Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or more commonly called CS:GO, is an addictive multiplayer, where every little thing matters. The tiniest mistake can cause your team to lose a site and then perhaps, even the round.
If you’re just an amateur fan of this game, or a pro player needing the very best performance, then you should, or would know that the smallest factors can make a huge difference in this competitive game.
If you want to perform to the best of your abilities, then you need to be using gear that won’t hold you back. Everyone knows that the mouse is a vital piece of kit, but as any professional would attest to, so is the right keyboard.
Most keyboards included with your average PC are membrane keyboards that are composed of three membranes with rubber switches underneath each key. A mechanical keyboard, on the other hand, features a separate mechanical switch for each individual key. This makes them more precise, and so can give you a competitive advantage in gaming with a faster response while minimizing the chance of hitting the wrong key during the game.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Keyboard for CS:GO Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro  |
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Check Price |
2. Razer BlackWidow Chroma  |
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Check Price |
3. Logitech G Pro X  |
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4. HyperX Alloy FPS RGB  |
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Check Price |
5. Corsair K70 RGB  |
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6. Xtrfy K2-RGB  |
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7. SteelSeries Apex M750  |
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Check Price |
8. Das Keyboard 4  |
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Check Price |
Membrane keyboards are generally more portable, lighter, and cheaper
than mechanical keyboards. That’s why they’re much more commonly included as the default with PCs. However, you can purchase some mechanical keyboards for just as cheap, or even cheaper, than the membrane versions. What’s more, mechanicals is more longer lasting than membranes, as well as being more precise.
So, as well as improving your performance, the best gaming keyboards for CS:GO can actually save you money in the long term. Also, they can make your experience much more comfortable, as well as enjoyable.
To help you find the right keyboard for you, we’ve selected what we consider to be the best keyboards for CS:GO that are currently available. After testing, using, and reviewing them (Ok! Weeks of fun gaming!), taking into consideration the most important features, we’ll make our final verdict.
Our Best Keyboard for CS:GO Reviews and Comparisons
1. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
Product Highlights
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro doesn’t require the installation of any extra software, it’s just plug-and-play. Such simplicity is one of its main attractions and makes it a favorite for CS:Go players.
With responsive and pressure-resistant metal alloy springs, this gaming keyboard is known for its reliable performance. It has a full N-key rollover and 100% Anti-Ghosting design, so lost key input will be a thing of the past.
Compact, it supports USB and has a charging port. There’s no fancy RGB show, but there is a backlighting key for 6 red-colored preset styles.
Also, you have the option of CHERRY MX Key switches, ensuring clicking and typing accuracy with the specially textured and colored WASD keycaps.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a keyboard that is definitely made for serious competitive gaming but comes at a great value price.
Features
- Compatibility: PC
- Switch Type: Cherry MX (Red/Blue)
- Backlighting: Red
- Form Factor: TKL – Tenkeyless
- Number of Keys: 87
- Media Keys: Secondary
What We Like About HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
Whereas many mechanical gaming keyboards come with a lot of extra features and impressive RGB backlighting, the HyperX Alloy FPS just concentrates on what it’s
made for; serious FPS gaming.
It’s made out of a solid steel frame and, unusually for a full-size keyboard, comes with a carrying case. So it’s plenty durable and portable for the traveling gamer.
It has an ultra minimalistic tenkeyless (TKL) design that is ideal for FPS pro. The bezels are almost non-existent as well, giving it a minimal footprint.
The board also has a full N-key rollover (NKRO) so that, you’ll never have any issues with keys not registering, no matter how many you’re pressing at the same time. And game mode guarantees 100% anti-ghosting.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro can be upgraded with widely lauded Cherry MX switches, that insure against you losing responsiveness or quality for over 50 million keystrokes. Chose from clicky and tactile (Blue), silent and linear (Red), and a mix between the two (Brown)
What We Don’t Like About HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
While most players view the simplicity of the board as its main selling point, it may be a drawback for some. It doesn’t feature media controls or a dedicated row of macro keys.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro doesn’t have many customization aspect options, which is one of the most fun and useful pluses of buying a mechanical keyboard. It won’t be for you if you want an extensive choice for color changes and other customizations
Even for Cherry MX switches you only get three color options. Obviously not the greatest array, but it does cover the basics at least.
