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Some of the 5 best gaming keyboards for 2024 are on sale right now
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If you’re a serious gamer, the right gaming keyboard can make all the difference — improving your response time, providing more precise control and handling the fast and repetitive button mashing. Plus, the best gaming keyboards offer special features that appeal to gamers, like programmable RGB lighting, replaceable keycaps and key switches, key mapping capabilities and more.
Companies like Asus, Logitech, Razer and SteelSeries offer a variety of ergonomically designed gaming keyboards that offer wired or wireless functionality, and sometimes both. They also offer different size and layout options — from full-size and tenkeyless (TKL) gaming keyboards to more compact 60%, 65% or 80% keyboard options. So, no matter what you favorite game is, there’s a keyboard for you.
What are the best gaming keyboards in 2024?
Our in-house gaming experts have curated this roundup of the best gaming keyboards that can make a huge difference when playing your favorite PC games.
The gaming keyboard you choose should match your gaming style, skill level and work well with your favorite games. It should also be fully compatible with your other gaming gear.
Best full-size gaming keyboard: Razer Huntsman V4 Pro
Amazon
Size: Full-size | Connectivity: Wired | Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS | Switch type: Razer Green mechanical switches | Key feel: Tactile/clicky | No. of keys: 104 | Lighting: Razer Chroma RGB per-key and under glow | Dimensions: 18.36 x 6.01 x 1.73 inches
The Razer Huntsman V4 Pro is a higher-end gaming keyboard with customizable per-key and three-side under-glow RGB lighting. Some of the features we love about this well-designed, full-size keyboard include its multi-function roller and four independent media keys. You also get five programmable macro keys, three dedicated macro buttons on the side (all ideal for key binding) and a detachable USB Type-C cable.
Choose between green (clicky) or yellow (smooth) switches. Orange switches (quiet and tactile) are available from Razer’s website. The keyboard also offers onboard storage for up to five game profiles. A detachable leatherette wrist rest is included.
Best TKL gaming keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL
Amazon
Size: TKL | Connectivity: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Keycaps: Oleophobic-coated | Switch type: Choose at time of purchase | Key feel: Choose between clicky, tactile or linear | No. of keys: 90 | Lighting: Per-key RGB | Dimensions: 14.49 x 5.91 x 0.87 inches
This is a TKL-style keyboard that offers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. Choose between three switch types. Battery life is up to 40 hours. You also get internal storage for two lighting profiles and three macro profiles. Integrated into the keyboard layout are four function keys and dedicated media controls.
On the bottom of the keyboard are two legs that pop out to provide a comfortable typing angle. One feature we like about this keyboard is that it uses low-profile mechanical switches crafted with quality materials. For a gamer looking to conserve desk space, avoid cable clutter and experience high-speed and reliable performance, this keyboard is a great option.
The G915’s casing is made from 5052 aluminum alloy with a steel-reinforced base, making it both durable and lightweight. The keyboard itself is rather thin at 0.87 inches, so key travel distance is 2.7mm and actuation distance is 1.5mm. Beyond just offering a great value for the price, this model can showcase more than 16.8 million colors. Logitech recommends pairing this keyboard with its G502 wireless gaming mouse.
Best wireless gaming keyboard: Steelseries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
Amazon
Size: TKL | Connectivity: Dual wireless (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) or wired | Keycaps: PBT | Switch type: OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic | Key feel: Adjustable | No. of keys: 104 | Lighting: Per-key RGB | Dimensions: 14 x 5.04 x 1.65 inches
Compared to conventional mechanical keyboards, this Steelseries Apex Pro TKL wireless keyboard offers 20x faster actuation, 11x faster response time and 2x more durability. You also get the company’s Omnipoint 2.0 adjustable hypermagnetic switches. We also like that it can be used wirelessly or as a wired keyboard.
One of the most intriguing features of this keyboard is that gamers can program two actions for each key. So a light keypress could allow a player character to walk, while a harder keypress could allow them to run. As the gamer, you’re in control over key mapping and customization.
Because the keyboard has a TKL design, it takes up less desk space. Because it’s wireless, there’s also less cable clutter to contend with. You’ll enjoy lag-free gaming thanks to the keyboard’s dual wireless design. And you can see exactly how the keyboard is performing by glancing at the OLED display near the top-right corner.
