The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed (£259.99) is the best overall gaming keyboard, combining wireless reliability, low-latency performance, and tactile mechanical switches in a design that handles both competitive gaming and long work sessions. However, if you want mechanical quality without the wireless premium, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 (£117.99) delivers full-size performance for less than half the price.
The right choice depends on your setup, budget, and whether wireless freedom matters more than saving £140. We’ve tested the full range to help you decide.
Our Top Picks
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed Wireless — £259.99
Best for: Wireless gaming without compromise
This is the keyboard that justifies its premium. The 2.4GHz Lightspeed connection has sub-1ms latency, matching wired performance. Tactile switches provide satisfying feedback without the clack of linear switches—ideal if you share desk space. The low-profile design suits both gaming and productivity, and the battery lasts 30+ hours per charge. You’re paying for freedom of movement and build quality that outlasts cheaper alternatives.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 — £117.99
Best for: Budget-conscious mechanical gamers
Full-size layout with HyperX’s own mechanical switches, aluminium frame, and plug-and-play setup. At £117.99, this is where mechanical quality starts without breaking the bank. It’s wired, so no latency concerns, and the solid construction handles competitive play and everyday typing equally well. The only catch: HyperX switches are proprietary, so you can’t swap them out later.
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog — £160.00
Best for: Competitive FPS players
Analog switches mean each key registers variable input—useful in games that support analogue movement (like some esports titles). The Huntsman V2 combines speed with precision, though the analogue feature won’t benefit every game library. At £160, it’s expensive for what amounts to a niche feature unless you play titles that specifically exploit it.
HyperX Alloy Rise — £157.99
Best for: Compact desk setups
Tenkeyless (80% size) mechanical keyboard saves 4 inches of desk space without sacrificing gaming performance. The compact design suits cramped setups or lap gaming. Build quality matches the Elite 2, and you’re only paying £40 more for the smaller form factor—good value if space matters.
Cherry MX Board 3.0 S — £132.99
Best for: Cherry MX enthusiasts
Uses genuine Cherry MX switches (not proprietary alternatives), meaning you can swap, mod, or upgrade keycaps easily. If you plan to customise your keyboard long-term, this is the foundation to buy. The trade-off: £15 more than the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 for essentially the same performance, unless customisation is your priority.
Koorui 60% Ultra-Compact — £37.90
Best for: Budget gamers under £50
Sixty per cent layout (minimal for gaming), mechanical red switches, and RGB backlighting. At £37.90, this is entry-level mechanical performance—don’t expect premium materials or longevity, but it works for casual gaming and first-time mechanical keyboard buyers.
Apex 3 TKL — £51.29
Best for: Best value under £60
Tenkeyless size, membrane switches (quieter than mechanical), and decent build quality. Not mechanical, so not ideal for serious gamers, but the £51.29 price point offers solid ergonomics for the money if you prioritise comfort over switch responsiveness.
Quick Comparison
| Keyboard | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G915 X | £259.99 | Wireless performance | Sub-1ms latency, 30+ hour battery |
| HyperX Alloy Elite 2 | £117.99 | Budget mechanics | Aluminium frame, full-size layout |
| Razer Huntsman V2 Analog | £160.00 | Competitive FPS | Analogue switches for variable input |
| HyperX Alloy Rise | £157.99 | Compact gaming | 80% TKL size, same build quality as Elite 2 |
| Cherry MX Board 3.0 S | £132.99 | Customisation | Genuine Cherry MX switches (swappable) |
| Koorui 60% Compact | £37.90 | Ultra-budget | Mechanical at entry-level price |
| Apex 3 TKL | £51.29 | Value comfort | Membrane switches, quiet operation |
How We Chose
- Switch type matters: Mechanical switches (Cherry MX, HyperX, Razer) are industry standard for gaming keyboards because they register faster and last 50+ million keystrokes. Membrane switches (Apex 3) are cheaper and quieter but slower to respond and degrade around 10 million keystrokes.
- Layout efficiency: Full-size keyboards (104 keys) suit desk gaming; TKL/80% models (87 keys) save space for mouse movement; 60% models (61 keys) are compact but sacrifice arrow keys and function rows.
- Wireless reliability: Only the Logitech G915 X offers sub-1ms latency via proprietary 2.4GHz connection. Bluetooth wireless typically adds 5-10ms latency—noticeable in competitive play. We only recommended the G915 X for wireless because cheaper wireless options introduce lag.
- Price-to-performance threshold: We prioritised keyboards £50-£260 where mechanical quality and build durability justify cost. Below £40, you sacrifice switch longevity; above £260, you’re paying for brand prestige or wireless convenience, not raw gaming performance.
The Bottom Line
The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed at £259.99 is the best overall gaming keyboard if you value wireless freedom and can justify the premium. For most gamers, the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 at £117.99 delivers 90% of the performance at 45% of the cost, with a full-size mechanical layout that works for both gaming and productivity. If you need budget options, the Koorui 60% at £37.90 offers mechanical switches without breaking the bank, though expect shorter longevity than premium brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best gaming keyboards under £100?
The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 (£117.99) is the closest option just above £100, and worth the small stretch for full-size mechanical quality. Below £100, the Koorui 60% (£37.90) and Apex 3 TKL (£51.29) are your only mechanical-based options, though neither matches the build quality of the HyperX. For true sub-£100 performance, you’re trading size, durability, or switch type for cost.
Are wireless gaming keyboards as fast as wired ones?
The Logitech G915 X achieves sub-1ms latency via proprietary 2.4GHz connection, matching wired speed. Most Bluetooth wireless keyboards add 5-10ms latency, which is noticeable in competitive shooters. If wireless matters, the G915 X’s proprietary connection is the only option in this roundup that guarantees wired-level responsiveness.
What’s the difference between mechanical and membrane switches?
Mechanical switches (Cherry MX, HyperX, Razer) have individual mechanisms that click or tactile feedback, register faster (1ms vs 5ms), and last 50+ million keystrokes. Membrane switches (Apex 3) are quieter, cheaper, but slower and degrade around 10 million keystrokes. For gaming, mechanical is industry standard because speed and durability matter; membrane is acceptable for casual use and typing comfort.
Which gaming keyboard is best for a small desk?
The HyperX Alloy Rise (£157.99) and Koorui 60% (£37.90) both save desk space. The Alloy Rise is TKL size (80%, ~13 inches wide) with premium build; the Koorui is 60% (~12 inches) at budget price. Choose the Alloy Rise if you want mechanical quality and occasional function key access; choose the Koorui if space is critical and budget is tight.
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