7 Best Gaming Keyboards With Macro Keys
By having macro keys available, you will be able to set custom actions at your fingertips, giving you a gaming advantage over your competitors. With macro keys, you won’t have to scroll the wheel or press multiple keys to perform spells, special skills, or throw grenades. If you configure your macro correctly, it will do it for you automatically. But how do you know which one to choose? Here are some of the best gaming keyboards with macro keys on the market.
Also related: best mouse and keyboard for steam deck. Read more on Best Wireless Keyboards with a Touchpad.
7 Best Gaming Keyboards With Macro Keys
Here are the best gaming keyboards that you can find that have Macro keys. They will make your work easier
Corsair K100 RGB
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Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
It features Corsair’s latest optical-mechanical switches, using infrared light to register actuations instead of physical contact, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want nothing short of the best.
Using this technology, the keyboard can be polled at 4,000Hz and scanned at 4,000Hz with less than 1ms between key press and key reset. Whether you’re gaming or working, you’ll be able to perform at your best with its 1.0mm actuation distance and linear keys.
K100 features a refined aluminum finish and per-key RGB backlighting. It also includes a 44-zone, three-sided RGB edge accent light for the ultimate visual feast. Furthermore, the iCUE Control Wheel provides you with a plethora of functions. No matter what you’re working on, the Corsair K100 RGB will get the job done quickly. You can use these custom keys to switch brushes in Photoshop or change weapons in Valorant. Also related: Best Wireless Keyboards With Number Pads
KEY FEATURES
High-speed polling at 4,000Hz
Actuation distance of 1.00mm for optical-mechanical key switches
iCUE Control Wheel is an innovative multi-function device
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair
Wireless: No
Backlight: RGB
Media Controls: Yes
Battery: N/A
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Corsair OPX / Cherry MX Speed
Replaceable Keys: Yes
PROS
The wheel has a programming function
Switches optionally available in Cherry MX
A 150 million keystroke guarantee is built into each key
CONS
It’s expensive
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Logitech G915
Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Low Profile Switch Option
In order to provide a reliable, hyperfast connection with Logitech’s Lightspeed connector, Logitech uses their proprietary Lightspeed connector to ensure a minimalist, wireless setup. You can also connect the keyboard via Bluetooth if you plan on using it with other devices.
All Logitech players can also choose from three different key switches. If you prefer a smooth experience, go for the GL Linear key set. Or, if you want audible clicks and very tactile feedback, choose the GL Clicky switch. With GL Tactile keys, you can get the best of both worlds.
You can set up to three profiles on the keyboard, so you can keep your settings wherever you go. The keyboard’s battery has a 30-hour battery life at full brightness.
You don’t have to worry about replacing the keyboard anytime soon as it will last for years if the RGB backlight is turned off. And charging it fully takes only three hours.
KEY FEATURES
A mechanical keyboard that is one of the thinnest on the market
As fast as wired keyboards, it features wireless Lightspeed technology
Three onboard profiles are available for the five G keys
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Logitech
Wireless: Wireless, Bluetooth
Backlight: RGB
Media Controls: Yes
Battery: Rechargeable
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: GL Linear, GL Tactile, GL Clicky
Replaceable Keys: Yes
PROS
Options for three key switches
Portable form factor that is light and thin
The device connects via Bluetooth or Lightspeed technology
CONS
Keyboard controls that are mushy
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Corsair K55 RGB PRO
CORSAIR K55 RGB PRO-Dynamic RGB Backlighting – Six Macro Key
You’ll find the Corsair K55 RGB PRO an excellent choice for beginners to PC gaming if you’re just transitioning from consoles. You can create effects as you see fit with six macro keys for shortcuts, as well as five custom lighting zones. It is not as expensive as other options and has six macro keys for shortcuts. It also lets you save your desired macro and lighting profiles on your keyboard, so even if you switch devices, your programming will carry over.
Corsair K55 RGB PRO has rubber dome switches that provide good tactile feedback. The switches are not mechanical on the Corsair K55 RGB PRO, but they still provide good tactile feedback for the price. A value-first keyboard, the K55 won’t come with aluminum faceplates or magnetic wrist rests. But if you are only interested in macro keys, then it is a good choice.
KEY FEATURES
IP42-rated for dust and spill resistance
Macro keys can be set up without software
Has five programmable lighting zones
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair
Wireless: No
Backlight: Yes
Media Controls: Yes
Battery: N/A
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Rubber Dome
Replaceable Keys: No
PROS
Gamer’s keyboard that is excellent for entry level gamers
Stream Deck compatible with Elgato
Programms sophisticated macros using Corsair iCUE software
CONS
Switches only with rubber domes
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Kinesis Freestyle Edge
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Because the Kinesis Freestyle Edge has a split design that lets you position your arms and hands in the most comfortable position for you, you will prevent shoulder, arm, and hand pain. You can separate the left and right sections up to 20 inches, and you can place anything you want between them. A mouse? A steaming microphone? A HOTAS joystick? Absolutely!
As part of its typing experience, Kinesis also used Cherry MX mechanical switches to ensure a comfortable typing experience. Blue, Brown, or Red switches are available so you can choose which one best suits you. The keyboard comes with 11 macro keys, so it doesn’t let you down when it comes to macros. You have 11 macro keys on your left hand even though Kinesis doesn’t include a keypad. You can also program all 95 keys to meet your needs, so this keyboard can be customized to fit any situation.
