The best gaming keyboard depends on size, switch feel and whether you want a cable. This page compares seven keyboards from the Amazon Australia listings, from a full size membrane board to wireless mechanical boards, with the rating and rating count for each.
Every product fact comes from the listing, and each section ends with an honest catch. If you only want one answer, the Redragon K521 Netherbane is it; the sections below cover who should spend more on something else.
Best overall: Redragon K521 Netherbane
Best overall: the Redragon K521 Netherbane, because it is a full size wired keyboard with customisable RGB and a spill resistant build, at the lowest price here and the highest rating of any pick.
The listing describes a 104 key full size layout that keeps the function keys and number pad, with a dedicated media control. The keys are membrane with tactile feedback, and the RGB is customisable key by key through Redragon's control software. The listing describes a spill resistant membrane build with water resistant construction, and a wired connection it says avoids wireless connectivity concerns. It is listed as PC and Mac compatible and holds 4.8 stars from 705 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants a full size keyboard for gaming and everyday typing without paying for extras. The honest catch: it is a membrane keyboard, so it does not have the key feel of the mechanical boards below, and it is wired only.
Best step up: EPOMAKER X Aula F75 MAX
Best step up: the EPOMAKER X Aula F75 MAX, because it is a hot swappable wireless keyboard with a screen and a knob that connects by 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or USB C.
The listing describes 80 programmable keys, a customisable screen that shows GIFs, a volume knob and a battery monitor. It has a gasket mount structure, factory lubed linear switches and layers of foam and silicone, which the listing says give a creamy sound. The front height is 2 cm with a two stage kickstand, and it runs at 1000hz polling in USB and 2.4GHz modes. It works with Android, Windows, Mac and Linux, and holds 4.6 stars from 1,956 ratings.
It suits players who want one keyboard for the desk, a laptop and work, and who like to tune the look and sound. The honest catch: it is one of the dearer boards here, and its screen and knob will not matter to everyone.
Best budget mechanical: MageGee MK Box 60%
Best budget mechanical: the MageGee MK Box 60%, because it is a wired 68 key mechanical keyboard with red switches and an LED backlight, backed by a large rating count.
The listing describes a portable 60% layout with 68 keys, and says it keeps separate arrow keys and F1 to F12. The red switches are described as linear and smoother, with minimal resistance and no tactile bump. The blue LED backlight has about 15 modes, and the listing mentions a detachable USB cable, double kickstand feet and plug and play use with no drivers. It holds 4.2 stars from 3,818 ratings.
It suits a first mechanical keyboard, or a small desk where a full size board will not fit. The honest catch: its 4.2 star rating is the lowest of the picks here, and the backlight is a blue LED rather than full RGB.
Best wireless 60%: Redragon K530 Pro Draconic
Best wireless 60%: the Redragon K530 Pro, because it is a 61 key hot swappable RGB mechanical keyboard that works wired, over Bluetooth or on 2.4GHz and has the most ratings of any pick.
The listing describes a 61 key compact 60% layout, a hot swappable PCB, and three modes: USB C wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, with a side switch to move between devices. It comes with tactile brown switches, which the listing calls soft tactile feedback with low noise, and 13 RGB presets with more options in Redragon's software. It holds 4.4 stars from 4,898 ratings.
It suits FPS players who want mouse space and a keyboard they can use wired or wireless. The honest catch: a 61 key layout drops the function row, arrow keys and number pad, so it takes some getting used to, and you should check that the keys you use are on it.
Best tenkeyless with RGB: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL
Best tenkeyless with RGB: the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, because it is a compact tenkeyless board with whisper quiet switches, 10 zone Prism RGB and an IP32 water and dust resistance rating from the listing.
The listing describes a compact tenkeyless design and whisper quiet gaming switches made for over 20 million keypresses. It adds anti ghosting, 10 zone PrismSync RGB, and a clickable volume roller with media keys. The listing gives IP32 water and dust resistance. It holds 4.5 stars from 2,618 ratings.
It suits players who want a quieter keyboard and a number pad free layout. The honest catch: the listing calls the keys whisper quiet gaming switches and does not call them mechanical, so check the switch type if key feel matters to you.
Best compact from a major brand: Razer Huntsman Mini
Best compact from a major brand: the Razer Huntsman Mini, because it is a 60% keyboard with linear optical switches, PBT keycaps, Chroma RGB and onboard memory.
The listing describes Razer Optical switches that use light based actuation, Chroma RGB with 16.8 million colours on individually backlit keys, and an aluminium top frame. The doubleshot PBT keycaps are described as oil resistant, and Razer Hypershift lets every key be remapped for macros. The title also lists onboard memory and Snap Tap. It holds 4.5 stars from 1,665 ratings.
It suits players who want a small board from a big name and use Razer gear already. The honest catch: it is the most expensive pick here, and the listing does not describe a wireless mode.
Best for RGB and looks: HUO JI Z-88 Retro
Best for RGB and looks: the HUO JI Z-88, because it is a full size mechanical keyboard with programmable RGB backlight, blue clicky switches and a typewriter style look.
