A gaming keyboard is something you touch for hours at a time, so feel matters more than lighting effects. The three choices that make the biggest difference are the type of switch under each key, the size of the board and the layout printed on it. Get those right and the rest is detail.
Most dedicated gaming keyboards are mechanical, with an individual switch under each key. Membrane keyboards use a rubber sheet instead; they are cheaper and quieter but feel softer and less precise. If you play a lot, a mechanical board is usually worth the extra cost.
Before buying, think about how much desk space you have, whether you also type a lot for work or study, and whether you want a cable or not. Those answers narrow the field quickly.
Switch types: linear, tactile and clicky
Mechanical switches fall into three families. Many brands use colours to describe them, following the scheme made familiar by Cherry MX switches.
| Type | Feel | Common colours | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Smooth, straight down, no bump | Red, black, yellow | Fast games, rapid repeated presses |
| Tactile | A small bump when the key registers | Brown, clear | Gaming and typing on one board |
| Clicky | A bump and an audible click | Blue, green | Typing feel; loud for shared rooms and voice chat |
Colours are not standardised across brands, so a “red” switch from one maker can feel different from another. Check the actuation force and travel distance in the specification if you can, and try a friend’s keyboard or a switch tester before committing.
Some keyboards are hot-swappable, which means you can pull the switches out and fit different ones without soldering. That is handy if you are unsure what you like.
Size and form factor
Smaller keyboards leave more room for wide mouse movements, which matters in shooters played at low sensitivity.
- Full size (around 104 to 105 keys): number pad, arrows and function row. Best if you enter numbers or use many shortcuts.
- Tenkeyless or TKL (around 87 to 88 keys): drops the number pad. A popular gaming compromise.
- 75%: keeps the function row and arrows in a tighter layout.
- 65% (around 68 keys): no number pad or function row, but keeps the arrow keys.
- 60% (around 61 keys): drops the arrows too, using a function layer instead. Very compact, but takes getting used to.
If you are moving from a full-size board, TKL is the easiest step down. The gaming keyboard range includes all of these sizes.
UK or US layout
This catches out many UK buyers. A UK (ISO) layout has a tall Enter key spanning two rows, a pound sign on the 3 key and the @ and " symbols in different places. A US (ANSI) layout has a wide, single-row Enter key and a longer left Shift.
Neither is better for gaming, but if you type a lot, a keyboard that matches what you are used to avoids constant mistakes. Many cheaper imported keyboards are US layout only, so check the listing for “UK” or “ISO” before ordering. Keycap sets for custom keyboards are also sold separately for each layout.
Features that matter for gaming
- N-key rollover (NKRO) or anti-ghosting: registers several keys pressed at once, so combinations are not missed.
- Polling rate: how often the keyboard reports to the PC. 1,000 Hz is standard on gaming boards.
- Keycaps: PBT plastic is harder and keeps its texture; ABS is cheaper and can turn shiny with use.
- Software and onboard memory: lets you remap keys and save profiles, ideally stored on the keyboard so they work on any PC.
- Wrist rest: helps comfort on taller keyboards during long sessions.
- Lighting: per-key RGB looks good and can highlight key binds, but it does not make you play better.
Wired or wireless
Wired keyboards never need charging and are usually cheaper for the same quality. Modern wireless gaming keyboards with a 2.4 GHz USB receiver are fast enough for gaming; Bluetooth is fine for typing but can add delay, so use the receiver for games. Check the battery life, especially with lighting on, and whether the keyboard can be used wired while charging.
Keyboard and mouse bundles are a cheap way to get started. If you buy separately, the gaming mouse range has mice and mouse mats in many sizes, and a deeper desk from the gaming desks range gives both room to move. If your screen is next on the list, the computer monitor range and the guide to choosing a gaming monitor are the place to start.
Quick checklist
- Mechanical for regular gaming, membrane for a tight budget or quiet office.
- Linear for speed, tactile for gaming and typing, clicky only if noise is not a problem.
- TKL or smaller if you need mouse space.
- UK (ISO) layout if you type a lot in the UK.
- NKRO or anti-ghosting.
- PBT keycaps if you can afford them.
- 2.4 GHz receiver for wireless gaming.
Common questions
Are mechanical keyboards better for gaming?
They are more consistent and durable than most membrane boards, and each key registers at the same point. They do not make you a better player, but many people find them more precise and comfortable.
Which switch is best for FPS games?
Many players prefer linear switches for fast, repeated presses, but tactile switches work well too. Comfort and consistency matter more than the colour.
Can I use a US layout keyboard in the UK?
Yes. Set the layout to US in your operating system so the keys match what is printed. Typing symbols such as the pound sign then needs a different shortcut.
