Wired gaming keyboards have dominated the market for decades and only in recent yearshave wireless keyboardsbeen able to catch up. However, the price jump and the limited battery life that comes with wireless peripherals are what keep gamers going back to wired gaming keyboards. Even though cord-cutting remains a popular theme in consumer electronics, that hasn’t stopped companies from delivering new and improved wired keyboards. The fact is that wireless keyboards are meant for portability and convenience, while wired gaming keyboards don’t have to focus on those elements.
Thebest gaming keyboardsalso often introduce advancements, like higher polling rates in wired versions first. Consequently, wired keyboards show no signs of disappearing from the marketplace anytime soon. That said, there are a wide variety of wired keyboards for gamers to choose from, which makes finding the right one a bit challenging. This guide will help users narrow down and lock in their ideal wired gaming keyboard.
SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
How to Find the Perfect Wired Gaming Keyboard
Since there are so many choices for wired gaming keyboards, a dilemma arises for buyers trying to find the perfect piece of new gaming gear. To make this shopping scenario less daunting, consider these qualities above all else:
Gamers have different priorities when searching for new keyboards. Out of the many wired gaming keyboards for sale, the following candidates are the best in specific categories.
GameRant’s Choices for the Best Wired Keyboards in 2024
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro
Razer’s most innovative gaming keyboard is back with improved Gen 2 analog optical switches and advanced onboard storage capabilities. The Huntsman V3 Pro features even more accurate switches, allowing on-the-fly actuation adjustments and Rapid Trigger mode for furious inputs. A multi-function digital dial can toggle between volume and actuation settings, while a series of LED indicators lets games know what settings are active. The Huntsman V3 Pro remains one of the most durable keyboards thanks to wear-resistant PBT keycaps and sturdy aluminum top plate.
The competition is fierce among wired mechanical gaming keyboards, so manufacturers often look for some headline-making features. Taking some chances, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro builds on the success of its predecessor and brings back the analog switches, once again redefining what is possible with a traditional keyboard. Mechanical keyboard switches typically rely on physical hardware making contact to register key presses. Instead, this Razer keyboard utilizes light beams to measure how far a key travels. The result is a range of actuation points from 0.1 to 4.0 mm.
Gamers will need to use the Razer Synapse app to unleash the full capabilities of the Huntsman V3 Pro. Among the improvements is the addition of a multi-functional dial and an LED array indicator that lets gamers adjust actuation height or Rapid Trigger sensitivity on-the-fly, among other functions.
It also impresses when it comes to build quality. Even though the device isn’t entirely devoid of plastic, it sports a thick metal baseplate that contributes to its rather hefty weight. Also, the keycaps on the Huntsman V3 Pro utilize the sturdiest materials and aren’t likely to degrade or see their printing fade over time. The media keys plus the leatherette wrist rest, combined with per-key lighting result in the ideal gaming keyboard.
Since it’s one of the most expensive wired keyboards on the market, this Razer peripheral is a long-term investment. Regardless, the Huntsman V3 Pro is the best Razer gaming keyboard and justifies its asking price with outstanding build quality and innovative analog optical switches.
Redragon K565
The Redragon K565 is a budget friendly gaming keyboard that comes with mechanical key switches that are hot-swappabe, making this one of the most customizable keyboards at the sub $50 price point. It features a full-size layout with RGB lighting and software macros. The keyboard has an aluminum frame that makes it look more expensive than it is.
The Redragon K565 is a cheap yet well-built wired gaming keyboard that has a full-size form factor and mechanical keys. Other brands like Logitech offer gaming keyboards around the same price point as well, but its G213 Prodigy, a budget-friendly offering, is a membrane keyboard rather than a mechanical one. The Redragon K565, however, comes with Red or Brown switches that feel much better than membrane switches. On top of that, it is hot-swappable, and the stock switches can be swapped out for different ones for ultimate customization.
