10 Best Illuminated Keyboards 2026 in the United States

The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard stands out with its 10-zone RGB illumination, allowing for vibrant color effects that add a cool look to your setup without overwhelming complexity. You can expect adjustable brightness levels to tailor the lighting to your environment. Its whisper-quiet gaming switches are designed to be silent while still providing a tactile feel, which is great if you want quiet operation during long gaming or work sessions. The build quality is solid, featuring an IP32 water resistance rating that helps protect against accidental spills, making it more durable than many typical keyboards. A premium magnetic wrist rest is included, offering comfortable palm support, which is a nice bonus for extended use. Additional features like dedicated multimedia controls make adjusting volume and settings quick and easy without leaving your game or workflow. Compatibility is broad, covering Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.

On the downside, the keyboard uses a wired connection, which might not suit those looking for wireless convenience. Also, while the 10-zone RGB lighting is attractive, it doesn’t offer the per-key customization some advanced gamers might prefer. This keyboard is well-suited for gamers and everyday users who want a quiet, durable keyboard with good lighting and comfort features but do not require ultra-high-end customization.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard is a strong contender for gamers seeking customization and speed. With OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches, it offers an impressive 40 levels of per-key actuation, allowing users to tailor key sensitivity to their preferences. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming, where rapid response times can be crucial. The rapid trigger mechanism further enhances performance by reducing latency, allowing for faster actuation than many traditional mechanical keyboards.

A standout feature is the OLED smart display, which provides quick access to information from games and apps, and pairs well with the media key and clickable metal roller for easy control. The RGB backlighting offers a broad range of color options, enhancing the visual appeal and allowing for personalized lighting setups. The keyboard's build quality appears robust, and the included wrist rest adds comfort for extended gaming sessions.

Additional features like USB passthrough are convenient for connecting other devices, adding functional versatility to the setup. However, the keyboard is corded, which might limit mobility for some users who prefer wireless options. The SteelSeries Apex Pro is highly rated, with 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 reviews, but it can be a bit overwhelming for users who are not deeply into gaming or those who prefer a simpler setup without numerous customization options. Therefore, it might be best suited for dedicated gamers or tech enthusiasts who can truly utilize its advanced features.

The Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical Wired Gaming Keyboard is designed with gamers in mind, offering a range of features that cater to intense gaming sessions. Key strengths include its dynamic per-key RGB backlighting, which provides customizable color options, and the programmable iCUE control wheel for enhanced lighting and media control.

The keyboard boasts a highly durable aluminum frame and PBT double-shot keycaps, ensuring longevity and a premium feel. The OPX switches are optical-mechanical, providing a responsive and fast key press suitable for gaming needs. Additionally, the keyboard features a 44-zone three-sided LightEdge for an impressive lighting experience.

Powered by CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, it delivers extremely fast throughput and key scanning, which can be a significant advantage in fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, there are some downsides to consider. The keyboard is relatively heavy at 2.9 pounds, which might not be ideal for users who prefer a lighter setup. Its large size (19.3 x 3.2 x 9.4 inches) may also be cumbersome for those with limited desk space. Furthermore, it is wired, which could be a drawback for users looking for wireless options. Despite these minor issues, the Corsair K100 RGB stands out as a robust and feature-rich choice for serious gamers looking for top-tier performance and customization.