Top 7 Best Keyboards For Streamers – [Full Buyers Guide]

Love it or hate it, streamers always love to show off their keyboards. From Tfue’s $3500 custom luxury mechanical keyboard to a limited-edition Shroud Logitech G Pro Series, keyboards have certainly become a big part of the industry. To add to this, YouTubers like Tae Keyboards and Taeha Types have only popularized this trend even further.

So, it’s no surprise that as a streamer, it’s very important for you to get the right keyboard for yourself. Whether you’re a newbie streamer and want an entry-level keyboard for your setup or you’re already at the top of your game and want the best of the best, I’ve got you covered on this list.

Before You Buy

Although most “gaming” keyboards are quite similar, as a streamer there are some special points you need to keep in mind to get the best one for yourself.

For one, because the keyboard will be visible on the stream, it definitely needs to have the best RGB lighting and overall aesthetics. Plus, since most streamers are at their PCs for hours on end, ergonomics becomes a big consideration too. So, let’s discuss three features that make for an optimal streaming and gaming keyboard:

Wrist Rest

How a keyboard sounds is just as important as other factors like actuation point, especially when you’re a streamer. There’s simply no denying that mechanical switches sound way more satisfying than scissor or membrane keyboards. With that being said, all of the keyboards on this list are mechanical ones.

However, the fact is that the keys on these keyboards are always elevated compared to regular keyboards. So, your wrists tend to be at an upward angle and get stressed easily. If you’re going to be streaming for hours and hours, this can be a quick way to get carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

Fortunately, using a wrist rest can help you avoid this since it ensures that your wrists are level with the keyboard and don’t need to be slumped or raised. Of course, you can always get a third-party one but it’s better to buy a keyboard that has one included in the box.

Programmable Macro Keys

When streaming live, there are multiple devices and software utilities that you need to control besides OBS and the game you’re playing. This can include RGB components, lighting, and PC cooling. For this purpose, programmable Macro keys can be indispensable.

If your keyboard has a few of them, you are able to assign a certain command to them (just like in a regular key, except they’re programmable) and trigger it with a tap whenever you need. With the right software, you can even set custom profiles for various games and applications.

There are some keyboards that go above and beyond in this regard, like the SteelSeries Apex Pro, which comes with a built-in OLED screen. We’ll discuss more about this later on.

User-Friendly RGB Utility

As a streamer, RGB is of the top priority if you want to stand out and create a lively atmosphere for your viewers. If so, having a good RGB utility for your keyboard is a must. From a cool retrowave atmosphere to a vibrant rainbow mode, these offer plenty of options to elevate your setup.

Plus, they also allow you to connect your keyboard to other RGB components in your setup, like Nanoleaf panels. There are many great ones out there, like Razer Synapse and Corsair iCUE. We’ll discuss them further in each review.

Besides this, there are also some general factors to consider like durability and aesthetics. If you buy a keyboard that comes with PBT keycaps, for example, it would feel more premium and last over the long term without developing a greasy shine. With that being said, let’s look at the top seven best ones you can buy for streaming in 2022…

Top 7 Best Keyboards for Streamers in 2022:

1. Razer Huntsman Elite – Best All Round

SPECS:

• Layout: Full-Size
• Switch Type: Razer Linear Optical
• Keycap Material: ABS
• RGB Support: Razer Chroma
• Connectivity: USB

Being the keyboard that TimTheTatman himself uses, the Razer Huntsman Elite is definitely a strong consideration for any streaming setup. With a high-quality matte aluminum top frame along with triple-layer RGB lighting, the Huntsman Elite surely looks amazing, but it also has impressive technical capabilities.

First of all, with 1.0mm of actuation distance, the Razer Linear Optical switches will give you a quick and smooth typing experience. As we talked about in the Before You Buy section, having programmable Macro keys is important for streaming. With the Huntsman Elite, you get Razer Hypershift which allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped for specific commands.

The Razer Chroma integration will be helpful if you have other Razer peripherals in your setup too, or from partners like Philips Hue. Although having ABS keycaps instead of PBT is kind of a downer, you can always complement this keyboard by purchasing a set of add-on Razer PBT Keycaps for around $30. All in all, the Razer Huntsman Elite is a solid keyboard for streaming and gaming.