The aluminum frame of the Redragon K565 gives it a more expensive feel, while the customizable RGB lights add to its flare. It has all the standard functionality like anti-ghosting, multimedia key shortcuts, and more, without any extra bells and whistles. There is no wrist rest included in the package and there are no dedicated macro keys, which is to be expected at this price point.
The Redragon K565 is a full-size keyboard, so it will take up a good amount of space on the desk. But, the money saved on this keyboard can be invested in a larger desk or a larger mousepad.
Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB
The Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB packs many of the features of high-end gaming keyboards into an amazingly compact 65 percent form factor. Corsair uses OPX optical-mechanical switches for a linear and smooth typing experience. Small but insanely quick, the K65 Pro Mini RGB takes advantage of CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing to register commands without latency. Since smaller keyboards can virtually disappear if they are also quiet, the K65 Pro Mini RGB stacks sound-dampening foam drown out typing noise.
At what point asmall gaming keyboardbecomes too compact to be practical is a matter of great debate in gaming circles. The wired Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB tries to find a compromise between full-sized keyboards like theHyperX Alloy Originsand its predecessor, the 60%K65 RGB Mini. With the extra 5%, gamers gain a surprising amount of convenience, including arrow keys in the lower right section of the device. The function key on the Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB unlocks the side-printed secondary functions on the keyboard. To make things even easier, these additional commands light up after activating the function key, which is especially useful in dark rooms.
The K65 Pro Mini RGB is also one of the fastest mechanical gaming keyboards on the market. Switches on the keyboard represent the best in optical and mechanical technology and provide low actuation distances and distinctive feedback to keypresses. The processing power in the K65 Pro Mini RGB also gives its performance a boost, with an industry-leading polling rate registering commands at a blistering rate.
Contrary to what some buyers may believe, compact gaming keyboards can be just as durable as their full-sized counterparts. The K65 Pro Mini RGB is portable enough with a detachable USB-C cord, but at 1.32 lbs, still has a substantial feel. Also, its keycaps have a rough texture, but are made of a blend of hard plastic that resists fading after extended gaming sessions.
A few negatives worth mentioning about the K65 Pro Mini RGB include the fact that it’s a rather loud keyboard, despite the sound-dampening foam in its frame. This may leave some buyers feeling shortchanged after purchasing such a compact keyboard at a high-end price. Even so, the K65 Pro Mini RGB is the best gaming keyboard for gamers looking to save space on a desktop, without losing performance or usability.
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
The Freestyle Edge RGB is the first split mechanical keyboard designed specifically for gaming. Gamers can move the right module out of the way for one-handed FPS play or split the modules apart to place a microphone in between for an incredibly comfortable streaming setup. There is no wrong way to set up the Freestyle Edge! This keyboard promises to deliver excellent performance and make sure a gamer’s hands are healthy and comfortable.
For buyers searching for anergonomic gaming keyboard, their options are surprisingly limited. Most keyboards with ergonomic constructions lack features like mechanical switches, low-latency typing, or RGB effects. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB bridges the gap between keyboards like theLogitech ERGO K860and other gaming keyboards that focus more on style and performance.
The most distinctive part of the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB’s design is its split construction, separating the keyboard into two halves. This design choice is about more than just making a statement, since it gives gamers a remarkable amount of flexibility in how they type. Instead of bending hands and wrists to reach a condensed typing area, gamers can keep their hands straight in a more comfortable position.
RELATED:Best Ergonomic Gaming Mice
Buyers don’t necessarily lose desk space with a split design, since only a short cord connecting each half would interfere with astreaming microphoneor joystick placed in the middle. A wrist rest is also an essential part of any ergonomic typing experience and the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB obliges with luxurious detachable cushioning below each keyboard segment. One disappointment with this ergonomic keyboard is the fact that to raise it off a gaming desk, buyers will need to purchase aLift Kitfrom Kinesis.
To make the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB a legitimate gaming keyboard, it offers a choice between an array of proven Cherry mechanical switches. The keyboard is also just as flexible with its layout as it is with its design, since gamers can remap virtually every available key. To make the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB look like a gaming keyboard, gamers can customize its per-key lighting effects.
