What you get for that significant cash investment is a sleek and sturdy board plated in brush aluminum. There's a slightly cheaper TKL version, but not so much so that we'd instantly recommend it over the full-size model. You'll be required to spend that little bit more for wireless functionality than what we tend to see for wired mechanical keyboards with similar features-the Logitech G915 is $250 (£210). If you've got your heart set on a wireless keyboard, then the Logitech G915 is a great example of the genre. Still, for $20 extra, the only real addition is under-glow RGB, so unless that kind of 'ground effects' package is massively appealing to you, I recommend you save your cash and invest in the base model.
There is a step-up version of the Cynosa available. It's a solid, no-frills, nice-looking keyboard that's the best membrane option of a huge range that I've tested.
While it may lack some of the features several gaming boards pack in, stuff like a dedicated wrist rest or media controls, it does boast Razer's extensive RGB lighting, which can be programmed on a per-key basis or applied by zones. The Cynosa has some of the best feeling, low profile membrane keys I've ever tested, and at a retail price of $60, it is one of the most affordable gaming keyboards out there (well, past a certain threshold of quality). I know there are people out there who prefer the soft embrace of a pure membrane switch, and that's fine-each to their own.
If even mecha-membrane keys don't suit you, and you demand a full membrane typing/gaming experience, the Razer Cynosa is the deck for you. Read our full Mountain Everest Max review.
That's been ironed out now for the most part, and I'm still using my sample on a day-to-day basis as it totally suits how I game and work on my PC. My only reservations with the Everest Max are its high price and the initial immaturity I experienced with its config software. You can also go for the barebones board, picking your own switches and keycaps from the start to create a truly custom option. It's also a board for the keyboard enthusiast, with a base that allows you to pull out switches at will and replace them as easily as just pushing them in. The admittedly costly $270 (£230) complete Everest Max kit also comes with a plush magnetic wrist rest, a media module with discrete controls, and an LCD screen. Basically, the magnetically attaching numpad module can be attached to either side of the base mechanical TKL board and is completely hot-swappable. That's what the Everest Max offers the flexibility to have your TKL cake and eat your numpad. When I'm gaming though, all I want is a compact TKL board to get my mouse and keyboard hands closer together and give me more desktop real estate to fling around my rodent. I don't always need the numpad on a full-size keyboard, but it certainly comes in handy sometimes during the workday. And it's one of my favorite designs since it first landed on my desk. Best gaming keyboard deals ahead of the holidaysĪll things to all people, that's almost what the Mountain Everest Max gaming keyboard represents. The next question is whether you go for a 60% board or tenkeyless (TKL) offering to save precious desk space or go for a full-sized keyboard packed with media controls? Are you more a Cherry Red or for Razer Green type of person when it comes to switches? If you're still confused or just unsure what you want, we can help determine what keyboard style is right for you.īelow we've picked out the best gaming keyboards to accommodate most gamers' particular needs and wants. We also tested out the best cheap gaming keyboards that won't upset your bank account if these choices are a bit out of your price range. Even keyboard switches come in all colors and types, which means you might want to read up on the best mechanical keyboard switches before heading to checkout. The number of options you have these days for gaming keyboards can feel overwhelming. There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all gaming keyboard because preferences vary from gamer to gamer.