently use the right shift key and find yourself pressing up or delete by accident.

In spite of sharing a similar plastic case style with the SK61 and SK68, the SK64’s PCB makes use of the industry-standard 60% layout standoff holes.

This allows you to swap out the case for any of a wide variety of materials, including plastic, aluminum, and wood (including Tofu) with just a new plate.

As long as you can get used to the layout, the SK64 is a fantastic entry point into the world of custom 60% keyboards.

Epomaker SK61

  • Dye-Sublimated PBT Keycaps
  • Wireless technology like Bluetooth and a standard USB-C cable
  • Regular Format
  • Excellent Regulators
  • The 60% Who Can’t Stand the Design
  • Mechanical Version: 125 Hz Polling Rate vs. 1000 Hz Polling Rate

To complete their lineup, Epomaker has added the SK61, a compact keyboard with a 60% layout.

Despite the fast Gateron optical switches, the 125 Hz polling rate of this keyboard makes it less than ideal for gaming.

Epomaker’s GSA profile is a uniform hybrid of the DSA and XDA profiles, and it supports dye-sublimated keycaps.

Since the tops of all the keys are flat, like on a laptop, this may make typing more comfortable.

While the stabilizers don’t jiggle and come factory-lubed, they could still benefit from a more thorough application.

If you’re not used to using a 61-key keyboard, you might find the 60% layout confusing at first.

Accessing the basic functions (F1 through F12), as well as directional and navigational aids, is typically accomplished by means of a separate “function layer” in these designs.

The provided software makes it possible to personalize your layout, record macros to improve workflow, and set up profiles for your RGB lighting.

The SK61 is an excellent small option with a standard layout, but it may not be the fastest option for your gaming needs.

GK61

  • Wireless technology like Bluetooth and the latest USB-C connector
  • Options for Various Scenarios
  • Template Used Typically
  • It’s possible that the polling rate of the optical version is lower.
  • Plastic keycaps made of ABS could be easily polished.

HKGaming and YMDK both sell a generic version of the SK61 called the Geek GK61.

The GK61 is nearly identical to the Epomaker SK61 in terms of design and available switches, but it has a different set of keycaps and a few different color options.

Unlike with dye-sublimated PBT, the GK61’s doubleshot ABS keycaps allow you to see the RGB through the plastic, but they may become shiny more quickly due to skin oils.

Otherwise, the construction is virtually identical, consisting of a plastic tray-style case with rubber feet and a USB-C cable.

The Geek GK61 comes in both mechanical and optical forms, but the model number stays the same.

For a detailed comparison of the GK61 and the SK61, watch this video.

A good option that’s visually similar to the SK61 is the Optical GK61.

HyperX Alloy Origins

SPECIFICATIONS

In terms of toggles, we recommend HyperX Red (linear).

Color-changing LEDs illuminate each individual key.

Larger than life

The dimensions are 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches (44.3 x 13.3 x 3.6 cm).

The item weighs a total of 1,075 grams, or 2.4 pounds.

REASONS TO BUY

Slender, space-saving layout

The RGB lighting is great.

In the back, there are three distinct height settings.

REASONS TO AVOID

There are no media keys or shortcuts available.

Reduced switch travel distance of 1.8mm (instead of 2mm). like a cheap trick

Software developed by -NGenuity could benefit from a more user-friendly interface.

The HyperX Alloy Origins is the best gaming keyboard for casual players because of its small size and high-quality construction. It’s easy to use and has a high-quality design, from the keys to the sturdy metal frame and eye-catching RGB lighting. The red switches on this keyboard will be familiar to anyone who is used to using linear switches. The clickier variant has been tested with HyperX aqua switches, which can be purchased from both Amazon and HyperX’s own online shop.

Some gaming keyboards cost more than $100, but they come with extra features like media control buttons, a USB pass-through port (for easily plugging in another accessory, like your best gaming mouse), and more sophisticated software. But the Alloy Origins excels at providing its few features.

Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate

SPECIFICATIONS

Hot-swappable switches with NX red/brown/blue or Cherry red/brown/blue actuation.

Intensity: per key, RGB backlight

Dimensions: Completely standard

Dimensions are 44.3 x 13.8 x 4.1 centimeters (17.4 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches).

Dimensions: 3lbs (1.4kg)

REASONS TO BUY

The Benefits of Using LED Dot Matrix Displays

Additional Keys for Media Streaming Services

Aluminum Sheet Plus

1 cushy wrist pad

PCB Hot Swap

REASONS TO AVOID

Frustrating Per-Key RGB Program

Faulty assembly of the wrist support

The features of the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate, a reasonably priced pre-built gaming keyboard, are all well integrated. Although the suggested retail price of $219 is high, it is less than the price of custom enthusiast boards. Not only that, though. The AniMe Matrix, as Asus dubs its dazzling dot matrix LED display, is a one-of-a-kind piece of bling that will make any visitor to your fancy new digs green with envy.