If accustomed to typing on a traditional single-piece keyboard, it can take several weeks for the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB to feel more natural. Still, the health benefits of every user being able to find an ideal typing position are enormous, especially for gamers who spend long hours perfecting their skills.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Keyboard
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Gaming Keyboard immerses a desktop in dynamic RGB lighting with per-key illumination. Six dedicated macro keys establish an in-game advantage with the added benefit of Elgato Stream Deck software integration. A detachable cushioned leatherette palm rest offers plush comfort while dedicated multimedia keys, an aluminum volume roller, and a USB pass-through port put convenient control within reach. Powerful iCUE software gives users control over their lighting, macros, key remaps, and more. Boasting 100% anti-ghosting with N-key rollover and onboard storage for five profiles, the K95 RGB Platinum XT lets gamers play with a full deck.
It’s undeniable that streaming and RGB lighting have become huge parts of the gaming experience. Some gamers spend as much time watching content creators play games as they do gaming themselves. Whether a buyer wants to experiment with streaming or focus on upping their gaming performance, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a versatile wired keyboard.
The RGB lighting effects are a major selling point for the K95 RGB Platinum XT with per-key lighting and a multiple zone LightEdge at the top of the keyboard. Of course, these effects are entirely customizable in Corsair iCue software, which is loaded with menus and options. Newcomers to the software may feel lost at first, but the benefits of mastering the app are almost endless. Still, for gamers who would rather rely on a keyboard’s onboard storage, the K95 RGB Platinum XT’s allows for onboard storage of macro and lighting profiles. Although it adds to the keyboard’s considerable size, the K95 RGB Platinum XT also offers six dedicated macro buttons on its left side, as well as an assortment of media keys on its top edge.
The Elgato Stream Deck integration is not just a marketing ploy by Corsair with the K95 RGB Platinum XT. Streamers can program the keyboard to control nearly all aspects of a broadcast or swap the G1-G6 macro keys with alternate keycaps to highlight essential streaming commands.
As one of the largest and heaviest full-sized wired keyboards on the market, theK95 RGB Platinum XT is far from portable. Its especially thick and heavy USB cable doesn’t help matters, which is difficult even for at-home gamers to route around traffic to an available port. However, the K95 RGB Platinum XT is perfect for studios and stationary gaming rigs. Also, an especially comfortable detachable wrist rest provides relief after using the keyboard for long streaming or gaming sessions.
With an emphasis on looks and macro customization, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is the best gaming keyboard for content creators and gamers.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is the most customizable Razer mechanical gaming keyboard to date. Enthusiasts can swap out many components of the BlackWidow V4 including its switches and keycaps. By default, this compact keyboard ships with Razer Orange Tactical switches, which allow for smooth typing and producing tactile bumps without an excess of noise. In the 75% form factor, gamers looking to preserve space don’t have to compromise with arrow keys, top-row function keys, and media controls.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 is one of the latest compact wired gaming keyboards to hit the market. Its 75% form factor keyboard tries to strike a balance for buyers eager to find a compromise between tenkeyless options and 60% or 65% keyboards. While the 75% layout is part of the story, its customization is what steals the show.
Most mechanical keyboards allow gamers to swap keycaps with hardware that has a different look or feel. The BlackWidow V4 75% takes things further with a hot-swappable PCB that makes it possible to install a variety of mechanical switches. Buyers can purchase switches from Razer’s website or find their own three or five-pin compatible switches. For gamers who aren’t so fussy, the BlackWidow V4 75% ships with Orange Tactile switches. The keyboard utilizes memory foam, so it feels quiet and smooth yet generates a discernible tactile bump when pressed. In a tribute to home modders, it also has layers of tape in its chassis to absorb sound.
