Brimming with choice, buying the best gaming keyboard is starting to resemble the tribulations of buying a car.
You scrutinise its design, run your fingers along its contours, perhaps give it a subtle sniff, and then you immerse yourself in the symphony of its keystrokes. Swift decisions are a thing of the past, as keyboard technology innovates.
Just like cars, each gaming keyboard has a wide range of mechanics under the bonnet that you have to consider too. Think, latency, switch types, keyboard haptics, lighting and customisation – it’s a minefield. But I’m here to help.
Here’s my shortlist of the best gaming keyboards in Oz.👇
Top 7 Best Gaming Keyboards
Buying a new gaming keyboard is supposed to be a fun experience. If you’re sat there stressing out about which keyboards best suit your needs, we know that feeling all too well. So, to assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve extensively tested and evaluated numerous keyboards to curate a concise list of the best gaming keyboards across 7 of the most popular categories.
Whether you prefer mechanical or membrane keyboards, are on a tight budget, seeking a wireless option, or have a penchant for retro designs, our selection caters to a wide range of preferences and price points.
The best gaming keyboards in Australia right now are:
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL – Best Overall
- Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro – Best Mechanical Keyboard
- Razer Ornata V3 – Best Mecha-Membrane Keyboard
- Redragon K522 TKL – Best Budget Keyboard
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini – Best Wireless Keyboard
- Epomaker RT100 – Best Retro Keyboard
- Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion – Best TKL Keyboard
To find out more about each of our recommended gaming keyboards, scroll down to where our editors have summarised the rationale behind our selections. 👇
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
Best Gaming Keyboard Overall
Price: From $313 AUD » Type: Mechanical
Keyboard Size: Tenkeyless (80% Layout)
Connection: Wired (USB-C)
Our top-rated gaming keyboard this year is the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL and for good reason. If you’re a competitive gamer that needs precision across all of your peripherals then the Apex Pro TKL will absolutely deliver with it’s fully adjustable and stupidly fast OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic switches.
With up to 20x faster actuation, 11x faster response than traditional mechanical keyboards and the ability to reduce latency by shortening the physical movement of the keyboard switches, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL absolutely slaps.
Some other nice additions to this keyboard include a detachable wristrest for improved ergonomics, an OLED smart display, the ability to program two different actions to the same key and, of course, RGB lighting.
Go pro, with the SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Pros:
- Incredibly Low Latency
- Adjustable Actuation
- Respectable Price
- Superb Build Quality
Cons:
- No Tactile Switches
- Slight Key Wobbling
Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Price: From $413 AUD » Type: Mechanical
Keyboard Size: Full-Size Layout
Connection: Wired (USB-C)
If you’re in the market for a mechanical gaming keyboard and the SteelSeries Apex Pro doesn’t take your fancy, Razer’s Blackwidow V4 Pro is the best mechanical keyboard you can buy in Australia right now.
Featuring Doubleshot ABS keycaps, yellow (linear) or green (clicky) switches, an impressive 8,000Hz polling rate, up to 5 dedicated macros keys, 3 dedicated side buttons, 5 onboard memory profiles and, of course, the infamous Razer Chroma compatibility – there’s plenty to justify the price here.
That’s not even taking into account the fluid design.
Had the Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro been similarly priced to SteelSeries’ Apex Pro and introduced PBT keycaps instead of ABS, it would have been a close call for our overall winner. Still, the crown of the best mechanical keyboard is a massive statement.
Pros:
- Insanely Low Latency
- Two Incline Settings
- Fully Programmable Keys
- Customisable RGB Lighting
Cons:
- ABS Keycaps (Not PBT)
- Slightly Expensive
Razer Ornata V3
Best Mecha-Membrane Gaming Keyboard
Price: From $139 AUD » Type: Mecha-Membrane
Keyboard Size: Full-Size Layout
Connection: Wired (USB-C)
You’re not going to see the Razer Ornata V3 keyboard featured at eSports events any time soon. But, as a mecha-membrane keyboard, it is one of the best typing experiences I have ever had the pleasure of reviewing.
Related Article: Best Razer Keyboards Australia
It’s wide, comfortable, fairly quiet and you can enjoy many of the features you’ll find on pricier mechanical competitors– like extra keys and customisability. Given that mech-membrane keys are not for everyone, the scrutiny typically amplifies and the Ornata V3 passes on all fronts.
If you’re a casual gamer who enjoys soft, but not mushy keypresses, the Ornata V3 will not disappoint; despite being less responsive than it’s mechanical siblings.
Pros:
- Programmable Keys
- Lightweight
- Superb Mech-Membrane Feel
- Comfortable Wristrest
Cons:
- Plastic Build
- Partial RGB Customisation
Redragon K522 TKL
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
Price: From $50 AUD » Type: Mechanical
Keyboard Size: 60% Layout
Connection: Wired (USB-C)
Despite its low price, the Redragon K552 is a great gaming keyboard.
It has satisfying clicks from its blue switches, responsive keys with short pre-travel, full backlighting, and it’s tough. Very tough indeed.
Naturally, at this price point, there have to be some sacrifices. For the K552 it’s the average latency, a lack of software support for customisation and no wrist rest. There’s also none of the premium extras like extra keys, a volume knob or USB passthrough. But it’s $50 so what’s there to complain about!
If you want the look and feel of a pro-gaming keyboard without paying the price, the Redragon K552 is a superb choice. It’s a tough, compact keyboard that looks and sounds like keyboards twice, triple, or even quadruple its price.
