Best Gaming Keyboard to buy in 2023

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the keyboard has become a critical tool for players seeking precision, speed, and control. Gaming keyboards have witnessed remarkable advancements, offering a plethora of features and options that cater to the unique needs and preferences of gamers. In this exploration of gaming keyboards, we will delve into the essential aspects of these devices, considering key features, popular brands, and notable models such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL, Glorious Custom Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 85%, and the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard. These keyboards exemplify the cutting-edge technology and customizable options that have propelled the gaming keyboard market to new heights. Whether you're a competitive eSports enthusiast or a casual gamer, understanding the nuances of gaming keyboards can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

1.SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a high-performance, tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical gaming keyboard that has gained recognition for its innovative features and customizable options. It is part of SteelSeries' Apex Pro series, known for pushing the boundaries of keyboard technology. Below is an overview of the key features and characteristics that make the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL a standout choice for gamers:

1. Adjustable Mechanical Switches: One of the standout features of the Apex Pro TKL is its proprietary OmniPoint mechanical switches. These switches are adjustable, allowing users to change the actuation point of each key to their preference. This means you can set some keys to actuate with a light touch for fast response times and others to require a heavier press for precision, giving you unparalleled control over your gaming experience.

2. RGB Customization: The keyboard features customizable RGB lighting, with each key individually backlit. Users can create intricate lighting effects and profiles through SteelSeries Engine software, allowing for a personalized and visually stunning gaming setup.

3. Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Frame: The Apex Pro TKL is built on a durable, aircraft-grade aluminum frame that not only provides sturdiness but also a sleek and modern design. The frame adds a premium feel to the keyboard and ensures it can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions.

4. Compact Design: Being a TKL keyboard, it lacks the numeric keypad, making it more compact and portable. This design choice is favored by gamers who need more desk space for mouse movement or who frequently attend LAN parties.

5. N-Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting: The keyboard supports N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring that every keypress is registered accurately, even during rapid and simultaneous key presses. This is crucial for competitive gaming.

6. Magnetic Wrist Rest: The Apex Pro TKL comes with a detachable magnetic wrist rest, offering ergonomic support during extended gaming sessions.

7. Premium Keycaps: The keycaps are made from high-quality, double-shot PBT plastic, providing a smooth feel and long-lasting durability. The keycaps are also customizable, allowing users to replace them with their preferred keycap sets.

8. SteelSeries Engine Software: The SteelSeries Engine software provides extensive customization options for key bindings, lighting, and macros. Users can create multiple profiles for various gaming scenarios and seamlessly switch between them.

In summary, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a top-tier gaming keyboard known for its innovative adjustable mechanical switches, durable construction, and extensive customization options. Whether you're a professional eSports player or a dedicated enthusiast, this keyboard offers the versatility and performance required for an exceptional gaming experience.

2. Glorious Custom Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 85%

The Glorious Custom Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 85% is a popular and highly customizable mechanical gaming keyboard that has gained a reputation for its modularity and user-friendly design. This 85% keyboard, also known as a compact TKL, combines the essentials of a tenkeyless layout with the convenience of a compact form factor. Here's an overview of the key features and characteristics that make the GMMK 85% a noteworthy choice for gamers:

1. Hot-Swappable Mechanical Switches: One of the standout features of the GMMK 85% is its hot-swappable PCB, which allows users to easily change out switches without soldering. This means you can experiment with different mechanical switches to find the one that suits your gaming preferences best, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their typing experience.

2. Modular Design: The GMMK 85% offers modularity in terms of switches, keycaps, and stabilizers. You can customize the keyboard to match your desired typing experience, aesthetic preferences, or gaming requirements.

3. RGB Lighting: The keyboard features customizable RGB backlighting, allowing users to create visually stunning lighting effects, profiles, and macros. The lighting can be easily configured using the Glorious Core software, which is available for customization.

4. Sturdy Construction: The GMMK 85% is built with a solid, yet lightweight, plastic case that's designed to be durable and resilient. The keyboard's build quality ensures it can withstand long gaming sessions and heavy usage.

5. Compact Layout: The 85% layout eliminates the numeric keypad, resulting in a more compact design compared to full-sized keyboards. This design conserves desk space and allows for more flexibility in your gaming setup.

6. N-Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting: The keyboard supports N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring that all key presses are registered accurately, even during rapid and simultaneous keystrokes.

7. Keycap Compatibility: The GMMK 85% uses a standard layout, making it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets. This allows users to further personalize the keyboard's appearance and feel.

8. Macros and Key Bindings: With the Glorious Core software, users can program macros and remap keys to suit their gaming needs. This feature is especially valuable for gamers who require custom key configurations for different titles.

In summary, the Glorious Custom Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 85% is a keyboard designed for enthusiasts who appreciate customization and flexibility. Its hot-swappable switches, modular design, compact layout, and RGB lighting make it an appealing choice for gamers looking to create a personalized and ergonomic gaming experience. Whether you're an aspiring professional or a dedicated gamer, this keyboard offers the versatility and performance needed for a highly tailored gaming setup.

3. 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

The 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a unique and stylish mechanical keyboard designed with a strong retro gaming aesthetic. This keyboard is a nod to the nostalgia of classic gaming consoles while offering modern functionality and versatility. Here's an overview of the key features and characteristics that make the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard a distinctive choice for gaming and retro enthusiasts:

1. Retro Design: The standout feature of the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is its design, which is inspired by classic gaming consoles, particularly the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The keyboard features a color scheme and design elements reminiscent of vintage gaming, making it a perfect choice for retro gaming setups or fans of classic video games.

2. Mechanical Switches: This keyboard uses mechanical switches, providing a tactile and audible typing experience that many enthusiasts prefer. The switches offer a satisfying clicky feel, making it ideal for both typing and gaming.

3. Wireless Connectivity: The 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing for easy and clutter-free integration with various gaming devices, such as gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.

4. Multiple Device Compatibility: This keyboard is designed to work with a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. It's versatile, making it a great option for gamers who enjoy multi-platform gaming.

5. RGB Backlighting: The keyboard features customizable RGB backlighting, allowing users to create visually striking lighting effects and profiles. The RGB lighting adds a modern touch to the retro design, offering the best of both worlds.

6. Portable and Compact: The 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a compact and portable keyboard that's easy to carry and set up wherever you want to game. Its small form factor makes it suitable for on-the-go gaming or as a secondary gaming keyboard.

7. Rechargeable Battery: The keyboard is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and providing convenience for extended gaming sessions.

8. Multimedia Controls: The keyboard comes with dedicated multimedia keys that allow users to control music and other functions without leaving their gaming or typing activities.

In summary, the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a distinctive keyboard that combines the charm of retro gaming design with the functionality of a modern mechanical keyboard. Its mechanical switches, wireless connectivity, versatile compatibility, RGB lighting, and compact form factor make it an appealing choice for gamers who appreciate retro aesthetics and gaming across various platforms. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a keyboard with a unique style, the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard offers a nostalgic yet contemporary gaming experience.