Best Gaming Keyboard for Ffxiv: Top Picks for 2024

1. Steelseries Apex 3 Rgb Gaming Keyboard

We put the SteelSeries Apex 3 through its paces, and for an entry-level option, it offers a surprising amount of features. The whispered-quiet membrane switches are a definite highlight, making late-night FFXIV sessions much less disruptive to housemates. The IP32 water resistance is a nice touch, offering some peace of mind for those prone to accidental spills during intense moments.

The RGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing for some personal flair on your desk. While the build quality feels a bit lightweight, it’s understandable given the price point. The dedicated media controls are also a welcome addition for quickly adjusting volume or skipping tracks without alt-tabbing out of Eorzea.

This keyboard is a solid choice for players who are new to PC gaming or those on a tight budget. It provides a functional and pleasant typing experience for FFXIV’s extensive keybinds. However, serious enthusiasts seeking a premium feel or tactile feedback might find it lacking.

This is specifically for the casual FFXIV player who values quiet operation and basic customization. Imagine settling in for a long raid night, the gentle glow of the RGB illuminating your macros, and the soft keystrokes not disturbing anyone else in the household. It’s a no-fuss, reliable companion for your adventures.

2. Tmkb 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The TMKB 60% keyboard brings a compact form factor that’s great for saving desk space, which is always a win for crowded FFXIV setups. The red linear switches offer a smooth, consistent keystroke that’s perfectly suited for rapid button presses during combat. I found the typing experience to be quite enjoyable, with minimal actuation force required.

The LED backlighting, while not full RGB, provides a nice ambiance. However, I did notice that some of the keycaps felt a little thin, and the overall chassis has a bit of flex. For players who are already accustomed to mechanical keyboards, the transition will be easy, but beginners might find the lack of a number pad and dedicated function keys a slight hurdle.

This keyboard is ideal for FFXIV players who prioritize a minimalist desk setup and prefer the feel of linear mechanical switches. It’s also a good option if you’re looking to experiment with smaller form factors without breaking the bank. However, those who rely heavily on a full-size layout or extensive macro keys might want to look elsewhere.

Consider a scenario where you have a dual-monitor setup for FFXIV, and every inch of desk real estate is precious. This TMKB, with its compact 60% design, tucks neatly into your workspace, leaving ample room for your mouse. The satisfying, consistent click of the red switches makes executing complex ability rotations feel precise and responsive.

3. Redragon S101m

For those seeking the best gaming keyboard for FFXIV on a budget, the Redragon S101M presents a compelling package. It offers a full-sized layout, which is excellent for FFXIV’s vast array of hotbars and keybinds. The membrane switches provide a decent typing feel, although they lack the distinct tactile bump of mechanical switches.

The RGB backlighting is a nice addition, with several modes to choose from, adding a bit of visual flair to your gaming station. However, I found the software for customizing the lighting to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as I’d prefer. The build quality is mostly plastic, which is expected at this price point, but it feels sturdy enough for regular use.

This keyboard is a fantastic starting point for players new to PC gaming or those who simply need a functional, no-frills keyboard for FFXIV. It’s a great way to get a full-sized board with RGB without a significant investment. However, if you’re a seasoned gamer who demands premium materials or specific switch types, you’ll likely want to upgrade.

Picture yourself logging into FFXIV after a long day, ready to tackle some Savage raids. The Redragon S101M sits comfortably, its full layout allowing easy access to all your essential abilities. The illuminated keys, even with their basic customization, create a focused atmosphere, and the satisfying, albeit soft, keystrokes let you execute your rotation without fatigue.

4. Redragon S101

The Redragon S101 is another budget-friendly contender that offers a complete keyboard experience for FFXIV players. Its full-size layout is a definite plus, providing ample space for all your crucial hotkeys and macros. The membrane keys offer a soft, quiet typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended gaming sessions.

While it boasts RGB backlighting, the customization options are rather basic, and the lighting effects are not as dynamic as some higher-end keyboards. I noticed that the plastic construction, while functional, doesn’t offer the most premium feel. It’s a dependable workhorse, but it doesn’t exactly inspire awe with its build quality.

This keyboard is best suited for individuals who are just starting their FFXIV journey or those who need a reliable, full-featured keyboard without a substantial financial commitment. It gets the job done, offering all the keys you need for Eorzea’s demands. However, enthusiasts seeking a more refined typing feel or advanced lighting control should consider other options.

Imagine you’re setting up your first gaming PC for FFXIV and need a keyboard that won’t break the bank but still offers the essentials. The Redragon S101 provides that. You can easily map your abilities, enjoy the subtle glow of the backlight, and type without the worry of an overly loud keyboard disturbing your focus. It’s a straightforward solution for a common need.

5. Seunkwang F61 60% Gaming Keyboard

The SEUNKWANG F61 aims to provide a compact and visually appealing option for FFXIV players. Its 60% form factor is excellent for freeing up desk space, allowing for wider mouse movements during combat. The membrane switches offer a soft actuation, which is comfortable for long play sessions, though they lack the responsiveness of mechanical switches.