PROS
- Compact, sturdy, and functional
- Great for high-performance gaming, but at the same time, just a good keyboard overall
- Solid feeling construction and materials
- The sleek and minimalist look
CONS
- Increasingly agitated with this keyboard’s consistency. In the middle of a game, you’ll find any given key suddenly become unresponsive
- ESC keycap always comes off with the slightest touch
- It’s loud
2. Razer BlackWidow Chroma
Product Highlights
Razer BlackWidow Chroma is probably most CS:GO gamers’ favorite keyboard. In fact, it is one of the most popular peripherals in the World.
What you get is a well-constructed basic keyboard – but that’s not a slight, with the pros going for basic, no-nonsense keyboards. That said, it does come with onboard memory, customizable RGB lighting, and 10-KRO.
As well as being carefully designed, BlackWidow Chroma is built for durability and can withstand hard and intense actions from players, with a lifespan of up to 60 million keystrokes. Its housing is heavy, and the key switches can be satisfactorily heard.
Razer BlackWidow Chroma’s great popular success comes as no surprise.
Features
- Compatibility: PC
- Switch Type: Razer Green/Razer Orange
- Backlighting: Chroma
- Illumination Style: Contained, Brightest
- Cable Type: Multi-cord/Braided
- Size: Full Size
What We Like About Razer BlackWidow Chroma
Featuring programmable backlit keys, it offers 16.8 million Chroma color options so you can uniquely set all the lighting effects you want for different games.
Depending on personal preference, and budget, you can go for either the regular or the Elite version. The premium model also offers 5 additional macro keys, a microphone port, a USB port, and a 3.5mm headphone port, for an enhanced CS:GO game experience.
Razer BlackWidow Chroma Elite version also gives you the choice between two more mechanical switches, dedicated media controls, and even a leatherette wrist rest for your greater comfort.
If you don’t need all that, then go for the regular BlackWidow. But if you’re after a pimped-out board, then the Elite version is for you.
What We Don’t Like About Razer BlackWidow Chroma
Media controls don’t come as standard in the regular model, a feature that some gamers may desire.
The regular BlackWidow Chroma is only available with Razer’s Green switches. The Elite can also be ordered with their Orange or Yellow switches.
Previous users have noted that both models feature a narrow main area, where the num lock indicator and the capslock position is not that visible from the normal typing angle.
PROS
- It’s amazing and basically indestructible
- The mechanical noise is great
- This keyboard is also great for typing and programming
- It’s like a little light show!
CONS
- Certain keys stop working after time from wear and tear
- Several LEDs have failed, others are completely different colors, not the original setting
- Very poor product support
3. Logitech G Pro X
Product Highlights
G Pro X is Logitech’s newest directed at professional and competitive gamers. An upgrade n previous G Pro models, this latest version has Logitech’s new GX hot-swappable switches. Hence the ‘X’ of the name. Most pros who use G Pros are on the X version these days. You can see why.
It a very compact TKL keyboard with a detachable cable, making it easy to carry around to gaming tournaments. It has a small footprint with thin bezels. The body may be made out of plastic, but it’s nonetheless plenty sturdy enough. So, you can definitely use this one as a travel type of board.
As it’s aimed at competitive gamers, there’s not much in the way of additional features. You just get a button to turn on gaming mode, which disables Windows, and a toggle to turn off the programmable RGB backlighting.
Logitech G Pro X’s basicness and lack of features and design elements can even be seen as a virtue, as it makes it budget-friendly.
Features
- Compatibility: PC, MacOS
- Switch Type: Romer-G
- Backlighting: 16M RGB
- Form Factor: TKL
- Number of Keys: 87
- Size: Full Size
What We Like About Logitech G Pro X
This pro-grade mechanical keyboard is built to the exacting specifications of ESports athletes. And it delivers on its promise of competition-level speed, precision, and performance.
Durable Romer G switches deliver a 25% faster actuation than standard mechanical switches. Every keypress is almost instantaneously seen on screen. They’re durable too, with a projected life of 70 million keypresses!
Its detachable Micro USB cables have a three-pronged design for a secure connection and safe transport in your travel bag. Once you’ve got to your gaming location and are all set up, its sleek and compact design frees up space for mouse movement. Also, there’s three-step angle adjustment and rubber feet for good stability during intense gaming.
Logitech G Pro X has the option to change up the switches easily and is available with GX Blue, GX Red, or GX Brown switches; matching the better-known Cherry MX competition.
What We Don’t Like About Logitech G Pro X
Of course, the pros will be happy with it, and indeed, need only the very basics. But it won’t suit everyone when it does not even have a volume dial or media buttons.