Per-key RGB lighting and an a durable casing made from aircraft-grade aluminum are among the keyboard’s other key features. Onboard memory stores up to five custom profiles, while response time is a mere 0.7ms. The battery lasts up to 37.5 hours using a 2.4GHz connection, or up to 45 hours using a Bluetooth connection. The bottom of the keyboard has rubberized, tri-level feet for angle adjustability. Steelseries recommends using the Aerox 3 wireless gaming mouse with this keyboard.
Best 60% gaming keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini
Amazon
Size: 60% | Connectivity: Wired | Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT | Switch type: Razer Optical (with other options) | Key feel: Clicky, linear or optical | No. of keys: 61 | Lighting: Razer Chroma per-key RGB | Dimensions: 11.56 x 4.07 x 1.45 inches
For a gamer looking for a wired, but compact, gaming keyboard with customizable RGB lighting, we’re huge fans of the Razer Huntsman Mini. The keyboard has a 60% form factor, so it takes up minimal desk space. You pay a small price; the keyboard lacks dedicated function or media keys.
What you do get is a durable aluminum case construction, onboard lighting presets, fully programmable keys, N-key rollover with integrated anti-ghosting and 1000Hz ultra polling. The keyboard also has internal memory for storing five profiles and lighting presets. In this case, you get the quality, durability and performance Razer gaming keyboards are known for packed into a smaller and affordable design.
Customizing the keyboard and lighting is easy using the free Razer Synapse software. The company recommends using this keyboard with the Razer Viper Ultimate Hyperspeed wireless gaming mouse, although plenty of other options are available.
Best 80% gaming keyboard: Asus ROG Claymore II
Amazon
Size: Full-size or 80% TKL | Connectivity: Wireless (2.4GHz and USB) or wired | Keycaps: PBT doubleshot | Switch type: ROG Red or ROG Blue | Key feel: Depends on switches selected | No. of keys: 104 | Lighting: Per-key RGB | Dimensions: 21.26 x 7.48 x 3.31 inches
The stand out feature of this wireless gaming keyboard is that it includes a detachable numeric keypad. When it’s attached, you get the typing and gaming benefits of a full-size keyboard. By removing it, the keyboard becomes a TKL (80%) keyboard that takes up less desk space. A detachable wrist rest is included.
As a wireless keyboard, the Claymore II supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. At the time of purchase, choose between ROG red (linear) or blue (clicky) switches. Whichever you choose, under your fingers will be PBT doubleshot keycaps that offer a premium feel, combined with durability and per-key RGB lighting.
The Claymore II can be used as a wired or wireless keyboard. When taking advantage of wired or 2.4GHz connectivity, you’ll experience a 1ms response time. With the numeric keyboard attached and RGB lighting turned on, wireless battery life is up to 43 hours, which is extremely impressive. Among the keyboard’s other notable features are four customizable hotkeys and a volume control wheel.
8 things to look for in a gaming keyboard
Listed in alphabetical order (not order of importance), here are eight additional things to consider that’ll help ensure you wind up with the best keyboard option that’ll take your gaming experiences up at notch.
- Connectivity: A gaming keyboard can be wired, wireless or both. If it’s wired, focus on the length of the cable and whether it offers a USB Type-A or USB Type-C connection. If it’s wireless, pay attention to battery life and recharge time, as well as whether it offers Bluetooth or 2.4GHz (RF) wireless connectivity — or both.
- Customizability: Many gaming keyboards come already assembled in a pre-determined configuration, but some of the more advanced ones let you customize features, like keycaps and switches, either at the time of purchase or by ordering replacements later.
- Design and durability: Seek out a keyboard with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of gaming. Some gaming keyboards are even water-resistant. Ideally you want an ergonomically designed keyboard that allows you to adjust its angle and that comes with a removable wrist rest.
- Extra features: Many of the best gaming keyboards have added features, like internal memory for storing game-specific profiles; a display that shows keyboard settings; specialized function keys and multimedia keys (or controls); and specialized software that makes keyboard customizations, key mapping and profile management easier.
- Keyboard size and layout: Choose between a full-size, TKL, 60%, 65% or 80% keyboard layout. Which you choose determines the physical size of the keyboard, the number of full-size keys it offers and what speciality keys or multimedia controls are included.