The RGB backlighting is a standout feature for its price, offering a good range of colors and effects. However, I found the keycaps to be quite thin and prone to showing fingerprints, which detracted slightly from the overall aesthetic. For players who are used to a full-sized keyboard, the absence of dedicated function keys and a number pad will require an adjustment period.

This keyboard is a good fit for FFXIV players who prioritize a compact setup and enjoy customizable RGB lighting on a budget. It’s also suitable for those who don’t heavily rely on a number pad or dedicated function keys for their gameplay. However, if you require a more tactile typing experience or a traditional layout, this keyboard might not be the best choice.

Consider a scenario where you have a small desk or enjoy a clean, minimalist gaming setup for FFXIV. The SEUNKWANG F61 tucks away neatly, leaving plenty of room for your mouse hand to maneuver. The vibrant RGB lighting adds a splash of color to your space, and the soft keystrokes make executing your FFXIV rotation a quiet and comfortable affair.

6. Geodmaer 65% Gaming Keyboard

When looking for a compact option for FFXIV, the GEODMAER 65% caught my eye. Its small footprint is certainly a plus, especially if desk space is a premium. The backlighting is decent, offering enough visibility for late-night raids without being overly distracting. I found the keys to have a satisfying, albeit slightly plasticky, tactile feedback that was responsive during dungeon runs.

However, the lack of dedicated media keys was a minor annoyance. Having to use function key combinations for volume control during intense FFXIV moments can break immersion. For players who rely on quick media adjustments, this might prove frustrating.

This keyboard is ideal for FFXIV players who prioritize a minimalist setup and don’t need extensive macro keys or dedicated media controls. It’s a no-frills option that gets the job done for basic gameplay, but it won’t satisfy those seeking advanced customization.

7. Tecknet Gaming Keyboard

The TECKNET 15″ keyboard presents a full-size option that might appeal to those who prefer a traditional layout for their FFXIV adventures. I appreciated the inclusion of a number pad, which can be surprisingly useful for inventory management or quick hotbar number input. The keys offer a soft, quiet click that won’t disturb housemates during extended play sessions.

My main critique here is the overall build quality. It feels a bit lightweight, and I worried about its long-term durability under heavy use. While it performs adequately, it doesn’t inspire the confidence of a more robustly constructed keyboard, which is something to consider for the best gaming keyboard for FFXIV.

This keyboard is best suited for casual FFXIV players or those on a tighter budget who need a functional, full-size keyboard. If you’re a hardcore raider who demands exceptional durability and premium feel, you might want to look elsewhere.

8. Redragon K585 Diti Wired One

The Redragon K585 DITI aims for a unique, compact experience with its one-handed design, which I found intriguing for FFXIV. The idea is to free up your mouse hand for more complex movements, and the dedicated macro keys are a definite plus for complex rotations. The tactile switches provided a satisfying click, and the RGB lighting added a nice visual flair to my setup.

However, mastering a one-handed keyboard takes a significant adjustment period. I found myself fumbling for keys initially, which negatively impacted my FFXIV gameplay until I got accustomed to it. The wrist rest, while a nice addition, felt a little too firm for my liking during long sessions.

This keyboard is for the adventurous FFXIV player who is willing to invest time into learning a new input method. If you’re a masochist for customization and want to optimize your keybinds in a radical way, this could be for you. Casual players or those who prefer a standard setup should steer clear.

9. Magegee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The MageGee 60% mechanical keyboard offers a minimalist approach that’s appealing for FFXIV players seeking simplicity. Its small size is excellent for saving desk real estate, and the mechanical switches provide that familiar, satisfying click and responsiveness. I found the build quality to be surprisingly solid for its compact form factor, making it feel more durable than expected.

The biggest drawback for FFXIV is the complete absence of a number pad and function row. Navigating menus or using hotbars that rely on F1-F12 keys requires extensive use of the Fn key, which can be cumbersome during fast-paced combat. The backlighting, while present, is quite basic and lacks extensive customization.

This keyboard is best for FFXIV players who have already remapped their most-used keys and don’t rely heavily on the standard function row or number pad. It’s a good choice if you appreciate a clean desk and the feel of mechanical switches, but it’s not for those who need immediate access to every keybind.

10. Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The Redragon wired mechanical keyboard with 11 programmable backlit modes offers a good balance of features for FFXIV enthusiasts. I appreciated the tactile feel of the mechanical switches, which provided excellent feedback for both typing and executing abilities. The 11 programmable backlit modes are a nice touch, allowing for some visual customization, although I found the software for programming to be a bit clunky.

While the programmable backlighting is a plus, the actual programmability for macros and keybinds felt a bit limited compared to higher-end options. I encountered some minor issues with the software not always registering my changes immediately, which was an annoyance during setup. It’s a functional keyboard, but it doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of customization.

This keyboard is a solid choice for FFXIV players who want a mechanical feel and some basic backlighting customization without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for deep macro programming or an exceptionally intuitive software suite, you might find this option a bit lacking.