An RGB keyboard is a marvel of modern engineering, binding advanced electronics with eye-popping, gratuitous gee-whiz. It's a vivid reminder of how the everyday keyboard has evolved from a dull beige PC peripheral into, in some quarters, a sophisticated gaming weapon that dresses up your computing space. At PCMag, we've been reviewing keyboards for decades, and we test dozens each year, evaluating them based on key factors such as design, key feel, ergonomics, extra features, utility software, value, and yes, even their RGB lights. If that distinct RGB glow is vital to you, our top picks are the Roccat Vulcan II Max (if you don't mind a wired connection) or the Asus ROG Azoth (if you want to cut the cord). Below, we've laid out the best keyboards we've tested that emphasize the RGB light show, while ensuring you lose none of the functionality you expect from a high-end board.
Overview
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![Roccat Vulcan II Max]()
Best Wired RGB Gaming KeyboardRoccat Vulcan II Max
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![Asus ROG Azoth]()
Best Wireless RGB Gaming KeyboardAsus ROG Azoth
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![NZXT Function 2 Mini]()
Best Budget RGB Mechanical KeyboardNZXT Function 2 Mini
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![Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Pro]()
Best Tenkeyless RGB KeyboardRazer BlackWidow V4 75% Pro
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![Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard]()
Best 65% RGB KeyboardFnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard
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![Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless]()
Best 60% RGB KeyboardCorsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless
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![Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard]()
Best Ergonomic RGB KeyboardKinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard
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![Corsair K70 RGB Pro]()
Best RGB Keyboard for StreamersCorsair K70 RGB Pro
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Roccat Vulcan II Max]()
Best Wired RGB Gaming KeyboardRoccat Vulcan II Max
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
Roccat's pricey Vulcan II Max keyboard delivers an RGB light show like no other, but it's not just a pretty face, with functionality to please power users and hard-core gamers alike.Specs & Configurations
Interface USB Wired Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type Titan II Optical Media Controls Dedicated N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 104 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest Detachable (Separate) Passthrough Ports None Learn More Roccat Vulcan II Max Review -
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![Asus ROG Azoth]()
Best Wireless RGB Gaming KeyboardAsus ROG Azoth
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
It may look unassuming, but the compact Asus ROG Azoth is a little dynamo of an enthusiast gaming keyboard, packing super-stable, satisfying key switches and a cornucopia of keycap and switch-tweaker tools.Specs & Configurations
Interface 2.4 GHz Wireless Interface Bluetooth Interface USB-C Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type Asus ROG NX Red Media Controls Via integrated screen N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 81 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest None Passthrough Ports None Learn More Asus ROG Azoth Review -
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![NZXT Function 2 Mini]()
Best Budget RGB Mechanical KeyboardNZXT Function 2 Mini
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
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The NZXT Function 2 Mini TKL is as small as a feature-packed tenkeyless keyboard can be, and sure to please discerning on-the-go gamers.Specs & Configurations
Interface USB-C Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type NZXT Swift Optical Switches Media Controls Shared With Other Keys N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 87 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest None Passthrough Ports None Learn More NZXT Function 2 Mini TKL Review -
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![Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Pro]()
Best Tenkeyless RGB KeyboardRazer BlackWidow V4 75% Pro
Pros & Cons
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Razer's standout BlackWidow V4 gets an impressive Pro upgrade that adds even more functionality to an excellent foundation. Whether you're a PC gaming enthusiast or a keyboard customizer, the V4 Pro 75% will dazzle.Specs & Configurations
Dedicated Shortcut Keys Interface 2.4 GHz Wireless Interface Bluetooth Interface USB Wired Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Key Switch Gen-3 Media Controls Via integrated screen N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 81 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest Detachable (Magnetic) Passthrough Ports None Learn More Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% Review -
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![Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard]()
Best 65% RGB KeyboardFnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
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The Fnatic Streak65 has nearly everything that you'd want in a compact keyboard, including a top-tier typing feel, lightweight body, macro keys, and marked keycaps.Specs & Configurations
Dedicated Shortcut Keys Interface USB Wired Key Backlighting RGB Zonal Key Switch Type Fnatic Speed Media Controls Shared With Other Keys N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 68 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest None Passthrough Ports None Learn More Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard Review -
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![Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless]()
Best 60% RGB KeyboardCorsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
The feature-rich Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless is a stunner and one of the finest 60% keyboards we've seen.Specs & Configurations