- Key switches and keycaps: For gamers, key switches correlate with the response time, precision and the feel of the keys under your fingers. There are three primary types of key switches — linear, tactile and clicky. Each responds differently when pressed. Some switch types make more noise. A keycap is the cover that goes over a switch. These too come in different colors, shapes and quality. The most common keycaps are made from ABS plastic. Higher quality keycaps are made from doubleshot PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) which offer more texture and a higher level of durability. They’re also a bit thicker. In addition to the material keycaps are made from, pay attention to their profile — the shape of the keycap. Some are indented and angled at the top to better accommodate finger shape — a design some gamers prefer.
- N-key rollover and anti-ghosting: These are keyboard features gamers typically want. N-key rollover allows for multiple keys to be pressed and detected at the same time, which is essential for games that require key combos. Anti-ghosting manages situations when the same key is being pressed multiple times in quick succession.
- RGB lighting: Customizable lighting looks futuristic and awesome. Gamers can adjust individual key lighting based on what each does within a specific game. So keys used for character movement can be set to a different color than keys used for weapon control or inventory selection. We recommend a keyboard with programmable RGB lighting that allows you to control all keys at once, or customizing lighting for each key individually. Also pay attention to whether the keys are backlit or if the RGB lighting goes along the outer edges or bottom of the keyboard. Some keyboards use software that will sync RGB lighting effects across all of your gaming equipment, as well as smart lights.
Is a wired or wireless keyboard better for gaming?
In the past, serious gamers typically refused to use a wireless gaming keyboard because the response times wouldn’t cut it. Thanks to dramatic tech advances, reaction time and lag are no longer an issue. Sure, some online gamers still prefer a wired keyboard, but for the average gamer, either options will work just fine.
The advantages of a wired keyboard are a reliable and direct connection. They’re also typically less expensive. But these keyboards take up a USB port on your computer, add to cable clutter and can limit keyboard positioning.
A wireless keyboard is battery-powered, so you’ll need to recharge it in between gaming sessions. There is a chance of signal interference with a wireless connection, but you’ll avoid cable clutter and have much more freedom to position the keyboard whenever you’d like — up to about 33 feet away from the computer. There are two types of wireless keyboards — RF (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth. Some use both.
An RF wireless keyboard requires inserting a dongle into a USB port, but the 2.4GHz connection tends to be very reliable. Bluetooth keyboards offer more flexibility, typically support multiport pairing, do not require a USB port and rely on a rechargeable battery. Ideally, you’ll want a Bluetooth keyboard that supports the Bluetooth 5.0 or later for the most stable and fastest connection to your computer.
For even more advice on choosing the best consumer technologies, such as a tablet, Android-based tablet, Apple iPad, tablet for kids, desktop computer, wireless headphones or earbuds, laptop computer, budget-friendly laptop computer, Chromebook, Android smartphone or cell phone, be sure to check out our extensive and continuously updated tech coverage.
Bluesky, a fledgling social media platform, reported Thursday that 1 million users had signed up in a single day. Some frustrated X users appear to have flocked to the newer network in recent weeks.
What is BlueSky?
Bluesky, which began as an internal project by then-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019, was invitation-only until it opened to the public in February. Since 2021, it has been an independent company with Jay Graber as its CEO.
It currently has about 18 million users. Graber posted Friday that the platform is growing by 10,000 users every 10 to 15 minutes.
While Bluesky remains small compared to established online spaces, it has emerged as an alternative for those looking for a different mood and less influenced by X owner Elon Musk, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump.
Why is Bluesky growing?
Two days before the sign-up surge, Trump announced that he would tap billionaires Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to be part of his second administration, co-leading the new Department of Government Efficiency. Musk’s super PAC also spent around $200 million supporting Trump’s 2024 election campaign.
Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X in July 2023. He has implemented changes to the company, cutting staff and removing protocols that created guardrails on the platform.
According to Similarweb, an online analytics tool, X experienced peak worldwide deactivations the day after Election Day, with 115,000 web visitors reportedly deleting their accounts. In December 2023, X experienced its second-highest deactivation numbers after Musk restored conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to the platform, with about 65,000 users deleting their accounts, per Similarweb.
A Brazilian judge temporarily banned X in the South American country in late August, which also caused a mass migration of users to other platforms, according to the Associated Press.