Pros:
- Excellent Build
- Satisfying Keypresses
- Full RGB Backlighting
Cons:
- No Customisation Software
- Average Latency
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Price: From $449 AUD » Type: Mechanical
Keyboard Size: 60% Layout
Connection: Wireless (2.4 GHz / Bluetooth 5.0)
Touted as “The World’s Fastest Keyboard”, it comes as no surprise that the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini takes our crown as the best wireless gaming keyboard right now. And, if you don’t like the thought of a miniature keyboard there is always the TKL and full-size version too.
Our award is of course due to the Apex Pro Mini’s ultra-low latency, but also partially due to its adjustable pre-travel. You can adjust your keypress sensitivity anywhere between a slight breeze and a falling hammer— and it might just withstand that, the build feels just that tough.
Being a mini, you’ll miss out on many luxuries but programmable keys and customisable backlight colours are not among them. However, its sole purpose is for gaming at lightning speed and it achieves that to perfection.
Pros:
- Adjustable Pre-Travel Distance
- Low Latency
- Hefty, Reliable Build
Cons:
- Mediocre Battery
- No Wristrest
Epomaker RT100
Best Retro Gaming Keyboard
Price: From $199 AUD » Type: Mechanical
Keyboard Size: 95% Layout (97 Keys)
Connection: Wired (USB-C) or Wireless (2.4 GHz / Bluetooth 5.0)
For the retro aficionados among us, the Epomaker RT100 presents as a seriously cool alternative to your traditional gaming keyboard. In fact, nearly everything that Epomaker create is unique.
It’s not just the warm, off-white aesthetic that resembles an ancient IBM keyboard that attracts me to the RT100 either. There’s a Smart Mini TV to display images, stats, or your PC performance and a glowing knob for volume, media, whatever. Plus, it can go wireless, wired, or Bluetooth-connected.
Learn More: Read Epomaker RT100 Gaming Keyboard Review
If this was a shortlist of the best keyboards in general, the Epomaker RT100 would be right up there. However, it does somewhat lack in the gaming department for latency and it’s customisation options are somewhat frustrating too.
Aside from that though, it’s stellar. Like all of the most popular Epomaker keyboards, the RT100 works for gaming and office use, the switches are easy to switch out, the frame feels sturdy (even if it’s just plastic), and the backlighting is customisable too.
Pros:
- Retro & Quirky Build
- Satisfying Keypresses
- Great Value For Money
- Useful Mini TV Display
Cons:
- Frustrating Companion Software
- No Wristrest
Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion
Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard
Price: From $189 AUD » Type: Mechanical
Keyboard Size: TKL (80% Layout)
Connection: Wired (USB-C)
While there are some other awesome TKL keyboards on this list, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion takes our crown as the best tenkeyless gaming keyboard right now. Largely, this is due to the value for money that the K70 TKL provides.
The best thing about the Corsair K70 TKL keyboard is its balance between efficiency and function. It doesn’t sacrifice a lot despite being only an 80-percenter. There are pause, play, skip and rewind keys for your music and there’s a customisable wheel for scrolling.
The crunchy cherry switches sound sweet to the ears, and there’s minimal travel time. It’s tough, low latency, fully programmable, and pretty comfortable. The downsides are only that it’s wired, and that it’s got no wrist rest, which are rarely dealbreakers.
If the Blackwidow V4 Pro is too rich for your blood, the TKL Champion will meet you in between and won’t disappoint. It’s a great choice for high-speed gaming and a pleasure for general use too, but if you’re going to use it for long hours, you should consider a wristrest.
Pros:
- Fully Programmable Keys
- Sturdy Build
- Responsive & Low Latency
- Compactly Functional
Cons:
- Sensitive Keys
- No Wristrest
Other Notable Mentions
With so many keyboards to choose from, rounding up our list of the best gaming keyboards was undoubtedly tough. If you’ve not found the right wired or wireless gaming keyboard for your rig from our list above then here are 5 other good gaming keyboards for you to consider. Regardless of your budget, we guarantee there is something here for you.
- ASUS ROG Azoth
- Logitech G715
- Roccat Magma
- Ducky One 3
- Wooting 60HE
The Final Word
Naturally, every gamer has their own preference and while the keyboard suggestions we’ve provided represent our current top picks for both membrane, wireless and mechanical gaming keyboards, you may have specific requirements. We’ve considered factors such as cost (giving preference to more premium options), feedback from users, and ease of availability in Australia. However, we know all too well there are plenty of other keyboards that could have been listed too.
When choosing the right gaming keyboard for your setup, it’s important that you do not over-analyse every minor detail. The competitive nature of keyboard manufacturing means that most mid-range to high-end gaming keyboards are more than suitable for your gaming sessions. While no single product will be the ideal fit for every gamer, the majority of keyboards are designed to satisfy most users.
Often, distinctions between them can be subtle and might only become apparent upon close scrutiny. Always remember to prioritize your preference for key switches when making a decision.
Know of other keyboards that should be part of this list? Hit the comments!
For more tech reviews and roundups, here are some other articles you might enjoy:
- Top 7 Budget-Friendly Gaming Mice In Australia
- Best Gaming Laptops Australia
- Logitech G915 Tenkeyless Review
- Epomaker TH80 Pro Keyboard Review
- Razer Turret Review (Xbox)
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope 96 Wireless II Review
- Best One Handed Gaming Keyboards
- Best Controllers For PC Australia
- Best Webcams For Streaming
Content Disclaimer: This shortlist of the best gaming keyboards has been independently written by Branden Zavaleta. GamePro has not been commissioned by any manufacturers listed, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or gifts.
Should you click on any link to Amazon and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But that’s just how we keep this website alive! Feel free to hit us up in the comments with any questions you have about any of our keyboard recommendations and we’ll gladly assist.