Interface Bluetooth Interface RF Wireless Interface USB-C Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type Cherry MX Speed Silver Media Controls Shared With Other Keys N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 61 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest None Passthrough Ports None Learn More Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless Review -
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![Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard]()
Best Ergonomic RGB KeyboardKinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard
Pros & Cons
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In the Freestyle Edge RGB, Kinesis brings best-in-class ergonomics to the gaming-keyboard scene for players serious about minding their wrists and hands in the course of their gaming endurathons.Specs & Configurations
Dedicated Shortcut Keys Interface USB Wired Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type Logitech GX Brown Media Controls Dedicated N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 108 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest Integrated Passthrough Ports None -
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![Corsair K70 RGB Pro]()
Best RGB Keyboard for StreamersCorsair K70 RGB Pro
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line:
The Corsair K70 RGB Pro is a high-end gaming keyboard that offers a variety of mechanical switch options in a solidly built case, making it an excellent choice for deep-pocketed esports gamers seeking a competitive edge.Specs & Configurations
Dedicated Shortcut Keys Interface USB Wired Key Backlighting RGB Per-Key Key Switch Type Cherry MX Blue Media Controls Dedicated N-Key Rollover Support Number of Keys 104 Onboard Profile Storage Palm Rest Detachable (Magnetic) Passthrough Ports None Learn More Corsair K70 RGB Pro Review -
Compare Specs
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Rating |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard | Best Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard | Best Budget RGB Mechanical Keyboard | Best Tenkeyless RGB Keyboard | Best 65% RGB Keyboard | Best 60% RGB Keyboard | Best Ergonomic RGB Keyboard | Best RGB Keyboard for Streamers | Best Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard | Best Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard | Best Budget RGB Mechanical Keyboard |
Number of Keys | 104 | 81 | 87 | 81 | 68 | 61 | 108 | 104 | 104 | 81 | 87 |
Interface | USB Wired | USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth | USB-C | USB Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wireless | USB Wired | USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wireless | USB Wired | USB Wired | USB Wired | USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth | USB-C |
Key Switch Type | Titan II Optical | Asus ROG NX Red | NZXT Swift Optical Switches | Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Key Switch Gen-3 | Fnatic Speed | Cherry MX Speed Silver | Logitech GX Brown | Cherry MX Blue | Titan II Optical | Asus ROG NX Red | NZXT Swift Optical Switches |
Key Backlighting | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Zonal | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key | RGB Per-Key |
Media Controls | Dedicated | Via integrated screen | Shared With Other Keys | Via integrated screen | Shared With Other Keys | Shared With Other Keys | Dedicated | Dedicated | Dedicated | Via integrated screen | Shared With Other Keys |
Dedicated Shortcut Keys | |||||||||||
Onboard Profile Storage | |||||||||||
N-Key Rollover Support | |||||||||||
Passthrough Ports | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Palm Rest | Detachable (Separate) | None | None | Detachable (Magnetic) | None | None | Integrated | Detachable (Magnetic) | Detachable (Separate) | None | None |
Buying Guide: The Best RGB Keyboards for 2025
The ABCs of RGB in Keyboards
RGB keyboards—desktop-PC keyboards with multicolor lighting that's customizable to various degrees—are on the leading edge of input-device innovation. And they command, in some cases, the very highest prices for their kind.
What's RGB all about? When you overlap three beams of light—red, green, and blue, each numbered for intensity from 0 to 256—you get every combination of light that we humans can see. That forms a potential variety of 16.8 million colors. (Well, actually, it's 16,777,216, meaning 256 times 256 times 256, but who's counting?) This basic color technique is reflected in the lighting-software controls for RGB-capable PC keyboards meant for gamers, which often let you specify any combination of R, G, and B values to light up the keys...and your desk.
It's important to distinguish these RGB models from "single-color" backlit keyboards or multicolor-backlit keyboards of a limited color range. Some premium PC keyboards feature a more limited form of backlighting—LEDs that shine through and around each key—in one color, typically white, red, blue, or green. Changeable RGB lighting added to a keyboard, though, is way more sophisticated, and reflected in the price.
Now, of course, RGB lighting is hardly an essential feature. But for some gamers, in some games, it has stark benefits, which we'll get into below. And since the possible combinations of RGB colors are so broad on a keyboard with 100-plus keys, even when you're not using the peripheral, you can sit back, turn on The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin," set the keyboard's colors to cycle, and talk to Carl Sagan. (He's been dead for decades, but that doesn't matter.) But we digress.
The Basics: Why Do You Want RGB Backlighting?
Here's the nutshell version of keyboard-backlighting evolution: First, you had keyboards with solid-color backlight options. Then came multiple-color backlight options, in which you could change whole zones of keys, or all of the keys, across a limited range of colors. Finally, RGB keyboards arrived.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)The "RGB" label is a very specific thing; keyboards that cycle through a limited array of colors are not the same. An RGB keyboard offers the full RGB spectrum of colors, allowing it to display subtle pinks, bright purples, dark reds, and every color in between. Essentially, you can choose any color from the RGB color wheel, and have it be the backlight for the entire keyboard, or just a key or two.