Bluesky reported that it gained half a million new users from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, just prior to the suspension.
It is difficult to know how many users X has since it is now a private company and has not shared recent usage data. However, analytics firm Exploding Topics estimates it had about 611 million active monthly users as of April. X CEO Linda Yaccarino posted Wednesday that “X usage is at an all-time high and continues to surge.”
That same day, Musk issued new terms and conditions that allow X to use accounts’ posts and images to train its artificial intelligence platform.
Who has left X?
U.S. brands that have stopped posting to X or shuttered their accounts entirely include Target, UnitedHealth Group, Playbill and media companies like NPR and The Guardian. Several other prominent accounts with big followers said they would be departing X.
New York University professor and historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat told The Guardian this week that she is still on X, but is concerned about having a possible Trump administration member running the platform after January.
While Bluesky is not likely to surpass X anytime soon, its rise in popularity could point to a shift in social media culture in which users sign up for or leave platforms depending on the political environment.
Users might also be turning to Bluesky because it has a similar look and feel to X, or “old Twitter.” It operates both as a website and an app. Like X, Bluesky has a list feature that allows users to add a collection of accounts into one group. Then, users can make bulk decisions, like blocking, muting or following.
Another platform that has served as an alternative is Meta’s Threads, which began as a challenge to Musk’s X. In October, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that it has 275 million monthly users.
Both Bluesky and Threads do not currently show advertisements.
CBS News
Organic carrots recalled after E. coli outbreak. These are the brands and grocery stores impacted.
A massive recall of organic carrots and baby carrots sold at grocery stores across the country was issued by a California grower after a possible outbreak of E. coli that has already killed one person.
Grimmway Farms, which made and packaged the organic carrots, issued the recall on Saturday after nearly 40 cases were recorded in 18 states. At least 15 people were hospitalized and one person has died, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Where were the carrots sold?
A number of stores that sold the carrots across the United States, including Puerto Rico, and Canada are impacted, including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Food Lion, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Canadian chains Loblaws and Compliments.
“State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Sunday. “Of the 27 people interviewed, 26 reported eating carrots. The FDA’s traceback investigation identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier of organic whole and baby carrots in this outbreak.”
What carrots have been recalled?
According to the FDA, the recall did not pull any carrots off the shelves at stores as they should no longer be available for sale, however, they may still be in people’s homes and refrigerators.
Organic whole carrots, which do not have a best-if-used-by date printed on the bag but were available for purchase at retail stores from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23, 2024.
Organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by-dates ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 12, 2024.
What brands of carrots have been recalled?
These lists include the brands or store’s brands (and bag size) that sold the carrots.
Organic Whole Organic Carrots
Whole Foods 365 – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Grimmway Farms
Bunny Luv – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb
Cal-Organic – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb, 25lb
Compliments – 2lb
Full Circle – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Good & Gather – 2lb
GreenWise – 1lb, 25lbs
Marketside – 2lb
Nature’s Promise – 1lb, 5lb
O-Organics – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb
Grimmway Farms
President’s Choice – 2lb
Simple Truth – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Trader Joe’s – 1lb
Wegmans – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Wholesome Pantry -1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Organic Baby carrots
Whole Foods 365 – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
Grimmway Farms
Bunny Luv – 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb
Cal-Organic – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb, 2pk/2lbs
Compliments – 1lb
Full Circle – 1lb
Good & Gather – 12oz, 1lb
Grimmway Farms
GreenWise – 1lb
Grimmway Farms – 25 lb
Marketside – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
Nature’s Promise – 1lb
O-Organics – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
President’s Choice – 1lb, 2lb
Raley’s – 1lb
Simple Truth – 1lb, 2lb
Sprouts – 1lb, 2lb
Trader Joe’s – 1lb
Wegmans – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
Wholesome Pantry – 1lb, 2lb
What kind of E. coli might be associated with the outbreak?
According to the CDC, the carrots might be linked to an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19, which could cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms usually start three to four days after swallowing the bacteria and most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
Some people may develop serious kidney problems and would need to be hospitalized, the CDC said.
Already 39 people have been infected across 18 states including Washington, Minnesota, New York, California, Oregon, South Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Orion, Virginia and Wyoming.
What should you do if you have the carrots?
