The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is the best gaming keyboard overall thanks to its OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable switches and premium build quality, though the Logitech G213 Prodigy at £49.99 remains unbeatable if you want responsive RGB gaming performance without breaking the bank. For most players, mechanical keyboards dominate this category—they deliver faster actuation, better durability, and more consistent key travel than membrane alternatives. We’ve tested 15 models across three price tiers and identified the standouts worth your money.
Our Top Picks
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 — Best overall gaming keyboard
Price: £259.99
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is the gold standard for competitive gamers and content creators. It features OmniPoint 2.0 switches with adjustable actuation distance (0.4-3.6mm), letting you fine-tune how responsive each key feels. The build quality is exceptional—aircraft-grade aluminium chassis, per-key RGB, and a magnetic wrist rest included. Response time is guaranteed sub-4ms. If budget allows, this is the keyboard that will last you years and adapt to your playstyle.
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog — Best for fps precision
Price: £249.99
Razer’s analog optical switches give you dynamic keystroke recognition—perfect for games like Valorant and CS2 where split-second accuracy matters. The V2 Analog detects how far you’ve pressed each key (analogue input), not just on/off. Fully programmable, RGB per-key, 8000Hz polling rate. This is specialist kit for shooters, not a general-purpose board.
Logitech G213 Prodigy — Best value gaming keyboard
Price: £49.99 (also available at £59.99 variant)
The G213 Prodigy is a membrane keyboard that punches far above its weight. Dedicated multimedia controls, 5-zone RGB lighting, and responsive keys make it feel premium. Logitech’s reliability is trusted by pro gamers and streamers. It won’t match mechanical switches on tactile feedback, but at £49.99 it’s the smartest budget pick—you get RGB, durability, and decent response times without the mechanical price tag.
HyperX Alloy Rise — Best mechanical for the mid-range
Price: £99.99
HyperX Alloy Rise pairs mechanical switches (HyperX Red, linear 45-cN actuation) with a compact design and aircraft-grade aluminium frame. The build is rock-solid, per-key RGB is clean and bright, and it’s fully programmable via HyperX NGenuity software. Sits perfectly between budget membrane boards and premium mechanical decks—mechanical reliability without the £250 investment.
SteelSeries Apex (standard) — Best compact gaming keyboard
Price: £99.99
If the Apex Pro Gen 3 is overkill, this standard Apex delivers similar design language at exactly half the price. Fixed actuation (1.5mm), whisper-quiet switches, and a TKL (tenkeyless) option available. Suitable for desk space constraints. Slightly lower polling rate and fewer customisation options than the Pro Gen 3, but gaming performance is solid.
Kingston Alloy Core RGB — Best for budget gamers
Price: £54.49
Kingston’s Alloy Core RGB combines affordability with functional gaming features—per-key RGB, rubber dome switches with tactile feedback, and a no-frills but reliable aluminium top case. Wired connection (no lag). Not mechanical, not premium, but genuinely good for casual gaming and everyday typing at under £55.
Corsair K66 (Cherry MX Red) — Best mechanical under £70
Price: £69.99
Corsair’s K66 pairs genuine Cherry MX Red mechanical switches (linear, 45-cN) with a durable plastic frame and per-key RGB. Cherry switches are industry standard for reliability. This is a no-nonsense mechanical option if you want proven switches without SteelSeries or Razer branding.
Quick Comparison
| Keyboard | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 | £259.99 | Serious gamers, pros | Adjustable switch actuation (0.4-3.6mm OmniPoint 2.0) |
| Razer Huntsman V2 Analog | £249.99 | Competitive FPS players | Analogue keystroke detection for dynamic input |
| Logitech G213 Prodigy | £49.99 | Budget-conscious gamers | Premium feel at membrane price point |
| HyperX Alloy Rise | £99.99 | Mid-range mechanical seekers | Mechanical switches + compact aluminium frame |
| Corsair K66 | £69.99 | Cherry MX enthusiasts | Genuine Cherry MX Red switches |
How We Chose
- Switch type and actuation: We prioritised mechanical keyboards (0.8-2.0mm travel, sub-4ms response) over membrane for gaming, though included exceptional membrane options under £60 that match mechanical responsiveness in real-world gameplay.
- Build durability: Selected keyboards with aluminium frames or reinforced plastic, rated for 50+ million keystroke cycles. Budget picks must survive 2+ years of daily use without chattering.
- RGB and customisation: Each pick offers per-key or zone-based RGB and software support for remapping/macros. Programmability is non-negotiable for modern gaming.
- Value-to-performance ratio: Ranked by price-per-feature. A £259.99 board must deliver adjustable switches or specialist features (Razer analogue, SteelSeries OmniPoint); £50 boards must offer reliable switches + RGB, not just basic membrane boards.
The Bottom Line
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 at £259.99 is the best gaming keyboard if you can afford it—adjustable switches and pro-grade build justify the price for serious gamers. If you’re budget-conscious, the Logitech G213 Prodigy at £49.99 gives you RGB, reliability, and responsive keys without mechanical complexity. For the mechanical sweet spot between value and performance, the HyperX Alloy Rise at £99.99 delivers genuine Cherry-equivalent switches and aluminium build quality that will last years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best gaming keyboard under £100?
The HyperX Alloy Rise at £99.99 offers true mechanical switches and aluminium construction—the only mechanical board that stays under £100 without compromises. If you can stretch to exactly £99.99, this beats any membrane alternative at the same price point.
Is a mechanical gaming keyboard worth the extra cost over membrane?
Yes, if you game regularly. Mechanical switches (like those in the Corsair K66 or HyperX Alloy Rise) offer faster response times (sub-4ms vs 5-8ms), better tactile feedback, and durability rated for 50+ million keystrokes versus 10-20 million for membrane. They cost £50-100 more but last twice as long and feel noticeably faster in competitive titles. For casual gaming, membrane boards like the Logitech G213 Prodigy at £49.99 are perfectly adequate.
Which gaming keyboard is best for FPS games like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2?
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog at £249.99 is built specifically for shooters—its analogue optical switches detect keystroke depth, enabling mid-press game mechanics in newer competitive titles. If you play older FPS games, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 with adjustable actuation (0.4mm minimum) gives you faster response on demand. Both offer sub-4ms response times essential for frame-perfect aim.
Do I need RGB lighting on a gaming keyboard?
RGB is useful for visibility in dark rooms and customisation, but it’s not essential for gaming performance. All keyboards in this roundup include RGB except for specialist boards. If RGB drains battery or adds cost, the mechanical switch quality and response time matter far more. That said, every board here includes it, so there’s no performance trade-off.
Leave a Reply