PROS
- Compact, sleek keyboard with great switches
- Unsurprisingly solid TKL mechanical keyboard with Romer-G switches
- Great on iMac with both Apple OS and Windows in Bootcamp
- The positive actuation force, superior backlighting
CONS
- Not impressed with the quality
- Poor construction.
- The right arrow key stuck, which support called a ‘cosmetic issue’!
- Annoying metallic reverb spring sound
4. HyperX Alloy FPS RGB
Product Highlights
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam aliquam erat sed sem aliquam, at viverra tortor facilisis. Cras id ante HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is an upgrade on the Pro model reviewed above, this time with RGB illumination backlighting and Silver Speed Switches.
As soon as you plug it in, you notice the difference. Like most gaming keyboards, it’s matte-black, but with a gorgeous combination of a steel frame and exposed LEDs.
The other notable difference is its Kailh Silver Speed switches, designed for speed. With an operating/actuation force of 40g, an actuation point of 1.1mm, and a total travel distance of 3.5mm, its performance is an improvement on the Pro’s Cherry MX.
It comes with HyperX’s NGenuity software, which is an excellent macro recorder in a user-friendly package. Its compatibility is also improved from the Pro, with PS4 and Xbox One as well as PC as previously.
HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is a great gaming keyboard with stunning lighting, good software, and amazingly fast keys. The extra spend to upgrade from the Pro is definitely worth it if you take your CS:GO seriously.
Features
- Compatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Switch Type: Kailh Silver Speed
- Backlighting: RGB
- Form Factor: TKL – Tenkeyless
- Number of Keys: 104
- Media Keys: Secondary
What We Like About HyperX Alloy FPS RGB
Of course, the most important feature on this keyboard is its switches. Its Kailh Silver Speed switch’s specs are better than Cherry MX Red, which had typically been regarded as the best switch for FPS games. With the Silver Speed, you hardly have to touch a key for it to register.
The keys are even etched so that the lighting can shine through the symbols, including the secondary functions, of each key. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but helpful too when gaming at night. helpful touch for those of us who game at night.
HyperX Alloy FPS RGB wouldn’t be classed as a premium keyboard without a braided cable and a USB passthrough port, and of course, it has. Its braiding is nice and thick, with the cable detachable, improving even further on the Pro’s already very good portability.
What We Don’t Like About HyperX Alloy FPS RGB
The Kailh Silver Speed switches are all about gaming performance, so much so, that it only takes the very lightest of touches to trigger a keypress. While this is, of course, fantastic for gaming, it’s far from for typing. If you just rest your fingers on any key, the actuation force and actuation point are so that, just by relaxing your fingers briefly, you’re accidentally typing without realizing it!
HyperX Alloy FPS RGB’s rubber came off multiple times. In fact, they don’t stay on anymore. We had to find some super glue and reattach them as a solution. Ok, not a big problem, but not one that you’d expect from a premium board.
PROS
- The faster response time is noticeable. These switches perform, feel, and look great
- Steel frame, detachable braided cord, and very compact footprint
- This keyboard is amazing, it feels premium, and it’s durable.
- The color output is good and bright. Also, you can customize it to the way you like it
CONS
- The keyboard began behaving strangely, firing random keys without input. It was impossible to reset the keyboard with the FN/ESC combo as specified by the manufacturer
- After a few weeks of use, some of the keys suddenly stopped working. Sometimes the keys get stuck, too
- Not compatible with MacOS
5. Corsair K70 RGB
Product Highlights
Corsair K70 RGB is a legendary mechanical gaming keyboard for the CS:GO professional section. Again, we can see that it prioritizes the simplicity that the pros’ demand.
Corsair iCUE software enables vivid dynamic lighting control, sophisticated macro programming, and full-system lighting synchronization across compatible Corsair peripherals, coolers, fans, and more.
You can choose between three unique Cherry MX gold plated key switches based on your gaming persona and preference; to match your play technique, express your style with programmable advanced lighting control and large font keycaps. And at the same time, of course, boost your gaming performance with macro programming.
Corsair K70 RGB is the choice of several professional players, making it more than worthy of our list, and deserves your consideration as the best keyboard for CS: GO.
Features
- Compatibility: PC
- Switch Type: Cherry MX
- Backlighting: RGB
- Illumination Style: Contained, Brightest
- Cable Type: Multi-cord/Braided
- Number of Keys: 104
- Size: Full Size
What We Like About Corsair K70 RGB
Featuring a durable and attractive aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame, it’s built to last a lifetime of gaming.
