Gaming Keyboards: Five Listings Compared by Connection, Switches and Layout

ByKen

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A gaming keyboard is the part of a setup you touch most, and the five listings here differ in the choices that matter. Two are wired full-size or near-full-size boards, one is a 60 percent board with magnetic switches, one is a 75 percent wireless board, and one is a wired model from a gaming brand with a classic layout. They differ in how they connect, which switch they use, how many keys they have and which devices they name. Those details decide where the keyboard works and how it feels under the fingers, so this guide compares them.

Quick answer

Start with the connection. Two listings are wired and work on a desk without charging, while the AULA F75 Pro connects by 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or USB-C and is rechargeable. Then check the layout. The listings range from a 104-key full board to a 60 percent layout that drops the number pad and function row. Last, check the switches. The Razer BlackWidow V4 X names yellow linear and silent switches, and the AULA WIN68 HE uses Hall effect magnetic switches. Check the compatible devices too, since some boards name PC only.

How we chose

Each entry uses the product details saved for the listing: connection technology, switch type, keyboard description, backlighting, compatible devices, included components and the title. The guide reports these figures as the listing states them. It does not describe how any switch feels, how loud it is in use, or how long the battery lasts on the wireless model.

What we could not verify

Typing feel, noise and key durability are not tested here. Some listings name switch types only in the title, and the guide reports those names as the seller gives them. Some listings name a battery or a hot-swap feature, and the guide does not confirm the runtime. Where a field is missing from the saved data, the guide leaves it out.

The five listings

SteelSeries Apex 3 gaming keyboard, black, wired, water resistant with wrist rest

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a wired black keyboard with a gaming description. It lists compatibility with Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox Series S and X, PS4 and PS5, which makes it one of three boards in this group whose listing names a console. The special features name water resistance and a wrist rest, and the backlighting color support is RGB. A wired board needs no charging, and the water resistance helps if a drink is spilled near the desk. View the SteelSeries Apex 3 on Amazon.

Razer BlackWidow V4 X mechanical gaming keyboard, yellow switches, black

The Razer BlackWidow V4 X is a wired PC keyboard with yellow linear switches, which the title describes as linear and silent. The keyboard has Chroma RGB backlighting, doubleshot ABS keycaps, a roller and media keys, and sound dampening with stabilizers. The switch type field reads linear. A linear switch has no tactile bump, which many players prefer for fast, repeated key presses. View the Razer BlackWidow V4 X on Amazon.

AULA F75 Pro wireless mechanical keyboard, 75 percent, hot-swappable, with knob

The AULA F75 Pro is a 75 percent wireless mechanical keyboard. It connects over 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 or USB-C, and the special features name backlighting, hot-swappable keys, programmable keys, rechargeable power and a volume roller. The color field reads F75 Pro black. A 75 percent layout keeps the arrow keys and a compact function row, which saves desk space while keeping most keys. The hot-swap feature lets you change switches without soldering, if the switch type is compatible. View the AULA F75 Pro on Amazon.

Redragon K521 rainbow LED gaming keyboard, 104 keys, wired mechanical feel

The Redragon K521 is a wired black keyboard with 104 keys and a rainbow LED backlight. Its connection is USB-A, and the compatible devices name a laptop and a PC. The special features name backlighting and a quiet design, and the included components name a USB cable and extra keycaps. The 104-key layout is a full board with a number pad, which suits a player who uses the keys on the right side of the keyboard. View the Redragon K521 on Amazon.

AULA WIN68 HE mechanical gaming keyboard, 60 percent, Hall effect magnetic switches

The AULA WIN68 HE is a 60 percent wired keyboard with Hall effect magnetic switches, according to the title. Its connection is USB-C, and the special features name backlighting, hot-swap support, portability and programmable keys. The backlighting color support is RGB, and the color field names a standard black version. A 60 percent layout drops the function row and the arrow cluster, which leaves more desk space for the mouse. Hall effect switches use a magnet to read key travel, which many boards in this class use for adjustable actuation. View the AULA WIN68 HE on Amazon.

A comparison by connection, layout and switch

Keyboard Connection Layout or keys Switch as listed Backlight
SteelSeries Apex 3 Wired Not stated Not stated RGB
Razer BlackWidow V4 X Wired USB Full board with media keys Yellow, linear and silent Chroma RGB
AULA F75 Pro 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 75 percent Hot-swappable Backlit
Redragon K521 USB-A 104 keys Not stated Rainbow LED
AULA WIN68 HE USB-C 60 percent Hall effect magnetic RGB

Connection, layout and switch are the three columns to compare first. Only the AULA F75 Pro is wireless, and the AULA WIN68 HE is the smallest layout.

Wired or wireless

A wired keyboard needs no charging and has no battery to run out in a match. The AULA F75 Pro is the only wireless board here, and its listing names a rechargeable battery. The wireless connection frees the desk of a cable, but check the charge time and battery life on the product page before a long session.

Layout and desk space

A full layout with 104 keys includes a number pad, which takes up the most room. A 75 percent or 60 percent layout keeps the main typing area and the arrow keys, and drops the function row or the number pad. The Redragon K521 is the full layout in this group, and the AULA WIN68 HE is the smallest.

Checks to make before you order

Check the compatible devices. The Razer and Redragon listings name PC or laptop use, and the SteelSeries board also lists consoles.

Decide the switch feel, and compare the linear switch of the Razer with the Hall effect switches of the AULA WIN68 HE.

Confirm whether you need a number pad. The layout decides how much desk space the keyboard takes.

Which keyboard suits which player

For a wired board that works with a console and a PC, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is the option to compare. For a PC player who wants linear switches, the Razer BlackWidow V4 X is the match. For a wireless board with a knob and hot-swap keys, the AULA F75 Pro is the one to look at. For a full layout at a lower price point, the Redragon K521 is the choice. For a small desk with magnetic switches, the AULA WIN68 HE is the option.

Cleaning and care

Unplug a wired keyboard before cleaning, and turn off a wireless board before wiping it. Remove dust between the keys with a soft brush, and wipe the keycaps with a damp cloth. Keep food and drinks away from the board, even on a water resistant model, since the rating in a listing is the seller’s figure.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 60 percent keyboard hard to use?

A 60 percent board drops the function row, the arrow cluster and the number pad. Players who use a layer for those keys adapt quickly, but the layout is not for everyone.

Do I need a wireless keyboard for gaming?

A wired board avoids battery charging and wireless lag concerns. The AULA F75 Pro is the wireless option in this group.

What does hot-swappable mean?

A hot-swappable board lets you change the switches without soldering. The AULA F75 Pro and AULA WIN68 HE list hot-swap support.

Sources

Connection types, switch types, layouts, backlighting and compatible devices come from the listings. Switch feel and key durability are not tested.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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