Best Keyboard for CS:GO in 2024 – Buying Guide
When it comes to playing first-person shooter games like CS:GO, having the right keyboard can make all the difference in your gameplay experience.
A good gaming keyboard can provide you with faster response times, better accuracy, and improved overall performance.
However, choosing the best keyboard for CS:GO can be overwhelming, with so many options on the market.
Let’s take a look at some of the right keyboards for CS:GO players and review their features and performance.
Best Keyboard for CS:GO in 2024 (Complete List)
Best Overall
Logitech Pro
High-quality build
Compact and portable
Up to six key rollovers
2nd Runner Up
SteelSeries Apex Pro
Customizable switches
High-quality wrist rest
Durable aluminum frame
3nd Runner Up
Corsair CH-9101012-NA
Durable and sturdy
Customizable controls
Compatible with Corsair’s iCUE
Whether you’re a casual player or a professional gamer, we’ll help you find the perfect keyboard to take your Counter-Strike: Global Offensive gameplay to the next level.
1. Logitech Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Overall Best
This is a high-performance gaming keyboard designed for serious gamers.
It features a tenkeyless design, which means it does not have a numeric keypad, making it more compact and portable.
The keyboard is built to withstand intense gaming sessions, with a lifespan of 70 million keystrokes. It provides a comfortable typing experience while also taking care of functionality.
Features:
- Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches
- RGB lighting with up to 16.8 million colors
- Anti-ghosting
- A game mode switch that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay.
Why We Love This Product
- High-quality build
- Compact and portable
- The fast and responsive typing experience
- Advanced Features like six key rollovers.
Why We Don’t Like This Product
- It does not have a numeric keypad, which can be a downside for some users
- Relatively expensive compared to other gaming keyboards on the market
2. SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This product is designed to enhance your gaming experience.
It features an integrated command center that allows you to adjust settings and track on-the-fly information straight from your game and popular applications like Spotify and Discord.
One of the standout features of this keyboard is the ability to customize the actuation distance from 0.4 millimeters to 3.6 millimeters.
It allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity of the keys to your preferences. This in a more precise and accurate gaming experience.
Features:
- Adjustable actuation switches
- OLED smart display
- RGB backlit keys
- Multimedia controls
- USB passthrough port
- Dynamic per-key RGB lighting.
Why We Love This Product
- Customizable switches
- High-quality wrist rest
- Durable aluminum frame
- Easy access to media functions
Why We Don’t Like This Product
- Some users may find the keyboard too heavy
- It may require a learning curve to adjust to the customizable switches
- OLED display may not be necessary for some users
3. Corsair CH-9101012-NA K70 LUX Keyboard
This keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience along with advanced gaming features. The keys are designed to be responsive and tactile, allowing for faster and more accurate typing.
It has an aesthetically pleasing design with customizable RGB lighting that adds a visual appeal to your setup.
Overall, this keyboard is a must-have for serious gamers who want the most advanced technology available to enhance their gaming experience.
It offers unparalleled customization and features. It is meant to cater to both gaming and productivity needs.
Features:
- USB passthrough and media controls
- Tactile Cherry MX brown switches
- RGB LED backlit
- Aluminum frame.
Why We Love This Product
- Durable and sturdy
- Customizable controls for convenience
- Offers a quiet gaming experience
- Customizable LED lighting
- Compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software for further customization
Why We Don’t Like This Product
- No adjustable actuation points
- No wrist rest included
- RGB lighting may not be evenly distributed
- Higher price point compared to other keyboards with similar features
4. Logitech G PRO X Keyboard
This is a top-of-the-line mechanical gaming keyboard designed with the serious gamer in mind.
It is built with a durable aluminum alloy frame and customizable RGB lighting.
It looks sleek and delivers a responsive and satisfying typing experience. I was impressed with its tactile feedback and satisfying clicky sound. For gamers who demand precision and speed, this is a great choice.
With its SHROUD branding, this keyboard adds a unique touch to your gaming setup, making it an impressive addition to any gamer’s arsenal.
Its premium features and performance make it well worth the investment for the serious gamer.