One of the advantages of wired gaming keyboards is they often showcase technology that isn’t yet possible with wireless peripherals. The BlackWidow V4 75% is capable of an incredibly high polling rate, which is not so relevant to casual users but may have benefits for esports pros. Unlike many other small keyboards, this BlackWidow V4 squeezes in a small volume rocker and a pair of multi-function media buttons in its upper right section. Gamers can modify the commands of these buttons in the Synapse app, as well as customize the keyboard’s RGB lighting, including its underglow effects.
The BlackWidow V4 75% is a sturdy little device built with Razer’s usual top-tier manufacturing process. That makes their decision to rely on ABS instead of the more durable PBT Doubleshot keycaps a bit surprising. One benefit of ABS keycaps is that they tend to allow RGB lighting to come through their keycaps more clearly. In addition, the fact that Razer’s two-year warranty may not apply to some modifications to the keyboard sours its customizable appeal somewhat.
Even with a few minor drawbacks, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is thebest gaming keyboard for enthusiastswho love tinkering with their gear.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a gaming keyboard featuring an OLED smart display that serves as an integrated command center. This display allows users to adjust settings and access real-time information from games, Spotify, Discord, and other applications. Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, the keyboard ensures long-lasting durability and stability.It also offers exceptional customization with its RGB illumination, providing 16.8 million colors for each key. For enhanced comfort during extended gaming sessions, the Apex 7 includes a premium magnetic wrist rest that delivers full palm support and an ergonomic feel.
Stepping up from a budget wired gaming keyboard, a buyer undoubtedly expects better performance plus some added perks. The SteelSeries Apex 7 is a mid-range contender with a versatile range of switch choices, stellar build quality, and anOLED screenthat has some practical applications.
Regardless of what switch type buyers choose with the Apex 7, they can expect an actuation distance of 2.0 mm and incredible durability. Nevertheless, the switches do offer very different typing experiences. Red switches are the quietest with a tactile feel, while Blue switches are most representative of prototypical clicky mechanical keyboards. Finally, Brown switches offer more of a tactile bump, but still operate without an excess of noise. However, even with Brown or Blue switches, gamers will find that the keys feel a bit mushier than with other mechanical keyboards.
The small OLED screen on the top right of the SteelSeries Apex 7 is what makes the device stand out in a crowd of keyboards. Gamers who detest opening apps to change settings will enjoy the screen since it enables them to change profiles and see the status of the keyboard with minimal effort. This OLED smart display can also display game-specific information from supported titles or Discord alerts.
Living up to the name of its brand, the SteelSeries Apex 7 is built to survive the most intense gaming competitions. The keyboard is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for a solid feel, yet keeps the keyboard fairly lightweight. A magnetic wrist rest can easily snap on and off the frame of the Apex 7, providing some relief from sharp desk edges. In an often overlooked feature with a wired gaming keyboard, SteelSeries also provides several different routes for cable management underneath the device. If the full-sized Apex 7 isn’t portable enough for traveling gamers, SteelSeries also sells aTKL version of the keyboard.
SteelSeries Engine is refreshingly bloat-free, directing gamers to the most essential settings of the Apex 7 without frustration. In the software, users can customize the keyboard’s brilliant per-key RGB lighting and program custom macros. Outside the app, gamers can still set their custom key bindings to five profiles stored onboard the device.
As the best gaming keyboard from SteelSeries, the Apex 7 boasts extensive switch choices, sensational build quality, and an often helpful OLED display. For a more budget-friendly choice, make sure to read Game Rant’sfull review of the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL.
Why Go Wired with a Gaming Keyboard?
Wired gaming keyboards still tend to outshine wireless keyboards in terms of performance, features, and value. If a buyer isn’t bothered by a little cord management, the easiest way to decide on a wired keyboard is by focusing on these factors:
Brand
While most gamers don’t care about the brand of the keyboard (as long as it is among the top-tier manufacturers), some look at it as an ecosystem. Different brands make multiple peripherals, like keyboards, mice, headsets, and more, and while different peripherals from different brands will work just as well, having peripherals from the same brand allows gamers to have just one piece of software installed to control things like RGB lighting, polling rates, macros, and more. Furthermore, not only can gamers sync the RGB lighting across the peripherals, but the hues will be the same as well, giving a more uniform look to the setup.