2. Redragon K618 Horus – Best on a Budget

SPECS:

• Layout: Full-Size
• Switch Type: Linear Red
• Keycap Material: ABS
• RGB Support: Yes (Redragon Zone)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth

When it comes to keyboards, loud doesn’t always equal better. Although having loud and clicky switches is often the USP of mechanical keyboards in general, there are many users out there who prefer silent and sensitive switches instead. For those users, the Redragon K618 Horus could be the right purchase.

First, let’s discuss the low-profile switches. With an actuation force of only around 40g, these are extremely smooth to use. You also get five Macro keys and a dedicated function area for media control.

The Redragon Zone software bundled with this keyboard will allow you to control the RGB lighting, remap the keys, and modify other settings to personalize it. Plus, the K618 Horus also allows you to connect to three devices simultaneously with either a USB-C wired connection, Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz wireless mode.

Coming in under $100, the Redragon K618 Horus is also wallet-friendly. Overall, with vibrant RGB lighting, an elegant matte finish, and great wireless capabilities, this keyboard packs a ton of value.

3. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Best Value for Money

SPECS:

• Layout: Full-Size
• Switch Type: Cherry MX Speed
• Keycap Material: ABS
• RGB Support: Yes (Corsair iCUE)
• Connectivity: USB

Corsair is known for making some of the best PC peripherals in the industry, and the K95 RGB Platinum is no exception. Being the primary keyboard for GeorgeNotFound, it definitely packs some impressive features at a reasonable price.

First of all, you get Cherry MX Speed mechanical key switches, which have a 1.2mm actuation point. In addition to that, the RGB lighting is vibrant and highly customizable too: not only can you adjust the color and brightness on a per-key basis, but you get 19 individual light zones too.

There are six programmable G keys for in-game macros too. You can use them individually for single keystrokes or even multi-key combos if you want. All of this info is saved in the 8MB profile storage drive which allows for up to three unique profiles at the same time without software. Finally, all of this marvelous tech is packed in an aircraft-grade aluminum frame for extra stability.

4. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro – Best Wireless

SPECS:

• Layout: Full-Size
• Switch Type: Razer Yellow
• Keycap Material: Doubleshot ABS
• RGB Support: Razer Synapse 3
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wireless (HyperSpeed), Bluetooth, and USB-C

As more and more devices are introduced in the market, streaming setups can get complicated easily. The side effect to this, of course, is a hellish cable management experience. One way to escape that is to go for wireless peripherals. However, the obvious disadvantage with this is extra lag.

With the HyperSpeed Wireless tech in the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro, you won’t have to worry about that. According to Razer, it offers a 25% speed boost over other wireless technologies. Being a wireless keyboard, battery life also comes into play. This keyboard can last around 200 hours with backlighting turned off, which is definitely impressive.

Now, let’s talk about what matters most in keyboards: the switches. Razer Yellow switches you get here are designed for sensitivity and silence. With an actuation point of just 1.2mm, they offer little to no tactile feedback and even come with sound dampeners. In addition to that, the Doubleshot ABS keycaps are decent too. All of this is packed into a military-grade metal top plate for extra durability.

5. Ducky One 2 Mini – Best All-White

SPECS:

• Layout: 60%
• Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown
• Keycap Material: Doubleshot PBT
• RGB Support: Yes (Ducky)
• Connectivity: USB-C

Although most of the keyboards out there right now are either black or dark gray, there are still some solid options if you’re going for an all-white aesthetic in your streaming setup. Just because you like a unique aesthetic doesn’t mean you need to get a mediocre keyboard. The Ducky One 2 Mini is an amazing option for this specific purpose.

The build quality of this keyboard is next level. Along with plenty of RGB backlighting and a dual-layer PCB, you also get durable Doubleshot PBT keycaps. These not only feel premium but will last a long time without developing a kind of shiny grease that occurs with ABS keycaps.

The USB-C cable it comes with is detachable; so, if you desire, you can use a custom cable too. Many streamers often use coiled cables from companies like KableMakers and SwiftCables for their setups. This adds some personality, and both Aceu and Lirik have bought one for their own Ducky One 2 Mini’s too.

