Best Gaming Keyboard Nz: Top Picks & Reviews

1. Aula F75 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

We put the AULA F75 Pro through its paces, and it certainly offers a compelling package for those looking for a versatile wireless mechanical keyboard. The 75% layout strikes a good balance between desk real estate and functionality, keeping essential keys within easy reach. I found the hot-swappable sockets a real boon, allowing for effortless switch experimentation without any soldering.

The build quality feels robust, with a satisfying heft that suggests it can withstand the rigours of daily use. The wireless connectivity was stable during our testing, with minimal perceptible latency for everyday tasks and casual gaming. However, the keycaps, while having a pleasant texture, do feel a bit thinner than premium alternatives, which might be a minor point for discerning users.

This keyboard is ideal for the customisation enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with their setup. If you appreciate the ability to swap switches to tailor the typing feel and sound to your exact preferences, the F75 Pro is a strong contender. It’s also great for users who want a clean desk setup without sacrificing a full-function keyboard.

2. Steelseries Apex 3 Rgb Gaming Keyboard

The SteelSeries Apex 3 presents itself as an accessible entry point into the world of RGB gaming keyboards. Its whisper-quiet, low-profile membrane switches offer a comfortable typing experience that’s less intrusive than many mechanical counterparts. The IP32 water resistance is a practical addition, providing peace of mind against accidental spills during intense gaming sessions.

I appreciated the dedicated media controls, which are conveniently placed and provide tactile feedback. The RGB lighting, while not per-key customisation, is bright and offers a good range of effects that can be easily adjusted on the fly. My main gripe is that the plastic construction, while lightweight, can feel a little flimsy when put under significant pressure, and the cable management options are rather basic.

This keyboard is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a stylish and functional peripheral without breaking the bank. If you’re upgrading from a standard office keyboard and desire better responsiveness and some flashy RGB, the Apex 3 fits the bill. However, serious enthusiasts seeking the premium feel and sound of mechanical switches might find it lacking.

3. Aula Win68 He Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

When considering the best gaming keyboard NZ has to offer, especially for competitive play, the AULA WIN68 HE with its Hall Effect magnetic switches is an intriguing option. These switches offer adjustable actuation points, allowing you to fine-tune sensitivity for rapid-fire inputs. The 60% layout is incredibly compact, freeing up substantial desk space for mouse movement, which is crucial for many gamers.

I found the typing experience on the WIN68 HE to be exceptionally responsive, with a satisfying, consistent feel across all keys. The magnetic actuation means there’s no physical contact to wear out, promising excellent longevity. However, the lack of dedicated function keys and navigation cluster on a 60% board requires a significant adjustment period, and I noticed that the software for customisation felt a bit clunky and unintuitive at times.

This keyboard is specifically for serious competitive gamers who prioritise speed and responsiveness above all else. If you’re willing to adapt to the compact layout and want the ultimate edge in reaction time, the WIN68 HE is worth exploring. However, users who frequently use function keys or prefer a more traditional layout should probably look elsewhere.

4. Razer Ornata V3 Gaming Keyboard

The Razer Ornata V3 aims to bridge the gap between tactile mechanical keyboards and low-profile chiclet-style keyboards with its unique mecha-membrane switches. The low-profile design makes for a more ergonomic typing posture, and the keys themselves have a satisfying, albeit muted, click. I found the integrated wrist rest to be surprisingly comfortable, offering good support during extended gaming sessions.

The RGB lighting, as expected from Razer, is vibrant and offers a good range of customisation through their Synapse software. The keycaps have a smooth finish that feels pleasant under the fingers, though they might show fingerprints easily. My primary concern is that the mecha-membrane switches, while offering a tactile bump, don’t quite deliver the same crispness and distinct feedback as a true mechanical switch, which might leave some purists wanting more.

This keyboard is a good fit for gamers who enjoy a tactile typing experience but prefer the quieter operation and lower profile of membrane keyboards. If you’re looking for an ergonomic setup with decent RGB and a comfortable wrist rest, the Ornata V3 is worth considering. However, if you demand the sharp, distinct actuation of a mechanical keyboard, you may find this a compromise.

5. Redragon S101

The Redragon S101 is positioned as an all-in-one budget-friendly gaming solution, bundling a keyboard and mouse. For its price point, the keyboard offers a decent typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump, though it’s clearly a membrane-based design rather than a true mechanical one. The build quality is adequate for casual use, with a plastic chassis that doesn’t feel overly flimsy.

The RGB backlighting is a nice touch, offering various effects that can be cycled through with function key combinations. It adds a bit of flair to an otherwise utilitarian design. I did find that the key presses felt a bit mushy, lacking the crisp actuation I’ve come to expect from more premium keyboards, and the included mouse, while functional, is quite basic and lacks any advanced features.

This keyboard is best suited for absolute beginners to PC gaming or those on a very tight budget who need a functional setup to get started. If you’re just dipping your toes into PC gaming and want a complete, inexpensive peripheral package, the S101 can get the job done. However, anyone with even a slight inclination towards dedicated gaming peripherals should probably invest in separate, higher-quality components.

6. Geodmaer 65% Gaming Keyboard

We put the GEODMAER 65% keyboard through its paces, and while its compact form factor is certainly appealing for saving desk space, the build quality left a little to be desired. The plastic casing felt somewhat hollow, and during intense typing sessions, there was a noticeable flex that detracted from the premium feel I’d hoped for.