The CDC and FDA say that any recalled carrots should be thrown away immediately or returned to the store for a refund. People should also clean and sanitize any surface they may have touched.
Washington — President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet and senior staff picks are facing an uncertain future as his selections received mixed reviews in recent days even from fellow Republicans — and a handful sent shockwaves through Washington.
Trump’s selection for attorney general in former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a GOP firebrand who was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of sexual misconduct and obstruction, has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. And Trump’s pick for defense secretary in Pete Hegseth, an Army combat veteran and former Fox News anchor, has also sparked concerns, especially as an investigation into sexual assault allegations against him has been made public. Additionally, former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, doesn’t have a background in intelligence and has drawn criticism for her views on Russia and other U.S. adversaries.
Appearing on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday, Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut expressed astonishment about those questioning whether experience is necessary when asked about Gabbard, saying “of course it’s necessary.”
“These people are manifestly unqualified, and you know, they’re not prepared to run the very complicated organizations they’ve been asked to run,” Himes said.
But Himes, the ranking Democrat on the the House Intelligence Committee, said that Gaetz’s qualifications should also examined as well as the unreleased House Ethics Committee report.
“How is it that this is what we’re focusing on?” Himes said. “Matt Gaetz is, by any standard, completely unqualified to be the Attorney General, and yet we’re sort of focused on this, you know, cherry on the cupcake of the Ethics report.”
Gaetz’ resignation from Congress after Trump’s announcement came days ahead of a planned meeting and vote by the House Ethics Committee on whether to release a report on its investigation into Gaetz. Speaker Mike Johnson said Friday that he would “strongly request” that committee withhold the potentially damaging report.
Rep. French Hill, an Arkansas Republican who also appeared on “Face the Nation” on Sunday, said Johnson makes “an important point,” warning that “we don’t want to set a precedent where we, under any circumstances, will release documents from that committee.” But he stressed that the decision is the committee’s alone, while noting that on Trump’s selections, the Senate will exercise its advise and consent role through the confirmation process.
“President Trump has the prerogative to nominate the people that he thinks can best lead the change that he believes the American people are seeking in each of the agencies of the federal government,” Hill said.
The Arkansas Republican outlined that when Trump came to office in 2017, there were members of his Cabinet who he had no personal relationship with or working background.
“He wants to correct that this time by finding people that he has a good working relationship with. He knows how they think, they know how he thinks, because he thinks it will lead to better decision making in his administration,” Hill said.
For his part, Himes offered some praise to some of Trump’s other picks.
“I actually had a really good day when Marco Rubio was nominated for Secretary of State, when John Ratcliffe was nominated for CIA and when Mike Waltz was nominated to be national security adviser,” Ratcliffe said. “Those are good nominations, not necessarily the nominations I would have made if I were president, but these are serious people with real experience.”
Still, he cautioned Republicans in the Senate as the confirmation process plays out, saying that he understands “what happens to Republicans who stand up to Donald Trump,” but “history is a harsh judge.”
“The Republican senator who votes to confirm Matt Gaetz or Robert Kennedy or Tulsi Gabbard will be remembered by history as somebody who completely gave up their responsibility to Donald Trump,” Himes said.
Sue Gordon, who served as principal deputy director of national intelligence under Trump and also appeared on “Face the Nation” on Sunday, stressed that vetting will be critical to the process moving forward, amid a New York Times report that Trump’s team may bypass the typical FBI procedure and instead opt to use a private firm to vet his nominees who would be granted security clearances.
“It seems expedient, but I think it will ultimately harm the institution,” Gordon said, noting that a private firm won’t have the same standards. “I know it’s inconvenient, but I think it’s a bad strategy and risky for America.”
Meanwhile, the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan group that assists with presidential transitions, confirmed to CBS News that the Trump team hasn’t signed paperwork that allows for security clearances and background checks, among other things, to occur. Gordon said she can’t think of a “good reason” for the Trump team to forego the transition paperwork, saying that “one of the great falsehoods that’s been perpetrated on America is that our institutions are malfeasant.”
“You’re not protecting anybody by not signing those papers, and especially some of the nominees we have that don’t have the really deep experience base,” Gordon said. “To start your gig without any foundation at all, especially when the institutions are begging to give you that foundation, just seems wrong-headed.”
