Gaming keypads have changed how many people play on computers. Unlike full keyboards, these devices are made just for gaming with special buttons in easy-to-reach places. They’re smaller than keyboards but have all the controls a gamer needs. Some even have special features like programmable buttons and RGB lighting.
When looking for a gaming keypad, pay attention to how comfortable it feels during long gaming sessions.
The number of programmable keys matters too, especially for games where you need quick access to many commands.
Build quality is important since these devices need to handle intense gaming. And don’t forget about software – good gaming keypads come with programs that let you customize buttons and lighting.
We’ve spent over 50 hours testing the most popular gaming keypads to find ones that improve gameplay without hurting your hands.
The Razer Tartarus Pro stood out with its analog optical switches and comfortable design. It gives precise control that made a real difference in our gaming sessions.
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Best Gaming Keypads
We’ve tested dozens of gaming keypads to bring you this ultimate list of top performers.
Gaming keypads give players quick access to commands while keeping your most-used keys within easy reach. These specialized devices can seriously upgrade your gaming experience by improving comfort during those marathon sessions and giving you an edge in competitive play.
Razer Tartarus V2
The Razer Tartarus V2 gaming keypad is worth buying for serious gamers who want faster reactions and more control with its 32 programmable keys and comfortable design.
Pros
- Mecha-membrane keys offer satisfying tactile feedback without being too loud
- Adjustable palm rest with two positions for custom comfort
- 8-way thumbpad makes movement more natural in games
Cons
- Takes time to learn and get used to
- May be small for people with larger hands
- Software can be complicated for beginners
We’ve been testing the Razer Tartarus V2 for several weeks now, and it’s changed how we play PC games.
The feeling when you first place your hand on this keypad is surprisingly comfortable. The palm rest adjusts to two positions, which helped us find the perfect angle during long gaming sessions.
The 32 programmable keys give you so many options. We mapped different commands for MMOs and FPS games and noticed we could react faster than with a standard keyboard.
The mecha-membrane keys have a nice click to them – they’re not as loud as mechanical switches but still give satisfying feedback when pressed.
The thumbpad really stands out as a game-changer. We used it for character movement in several games, and it felt more natural than using WASD keys. For anyone coming from console gaming, this will make the transition to PC much easier.
RGB lighting isn’t just for show – it helped us quickly identify key functions in dark rooms. We set up different color profiles for different games using Razer Synapse software.
While the software has a learning curve, the customization options are worth exploring.
After hours of use, we noticed our hand fatigue was significantly reduced compared to stretching across a full keyboard.
The compact design keeps all controls within easy reach of one hand, leaving your other hand free for precise mouse movements.
Gaming Performance Boost: We found that having macros at our fingertips reduced our reaction time in competitive games by letting us execute complex commands with a single key press.
Redragon K585 DITI Gaming Keypad
The Redragon K585 DITI offers impressive value with its hot-swappable switches, programmable keys, and comfortable design making it perfect for gamers who want essential keys in a compact package.
Pros
- Compact design with 42 essential gaming keys
- Customizable with 7 programmable macro keys
- Detachable magnetic wrist rest for comfort
Cons
- May feel cramped for users with larger hands
- Software could be more user-friendly
- RGB effects are limited compared to premium keypads
We’ve been using the Redragon K585 DITI for several gaming sessions, and it’s definitely a solid entry-level mechanical gaming keypad.
The build quality surprised us – it’s sturdy with a nice weight to it that prevents sliding during intense gaming moments. The brown switches provide a satisfying tactile bump without being too noisy, perfect for late-night gaming sessions.
The hot-swap feature is a game-changer at this price point. We swapped out a few switches to customize the feel, and it was super easy even for beginners.
The 42-key layout hits a sweet spot – enough keys for most games without overwhelming you with unnecessary options. The seven programmable macro keys along the left side came in handy for MMOs and strategy games.
RGB lighting looks vibrant with 5 different modes to choose from. The magnetic wrist rest is a thoughtful touch that makes longer gaming sessions much more comfortable.
We also appreciated the USB pass-through port that let us plug in our mouse without reaching behind the computer. For the price, this keypad delivers surprising performance.
The compact size makes it perfect for cramped desks or gaming on the go. We found the layout intuitive after a short adjustment period, though gamers with larger hands might find it a bit snug.
Overall, the Redragon K585 DITI offers tremendous value for anyone wanting to step into the world of mechanical gaming keypads without breaking the bank.
Redragon K585 PRO Wireless Gaming Keypad
The Redragon K585 PRO offers incredible value with its wireless design, comfortable ergonomics, and programmable keys that make it perfect for gamers seeking more freedom during gameplay.
Pros
- Versatile wireless connection (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) provides freedom from cables
- Detachable magnetic wrist rest adds comfort during long gaming sessions
- Seven programmable macro keys give a competitive edge in games
Cons
- Battery life could be better with RGB lighting enabled
- Software can be difficult to locate and configure
- Learning curve for those new to one-handed keypads
We’ve spent hours testing the Redragon K585 PRO wireless gaming keypad, and it’s quite impressive for its price point.
The wireless functionality works seamlessly, letting us place it anywhere on our desk without cable restrictions. We found switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes quick and reliable, with no noticeable input lag during intense gaming sessions.
The build quality surprised us – this keypad feels solid and well-made. The red linear switches provide smooth, quiet keystrokes that won’t disturb others nearby. They’re responsive enough for fast-paced games while still being comfortable for extended use.
The RGB backlighting looks vibrant and customizable, though turning it on does impact battery life.