Form Factor
Gaming keyboards come in a few different form factors. These include full-size or 104-key, Tenkeyless or TKL or 80%, the even smaller 75%, and the mini 60% keyboards. The idea behind finding the right form factor is having the most space for mouse movements. A larger keyboard will take up more space, thereby shifting the mouse arm further away. Many gamers like to tilt the keyboard for a more ergonomic hand and wrist position, which is easier with smaller keyboards.
Some gamers tend to think of wired keyboards as heavy and clunky. In fact, manufacturers have made great strides in downsizing full-sized keyboards, as seen with theHyperX Alloy Origins. Despite including arrow keys and a number pad, the Alloy Origins sports a thin and compact form factor. If space-saving is a main priority, then theRazer BlackWidow V4 75%sheds all but the essential commands while remaining one of the most feature-packed keyboards around.
Switch Type
Gaming keyboards can provide dramatically different typing experiences, largely because of the switches that rest below keycaps. These can include either first-party or in-house key switches or third-party switches like from Cherry MX. Some switches are more clicky, while others are more tactile, and some others are more linear. The best way to find out what works best is to get a key switch tester or a sample pack, both of which are fairly inexpensive.
Many keyboards allow buyers to select from switches with various actuation points and noise levels when ordering. Other keyboards, like theRazer BlackWidow V4 75%andLogitech G Pro X, go further with PCB boards designed to allow users to swap switches with custom hardware. These are called hot-swappable keyboards and are typically more expensive than non-hot-swappable ones.
Build Quality
Solid build quality is evident in not only the frame and the plate of the keyboard, but also its weight and how it sounds. On cheaper keyboards, gamers may notice a ringing sound when pressing the keys, the keycaps may not be stable, longer keys like the spacebar may require unequal force on the sides, and other such quirks. The more well-built keyboards will not have these issues but weigh more.
Tempting buyers with stellar build quality at a reasonable mid-range price, theSteelSeries Apex 7makes intelligent use of aluminum alloy in its construction. If gamers must save even more money, theLogitech G213 Prodigyis a compromise that shouldn’t lead to many regrets. This affordable keyboard’s Tactile Mech-Dome gives users the same feedback as mechanical switches without the usual noise or added cost.
With all of these concerns in mind, the rock-solidRazer Huntsman V3 Prohas very few flaws in comparison to any other wired gaming keyboard. Its optical analog switches are capable of multiple actuation points and two different commands in games. Still, buyers should be proud to own any of the wired keyboards discussed in this guide.
Customization
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% seems hard to top with its customizable nature, but there is more to personalizing a keyboard than keycaps and switches. Perhaps the best example of this is theCorsair K95 RGB Platinum XT. This heavy-duty wired gaming keyboard provides macro keys that not only have multiple uses in gaming, but it is also capable of controlling a Twitch or YouTube live stream. Other customization options can include a removable wrist rest, a removable numpad, extra macro keys, USB pass through, among others.
FAQ
Q: Why should a buyer consider a wired keyboard over a wireless alternative?
Wireless keyboards have made numerous advancements with lower latency connectivity and improved battery life. Regardless, wired gaming keyboards are still the first choice of many buyers because they offer better value, performance, and customization.
Q: Is a budget mechanical gaming keyboard worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Mechanical keyboards have evolved tremendously over the last few years. Even the entry-level options do deliver on the promise of a better typing or gaming experience in general when compared to their membrane counterparts.
Q: Are mechanical keyboards actually better?
Keyboard users who value productivity over gaming performance may disagree, but mechanical keyboards provide a more pleasant typing feel. Besides satisfying and accurate keypresses with audible feedback, mechanical keyboards often have superior build quality compared to cheaper membrane options.
