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Best Mid-Range to Premium Keyboards
When it comes to gaming, having the right keyboard can significantly impact your performance, responsiveness, and overall experience. From ultra-fast mechanical keys to customizable RGB lighting, today’s best gaming keyboards are built to enhance your gameplay.
But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be tricky, especially when balancing performance and features. Whether you’re looking for a mid-range model or want to invest in a premium gaming keyboard, this guide will help you find the perfect choice for your needs.
SteelSeries Apex 5 hybrid: Best mid-range hybrid option
If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming keyboard without going fully mechanical, the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid is an excellent mid-range choice. It blends mechanical and membrane technology, offering tactile feedback at a more accessible price point.
First, let’s dive into the keys themselves. Unlike typical membrane keyboards, the Apex 5 uses hybrid mechanical switches that provide tactile feedback without the hefty price tag of full mechanical keyboards which is a nice feature. Also, the aluminum alloy frame adds a layer of sturdiness to the keyboard, making it durable enough for long-term use. I also was impressed with how they realized that comfort is key during long gaming sessions, the added magnetic wrist rest for support is a nice touch.
At the same time though, this keyboard is not fully mechanical. While the hybrid design is innovative, it’s not quite as responsive or clicky as a fully mechanical keyboard, which might be a downside for purists. Also, with a more budget option of a keyboard you’re not going to be able to customize it nearly as much as the higher-end models. Below are the pros and cons of the Apex 5 Hyprid keyboard.
Key Features:
✅ Hybrid mechanical switches – Provides the feel of mechanical keys without the high cost
✅ Aircraft-grade aluminum frame – Durable and built to last
✅ Magnetic wrist rest – Ensures comfort during long gaming sessions
✅ Customizable RGB lighting – Dynamic, per-key RGB options
Things to note:
- Not fully mechanical: It lacks the responsiveness of high-end mechanical switches
- Not ideal for noise-sensitive environments
Overall: A fantastic choice for casual and mid-level gamers who want a balance between performance and affordability. If you don’t need a fully mechanical keyboard but want an upgrade, the Apex 5 is a solid option.
Corsair K55 RGB Pro: Best entry-level mid-range keyboard
For gamers looking for a more affordable, membrane-style keyboard, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro is a fantastic option. Though membrane keyboards often get overshadowed by their mechanical counterparts, the K55 still provides a comfortable and reliable experience.
The Corsair K55 features five-zone RGB backlighting, not per-key RGB. And unlike mechanical keyboards, the membrane keys on the K55 are much quieter. For some people the noise level of the keys are important, in that case you’d want to stay clear from mechanical keys. Another nice feature is that this keyboard has dedicated media keys and six dedicated macro keys on the left side.
Still, the thing to keep in mind is that while membrane keys are quieter, they lack the tactile feedback and responsiveness of mechanical switches, which could be a dealbreaker for competitive gamers. And again, compared to more premium models, the K55 offers fewer customization options mainly because the RGB is zone-based and not per-key.
Key Features:
✅ Zone-based RGB backlighting – Customizable lighting zones for an aesthetic setup
✅ Quiet membrane keys – Great for shared spaces or late-night gaming
✅ Dedicated media and macro keys – Offers added functionality for quick commands
✅ Spill-resistant design – A practical feature for gamers prone to accidents
Things to consider:
- Lacks mechanical switches – Not as tactile or responsive for competitive gaming
- Fewer customization options – Mainly limited by zone-based RGB, not per-key lighting.
Overall: If you want a simple, quiet, and affordable keyboard for gaming or general use, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro is a great fit.
Ok, so we’re stepping up into the premium category with this one. The Razer Huntsman Elite is one of the fastest and most advanced keyboards on the market. Built with optical-mechanical switches, this keyboard registers keypresses very quickly due to light-based actuation.
Razer has always been an outstanding company that has tried to push the boundaries on all accessories for your computer, and this keyboard is no exception! The Huntsman Elite comes with optical switches that use light-based actuation, providing incredibly fast response times compared to traditional mechanical switches, and it’s available in two switch types: Clicky Optical and Linear Optical. The model we’re talking about is the Clicky Optical version. This makes it ideal for competitive gamers, especially, who need every millisecond advantage.