KEY FEATURES
Split design for comfortable use during extended sessions
Mechanical key switches reduces fingertip impact, strain, and fatigue
Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Kinesis
Wireless: No
Backlight: Per-key RGB
Media Controls: Via the FN Key
Battery: N/A
Num Pad: No
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue / MX Brown / MX Red
Replaceable Keys: No
PROS
The switch is a Cherry MX
Keys that can be programmed onboard
Up to 20 inches apart, as desired by the user
CONS
There is no numeric keypad
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Redragon K586 Brahma
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For those who want a full-size mechanical keyboard that has all the bells and whistles but cannot afford them, the Redragon K586 Brahma is the ideal choice. It has RGB backlighting, 10 G-keys, and even replaceable switches. If you need many macro keys, you should choose this keyboard. You can have many custom commands with the five macro keys at the left edge of the keyboard and five more on the top. Additionally, you can access up to 40 macros with the four onboard profiles.
Mechanical switches are also included on this keyboard from Outemu. While Outemu offers Blue switches upon order, you can upgrade later to switches from Cherry or Outemu. With all these features at a reasonable price point, this is certainly an option for anyone looking for a mechanical keyboard with dedicated macro keys at a reasonable price.
KEY FEATURES
An additional media control panel and 10 macro keys
Ability to roll over in full
The wrist rest is magnetic plush
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Redragon
Wireless: No
Backlight: RGB
Media Controls: Yes
Battery: N/A
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Outemu Blue
Replaceable Keys: Yes
Number of Keys: 104 + 10
Keyboard Description: Full N-Key Rollover
PROS
Design that prevents spills and dust
Four profiles can be saved onboard
The switches are Outemu Optical Blue and clicky
CONS
The manufacturer does not offer switch options
Read more on Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $ 50. Also related: Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
6. Logitech G613
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You can connect two devices simultaneously with the Logitech G613, a wireless mechanical keyboard with macro keys. Its Bluetooth and Lightspeed technologies give you a wireless connection.
Switching between the Lightspeed connection and Bluetooth connection is as easy as pressing a button. A Romer-G Tactile mechanical switch is used for precision key presses, and the actuation is 1.5mm short, meaning you can move your keyboard much more quickly than your opponent.
In addition to providing up to 18 months of battery life, this keyboard is powered by two AA-sized batteries. The LED status indicator and G Hub software will alert you once the battery level reaches 15 percent. No worries about running out of power when you’re playing.
KEY FEATURES
Features Lightspeed Wireless Technology
Per-app assignable G-keys for ultimate customizability
Uses Romer-G Tactile switches
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Logitech
Wireless: Lightspeed Technology
Backlight: No
Media Controls: Yes
Battery: 2x AA
Num Pad: Yes
Switch Type: Romer-G Tactile
Replaceable Keys: No
PROS
Bluetooth-enabled
Battery life of 18 months
Affordable and wireless
CONS
Backlighting is not available
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Redragon K596 Vishnu~Best Gaming Keyboards With Macro Keys
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Redragon K596 Vishnu 2.4G Wireless/Wired RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
TKL keyboards aren’t often found with dedicated G-keys. After all, their purpose is to minimize the footprint of a keyboard. In general, dedicated macro keys are the first ones to suffer from such reductions. Despite this, the Redragon K596 Vishnu fulfills the need for a more portable keyboard with macro keys. Users can easily use shortcuts and commands without taking up too much desk space because of this design.
It is also wirelessly and wired compatible. You can connect your device to the USB-C cable to recharge it or to the Outemu Red Linear switch if you don’t like it. Also, you can replace the Outemu Red Linear switches, if you don’t like them. With the Redragon K596, you can choose between Outemu or Cherry switches. This gives you the choice.
KEY FEATURES
Portable tenkeyless form factor
Can be used in both wired or wireless modes
Ten dedicated G-keys
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Redragon
Wireless: Yes, 2.4GHz
Backlight: Yes
Media Controls: Yes
Battery: Rechargeable
Num Pad: No
Switch Type: Outemu Red Linear
Replaceable Keys: Yes
PROS
Includes magnetic wrist rest
Battery life up to 10 hours
Red Linear Outemu switches are replaceable
CONS
Profiles cannot be programmed
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FAQ~Best Gaming Keyboards With Macro Keys
Q: What Are Macro Keys?
By programming G1 to the copy shortcut, you will no longer need to press CTRL + C to copy an object. Entering G1 will execute the command automatically.
You can save time using macros because they eliminate the need to press multiple keys simultaneously to execute a command, which allows you to concentrate on the task at hand and save a few seconds when triggering actions. This may seem insignificant, but if you use it for productivity, you could save several seconds that can mean a great deal.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Hardware and Software Macros?
You can assign specific commands to hardware macros by assigning them to physical buttons. Macros can be stored onboard a keyboard, so you can use them on any device.
It is also possible to buy dedicated macro keypads or keyboards that allow you to execute complicated commands with a single button press. Using these will save you a lot of time when you are working on video editing or music production, where you need to run actions at your fingertips.
A software macro is a computer program that programs shortcuts for the execution of your commands. It can be a combination of keys, like CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + [ any other key ]. You can also use it to replace the function keys in your top row that you rarely use. Read more on Keyboard Buying Guide
Q: Are Macro Keys Cheating?
As a result, macros can provide players an automated advantage while playing. In general, it is illegal to use macros in esports. However, game developers want a level playing field, especially in competitions. Advanced macros will allow you to create actions that your opponents will never be able to catch up to. The use of macros should be a player’s choice.
It might be okay to use simple hardware macros (like reloading) if you’re just primarily interested in having fun. But if you have a serious intention, consider using advanced macros that reduce many steps into one, such as changing your weapon and building three walls. This will definitely reduce everyone’s enjoyment except for your own.