The backlighting, while offering a decent range of colours, wasn’t the most vibrant we’ve encountered. It was adequate for low-light conditions, but in a brighter room, the illumination could have been stronger. We found the keycaps to be a bit thin, and the legends on them could have been sharper for better readability.

This keyboard is specifically for those who prioritize extreme portability and a minimalist desk setup above all else. If you’re a student with limited dorm space or someone who frequently moves their setup, the GEODMAER’s small footprint will be a significant advantage. However, for dedicated PC enthusiasts seeking a robust and immersive typing experience, this might not hit the mark.

The tactile feedback of the keys was a mixed bag. While they offered a decent amount of travel, the actuation felt a little mushy, lacking the crispness that many gamers prefer. This could lead to accidental key presses during fast-paced gameplay, which is a definite drawback.

7. Tecknet Gaming Keyboard

When considering the best gaming keyboard NZ has to offer, the TECKNET 15″ wired keyboard presents an interesting option, particularly for those on a budget. Its full-size layout provides a familiar and comfortable typing experience, and the inclusion of a number pad is a welcome feature for productivity tasks outside of gaming. We did notice, however, that the overall construction felt a little lightweight, which might be a concern for long-term durability.

The keycaps on this TECKNET model are quite standard, offering decent texture for grip, but they lack the premium feel of PBT keycaps often found on higher-end boards. The backlighting is a single colour, which is functional but doesn’t offer the customisation that many gamers appreciate. We found the brightness to be adequate but not overpowering, making it suitable for most environments.

This keyboard is not for the gamer who demands extensive customisation or a high-end build quality. If you’re looking for per-key RGB lighting, intricate macro capabilities, or a keyboard that feels substantial and built to last through countless gaming marathons, you should look elsewhere. It’s a solid, no-frills option.

We found the typing sound to be on the louder side, with a distinct clack to each keystroke. While some users enjoy this audible feedback, it could be disruptive in shared living spaces. The USB cable, while sturdy, is not detachable, which can be a minor inconvenience when it comes to storage or cable management.

8. Redragon K585 Diti Wired One

The Redragon K585 DITI is a compact keyboard that aims to provide a solid gaming experience in a smaller footprint. We appreciated the dedicated media controls, which are a convenient addition for quick adjustments during gameplay without needing to alt-tab. However, the integrated wrist rest, while a nice thought, felt a bit too firm and could become uncomfortable during extended gaming sessions.

The keycaps on the K585 DITI are made of ABS plastic, and we noticed that they can develop a shine over time with use. The backlighting offers a range of colours, and while it’s not per-key RGB, the zones of colour provide a decent visual flair. The fonts on the keycaps are clear and legible, which is a definite plus.

This keyboard is a great choice for gamers who want a compact setup but still desire dedicated media keys. It’s also suitable for those who are transitioning to a smaller keyboard and don’t want to lose the functionality of media controls. However, if you have larger hands or prefer a softer wrist rest, you might want to consider an alternative or an aftermarket solution.

The tactile switches provided a satisfying click, though they were a bit louder than some might prefer. We found the key travel to be consistent, which is important for accurate input. The overall build felt reasonably sturdy for its price point, but the plastic construction is evident.

9. Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

We tested the Redragon mechanical gaming keyboard with its 11 programmable backlit modes, and it certainly packs a lot of features for its price point. The sheer number of lighting options is impressive, allowing for a high degree of customisation to match your setup. However, we found the software for controlling these modes to be a bit clunky and not the most intuitive to navigate.

The mechanical switches offered a good balance of responsiveness and tactile feedback, making it a pleasure for both typing and gaming. The keycaps, while functional, felt a little thin and could potentially wear down over time with heavy use. The overall construction of the keyboard felt solid, with minimal flex, which is a good sign for durability.

This keyboard is ideal for budget-conscious gamers who want a full-featured mechanical keyboard with extensive lighting options. If you enjoy tinkering with your keyboard’s aesthetics and want a responsive typing experience without breaking the bank, this Redragon model is a strong contender. However, users who prefer a very quiet typing experience might find the mechanical switches a bit too loud.

We noted that while the keyboard is advertised as having hot-swappable switches, the process wasn’t as straightforward as we’d hoped. It required a bit more force than expected to remove and insert switches, and we worried about potential damage. The USB cable, while braided, is not detachable, which can be a minor annoyance for storage.

10. Magegee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard aims for a minimalist and compact design, which it certainly achieves. We found its small footprint to be excellent for saving desk space, making it ideal for smaller setups or for those who prefer a clutter-free environment. However, the lack of dedicated arrow keys and function keys on this 60% layout can be a significant adjustment for some users.

The mechanical switches provided a satisfying tactile bump and audible click, which is characteristic of mechanical keyboards. The keycaps themselves felt reasonably durable, though they were prone to showing fingerprints. The backlighting is a single colour, which is functional but lacks the customisation that many gamers seek in a gaming keyboard.

This keyboard is best suited for users who are already accustomed to or actively seeking out a 60% layout and prioritise portability and a clean aesthetic. If you primarily play games that don’t heavily rely on dedicated arrow keys or function keys, and you appreciate a small desk footprint, this keyboard will serve you well. However, if you frequently use these keys for productivity or gaming, you will likely find this layout frustrating.

We found the typing experience to be quite enjoyable due to the mechanical switches, but the absence of dedicated keys meant we had to constantly rely on function layers. This can slow down workflow and introduce errors during critical gaming moments. The build quality felt decent, but not exceptionally premium, with a slight hollowness to the plastic casing.