You can choose from Cherry’s red (linear), brown (tactile), or blue (clicky) switches, or Asus’s own ROG NX switches (also linear), inside this keyboard. Including soundproofing material and a hot swap PCB that allows for more switch configurations covers all the bases. Meanwhile, the exterior is reinforced with aluminum and double-shot PBT keycaps. In addition, there are media controls, including a volume wheel, and a padded wrist rest that can be installed without any additional tools but is otherwise permanent.

The per-key RGB lighting on this board is the only feature that could use improvement; it requires fiddling with the cumbersome Asus Aura Creator app. But in exchange, you can show off your own gifs and images in the top right corner thanks to the AniMe Matrix lighting on this board. You can even program them to react to specific events within the game itself.

That’s a lot of features for a keyboard light, and it’s not a gimmick at all when you factor in the reasonable price and the rock-solid construction. This is a fantastic foundation for gamers to build upon, either in the conventional sense or the creative one.

Cooler Master CK552

SPECIFICATIONS

Gateron’s Red, Blue, and Brown Switches

RGB key backlighting

Larger than life

The dimensions are 46 x 13.5 x 4.1 cm (18.1 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches).

1.9 oz (861.8 g) in weight.

REASONS TO BUY

RGB backlighting, which looks great.

Solid aluminum top plate

Inclusion of a wide range of switch options

REASONS TO AVOID

Because of their color, red switches are more likely to be accidentally flipped. -press

The best keyboards for gamers can be quite expensive. The Cooler Master CK552 is a great keyboard if you don’t want to spend a small fortune on one. You get a full-size keyboard with a top plate made of aluminum, a material usually reserved for more expensive keyboards but indicative of welcome durability. The CK552 has a wide variety of switches to choose from. It’s possible to get a good mechanical feel from the Gateron brand’s linear, clicky, or tactile switches, but picky users may find that these switches aren’t as reliable or high-end as those from, say, Cherry MX.

Mis-presses occurred on occasion with the Gateron Red switches we tested, which was frustrating in games and also an issue when typing. The CK552 has per-key RGB lighting, on-the-fly macro recording, on-board memory for up to four profiles, and is capable of recording macros on-the-fly to make up for any perceived shortcomings in its gaming prowess. Even though it isn’t as sophisticated as the software included with some of Cooler Master’s rivals’ peripherals, the CK552 is compatible with Cooler Master’s own Portal application.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL

SPECIFICATIONS

Cherry MX Red, Silent Red, and Speed Silver are all types of switches.

The backlighting is a per-key RGB light.

Category: Tenkeyless

Dimensions are 36.1 x 16.5 x 4.8 centimeters (14.2)

2.1 lb (952.5 g) in weight.

REASONS TO BUY

Plus: compact design that lasts

High-quality keycaps

REASONS TO AVOID

It may take some practice to get used to using the.

-Expensive

While pricey, the features and performance of the Corsair K70 RGB TKL are well worth the investment. Its compact TKL construction doesn’t sacrifice durability or robustness. In addition to the standard multimedia controls, the RGB effects can be adjusted with no additional software (though the iCue app is required for more advanced adjustments) being downloaded.

The K70 TKL’s doubleshot PBT keycaps made it a pleasure to type on and play games on. They were impervious to both fingerprints and sweat, ensuring that we never lost focus during the game. And if you want to add a little flair and fun to your keyboard at no extra cost, we’ve included some ABS keycaps as a bonus. Still, there was some getting used to because the keys are so close together.

Unlike the other keyboards on this page, the K70 RGB TKL is powered by its own multi-threaded SoC, which allows it to achieve a polling rate of 8000 Hz. Unfortunately, not even an AMD Ryzen 5950X CPU could make us notice a difference. The responsiveness, advanced tournament-style feature set, and large number of onboard profiles (up to 50) made this TKL even more useful.

Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro

SPECIFICATIONS

Razer’s green (clicky) and yellow (linear) toggle switches.

RGB key backlighting

Size: Full-Fat

Dimensions are 17.7 by 9.8 by 1.7 inches (36.8 by 15 by 2.2 centimeters).

The item weighs a total of 1.42 kilograms (or 3.1 pounds).

REASONS TO BUY

Plus, the double-shot keycaps look nice and are smudge-proof.