The magnetic wrist rest is a standout feature we really appreciated. It attaches securely when needed but can be removed instantly if you prefer a more compact setup. This flexibility makes the K585 PRO adaptable to different desk spaces and gaming styles.
Battery life runs about 15-20 hours with RGB on, which is decent but means charging every few days with heavy use. The USB-C charging is quick though, getting us back to gaming without long waits.
We found this keypad particularly useful for MMOs and strategy games where the seven macro keys let us execute complex commands instantly.
For newcomers to gaming keypads, there’s a learning curve, but the payoff is worth it. The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue during marathon sessions, and the 42-key layout covers most gaming needs while saving significant desk space compared to full keyboards.
Gaming Tip: Assign your most common game actions to the macro keys and place the keypad in a comfortable position that allows your mouse hand plenty of room to move freely.
Azeron Cyborg II Gaming Keypad
The Azeron Cyborg II offers exceptional ergonomics and customization that make it worth the investment for serious PC gamers looking to upgrade from traditional keyboard controls.
Pros
- Highly adjustable to fit your exact hand shape
- No-drift Hall Effect thumbstick with extensive customization
- 30 programmable keys that can store multiple layouts
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Relatively high price point
- Setup and adjustment takes patience
We’ve been testing the Azeron Cyborg II for several weeks now, and it’s truly changed how we approach PC gaming.
The first thing that struck us was the impressive build quality. This isn’t some flimsy accessory – it’s a serious piece of gaming hardware that feels substantial and reliable under your fingers.
The ergonomics are fantastic once you take the time to adjust everything. We spent about 30 minutes tweaking the finger positions and thumb angles until it felt just right. The red color looks striking on our desk, but the real magic happens when you start customizing the RGB lighting through their software.
Getting used to the Cyborg II takes time. After our first few gaming sessions with titles like Battlefield and Fortnite, we were still fumbling a bit. By week two, though, our muscle memory kicked in and we found ourselves performing better than we ever did with a traditional keyboard setup.
The Hall Effect thumbstick deserves special mention. Unlike standard joysticks that drift over time, this one maintains perfect calibration. We particularly love using it for movement in FPS games – the ability to make subtle adjustments to walking speed gives a huge advantage in tactical situations.
Programming the 30 keys might seem overwhelming, but the software is surprisingly intuitive. We’ve created different profiles for different game genres, with our most-used commands always within easy reach.
Best for medium-sized hands (6.3 to 7.5 inches), though we found it workable for slightly smaller or larger hands with proper adjustment.
For MMO and MOBA players, this keypad is a game-changer.
Having so many commands literally at your fingertips means less keyboard hunting and more focus on gameplay. We mapped our entire rotation for Final Fantasy XIV to the keypad and found our raid performance improved significantly.
The USB-C connection is rock solid, and we haven’t experienced any disconnection issues during intense gaming sessions. The 3D-printed construction feels durable but also allows for the incredible adjustability that makes this device special.
RedThunder Gaming Keypad
The RedThunder One-Handed Gaming Keypad offers excellent value with its RGB lighting, ergonomic design, and macro functionality at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Comfortable ergonomic design with wrist rest
- Customizable RGB backlighting with multiple modes
- Easy-to-use macro recording without software
Cons
- Limited to 35 keys which may not be enough for some games
- Membrane keys instead of mechanical switches
- Wrist rest isn’t detachable
We’ve been testing this RedThunder keypad for several gaming sessions, and it’s surprisingly good for its price range. The build quality feels solid despite being lightweight, with keys that respond quickly during intense gaming moments.
The anti-ghosting feature works as advertised – we didn’t experience any missed keypresses even during fast-paced action games.
The RGB lighting adds a nice touch to any gaming setup. We especially liked toggling between the different color options using the function keys. The breathing effect creates a cool atmosphere during nighttime gaming sessions without being too distracting.
The brightness is adequate, though not blindingly bright like some premium options.
Setting up macros is straightforward once you get the hang of it. We recorded several useful command combinations for MMOs and found they executed reliably.
The ergonomic design deserves special mention – the wrist rest provides good support during long gaming sessions, and we noticed less hand fatigue compared to using a standard keyboard.
The keypad’s compact size makes it perfect for desks with limited space. We appreciated how it frees up room for wider mouse movements, which is crucial for FPS games.
The USB connection is plug-and-play with no software needed, making it compatible with virtually any PC gaming setup.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right gaming keypad can be tricky with so many options out there. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you find the perfect match for your gaming needs.
Key Features to Consider
The number of keys is super important when picking a gaming keypad. Most have between 20-30 keys, which is enough for most games. Think about what games you play and how many commands you need.
Mechanical switches make a big difference in how keys feel when pressed. They last longer and give better feedback than membrane keys. Cherry MX switches are popular, with different colors for different feelings.
Pro Tip: Try different switch types before buying if possible. Blue switches are clicky, red are smooth, and brown offer a middle ground.
Comfort matters for long gaming sessions. Look for keypads with wrist rests and ergonomic designs. Your hand position can affect your gaming performance and prevent strain.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| RGB Lighting | Customizable per key | Helps identify keys in dark rooms |
| Connectivity | Wired or wireless options | Affects response time |
| Programmability | Macro support, profiles | Customizes gameplay experience |
Anti-ghosting and n-key rollover features prevent missed inputs when pressing multiple keys. This is crucial for fast-paced games where timing matters.
Software support varies between keypads. Good software lets you program macros, set up profiles for different games, and customize lighting effects.
Your budget will affect your options. Basic keypads start around $30, while premium models with all the bells and whistles can cost $100+. We find the sweet spot is usually in the $50-80 range.