Features:
- Detachable Micro-USB Cable
- RGB Lighting
- GX Blue Clicky Switches
- Durable Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Onboard Memory
- Sleek design with SHROUD branding
Why We Love This Product
- Easy portability and Customizable lighting
- Tactile feedback and clicky sound
- Programmable macros for personalized commands
- Ability to save custom settings
- Compatible with Logitech G HUB software for further customization
Why We Don’t Like This Product
- It may not be ideal for typing due to the clicky switches.
- Some users may prefer a wrist rest
- RGB lighting may not be evenly distributed.
5. HyperX Alloy Origins Core Keyboard
This sleek and stylish mechanical keyboard offers a range of features for gamers and professionals alike. It’s easy to personalize the keyboard to match your setup or mood.
This is ideal for gamers who need quick reflexes or professionals who need to type for extended periods of time.
It features software-controlled macros and key customization. These allow users to program the keyboard to their exact specifications.
Looking for a durable and customizable mechanical keyboard that can keep up with your demanding workload? This is worth checking out.
Features:
- Tenkeyless (TKL) form factor
- Compact, durable aluminum frame with matte black finish
- Customizable RGB LED backlit keys
- Full N-key rollover and anti-ghosting functionality
- Customizable macros with software-controlled settings
- Detachable USB Type-C cable
Why We Love This Product
- The compact and sturdy design saves desk space and provides a comfortable typing experience
- Room for personalization and efficiency in gaming and typing
- The smooth and responsive typing experience
- Easy portability and compatibility with a wide range of devices
- Accurate and reliable inputs for fast-paced games.
Why We Don’t Like This Product
- The lack of dedicated media controls may be inconvenient for some users
- The linear HyperX Red switches may not be ideal for users who prefer a tactile feedback
- Higher price point compared to some other tenkeyless keyboards on the market
What Makes A Keyboard Good For CS:GO?
A good keyboard for CS:GO should provide excellent tactile feedback, quick response times, and high accuracy.
Keyboards with anti-ghosting and N-key rollover features can prevent accidental keystrokes. This can make sure all inputs register accurately.
Customization options like programmable keys and RGB lighting can enhance your gaming experience.
Which Types Of Keyboard Is Best For CSGO?
1. Membrane Keyboard
A membrane keyboard uses rubber or silicone domes to register keystrokes. It is lightweight, affordable, and produces less noise.
The benefits of using a membrane keyboard in CS:GO are its lower noise levels, affordability, and lightweight design.
If you prefer a membrane keyboard, the best option for playing CS:GO is the Logitech G213 Prodigy.
2. Mechanical Keyboard
A mechanical keyboard uses mechanical switches to register keystrokes. It provides better tactile feedback, faster response times, and greater durability.
The benefits of using a mechanical keyboard in CS:GO are its fast response times, high accuracy, and durability.
Some of the best mechanical keyboards for CS:GO are the SteelSeries Apex Pro, HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, and Logitech G Pro X.
Choosing the Right Keyboard Size
Full-Sized Keyboards (100%)
- Pros : Full-sized keyboards offer a comprehensive layout with all keys, including a number pad, function row, and navigation cluster. This makes them ideal for users who need a wide range of keys for both gaming and other tasks like data entry.
- Cons : They take up more desk space and may feel bulky, which can be a disadvantage if you have limited space or prefer a minimalist setup.
Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards (80%)
- Pros : TKL keyboards omit the number pad, offering a more compact design while retaining most of the essential keys. This size is popular among gamers as it provides more mouse space and maintains a standard layout.
- Cons : The absence of a number pad might be inconvenient for users who frequently use it for other applications.
60% Keyboards
- Pros : These are highly compact, removing the function row, navigation keys, and number pad. They are excellent for saving desk space and allowing maximum mouse movement, which is beneficial in fast-paced games like CS:GO.
- Cons : The lack of dedicated keys requires frequent use of key combinations for certain functions, which might not be ideal for all users.
65% and 75% Keyboards
- Pros : These sizes offer a balance between compactness and functionality. A 65% keyboard includes arrow keys and some navigation keys, while a 75% keyboard adds even more functionality without being as large as a TKL.
- Cons : They still lack the full set of keys found on larger keyboards, which may limit their use for certain tasks outside gaming.
