Best Gaming Keyboards 2015

Similar to gaming mice, when it comes to gaming keyboards, gamers are definitely spoiled for choice. There is wide and increasing range of keyboards available in the market, differing in functionality, features, looks, and price. This article highlights some of the top and best keyboards that can thrill both the casual and competitive gamer alike.

SteelSeries is no stranger to excellent and professional gaming accessories that are value-for-money. The SteelSeries Apex is a fine example of a high-end gaming keyboard that does not break your bank. The Apex is a physically large keyboard which allows SteelSeries to fit in tons of programmable keys. There are 22 independent macro keys (each capable of 4 layers switched using the L1 to L4 layer select keys at the top, resulting in up to a total of 88 different macros!), dedicated media and diagonal arrow keys. The highly customizable and responsive keyboard definitely can thrill the most demanding gamer.

There is even a RAW model, which is a cheaper version of its elder sibling. The SteelSeries Apex RAW packs in most of the key features of the full Apex version but at a reduced 20% to 50% (depending where you buy it from) of the price! However, unless you are really budget conscious, I would still recommend going for the original SteelSeries Apex keyboard instead.

Note: The Apex is not a mechnical keyboard if that matters to you.

Like most Razer products and its previous iterations, the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate is a great testament to Razer's continued dedication and quest in improving its high-end gaming accessories. The iconic green Blackwidow Ultimate has largely been left unchanged but with some refinements that promises a better gaming experience. A noteworthy mention is the upgrade of the mechanical switches to the new "Razer Mechanical Switches" which promises greater performance (faster and more responsive keystrokes) and durability (10 million more keystrokes compared to the average Cherry MX switch).

If you absolutely detest or cannot stand the noisy mechanical keys, you can opt for the alternate Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth instead. The Stealth version offers a less clicky and quieter experience which can be important to some gamers.

The Logitech G710+ is Logitech's first foray into the mechanical keyboard market. Making use of modified Cherry MX brown switches (Logitech's version is noticeably quieter), it has finally ditch its use of the cheaper silicone dome switches on its gaming keyboard range. The G710+ also cements the fact that Logitech still produces excellent and highly durable keyboards.

By borrowing the top features in other high-end keyboards, Logitech has managed to produce its own excellent mechanical gaming keyboard, albeit having a rather high listed price. Fortunately, it seems to go on sale rather frequently. Despite having no noteworthy mentions, all necessary features of gaming keyboards are present, which makes it an excellent performer. Despite being made entirely out of plastic, the G710+ is very well built and solid. Logitech claims in a video that the G710+ was still able to function even after a German tank destroyer drove over it. Talk about unmatched durability!

Besting even its own predecessor, the legendary Corsair's Vengance K70, the Corsair K70 RGB is undoubtedly one of the best gaming keyboards money can buy. It boasts excellent performance, superb durability and a host of customizable options (16.8 million color combinations!). The amazing aircraft-grade black anodized brushed aluminum chassis simply oozes quality and luxury. This sleek aluminium finish also makes the keyboard extremely easy to maintain and clean. The Corsair Gaming K70 RGB features the Cherry MX switches in either red, blue or brown. If I had to find fault with this excellent keyboard, it would be the absence of a USB pass through port.

Despite the hefty price tag, it is well worth every penny and you wouldn't need any other keyboard for a very long time.

Corsair K70 RGB vs Corsair K95 RGB

Simply put, if you do not need the extra keys, go for the K70 RGB. Other than the additional macro keys available on the K95 RGB, there are no other major differences between the two models. In my opinion, the K70 RGB is already good enough.

Upon first look, one can easily mistaken the new Razer Blackwidow Chroma from the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate. The reason is really simple - they are almost identical with the Chroma being a slightly upgraded version of the Blackwidow Ultimate. The Chroma boasts of a new RGB backlighting (which is really beautiful) and not to mention, an even heftier price tag. However, the similarities would mean that the Razer Blackwidow Chroma is an excellent gaming keyboard. If you already own the Blackwidow Ultimate, there would really be no reason to buy this unless the really gorgeous RGB colors catches your attention (or you just have extra cash to burn).

There is really not much difference between Corsair K70 RGB / K95 RGB as compared to the Blackwidow Chroma. I would say Razer’s Synapse 2.0 is much better and intuitive than Corsair's software suite. That said, you cannot go wrong when choosing either keyboards. There is also a tournament edition, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma Tournament Edition. This version is a cheaper version with the omission of certain features (less keys, no USB pass-through). However, the performance and responsiveness of the full Chroma version remains.