It has awesome capabilities that can take your gaming to the next level. Include is 8MB profile storage with hardware macro programming and lighting playback to give you access to three stored profiles without the need for external software. This classy and luxurious keyboard also offers amazing features that add liveliness to your gaming experience.
Cherry MX mechanical key switches provide the consistency and accuracy that you demand.
Individual key dynamic multi-color RGB backlighting offers almost unlimited color customization and control. 100% anti-ghosting with 104 key rollovers by a reliable USB connection, ensure that no matter how fast your play, all your keys will register.
Corsair K70 RGB has dedicated multimedia controls and large font keycaps. Also, a convenient USB pass-through for your mouse or headset, as well as the comfort of detachable wrist rest.
All make this keyboard a real treat for every CS: GO gamer.
What We Don’t Like About Corsair K70 RGB
Just a couple of perhaps minor quibbles.
We thought that the keycaps, despite their gold-plating, had a bit of a cheap feel.
Also, Corsair K70 RGB has a nonstandard bottom row that makes finding replacement caps a little bit more difficult.
PROS
- If you don’t like RGB, this keyboard might just make you change your mind
- A fantastic keyboard for gaming
- Perfect for low profile keyboard users
- Also great for typing and general productivity
CONS
- Frequently gets stuck on letters so you have to unplug it
- Cheap plastic in all the wrong places
- Flaking paint on keys after moderate use
6. Xtrfy K2-RGB
Product Highlights
Xtrfy K2-RGB is billed by the manufacturer as the world’s fastest keyboard. That’s quite a boast. But one that might just be accurate.
What’s certainly true, is that it’s a very fast-feeling mechanical keyboard. Thanks to their super scan technology, a light key press which makes the signal hit your PC in 0.001 seconds.
No real surprise then, that this board is used by so many pro players. It’s a pretty basic board but it does have all the features that you could possibly want out of an FPS gaming keyboard.
Beyond the super scan tech, there’s further proof that this is a great board for CS: GO.
It has an N-key rollover, onboard customization, and onboard memory for ultimate performance, convenience, and portability.
Xtrfy K2-RGB has a sturdy design and pro gaming spec features, making it a great choice for all types of gamers and not just CS:GO.
Features
- Compatibility: PC
- Switch Type: Kailh Red Key
- Backlighting: RGB
- Form Factor: TKL
- Number of Keys: 87
- Size: Full Size
What We Like About Xtrfy K2-RGB
The K2 has been designed and built in in collaboration with leading developers in top gaming nation Korea. They innovated new super scan technology, which takes reaction speed onto a different level at just 0.001 seconds.
Hardware macros bind long sequences of actions to single keys quickly and easily, with three timing Macros for recording keystrokes. These include time delay, Loop Macro for putting actions on repeat, and Auto Macro to keep recorded keys down. All macros can also include mouse clicks (left, right, and wheel click). And for adjusting the speed of your macros, the keyboard equipped with a 10-level Macro Speed Control.
With virtually unlimited customization possibilities, this board features LED illumination with 16.8 million colors. You can change the color of each key individually by using the 180-color palette directly on the keyboard. Among the numerous lighting options are 13 backlight effect modes, 6 typing effects, and 8 equalizer effects moving in sync with the sound of the game or your music.
But if simplicity rather than customization is more your thing, Xtrfy K2-RGB also has 7 preset lighting patterns designed specifically for the most popular games. And you can choose which keys to light up and disable the rest, allowing you to focus entirely on your game controls.
What We Don’t Like About Xtrfy K2-RGB
To find that it’s built from a plastic frame is a bit of a disappointment for this price range.
If you’re a fan of having different options, Xtrfy K2-RGB only comes with one switch; Kailh Red. And although it looks very similar to the famous Cherry MX Red, this switch perhaps requires a little more force to press.
PROS
- Super keyboard. Not for nothing played by many CS:GO pros
- Advantage of no unnecessary software
- Switches feel good. You don’t really notice the difference between Cherry MX Red
- All effects are controlled by keyboard shortcuts
CONS
- Questionable build quality
- Within a month one of the feet snapped off
- Not sure that it delivers value for the price
7. SteelSeries Apex M750
Product Highlights
SteelSeries Apex M750 is the best value keyboard when you consider durability to be the largest determining factor. It’s a heavy-duty piece of kit. So, if you’re the kind of gamer who can get rough and tough with your keyboard, then this could be the one for you.