It also has fully customizable RGB lighting powered by Razer Chroma, which requires Razer Synapse for full customization. Allowing you to sync the lighting with other Razer peripherals. It’s also built with an aluminum matte top plate; this keyboard is incredibly durable.
Still, the clicky optical switches can be loud and may get picked up by your mic. So, the clicky version isn’t ideal if you want a quieter keyboard, and the price is also high, as this is a premium keyboard. See pros and cons below.
Key Features:
✅ Optical-mechanical switches – Faster response times than traditional mechanical keys
✅ Razer Chroma RGB lighting – Fully customizable lighting with over 16.8 million colors
✅ Durable aluminum matte top plate – Ensures longevity and stability
✅ Magnetic wrist rest – Ergonomic support for long gaming sessions
Some important notes:
- Premium pricing – One of the more expensive gaming keyboards
- Loud clicky optical switches – The clicky sound may be distracting in shared spaces
- Picks up on microphones – If you’re streaming or gaming online, the clicks might be audible to teammates
Overall: The Razer Huntsman Elite is perfect for competitive gamers who demand ultra-fast response times and premium build quality. If you want the best speed and performance, this keyboard ticks those boxes.
For those who want the best of the best, the Corsair K100 RGB is a feature-packed mechanical gaming keyboard designed for serious and professional gamers. This keyboard has got speed, durability, advanced features, and stunning aesthetics. If you’re willing to invest in a high-end gaming keyboard but you’re not keen on the Huntsman Elite, this model offers another solid option. It’s got top-tier performance and versatility, so whether you’re a gamer or just looking for a high-end keyboard, this one ticks a lot of boxes.
As with most mechanical keyboards, this one makes some noise as well. If you are looking for something quiet, the K100 air is a better choice. The K100 Air is generally quieter because it uses low-profile switches, but it still produces some sound. I’d recommend listening to some sound tests on YouTube first to check if it will work for you.
Check below for pros and cons.
Features:
✅ Cherry MX Speed mechanical switches – Designed for very fast actuation and competitive gaming.
✅ iCUE Control Wheel – A unique feature allowing adjustments for lighting, media, and volume controls
✅ Per-key RGB lighting – One of the most customizable RGB experiences
✅ Durable build – Sturdy aluminum frame for long-lasting durability
Things to keep in mind:
- One of the most expensive gaming keyboards – A serious investment for gamers
- Complex customization options – Takes time to fully optimize its settings
Overall: If you want a top-tier gaming keyboard with advanced features, superior build quality, and unmatched performance, the Corsair K100 RGB is one of the best ones out there. And if you want a quieter mechanical keyboard, the K100 Air is a great option.
Please note: Product visuals, specifications, and descriptions can change over time. All information is provided for reference; confirm the latest details on the live product page.
Which gaming keyboard is right for you?
| Keyboard | Best For | Switch Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid | Best mid-range hybrid option | Hybrid Mechanical | Sturdy, comfortable wrist rest, customizable RGB | Not fully mechanical, fewer customization options than high-end keyboards |
| Corsair K55 RGB Pro | Best mid-range membrane keyboard | Membrane | Quiet, spill-resistant, macro keys | Lacks tactile feedback, fewer customization options |
| Razer Huntsman Elite | Best premium optical keyboard | Optical-Mechanical | Ultra-fast actuation, durable, customizable RGB | Expensive, loud key clicks, may pick up on mic |
| Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical | Ultimate premium keyboard | Mechanical (Cherry MX Speed) | Advanced features, iCUE wheel, per-key RGB | High price, complex setup |
Overall: Choosing the best gaming keyboard
Selecting the best gaming keyboard depends on your gaming style, preferences, and budget.
- If you want a high-quality mid-range keyboard with a mix of mechanical feel and affordability, go for the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid.
- If you prefer a quiet, reliable membrane keyboard, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro is a great choice.
- For competitive gamers who need speed and precision, the Razer Huntsman Elite is a top-tier premium option.
- If you want the ultimate gaming keyboard with advanced features, a premium build, and customization, the Corsair K100 RGB is the best choice for serious gamers.
Thanks for reading, I hope this review of the best gaming keyboards helped you find the right one! If you’re on the lookout for a new laptop, make sure try our Laptop Finder Quiz. Otherwise, check out our similar tech reviews on the links below.