Another important distinction is the ability to program each key's color individually, versus programming the whole board or key clusters. "Per-key RGB" is the ne plus ultra backlighting feature of keyboards in this market; be sure that's what you're getting if you are serious about your backlight programmability. (More on that in a bit.)
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)Since RGB backlighting is such a specific and premium feature (it's costly for the manufacturer to implement), "RGB" will usually be in the name of the product, but not every company uses that specific phrase, so look closely while you shop. These keyboards are easy to spot on sight, though, as the promo photos usually show the keyboard displaying a rainbow of colors, as opposed to just one color.
Now, of course, keyboards like these look nice, but what can you do, practically speaking, with the RGB lighting on a keyboard? Depending on the board in question, you have some very interesting options. Let's consider a few.
Highlight the Navigation Keys. Anyone who has gamed much on a PC knows the WASD keys as north-west-south-east directional keys, but how many of us whack the wrong key at the wrong time nonetheless? Or maybe there's a game that has a different navigational system that you cannot change (or maybe you can change it but need help remembering the new key locations). Colorizing the four navigational keys differently from the rest of the board is handy for that. (Some gaming models come with differently textured WASD keycaps to help you feel them, too.)
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)Color Keys for Functions. It's fantasy game time! You have five melee attacks, four spells, three helpful potion types, and two weapons to swap among. Now, it's not impossible to keep all that straight if you can spend the time memorizing. Along the way, though, you're going to make a lot of life-threatening mistakes. Things get a lot easier if you can define macro areas of your keyboard for each of these tasks, then color-code them uniquely.
Cooldown Notifications. Let's say your game avatar has three active abilities that include "cooldown" periods, figured at 8, 13, and 23 seconds. You could just watch their bars on the screen to see when those powers regenerate. But it's a lot easier to set three ability keys to blink at the timed interval after each ability has been activated. In the meantime, you keep your eyes where they should be: on the action. MOBA players, such as League of Legends fiends, stand to gain from this.
(Credit: SteelSeries)Efficiency in Building. This is a variant on our cooldown notifications, but for real-time-strategy (RTS) hounds. Say you start to work on a factory, but when it's done being built, you have to manage its production to create mechas. Set a key to blink or change color/intensity when the factory's ready, and without delay, you can place your order for that behemoth that'll help you defend faux-Tokyo.
The RGB Kitchen Sink. For that matter, what about setting a row of lights that blinks red when you're being borne down upon by a certain minimum number of enemies? Different lights blinking that signal the arrival of allies? A bank of lights for each online friend in an MMO quest that fades as his or her health diminishes? (Great for healers, this one.) One that signals when your warehouse is full, and you need to sell some of its contents? Or when your fuel gets low? Or...when you haven't had a bathroom break in four hours?
This list could easily be much longer. Suffice it to say, while you won't find much use for RGB lighting in games such as Stardew Valley or Cities: Skylines, it's an entirely different matter for DOTA 2, or for players whose hands visibly twitch when they think of their next Fortnite match.
So, how to assess what makes for a quality RGB keyboard? Glad you asked…
What to Look for in an RGB Keyboard
Separately Lit ("Per-Key RGB") Keys. We mentioned this earlier. It's not enough alone to have RGB lighting if you're a key-customizing hound. In a truly customizable RGB keyboard, each key must have its own, discrete RGB programmability. That's not a given; some budget keyboards may provide multicolor backlighting, but not per-key backlighting. While RGB per-key is more common these days, check to be sure what you're getting.
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Lighting Controls for Groups of Keys. Now, just because each key is separately backlit, it doesn't mean you want every key to be different from all the others, all the time. You may want to create a group of keys with a certain color to handle a particular in-game effect, and who wants to program this one key at a time when a board may have 100-plus keys? You want to be able to isolate a zone of keys and apply that color all at once.
A Lighting On/Off Toggle. In DOS days, we had something called a "boss key," usually F3, that you'd whack when your manager was rounding the corner and you didn't want to be caught digitally goofing off. This is something like that, a hardware control that sobers up your keyboard fast when the situation demands it.
RGB Effects That Tie Into Games. Never mind the advertising that states you can hit a key and send a bomb-like wave of color blossoming out. That's nice to see, but if you plan to do more than just watch your keyboard, you'll want to concentrate on RGB effects that help you play better. Look for specific game support in the software that lets you go deeper than simple key remapping.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)All the Hues You Paid For. Make sure any so-called "RGB" keyboard you are considering actually can show 16.8 million colors. A more limited color palette can result in a phenomenon known as "stepping." With a less-than-true-RGB keyboard, when the board executes color fades or blossoms, you may see a kind of jerkiness to the transitions, actions that aren't smooth and draw attention to themselves. Be sure to check the specs.