6. SteelSeries Apex Pro – Best for RGB and Aesthetics

SPECS:

• Layout: Full-Size
• Switch Type: OmniPoint Adjustable
• Keycap Material: ABS
• RGB Support: Yes (GameSense)
• Connectivity: USB

When it comes to streaming, aesthetics matter a lot. So, it’s no surprise that many streams often prioritize looks over everything else. If you want to leave no stone unturned in having the best-looking and vibrant streaming setup, the SteelSeries Apex Pro might be perfect for you.

The first thing you probably notice when you look at it is the aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body. Not only is this highly durable, but looks cool too. Of course, there’s plenty of RGB lighting too: over 16.8 million colors to choose from per key.

Another extremely cool feature that sets this keyboard apart from the rest is the OmniPoint Adjustable switches. With this feature, you can adjust each key to your own preferred sensitivity level based on the game you’re playing or any other task. 

To make controlling all these settings easier, it also comes with a smart OLED display. Although not as clear as your smartphone screen, it’s more than sufficient for quickly adjusting settings on the fly. After reading all of this, it might not come as a surprise to you that both Swagg and MuTeX use this keyboard in their own setups too!

7. Keychron K8 – Best for Portability

SPECS:

• Layout: TKL
• Switch Type: Gateron Blue, Brown, or Red
• Keycap Material: ABS
• RGB Support: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 and USB Type-C

If you like to stream on the go from your laptop, you’d want a keyboard that has a TKL layout, great battery life, and durable build quality. The Keychron K8 ticks all of those boxes and adds much more on top too.

One special feature that this keyboard offers is cross-compatibility. This can be useful if you prefer to play games on Windows and edit your videos on MacOS. Keychron even provides a set of keycaps to be used for each OS in the box. So, if you have a dual computer setup, definitely keep this in mind.

Although there’s no wrist rest included in the box (Keychon sells one separately) you still get two adjustable feet along with an inclined bottom frame to provide some support to your wrists for typing comfort. Overall, this keyboard is great for both work and play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the Best Keyboard for Video Editing?

Like it or not, as a live streamer you’re also a content creator. And, as a content creator, it’s likely that you’ll also have to do some video editing at some point. As such, besides Twitch and Mixer, you’d also have to upload videos on sites like YouTube and Vimeo to increase your popularity.

For this purpose, what you need to look out for is a full-size layout along with programmable Macro keys. From the above list, the Razer Huntsman Elite, Redragon K618 Horus, and the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum fit the bill perfectly and thus should be optimal for video editing tasks.

Which Layout is Most Optimal for Streaming?

Just having to choose between standard full-size layout keyboards is a thing of the past these days. Thanks to the custom keyboard community and the overall popularity of gamer-focused brands, niche layouts are becoming more widely adopted.

In this article, you got to witness a variety of layouts. Although four of the keyboards were standard full-sized ones, one was tenkeyless and one was 60%. So, as a streamer, you might want to know which layout you should go for.

Although many streamers like Tfue and Swagg use smaller keyboards like 60% and TKL, the truth is that it’s entirely dependent on two factors. First, the genre of games you’re into, and what you’re going to use it for other than gaming and streaming. If you’re into video editing, you might want to go for a full-sized keyboard, but if you’re just gaming a 60% or TKL will do just fine. So, try to determine your own requirements and make a purchase accordingly.

Wrap Up

From Corsair, Razer, Ducky, and SteelSeries, there is no shortage of great gaming-centric brands out there. These companies sell some awesome keyboards. However, it’s still not an easy feat to choose the right one for your setup. Between budget, software compatibility, and layout, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with choices.

At the end of the day, it just comes down to your own requirements. If you have an all-white setup, the Ducky One 2 Mini is right up your alley; if you stream on the go, you might want to go for the Keychron K8; for those looking to get a higher score in the looks department, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is the way to go; and so on.

Here’s a summary of all the keyboards we discussed in this article:

• Razer Huntsman Elite is Best All Round
• Redragon K618 Horus is Best on a Budget
• Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is Best Value for Money
• Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is Best Wireless
• Ducky One 2 Mini is Best All-White
• SteelSeries Apex Pro is Best for RGB and Aesthetics
• Keychron K8 is Best for Portability