Comfortable, high-quality wrist support

REASONS TO AVOID

-Sensitive to low battery conditions

Abolish all shortcut keys

The Razer Black Widow V3 Pro is the best wireless gaming keyboard if you want a similar experience to that of a regular full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard but without the cords. Some wireless keyboards are designed to be portable, but the BlackWidow V3 Pro has all the features and dimensions of a full-sized mechanical, including a tactile and premium volume dial, extra media keys, an aluminum top plate, and doubleshot ABS plastic keycaps.

With four profile memories onboard and vivid per-key RGB lighting, this gaming keyboard from Razer is fully loaded. RGB, however, isn’t profile-adherent, so dedicated RGB enthusiasts will need dedicated software in order to match RGB, including custom effects, to profiles.

The dongle connection worked flawlessly during our testing, and you can use Bluetooth to connect the keyboard to up to three devices at once. Our BlackWidow V3 Pro test unit lasted on average for 14 hours when set to maximum RGB brightness with no dimming effects, but it can last for up to 25 hours when set to the most energy-efficient RGB brightness level. When the battery reaches 3%, power saving modes activate, causing the keyboard to behave erratically until you plug it in.

The Logitech G915 Lightspeed is an excellent and dependable full-sized wireless gaming keyboard with low-profile switches that some gamers and travelers alike will appreciate for its portability. The BlackWidow V3 Pro is an excellent option, however, if you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that feels more like what you’d expect from a gaming keyboard.

Patriot Viper V765

SPECIFICATIONS

The switches are white Kailh boxes with a clicky mechanism.

RGB key-by-key backlighting

Definition: Completely sized

Measures 18.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches (46.6 x 20.3 x 4cm)

Two and a half pounds (1,134 grams)

REASONS TO BUY

Excellent quality white toggles

Superb Value

1 Modern aluminum construction

REASONS TO AVOID

The software is mediocre at best.

Short in the foot

-An uncomfortable and rigid palm rest

Although Patriot Memory is better known for its memory and storage products than its peripherals, the Viper V765 offers exceptional key feel in a stylish and reasonably priced package, especially considering its extensive feature set. Despite its age, the Patriot Viper V765 remains the go-to gaming keyboard for the vast majority of players. This is one of the few keyboards to feature Kailh Box White switches, which, due to their shorter travel distance (3.6mm vs. 4mm), allow for faster actuation than standard Blue or Green switches. The keys have the best feedback we’ve experienced and the best click sound we’ve heard compared to other models.

The Viper V765 is a must-have for any gamer thanks to its gorgeous design and exceptional switches. The aluminum surface and rounded corners of the full-size keyboard give it an alien spaceship appearance. The bright RGB keys allow you to make your own color patterns and choose from dozens of premade ones. The vast majority of RGB effects can be used without even installing the software. It has media keys, which are usually only found on more expensive keyboards, and is protected against water and dust to an IP56 standard.

At its current price of $90, the Viper V765 is significantly less expensive than rival products of similar quality. The V765 is our go-to gaming keyboard, but it could be even better with some tweaks to the flip-out feet and the included app.

10 Best Optical Keyboards – Review And Recommendation – PDHRE

Hexgears Impulse

SPECIFICATIONS

Kailh Box White or Kailh Box Brown

LED backlighting with individual color control for each key

Larger than life

Dimensions are 17.25 by 6 by 1.6 inches (43.8 by 15.2 by 4 centimeters).

Dimensions: 2 lb (918 g)

REASONS TO BUY

Activation buttons that can be swapped out in mid-air

To sum it up: Best typing experience in the world

REASONS TO AVOID

Lack of Software

Empty light show

The Hexgears Impulse is the best gaming keyboard if you care most about typing speed, but it is far from perfect. Typing on this keyboard with the Kailh Box White switches was the best experience we’ve had to date, beating out our vintage IBM-style keyboard and other models we’ve tried with Cherry MX Blue and Razer Green switches.

Given that most people use their thumbs to press the space bar, Hexgears took the risky decision to install a Blue-style switch under that key alone. We initially found the decision to have a different switch under a single key to be odd, but we’ve come to appreciate the extra security it provides. Therefore, we preferred typing on the Impulse to the Viper V765, which has White switches under every key except the space bar.

The updated version of this keyboard supports hot swapping, and you can get the Impulse with tactile Kailh Box Brown switches if you want. That means you can experiment with different settings without ever having to break out the soldering iron, as its mechanical switches can be easily removed. The Impulse’s price tag of $100 isn’t too steep considering the features and the comfort of using the device when typing.

SteelSeries Apex Pro

SPECIFICATIONS

OmniPoint Linear Adjustable and Gateron Red Momentary Pushbutton Switches

RGB backlighting for each individual key.

Larger than life

17.2 x 1.9 x 4.4 inches (43.7 x 4 x 13.9cm)

2.1 lb (970.6 g) in weight.