It’s another very simply designed keyboard, without many of the extra fancy features that you usually get as standard on a higher-end board. It’s not backlit and it doesn’t have macro keys. It does, however, have a media control option.
The best feature may be its build quality, but SteelSeries APEX M750 RGB mechanical keyboard is also an attractive model with a classy look.
Overall, it’s a good simple option for gamers looking for a no-frills keyboard for CS:GO.
See Related Topic: Best Laptop With Backlit Keyboard
Features
- Compatibility: PC
- Switch Type: QX2 SteelSeries
- Backlighting: RGB
- Media Keys: Dedicated
- Size: Full Size
What We Like About SteelSeries Apex M750
With QX2 SteelSeries mechanical switches, it delivers dramatically fast gameplay with minimal force and linear actuation point. The keys are guaranteed for up to 50 million presses.
Further, the SteelSeries Engine Software unlocks engine apps that make customization easy and intuitive. There’s easy and intuitive dynamic per-key RGB backlighting customization and a host of programmable keys & macros.
SteelSeries Apex M750 further enhances your CS:GO gaming experience with reactive illumination to in-game events like low ammo, health, kills, and more.
What We Don’t Like About SteelSeries Apex M750
Oddly, there’s a rigid plastic piece that juts out away from the build which badly affects the integrity of the noise dampening and stability of the keyboard. This is a definite design fault.
Several previous users have reported and questioned reliability issues after just a few months of use.
See Related Article: Visual Apex ProjectoScreen120HD Projector Screen Review
PROS
- Great starter keyboard
- Slightly concave keys, so your fingers kind of stay in the little groove and ‘locked’ into place.
- Good gear, good software
- Not a ‘clicky’ keyboard
CONS
- Visually it looks good but longevity
- Badly balanced board
- J key stopped working after three months
8. Das Keyboard 4
Product Highlights
Das Keyboard 4 is a professional mechanical keyboard from the German manufacturer, that typically provides a great experience when playing CS:GO.
Available in several styles, the Cherry MX Blue switches, in particular, have a nice tactile click when hitting the keys. The N-key rollover makes it perform even faster. This means less effort for pushing the keys, and aids typing if you’re going to use it for general tasks.
If you want a keyboard that can transfer documents or videos to your PC, it has a 2-port super speed USB 3.0 hub that easily and quickly transfer large files with a 5 GB/s transfer rate.
Das Keyboard 4 is constructed from new anodized aluminum to improve the durability and lifespan of the keyboard, boasting a 100 million click lifespan for the switches. Not only that, but it has the enhanced usability of a built-in magnetic foot bar in order to adjust the keyboard position at a perfect 4-degree angle. There’s also an oversized volume knob to adjust sound volumes as you play, watch a movie or listen to music.
Features
- Compatibility: PC
- Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue
- Switch Lifespan: 100 million
- Backlighting: RGB+ with Q Notifications
- Media Keys: Dedicated
- Number of Keys: 104
- Size: Full Size
What We Like About Das Keyboard 4
The best-in-class Cherry MX mechanical key switches, feedback to execute ultimate keystroke accuracy with lightning-fast precision each and every time. The board is available in both the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Blue switches.
It’s an energy-efficient board with an instant sleep button to save energy.
Das Keyboard 4 has laser-etched key inscriptions that should prevent fading, and a custom keycap font to provide greater ease of reading. The overall look is sleek and classy.
What We Don’t Like About Das Keyboard 4
Still, some previous owners have complained that the paint on the keys fades after just a few weeks of, admittedly hard, use.
Another quibble is that Das Keyboard 4 doesn’t support customization or programming as well as some of the competition.
PROS
- An incredibly well-built keyboard and well worth the investment!
- A beautiful, sturdy, and easy-to-use keyboard
- Provides maximum productivity
- The luxury vehicle of keyboards!
CONS
- Poorly made, and terrible customer service
- Keys keep binding. Terrible keycaps
- A huge drop in quality from past iterations
Final Verdict
We tested and compared what we consider to be the best keyboard for CS:GO currently available in the market.
We considered all factors to come up with what we believe to be the best all-around solution according to the important criteria, and a wide variety of needs.
After days of using, testing, and reviewing, our final verdict for the best keyboard for CS:GO is HyperX Allow FPS Pro.