The listing describes round keycaps with a floating key design, Outemu blue switches with an audible click and tactile feedback, and five spare switches in the box. It has 104 keys with N key rollover, and programmable full RGB with 13 modes that needs no driver. The listing mentions metal and ABS construction and double shot keycaps. It holds 4.6 stars from 1,876 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants a keyboard that stands out on the desk. The honest catch: the listing describes an audible click on every key, which is a problem in a shared room.
How to choose a gaming keyboard
Pick the size first
Full size boards like the K521 and Z-88 have 104 keys. The Apex 3 TKL drops the number pad, and the 60% boards, the Razer Huntsman Mini and the MageGee MK Box, are smaller again. If you use a number pad for work, stay full size. Our mechanical keyboard guide has more compact options.
Membrane or mechanical
The K521 is the membrane pick here and the lowest priced. The MageGee, K530 Pro, Razer and Z-88 use mechanical or optical switches, and the F75 MAX takes mechanical switches. If you are unsure, start with the K521 and see whether you miss the key feel.
Switch feel and noise
The MageGee red switches are linear with no tactile bump. The K530 Pro brown switches give soft tactile feedback with low noise, and the Z-88 blue switches add an audible click. The Apex 3 TKL listing says whisper quiet. Pick the quietest if you share a room.
Wired or wireless
The K521 listing says wired avoids wireless concerns. The K530 Pro and F75 MAX both offer wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes. The Apex, Razer, MageGee and Z-88 listings do not describe a wireless mode.
Lighting and software
Per key RGB is on the K521, the F75 MAX, the Razer and the Z-88, with software for the K521, K530 Pro, F75 MAX and Razer. The MageGee has a blue LED backlight and needs no drivers. Check the lighting you want before you pay for it.
Spill and water resistance
The K521 listing describes a spill resistant build, the Apex 3 TKL lists IP32 water and dust resistance, and the Z-88 title says water resistant. The other listings make no such claim. For a desk with drinks on it, start with those three, and our gaming mouse guide covers the other half of the setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gaming keyboard in Australia?
For most people the Redragon K521 Netherbane, a full size wired membrane keyboard with customisable RGB and a spill resistant build, rated 4.8 stars from 705 ratings. If you want mechanical keys and wireless, the EPOMAKER F75 MAX is the step up, and the Razer Huntsman Mini is the pick for a 60% layout.
What is the best budget gaming keyboard in Australia?
The Redragon K521 Netherbane is the lowest priced pick here and the highest rated, with 4.8 stars from 705 ratings. If you want mechanical switches on a budget, the MageGee MK Box 60% has red linear switches and an LED backlight, but at 4.2 stars from 3,818 ratings it is the lowest rated pick.
Is a mechanical or membrane gaming keyboard better?
Neither wins for everyone. The Redragon K521 Netherbane is a membrane board with tactile feedback and a spill resistant build, while the MageGee MK Box 60% and Redragon K530 Pro use mechanical switches. The K530 Pro is also hot swappable, so you can change switches later. Choose on key feel and budget.
What is the best wireless gaming keyboard in Australia?
The Redragon K530 Pro is the best wireless 60% here: it works wired, over Bluetooth or on 2.4GHz and has 4.4 stars from 4,898 ratings. The EPOMAKER F75 MAX also connects by 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or USB C and adds a screen and a knob, rated 4.6 from 1,956 ratings.
Which gaming keyboard has a number pad?
The Redragon K521 Netherbane and the HUO JI Z-88 are the full size picks, both with 104 keys. The listing says the K521 keeps the function keys and number pad, and the Z-88 adds blue clicky switches and programmable RGB with a typewriter style look. Pick the K521 for the lowest price and the highest rating.
What size gaming keyboard should I buy?
Full size boards like the Redragon K521 keep the number pad. Tenkeyless boards like the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL drop it and leave more room for your mouse. 60% boards like the Razer Huntsman Mini and MageGee MK Box 60% are smaller again; the MageGee listing says it still keeps separate arrow keys and F1 to F12.
Do I need a gaming keyboard and mouse combo?
No. Every pick here is a keyboard only, so you choose the mouse separately, which lets you match each to your grip and budget. Start with the Redragon K521 Netherbane or the MageGee MK Box 60%, then see our gaming mouse guide for the mouse.
Can I use a gaming keyboard on a PS5?
The listings we checked mostly talk about PC and Mac, not consoles. The Redragon K521 Netherbane lists PC and Mac compatibility, and the EPOMAKER F75 MAX lists Android, Windows, Mac and Linux. None of the listings mention PS5, so check the maker's support for your console before you buy any of them.
Which gaming keyboard has the best RGB lighting?
The HUO JI Z-88 is our pick for RGB and looks: its listing describes programmable full RGB with 13 modes and no driver needed. The Razer Huntsman Mini supports 16.8 million colours on individually backlit keys, and the Redragon K521 Netherbane has per key RGB through Redragon's software. The MageGee MK Box has a blue LED backlight.