Budget Considerations
- Determine Your Budget : Before exploring options, set a clear budget range. This helps narrow down choices and focus on keyboards that fit within your financial constraints.
- Balance Features and Quality : Identify essential features needed for gaming, such as mechanical switches or customizable keys, and prioritize these over non-essential extras. A higher price doesn’t always guarantee better performance, so focus on getting the best value for your money.
- Explore Different Price Segments : Look at various price ranges to compare features and build quality. Budget-friendly keyboards might lack some advanced features but can still offer a satisfying experience if they meet your core requirements.
- Consider Value-for-Money Options : Seek out keyboards that offer a good balance of performance and price. These may not have all the premium features but can provide reliable functionality and durability for gaming.
Choosing the Perfect Switch
Choosing the right switch is crucial for a great gaming experience.
Some of the best switches for playing CS:GO are the Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Speed, and Logitech Romer-G switches.
Cherry MX Red and Brown switches are preferred by most players for their smooth and tactile feedback. Cherry MX Speed switches are ideal for players who need a quick response time.
What Keyboard Do Most Esports Players Use?
- Logitech G Pro X
When it comes to the keyboard of choice for esports players, the Logitech G Pro X stands out as the top contender.
This keyboard is favored by many professional gamers. This is mostly due to its impressive features and performance capabilities.
One key aspect that makes the Logitech G Pro X so popular is its excellent tactile feedback. This means that every keystroke on the keyboard is accompanied by a satisfying and responsive sensation.
This can greatly enhance the overall gaming experience. It is known for its fast response times, allowing players to execute commands and movements quickly and efficiently.
Another factor is its high degree of customization.
It is equipped with Logitech’s Romer-G switches. These switches offer a significant level of accuracy and durability. Moreover, it allows users to customize the actuation point of the keys.
This can greatly improve performance in games like CS:GO which require quick reflexes and precise movements.
Popular Manufacturers Of CS:GO keyboards
- Logitech
- Razer
- SteelSeries
Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries are some of the most popular manufacturers of CS:GO keyboards. Each of these brands offers a range of mechanical keyboards tailored to gamers’ needs.
Logitech is known for its durable and high-performance gaming keyboards. In that regard, the Logitech G Pro X is a favorite among esports players.
Razer is another popular brand that is known for its high-quality gaming peripherals. This includes keyboards that are optimized for fast and precise gameplay.
SteelSeries is also a popular choice for gamers. It offers a variety of mechanical keyboards featuring customizable lighting and durable construction.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Ques 1: Are mechanical keyboards better for CS: GO?
Ans: Many gamers generally prefer mechanical keyboards over membrane keyboards for gaming, including CS:GO.
This is because they offer a more tactile and responsive typing experience. However, the type of switches used in a mechanical keyboard can also affect gameplay.
So it’s important to choose switches that suit your individual preferences.
Ques 2: Why do pro-CS:GO players tilt their keyboards?
Ans: Tilting a keyboard can help players achieve a more comfortable and ergonomic typing position. This is especially important during long gaming sessions.
It can provide more space for players to move their mouse, which can be important in fast-paced games like CS:GO, where quick reflexes are crucial.
Ques 3: What Size Of Keyboard Is Best For CS:GO?
Ans: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best keyboard size for CS:GO depends on your preferences and playstyle.
Some gamers prefer full-sized keyboards with a number pad. Others prefer compact tenkeyless or 60% keyboards with a more streamlined design and desk space.
Ques 4: Why do gamers use 60% keyboards?
Ans: Many gamers opt for 60% keyboards. This is because they offer a more compact and streamlined design that saves desk space and allows for more mouse movement.
These keyboards often feature customizable key layouts. This allows users to program macros and shortcuts for faster gameplay.
However, some gamers may find the lack of arrow keys and function keys on a 60% keyboard to be a disadvantage.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect gaming keyboard for CS:GO requires a bit of research and consideration of individual preferences. Each of the reviewed keyboards offers unique features and advantages.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro stands out as the most feature-heavy keyboard, with its adjustable actuation switches, OLED smart display, and RGB backlighting.
On the other hand, the Logitech Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers a balance between portability and performance at an affordable price.
Both of these keyboards are excellent choices for any gamer, depending on their individual needs and preferences.