The Best Gaming Keyboards

Written by: Simon Hill • Edited by: Michael Hartman
Updated Nov 15, 2009 • Related Guides: Logitech

With lots of dedicated keyboards available for gamers nowadays we take a look at the best ten examples. Each keyboard offers a range of features designed to enhance your experience and maybe even improve your performance.

Gamers spend hours tapping away on their keyboards and so it is worth investing in a keyboard that is comfortable to use. A few keyboards have been developed specifically with gamers in mind with handy features designed to aid gaming and they make great gifts. Here’s a rundown of the top ten gaming keyboards on the market. For a lot of games you're going to want a headset as well for chatting to friends as you play so check out our Top Ten Gaming Headsets article as well.

Logitech G15

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This is a solid gaming keyboard with backlit keys for playing in the dark, a pop-up LCD display for system information or game stats and six fully programmable keys for macros. The LCD display can even display which server your friends are on. The keyboard also has grooves on the underside to keep your cables out of the way. The Logitech G15 also has instant media access and a detachable palm rest. It costs under $100.

Logitech G11

This is similar to the G15 with 18 programmable keys for macros, backlit keys and cable channels on the underside to keep cables out of the way. It is lacking the LCD display but it is also a fair bit cheaper at under $70. The Logitech G11 comes in black or silver.

Saitek Cyborg

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I love the visual design of this keyboard which is both angular and futuristic. It features adjustable backlit keys in various colors, a touch sensitive control panel and 12 programmable keys for macros. The construction is sturdy with hard wearing metal plated keys which will stand the test of time. There is a pass through USB connection for audio and microphone and an adjustable wrist wrest. At under $70 it offers great value for money as well. The Saitek Cyborg is definitely my favourite keyboard designed specifically for gaming.

Saitek Eclipse

The Eclipse is now in its third iteration and features an attractive ergonomic design. It also has backlit keys in a choice of colors, an adjustable wrist wrest, pass through audio ports and with durable keys all it really lacks are programmable keys for macros. They have added a touch sensitive control panel to this latest model. The Saitek Eclipse will set you back around $75.

Razer Tarantula

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This is designed with hardcore gamers in mind, the anti-ghosting feature allows you to press up to ten keys simultaneously without signal failure, it has onboard memory to store game profiles and it promises super fast reaction time (1 ms). It also has ten programmable keys for macros, two USB ports and a pop up light option for dark conditions. There’s also a battledock for accessories and a dock for a webcam should you need it. All of this doesn’t come cheap though and you are looking at just under $100 for a Razer Tarantula gaming keyboard.

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