Good Software. Here's the double-edged sword of RGB illumination: You need sophisticated software to control all the glowing lights, sort of like running the console at a rave. A budget-priced colorized keyboard with only hardware controls governing the lighting won't be a "true" RGB keyboard.
That said, most makers' software has something akin to an "easy mode" with preset illumination patterns, such as a color wave, a color cycle, or a breathing effect. If you're willing to dive deeper, per-key RGB keyboards also offer "freestyle" modes in which you can tweak the backlighting of individual keys, or groups of keys. Be sure to check out what the software offers before you make a purchase, because it will make a huge difference in your ownership experience. In our own testing, we've found Logitech's and Razer's software the easiest to use, with Corsair's deeper in some respects and a bit more challenging.
(Credit: Razer)How to judge? The utility's screens must be easy to read, in a good-size font with strongly contrasting text and background. The application should be well-organized, with clear tabs or subsections, and you should get a robust, comprehensible in-product help system. It should provide simple ways to achieve the lighting effects you want, and a good macro editor that binds the effects to keys with conditionals that aid you in play. Research the possibilities and limitations of the keyboard's software before you buy. Some companies offer their keyboard software manuals online. And of course, reviews, reviews, and more reviews: Read 'em.
Community-Created Lighting. Some RGB keyboard manufacturers, such as Logitech, offer pre-configured lighting effects for a series of games, but we're also interested in being able to share profiles with friends or import those recommended to us for a specific game. Keep this in mind, then, when shopping for your RGB keyboard: Can you import profiles containing effects sets developed by others? Can you export your own?
Corsair's RGB keyboards have a good community following. With Corsair's RGB keyboards (and mice) you can run lighting patterns created by the community along with all the traditional options available in its software, Corsair Utility Engine (iCUE). This opens up a world of lighting options, an almost unlimited buffet of cool lighting tricks. Razer and its very active fanbase have also gotten into this kind of thing with its Chroma Workshop. (Chroma is Razer's software that governs lighting in its compatible devices.)
Game Profiles. This is a no-brainer: Any gaming keyboard worthy of its name should support unlimited game-specific profiles, in which you can customize a host of controls specific to a program or game, including lighting settings. And each keyboard should have at least one, but hopefully two or three, onboard profiles. That means it stores the profile(s) in the keyboard's internal memory, so you can take them with you. That's handy when you're engaging in tournament play that allows each contestant to bring only a keyboard, not a full computer.
Mouse Syncing. This feature allows the keyboard RGB illumination to be coordinated with your mouse, assuming your mouse is RGB-capable, too, and of the same make. If you've selected a "color wave," for example, the wave can leave the right edge of your keyboard and continue on through your mouse! And if you have the keyboard and mouse synced, you can control the lighting for both at one time, as opposed to having to tweak each individually.
Media Controls. These are not specific to RGB keyboards, but insist on them, since you'll be paying top dollar. Most top-shelf keyboards offer dedicated media controls now, as opposed to just pressing the Fn button and then, say, F9 for volume. Check out exactly how the media controls are set up, and whether the keyboard uses a knob, a button, or a wheel. We are huge fans of volume wheels on keyboards. (Corsair's high-end RGB models have an awesome volume roller for this, and some keyboard makers have incorporated similar features.)
A USB Hub. Again, this isn't a feature specific to RGB keyboards. An additional USB cable plugs into your PC alongside the main one for the keyboard data, powering a USB port that allows you to plug a USB device directly into the keyboard (usually at the back). We've used these ports to plug in a USB headset or mouse, or to plug in a USB flash drive to load or retrieve a few files.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)All the Other Good Stuff (That You'd Expect From a Non-RGB Board). Don't forget the more prosaic physical features. How adjustable is the keyboard height? Is the keyboard corded, or wireless? (Most RGB models are wired, because of the extra power demands.) If it's a mechanical keyboard, what are your key-switch options, so it will give a good response to your touch? (See our guide to the best mechanical keyboards for more on that rather complex issue, as well as our guide to mechanical switches.) That's where our deep-dive reviews come in, which should make it easier for you to locate just the RGB keyboard you need.
Smaller Keyboards: Tenkeyless, 60%, and More
Most mainstream and gaming models have a 10-key numeric pad, which most laptops lack and is a necessity for anyone who needs to tally numbers or enter data into a spreadsheet. So-called "tenkeyless" (TKL) models slice off the numeric pad in the interest of space savings and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. Bear that in mind if you're looking at gaming keyboards, as TKL models are a relatively recent trend especially in that subclass. If you want to go even smaller, 60% and 65% keyboards eliminate even more keys. Check out our 60% keyboard guide for everything you need to know about the category.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)For more of the highest-rated keyboards (not just RGB ones) that we have reviewed, also check out our roundup of the best keyboards overall. Also check out our picks for the best gaming PCs and best gaming mice.