Top 5 best gaming keyboards

You may balk at the $300 price tag, but you can’t deny the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7's impressive feature list: unparalleled physical configuration options, customizable backlighting, a ridiculous number of programmable macro buttons, microphone/stereo pass through connectors, and 2 USB ports. The  crowned jewel of the ensemble is a multi-function touch screen with a dozen more functions, including programmable touch-screen buttons, a program launcher, cooldown timers, and more. The price is high but the possibilities are  limitless.Read the complete reviewLogitech’s G710+ boasts a similar layout to Razer’s BlackWidow Ultimate, but adds additional, dedicated keys for profile switching, media control, and a convenient analog-style roller for volume control. It also has 6 programmable macro keys. The G710+ is a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches, which are quieter and require a slightly softer touch (‘actuation force’) than the Cherry MX Blue switches found in the Razer BlackWidow.Read the complete reviewThe Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is backed by Cherry MX Blue mechanical switches for a noisy but very satisfying and responsive tactile experience. It also features 5 dedicated, fully programmable macro keys as well as 3.5mm microphone/stereo and a single USB passthrough. I fell in love with the BlackWidow Ultimate almost instantly in 2010 and it remains a favorite keyboard to this day.Read the complete reviewView the list »
A good gaming keyboard can enhance everything you do with your PC -- gaming or otherwise.

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A good gaming keyboard can make virtually everything you do with your computer better--games or otherwise. I've reviewed more than a few gaming keyboards, and to date this list comprises my current top 5. So if you haven't already plunked down the cash for a good gaming keyboard, consider one of these.

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Better quality switches make typing feel better and more responsive. Extra connections like additional USB ports or audio pass through connectors provide added convenience. Programmable macro keys can give you an edge in any game (some might call it "cheating" depending on the context...). And macro keys can even come in handy for work too, queuing tedious, oft-used tasks.

But mostly, it's about the games.

The following five keyboards represent some of my favorites that I’ve reviewed in recent months/years--and you can read my gaming keyboard buyer’s guide for some personal recommendations as well.

(Feel free to hit me up on Twitter @PCGame_Examiner if you'd like to ask me personally.)

View the list
  • The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is backed by Cherry MX Blue mechanical switches for a noisy but very satisfying and responsive tactile experience. It also features 5 dedicated, fully programmable macro keys as well as 3.5mm microphone/stereo and a single USB passthrough. I fell in love with the BlackWidow Ultimate almost instantly in 2010 and it remains a favorite keyboard to this day.Read the complete review
  • Logitech’s G710+ boasts a similar layout to Razer’s BlackWidow Ultimate, but adds additional, dedicated keys for profile switching, media control, and a convenient analog-style roller for volume control. It also has 6 programmable macro keys. The G710+ is a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches, which are quieter and require a slightly softer touch (‘actuation force’) than the Cherry MX Blue switches found in the Razer BlackWidow.Read the complete review
  • You may balk at the $300 price tag, but you can’t deny the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7's impressive feature list: unparalleled physical configuration options, customizable backlighting, a ridiculous number of programmable macro buttons, microphone/stereo pass through connectors, and 2 USB ports. The  crowned jewel of the ensemble is a multi-function touch screen with a dozen more functions, including programmable touch-screen buttons, a program launcher, cooldown timers, and more. The price is high but the possibilities are  limitless.Read the complete review
  • The CM Storm Quickfire TK is a small form factor keyboard with blue backlighting and mechanical keys backed by Cherry MX Blue switches (my favorite). The Quickfire TK, like the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, provides nice, 'clicky' and responsive feedback, but it’s small enough to be reasonably portable. The Quickfire TK is also available with different switch types if you aren’t partial to Cherry MX Blues.Read the complete review
  • The Roccat Isku provides 8 dedicated programmable macro keys and dedicated media control keys, lighting controls, and more. The Isku's Easy Shift feature lets you program multiple macros per key. And for a non-mechanical keyboard I think the Isku feels good under the finger tips. Oh, and if that’s not enough for you, the Isku actually talks to you.Read the complete review
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, PC Game Examiner

Bryan is a lifelong PC gamer who has been working and writing professionally in the PC gaming and technology space for more than 15 years. Previous publishers include PC Today, Smart Computing, Processor.com, and Computer Power User. Follow Bryan at the Video Games Examiners page on Facebook.

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