The best optical gaming keyboards are quickly becoming a popular choice among gamers, thanks to fewer moving parts to go wrong, and a shorter actuation distance (a fancy way of saying you can type on a scale hitherto undreamt of).
While optical switches do feature mechanical components, they use light for actuation rather than a physical mechanical connection.
TL;DR – These Are The Best Optical Gaming Keyboards
Not only is it seriously cool to tell people you type with frickin laser beams, but in most cases the best optical keyboards can register keypresses much quicker than most conventional mechanical keyboards, making them an especially good choice for competitive gamers, and those with a strange fetish for lasers. Similarly, they don’t degrade nearly as fast, making them better for long-term use.
It used to be that optical keyboards made almost no sound, but thanks to the new hybrid optical-mechanical switches, you can now get the speed of optical switches, with the feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
1. Corsair K100 RGB
The Best Optical Gaming Keyboard
Pros:
- Stunning per-key lighting
- Fully programmable
Cons:
- Wired only
The Corsair K100 RGB might be one of the more expensive optical keyboards, but you’re paying a premium price for a premium keyboard with luxury features, and a built-to-last design.
Built to withstand up to 150 million keystrokes, the Corsair K100 RGB’s OPX optical-mechanical key switches offer speed and durability in one stylish package.
With 6 programmable buttons, 20-layer lighting, and the iCUE control wheel, you have full control over how your keyboard looks and performs as well as a world of possibilities with mappable shortcuts.
2. Razer Huntsman V2
The Fastest Optical Keyboard
Pros:
- 8000Hz Polling Rate
- Durable doubleshot PBT keycaps
Cons:
- Lacks programmable macros
Feel the need for speed? If you’re looking to splash out on one of the quickest optical keyboards to have ever graced the marker, well, you’ve come to the right place.
The Razer Huntsman V2 boasts an incredible 8,000Hz polling rate, making it one of the most responsive gaming keyboards ever.
Not only is the Razer Huntsman V2 lightning quick, but it’s strong too. With doubleshot PBT keycaps, you get a sturdy, textured finish that is built to last longer, without fading. PBT keycaps are made from Polybutylene Terephthalate, a much higher-quality plastic that offers much more durability with keycaps that are designed to last for years.
3. Asus ROG Claymore II
The Best Wireless Optical Keyboard
Pros:
- USB Passthrough charging
- Detachable Numpad
Cons:
- No dedicated media controls
Looking for a keyboard that you can take around with you, but not keen on a smaller tenkeyless design? The Asus ROG Claymore II is a modular optical gaming keyboard, so you can remove individual parts of the keyboard and customize it depending on your needs.
It comes with a detachable Numpad and wrist rest, making it perfect for gaming no matter where you are.
It also features a 4,000 mAh battery and can be used via 2.4GHz wireless, or wired with the included cable. Thanks to the built-in LED battery indicator, you can see when it’s time to plug the keyboard in without needing to keep your eye on any software.
The ROG Claymore II does lack Bluetooth, but it makes up for it with its innovative modular design and dual connectivity with both wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes.
4. SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
The Best Hot-Swappable Optical Keyboard
Pros
- Togglable keystroke actuation
- Swappable switches
Cons
- Doesn’t include a wrist rest
If you need something smaller and lightweight, the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL is a smaller, streamlined optical keyboard that looks as good as it performs.
With the custom OptiPoint switches, the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL boasts an impressive 0.2ms response time with zero debounce, topped off with PBT keycaps for a textured finish and long-lasting durability.
But the main selling point of the Apex 9 TKL is the hot-swappable optical switches and two-point actuation, making it one of the most customizable optical keyboards on the market today.
5. EVGA Z20 RGB
The Best Budget Optical Keyboard
Pros:
- Five programmable macro buttons
- Textured W,A,S,D and macro buttons
Cons:
- Not the best companion software
Due to the nature of their designs and builds, optical, especially optical-mechanical, keyboards can often cost a lot of money. The EVGA Z20 RGB, however, tells a different story thanks to its budget pricing.
Perhaps you don’t get the same level of quality with the EVGA Z20 RGB, but you do get fancy RGB backlighting, a high polling rate, and 5 programmable macro keys on the left-hand side. This makes it a great choice for typists and gamers who want to customize their keyboards without paying a premium.
