Gamer's note: 5 interesting gaming keyboards

Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless

The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard is a good solution for both gamers and those who work a lot with text or code. Among its competitors, it stands out with its three-mode connection (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C) and 1,500 hours of battery life.

Specifications:

• Format: 96% (with numeric keypad).

• Dimensions: 377 x 131 x 40 mm.

• Weight: 1012 g.

• Connection: three modes (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C).

• Battery life: up to 1,500 hours (in 2.4 GHz mode without backlight).

• Case material: aluminum top panel and plastic base.

• Keys: double PBT caps.

• Switches: mechanical ROG NX Snow (linear) or Storm (tactile).

• Hot-swappable switches: yes (compatible with 3- and 5-pin switches).

• Additional elements: multifunction key and roller for media and backlight control.

The keyboard format is 96%, with a full set of keys. At the same time, it takes up slightly less space than standard full-size models. The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has all the necessary keys, including a numeric keypad. Modern manufacturers often "forget" to add it to both regular keyboards and laptop keyboards.

The device looks good. The aluminum top and PBT caps are reliable and pleasant to the touch. There are no gaps or clearances in the assembly. By the way, in addition to the main set, you can purchase wrist rests - they attach to the keyboard with magnets.

ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless weighs just over a kilogram - it is stable, while it can be taken with you on the road. In the upper right corner of the keyboard, there is a multifunction key and a rotary knob. With it, you can change the volume, control media, and backlight.

The model comes with ROG NX Snow (linear) or Storm (tactile) mechanical switches. If anything, they can be changed on the fly.

The cost of the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard varies depending on the region and store. On average - about 200-250 US dollars.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series

Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is a TKL (tenkeyless) gaming keyboard designed for esports players and gamers. One of the key features is the Tournament Switch. It allows you to quickly disable all macros and return the keyboard to factory settings. The device's polling rate is up to 8,000 Hz, so lag is minimal. The device comes with Cherry MX Red linear switches.

Specifications:

• Switches: Cherry MX Red, MX Speed Silver, MX Silent Red (linear).

• Key material: double-shot PBT.

• Backlight: RGB with per-key customization.

• Polling rate: 8,000 Hz Hyperpolling.

• Connection: USB Type-C.

• Cable: 1.8 m, braided, detachable.

• Weight: 930 g.

• Features: Tournament Switch for macro deactivation.

Backlighting is customizable: the iCue app allows you to add and change lighting effects for each key. The keycaps are made of high-quality PBT plastic, making them more durable and resistant to wear.

The keyboard is quite sturdy. The body is aluminum, and a specialized USB-C cable is used to connect to the PC, which is resistant to physical impact. There is no numeric keypad, so it takes up less space on the table. At the same time, it does not sacrifice important gamer functions for the sake of compactness — separate media keys and customizable macros.

The cost of the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is about 149.99 USD.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

This model is Razer's flagship wired gaming keyboard with "full stuffing" for gamers. In addition to the standard keys, it is equipped with eight dedicated macro keys and a tactile multifunctional Command Dial — its capabilities are customizable in the Razer Synapse app. The keyboard also has bright RGB backlighting on each key and around the perimeter, including the wrist rest. Almost like a Christmas tree, only a keyboard.

Specifications:

• Format: 100%.

• Dimensions: 464 x 152 x 25 mm (excluding wrist rest).

• Connection: wired (USB).

• Backlight: RGB per key and 18 programmable lighting zones.

• Wrist rest: magnetic with 20 additional lighting zones.

• Switches: mechanical Razer Green (clicky) or Razer Yellow (linear).

• Macros: 8 dedicated macro keys (5 keys and 3 side buttons).

• Additional elements: programmable Command Dial with up to 100 customizable modes.

• Full N-key rollover support, polling rate up to 8,000 Hz.

• Additional features: USB passthrough.

The device takes up quite a bit of space on the desk, especially if used with the soft wrist rest. The build materials are high-quality: an aluminum top panel and ABS keycaps ensure durability, and the faux leather wrist rest makes work more comfortable.

BlackWidow V4 Pro offers two switch options: Razer Green or linear Razer Yellow. Razer Green switches are known for their tactile feedback, so if you like that, you can safely choose them.

The device supports macros, including customizable ones. You can also change modes using the Command Dial. The software provides up to 100 possible settings, and up to five profiles can be stored in the device's memory. The model has a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz, so there are no lags in games.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro costs about 230 USD.

Lemokey L3

Lemokey L3 is the first gaming keyboard from Keychron's subsidiary brand. And the first attempt is not a failure at all, the device turned out to be quite good. There is a video with the keyboard on YouTube.

The keyboard size is 80% of the standard. This model belongs to TKL, which means it has all the buttons except the number pad. If you need it, it's better to choose the previous model. Nevertheless, the L3 is larger than many other TKL keyboards. This is explained by the fact that it has an encoder and additional function buttons.

Specifications:

• Format: TKL (without number pad) with an additional row of macro keys.

• Dimensions: 401 x 137 x 43 mm.

• Weight: 1976 g.

• Case material: 6063 aluminum with CNC machining.

• Connection: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C.

• Battery life: up to 200 hours (in 2.4 GHz mode without backlight).

• Switches: Gateron Jupiter Red (linear), Jupiter Brown and Jupiter Banana (tactile).

• Hot-swappable switches: yes.

• Key programming: QMK/VIA support.

The kit includes low-profile Cherry keys made of PBT plastic with double-shot molding. Lemokey L3 supports three connection options: wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C, with a polling rate of 1,000 Hz in 2.4 GHz mode and up to 200 hours of operation without backlight. Overall, an excellent keyboard. Here is a detailed review.

Lemokey L3 costs approximately 214 US dollars for the fully assembled version. And 194 for the barebones version (without switches and caps).

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL — a gaming keyboard with fine-tuning capabilities for the keys. It is equipped with OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow you to adjust the sensitivity of each key in 0.1 mm increments. This means you can tailor the device to specific gaming tasks. This feature is especially useful for dynamic games where speed and accuracy of keystrokes are important.

Specifications:

• Switches: OmniPoint 2.0 with adjustable sensitivity (0.2–3.8 mm).

• Keycap material: double-shot PBT.

• Backlighting: personalized RGB for each key.

• Polling rate: 1,000 Hz.

• Connection: wired USB-C.

• Display: OLED screen for displaying settings and profiles.

• Dimensions: 355 x 139 x 40 mm.

• Weight: 747 g.

• Features: dual key assignment and customization of each key through SteelSeries GG software.

The keyboard is equipped with an OLED display. It is small but allows you to easily manage profiles and change settings on the fly without the need to use PC software. Materials: aluminum body, durable PBT keys. The package includes a magnetic wrist rest, which improves ergonomics during prolonged use. There is no numeric keypad.

The price of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is about $149.99 USD for the wired version and up to $209.99 for the wireless version.

That's all. If you have any interesting gaming keyboards in mind, write in the comments, expand the selection.