The HyperX Alloy Origins' compact and quality build makes it the best gaming keyboard for mainstream gamers who just want to get down to gaming. NGenuity software could be more intuitive Some users, such as MMO players, want every possible key (and more), while others prefer a smaller keyboard to clear up desk space. Full-size, tenkeyless, or smaller? Tenkeyless boards drop the numpad, 65 percent boards eliminate navigation keys, and 60 percent boards also cut the arrow keys.If you opt for something with no backlight at all, make sure you'll be gaming in a well-lit area or are a touch typist. You can save a little money by getting a keyboard with a single-color backlight, but you’ll miss out on a spectacular light show.

Per-key RGB lets you program each key's color individually, while zone lighting limits your customization to just a few areas o the board. RGB or not? All RGB lighting is not equal.

Optical switches still feel a little unsatisfying to type on but offer speedy actuation (often adjustable) that many gamers may appreciate. Recently we've been seeing more and more optical keyboards, which are technically mechanical, but use light instead of force to actuate.

Only mechanical keyboard switches offer the tactile feedback, precision, and accuracy most gamers need, and membrane switches feel gummy and unresponsive by comparison.

Mechanical or bust? Most gamers probably aren't even considering a non-mechanical keyboard - for good reason.

Wireless numeric keypad 2