The low 1.5mm actuation means there is less distance to travel between pressing the key and the keystroke registering. For gamers, this is quite important, especially if you need to make quick decisions. However, typists may miss the “clicky” feel and sound that you might get with higher actuation switches.
6. Keychron K8 TKL
The Best Hot-Swappable Optical Keyboard
Pros:
- Incredible battery life
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Awkward USB port placement
With a solid construction, unwavering connectivity, and incredible battery life, the Keychron K8 TKL is one of the best tenkeyless optical keyboards around. Depending on your typing style, you can choose between blue, red, and brown switches, with blue being the most expensive at a little over $100. While this keyboard is wireless, you can use it in wired mode, too. Bluetooth 5.1 offers little to no noticeable latency, and is compatible with PC, Mac, tablet, and smartphone.
If you use the Keychron K8 TKL in Bluetooth mode, you may notice the slightly irritating delay you get when the power-saving feature kicks in. But, once the keyboard is awake, it responds beautifully once again. Now it’s time to appreciate the partially translucent keys that let the light shine through them, adding to this keyboard’s appeal.
7. Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro
The Best Lightweight TKL Optical Keyboard
Pros:
- Works great for typing and gaming
- Aluminum plate for extra durability
Cons:
- Roccat Swarm is underwhelming
As the name might suggest, the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro is the tenkeyless version of the Vulcan Pro. So, if you liked the Vulcan Pro but want a more lightweight optical keyboard that’s easier to transport, the TKL could be what you’re looking for. Despite being wired, the keyboard comes with a detachable, braided capable, so you can pop it in your bag when you need to.
Although it sports a smaller design, the Vulcan TKL Pro still features a volume knob, mute button, and RGB backlighting, so you won’t have to sacrifice those all-important features gamers love (and frankly need). But, if you enjoy typing as well as gaming, this keyboard has it all. The sturdiness of the keyboard spills nicely into the actuation force of the optical switches, giving you a nice firm feel.
8. Logitech G PRO X TKL
The Best Optical TKL for Competitive Gamers
Pros:
- Comfortable keys
- Low latency
Cons:
- Not hot-swappable
If you’re looking for a smaller keyboard but don’t want to sacrifice ditching too many keys, then the Logitech G PRO X TKL is a comfortable compromise, sitting nicely in the middle of a full-size and 60% keyboard. Despite weighing a mere 2lbs, this optical keyboard is incredibly solid and durable. Not only this, but there are lots of different design and style configurations for you to choose from; including color options and switches.
The double-shot PBT keycaps allow your fingers to comfortably slide and fit on each key, with glimmers of RGB lighting shining through. There’s also a Game Mode which means you can disable keys you don’t want to hit while gaming. And if you want the benefit of portability with your optical gaming keyboard, the Logitech G PRO X TKL comes with a hardcover carrying case to protect those precious keys.
How To Pick the Best Optical Gaming Keyboards
When it comes to picking the best optical gaming keyboard, you shouldn’t only be looking for the quickest switches, but it’s important to look at durability too. With this in mind, only optical keyboards using the best and most durable components make the cut.
Something that might be looked over when picking a keyboard is usability. Is it easy to use? Does it have the right features to set it apart from the rest? Is it customizable? For example, in some cases, an 8,000Hz polling rate is exactly what you want, but in other cases, it’s just causing your CPU stress for no reason, which is where software that can adjust this rate helps a keyboard stand out from the rest.
Last, but not least, portability and comfort. If you’re someone who plays games away from home, you want a modular or tenkeyless keyboard that’s easy to transport. But if comfort is your priority, an ergonomic wrist wrest with comfy padding and durable material is king. That’s why each keyboard on this list offers something unique to cater to individual gamer’s needs.
FAQ
What is an optical keyboard?
Optical keyboards use infrared light via a process called light induction. When a key is pressed, the key stem hits the infrared light, which the sensor signals to the computer that a key has been pressed. They tend to last longer than metal keyboards since the material doesn’t wear down.
What are the disadvantages of optical keyboards?
Expense is usually the biggest downside of investing in an optical keyboard. In most cases they are also not hot-swappable, meaning you’ll have to stick to the switch that’s provided.
Are optical keys better than mechanical?
Optical switches tend to be preferred by gamers due to their faster response times. Mechanical keyboards, however, are better for overall usage, but if you combine both, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Kegan is an avid gamer who has been playing games since his Atari days. From a young age Kegan was tinkering with PCs and now has a passion for building custom gaming computers.