REASONS TO BUY

Activation points can be changed independently for the vast majority of keys.

five user profiles with RGB and actuation controls stored on board

Aluminum construction

Plus, cable management and USB passthrough

REASONS TO AVOID

Doubtful Long-Term Typing Experience

-Expensive

In terms of per-key RGB lighting, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is unparalleled. The keyboard’s dark gray case helps the colors stand out, while the rest of the chassis is brightened by their presence. Keyboards with raised keycaps take it to a whole new level. The software and the ability to make adjustments in real time expand the range of options.

The actuation point of each key on this keyboard can be adjusted independently, making it possible to create a truly unique experience. This is a unique capability, and the Apex Pro performs it admirably. The trendy OLED screen can show off a thumbnail of a photo or a moving GIF that you’ve uploaded. The Apex Pro is even more user-friendly than a hot-swappable keyboard when it comes to customization.

Typists who prefer a more clicky, tactile experience should look elsewhere, as the Apex Pro’s switches have a more linear feel. However, there will still be a significant amount of noise produced by banging on the aluminum frame. No need to look any further if you’re in search of a keyboard that welcomes your personal touch.

Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS

SPECIFICATIONS

Cherry MX switches come in blue, red, and brown colors.

The backlighting is a per-key RGB light.

Larger than life

The dimensions are 22.1 x 10.1 x 2 inches.

Total 4 pound weight

REASONS TO BUY

The Standard Key Design

Wheel-mounted controller with multiple functions

REASONS TO AVOID

-Weird key configuration in Windows by default

Tents aren’t modifiable.

Finding a split keyboard with all the necessary gaming controls can be challenging. The difficulty multiplies if you need mechanical switches, especially good ones. Exactly for this reason is the Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS so fantastic. Adjusting to its wide, split design is much less of a challenge than it would be with competitors because, aside from the programmable nonstandard Windows key replacement, the keyboard features your standard key layout. In addition, it has programmable RGB lighting, macro keys, a control wheel, and your choice of clicky, linear, or tactile Cherry mechanical switches. The C989 ErgoFS is a split keyboard that still has all the features of top-tier gaming keyboards.

Just make sure you have adequate storage space before purchasing the C989 ErgoFS. We also miss having legs and a tent-angle option on the keyboard beyond the standard 7 degrees. In addition, the key legends are so small and faint that backlighting is practically required.

The C989 ErgoFS is a good choice whether you’re new to split keyboards or just want a high-quality option to take into battle.

FAQS:

Is optical keyboard better for gaming?

In general, mechanical switches are more reliable and durable than optical ones, but optical ones are superior for gaming. We found that the activation time of Razer optical switches was 30 ms lower than that of standard mechanical switches, making them optimal for gaming.

Which optical switch is best for gaming?

The Razer Red Optical switch and the Cherry Speed Silver are your best bets if you’re in the market for a keyboard with a switch that’s optimized for speed and responsiveness during gameplay. In contrast, Cherry MX and Gateron linear switches are excellent choices if you’re looking for a versatile switch that can be used for both typing and gaming.

Is optical switches better?

When compared to their mechanical counterparts, optical switches are far superior in terms of technology. They respond more quickly and live for a longer period of time. However, many different kinds of switches are available, which is a major drawback. Several companies now supply their own versions of optical switches.

Conclusion

In spite of the fact that consumers don’t have a huge selection of optical-mechanical keyboards to choose from just yet, there is still a respectable number of options available. Nevertheless, we believe the best choice among these alternatives is obvious. Have you, too, settled on the Redragon K587-PRO?

Even though it lacks ten keys, the K587-PRO is our top pick because it strikes a great balance between cost, build quality, and functionality. Although it lacks some switch variety, this is a very capable keyboard that is very reasonably priced. It looks and feels a lot more costly than it is.

But if you’re looking for a mouse with all the bells and whistles, the Razer Huntsman Elite is your best bet. The keyboard is beautiful, sturdy, and functional despite a few design flaws in the wrist rest. Also, you can trust that you’re getting a high-quality item because it’s made by Razer and has received positive feedback from other customers.

The DIERYA x KEMOVE 60%keyboard stands out as our favorite inexpensive keyboard here. The DIERYA x KEMOVE keyboard has superior programming software to the HK Gaming keyboard, which is also white and costs the same.

If you insist on using a white keyboard, the HK Gaming GK61 isn’t a terrible option; you’ll just have to deal with some cumbersome software.

Any one of these keyboards would be a fine choice; there is nothing bad to be said about any of them. You can rest assured that your optical-mechanical keyboard is the fastest and most responsive one available, regardless of the brand. You can take pride in being an early adopter of optical and mechanical technologies.