Best gaming keyboards for 2018

Credit: Razer

Taking mechanical keyboards to the next level, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 was designed specifically for gamers – balancing comfort and performance perfectly. With its five macro keys that can be assigned to any in-game action and 16.8 million colored LED lighting, the customizations are limitless.

FEATURES

- Razer Mechanical Keyboard Switches could rival the Cherry MX – they are split into green, orange and yellow and each have their own function. The green switch is tactile and click-ey, giving you the feeling of writing on a typewriter and excellent for accuracy. Yellow offers a more linear function, is much quieter and is well suited to FPS Games, whereas the Orange is halfway between the two.

- The keyboard includes a feature in which you can individually program the back-lit keys with its 16.9 million color options. There is the option to use pre-loaded effects, that include backlighting for FPS and MMO games. However, it can also be customized uniquely by programming the keys to fade, wave or have individually set colors for each key.

- In terms of ergonomics, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 has incorporates a wrist rest to allow for better comfort during long stretches of gaming, ensuring that you are comfortable no matter how intense the game gets.

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Credit: Corsair

The Corsair Gaming K95 RGB is the sports car of gaming keyboards. If money's no object, then this is definitely the perfect keyboard to complete your super computer build. This monster comes equipped with Cherry MX switches, 8MB of memory, customizable backlights and an aircraft-grade aluminum frame.

FEATURES

- Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches in two options, Cherry MX RGB Speed or Cherry MX RGB Brown. The Cherry MX RGB Speed offers an ultra-fast actuation whereas the Cherry MX RGB Brown offers fast actuation and light tactile feedback.

- Military-grade black aluminum finish, offering a rugged, lightweight and durable keyboard for players on the go. It also has onboard memory, allowing players to take their keyboards anywhere without fear of losing their set options.

- Eighteen extra programmable keys with up to 108 macros, as well as the ability to set up any of the other keys to trigger a macro. The new control panel makes this more user friendly with the ability to program in macros for FPS, MMO games and many more.

- To increase comfort, the Corsair Gaming K95 RGB has a soft-touch wrist rest that can be removed if it gets in the way.

- With the backlit animation you have the option to have your own multicolored light show with programmable options ranging from cascading, pulsing and more.

- On-board multimedia options allowing you to change the song without having to tab out of a game. The easy access controls can be used on music and videos, there are keys for Play, stop, pause, skip and even a scroller that allows you to adjust the volume.

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Credit: Logitech

If you are looking for a cheaper keyboard with all the function, but less of the gimmicks, then the Logitech G413 Carbon is the one for you. The G413 is everything a gaming keyboard needs to be, with just the right number of additional features.

FEATURES

- Romer-G mechanical switches, purposely built for elite performance and durability. The switches are both fast and quiet with an elemental red backlight. The key response time is lightning fast making it easier to duck and cover in those crucial fights.

- Engineered with a 5053-aluminium alloy top case, the G413 is sleek and lightweight.

- Incorporating a mouse and headset cable management system underneath makes it perfect for any gamer, plus it has adjustable feet with rubber stabilizers underneath to keep the keyboard from sliding during those intense gaming moments. The keyboard also includes a USB port, you can plug in a device you want to charge or even a mouse if you have run out of ports on your PC.

- Twelve additional keycaps are available with the G413, you can replace the WASD, the first 5 number keys and more. These can be easily swapped with the Romer-G keycaps making it quicker than ever.

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Credit: G.Skill

If you’re basing your keyboard purchase on durability and practicality, look no further than the G.Skill Ripjaws KM780R RGB. Designed for the ultimate gaming and typing experience, the KM780R RGB has full media control, with LED volume display and foldable mouse cable holder.

FEATURES

- A premium brushed anodized military-grade aluminum plate offering both maximum durability and visual elegance for everyday gaming.

- Programmable keys and independent per-key backlighting in full 16.8 million colors, as well as lighting patterns options for the ultimate customization experience.

- Store up to three complete sets (modes) of macro, key, and lighting configurations within the keyboard thanks to the On-Board Profile Storage – allowing you to set your personal gaming experience wherever you and your keyboard may be.

- Stop unwanted on-screen distractions with the Windows Lock Key and choose from three levels of brightness with the LED Backlight Toggle. Set yourself helpful reminders for in-game or life away from your gaming throne with the Timer Key.

- Find your comfort zone with the detachable soft-touch wrist rest and five levels of contoured keycaps – perfect for lengthy gaming sessions, writing up assignments or day-to-day work.

- Control game audio with full media control buttons, a die-cast volume roller and an integrated digital LED volume display.

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Credit: SteelSeries

Sleek, colorful and affordable – the SteelSeries Apex M500 is a fine choice for competitive and casual gamers alike. This tournament-grade backlit mechanical gaming keyboard is built entirely around the needs of professional gamers, featuring Cherry MX Red switches and a sturdy no-frills design.

FEATURES

- Blue LEDs under every single key provide the accurate visibility with an eye-catching style. Choose between three different ‘breathe’ settings and four individual levels of brightness.

- Reinforced with a steel back plate and formed with the toughest plastics, the construction and materials used for the Apex M500 can withstand almost anything.

- Cherry MX Red switches provide rapid actuation through a light keypress – perfect for fast double taps and gamers who want to be quick on the keyboard trigger.

- With a traditional keyboard layout, and both Easy Access Media Keys and Windows Lock Gaming Mode, the Apex M500 will suit a variety of gamers’ playstyles and designs.

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