Holiday Guide: Gaming Keyboards and Mice — Best of 2025
Here are GamingTrend's picks for your next gaming keyboard and mouse!
Editorials
Lets be honest, that keyboard and mouse you received with your pre-built desktop was outdated before it went in the box. As cool as the RGB is, you need something better. There are a ton of gaming keyboards and mice out there, and we've compiled a list of our favorites below. Check them out to know what to ask for when mom goes Black Friday shopping!
SteelSeries
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
David Burdette said, "The best just gets better. SteelSeries Apex Pro is already the premiere keyboard on the market, so refining it a bit was the right decision. Adding a full company of new functionality via software is a genius move, almost like injecting nitrous into a Lamborghini Aventador. It’s already a blisteringly fast car, and that boost just makes it even faster."
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 gaming keyboard review — Riding on nitrous
My desk generally features a lot of SteelSeries devices. Even so, I do get gear that I like a bit better, and switch devices out regularly. I’ve really loved my Apex Pro keyboard, however, and even after reviewing a few other great keyboards I’ve always gone back to
David Burdette
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Richard Allen said, "SteelSeries has again shown why they are so highly regarded in the PC peripherals market with the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Keyboard. It offers immaculate performance while also looking great on a computer desk. The quality and performance of this gaming keyboard more than justifies its cost, and I would highly recommend it to anybody looking to upgrade their setup."
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Keyboard and Aerox 3 Wireless Ultra Lightweight Mouse review — SteelSeries again proves why they are a leader in the peripherals market
I’m not what you’d call picky when it comes to the keyboard and mouse combo I use on a daily basis. I am a gamer, but the PC has never been my console of choice. While I’ve often admired the sleek looking mouse and keyboards I’ve
Richard Allen
SteelSeries Aerox 3
David Burdette said, "It’s hard to pick a gaming mouse with the plethora of options out there, but SteelSeries Aerox 3 wireless gaming mouse makes things easy. Being great for your budget, comfortable to grip, operating with precision, all while being a centerpiece on your desk makes the Aerox 3 my favorite new gaming mouse. You win yet again SteelSeries."
SteelSeries Aerox 3 wireless gaming mouse review — My new favorite gaming mouse
I’ve always thought SteelSeries mice were great, but the Aerox 3 is on another level
David Burdette
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2
David Burdette said, "SteelSeries update for the Rival 3 is a hit. For anyone looking for a terrific yet cost-effective gaming mouse, the Gen 2 can serve whatever purpose you need it to in both wired and wireless variants. Between helping you accomplish daily tasks and gaming prowess, you’re all set with a Rival 3 Gen 2."
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 gaming mice review — Flyweight competitor
The Rival 3 Gen 2 provides excellent value despite entry-level status
David Burdette
SteelSeries QcK Performance mousepads
David Burdette said, "I never thought a mousepad could be optimized. But, the wizards at SteelSeries have figured out exactly how to do just that. Each QcK Performance mousepad – Balanced, Speed, and Control – have their place and gives the benefits they’ve been designed for. If SteelSeries can get some new colors and collaborative designs going, it’ll be hard to keep them on the shelves."
SteelSeries QcK Performance mousepads review — The unsung hero on your desk gets an upgrade
Somehow, SteelSeries has built a mousepad that can elevate your game
David Burdette
Razer
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL
David Burdette said, "The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL is one of the best gaming keyboards I’ve used so far. With a phenomenal feel for gaming (although everyday typing could be improved), you’ll find it hard to take it off your desk. If you’re looking for customization and personalization, and being able to fine-tune your settings via the keyboard itself or software, the Huntsman hits the target dead center."
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL – Counter-Strike 2 Edition review — Breath of fresh fire
Smoother than an AWP shot
David Burdette
Razer BlackWidow V4 Mini HyperSpeed
Cassie Peterson said, "The Razer BlackWidow V4 Mini’s ergonomic design and other features provide a good balance of customization options and performance optimization, making it a worthwhile investment. The switches can be a little tough to switch out, but the fact that it’s even an option is pretty amazing. The battery life estimation is also a little concerning since I’ve already had to recharge the keyboard a couple times even though it’s not been used that heavily."
Razer BlackWidow V4 Mini HyperSpeed review — Unlocking more potential
I’m not 100% converted to TKL keyboards, but we’re headed the right direction.
Cassie Peterson
Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro
David Burdette said, "Even if you’re not an esports legend, the DeathAdder V4 Pro will upgrade your desk. Featuring a responsive and precise sensor which must be tamed as you master it, Razer’s premiere gaming mouse offers one of the most comfortable mouse grips on the market. Pair that with 8K polling, excellent battery life, and plenty of Synapse support, and you’ll be ready to take on the best in the game of your choice."
Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro gaming mouse review — Full of venom
It wasn’t broken, but Razer took time to refresh the DeathAdder into a dangerous addition to your desk
David Burdette
Razer Cobra (and Gigantus V2 – XXL mousepad)
David Burdette said, "Razer’s pair of mouse and mousepad are a fantastic match on your desk. The Gigantus is a comfy mousepad with plenty of fashion and function. Adding the Cobra to the equation gives you a superb budget offering that is more than meets the eye. Getting into a first-rate mouse and mousepad doesn’t generally come at less than $100, but with Razer, it can."
Razer Cobra gaming mouse and Gigantus V2 – XXL mousepad review — Coiled and ready to strike
Razer’s mouse and pad combo are lethal
David Burdette
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL
David Burdette said, "Turtle Beach’s Vulcan II TKL gaming keyboard is a stupendous option for anyone looking for a quality gaming keyboard. While it may take a moment to acclimate to, especially for typing, the wealth of features and phenomenal precision when gaming make this a great choice. Your desk is in good hands with Turtle Beach’s latest updates."
Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL gaming keyboard review — A logical choice
Turtle Beach makes a compelling argument for your desk space with this keyboard
David Burdette
Turtle Beach Vulcan II Pro TKL
David Burdette said, "A brand name swap doesn’t change how great the Vulcan keyboard line is. Turtle Beach made the right call to keep things going with the Vulcan II TKL Pro, a standout addition to the Vulcan family. It’s stunning in design, responsive in performance, and loaded with great customization. If you’re looking for a stellar gaming keyboard at a reasonable price, the Vulcan II TKL Pro is a great choice."
Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Pro gaming keyboard review — Live long and prosper
About two years ago, I reviewed the ROCCAT (the original makers of these keyboards before being acquired by Turtle Beach) Vulcan II Max. What’s funny is it wasn’t in the original request, as I was asking about a headset they had just released. Little did I expect that
David Burdette
Turtle Beach Burst II Pro
David Burdette said, "The Burst II line has reasserted itself in the battle for my desk. Turtle Beach’s Burst II Pro lights up the competition with expertly implemented 8K polling, precision from their Owl-Eye optical sensor, and impressive battery life. It may not look like much, but the Burst II Pro is the burst you need."
Turtle Beach Burst II Pro gaming mouse review — The burst you need
8K polling rate improves an already great mouse
David Burdette
Turtle Beach Burst II Air
David Burdette said, "It may not look like much, but the Burst II Air comes to work and does its job, and it does it phenomenally. With crisp cursor movement and button clicks, along with exceptional battery life, the Burst II Air is a fantastic gaming mouse for anyone."
Turtle Beach Burst II Air wireless gaming mouse review — Blue-collar burst
Something that goes unnoticed a lot of times in PC gaming is a good mouse. I think plenty of people find great ones, but if you’re like me you get stuck with whatever specific one you use and that’s it. There are a lot of smaller companies replicating
David Burdette
Corsair
Corsair K65 Plus wireless (and MM300 mousepad)
David Burdette said, "Corsair has made a believer out of me. The K65 Plus is one of the best keyboards I’ve ever used. There’s a natural flow to the keyboard as you use it, along with a comfort level I don’t find many places. Add in incredible levels of function, smoothness, lighting, and battery life, and it takes the cake as a contender for best PC accessory. Adding an MM300 mousepad with it is just icing on said cake."
Corsair K65 Plus wireless keyboard and MM300 mousepad review — Dynamite comes in small packages
I tend to gravitate towards full-size keyboards. It’s probably the ten keys, but there’s a safety I feel with them that’s engrained in me. Hence, even if I use a great TKL keyboard, there’s more than a good chance I’ll go right back to my
David Burdette
Logitech
Logitech G515 RAPID TKL
Joe Morgan said, "The Logitech G515 Rapid TKL is a premium low-profile gaming keyboard that looks great, feels great, and offers fantastic customization through Logitech’s G Hub software. If you’re in the market for a high-end gaming keyboard, I’d strongly encourage you to consider the G515 Rapid TKL."
Logitech G515 RAPID TKL review — The premium low-profile option for gamers
The go-to low-profile keyboard for high-end gaming
Joe Morgan
Logitech Pro X Superlight DEX
Joe Morgan said, "The Pro X Superlight DEX is a fantastic lightweight mouse that offers comfort, performance, and nice, long battery life. With 8000 Hz wireless polling and up to 44,000 DPI (yes, you read that right), this 60 gram beast is sure to provide a satisfying, comfortable gaming experience for anyone willing to give it a chance. It’s handily earned its place as my new weapon of choice."
Logitech Pro X Superlight DEX review — A lightweight, wireless marksman
Impressive performance and comfort without all the cables
Joe Morgan
NZXT
NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL
David Flynn said, "Small, compact, and convenient, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard won’t revolutionize your computing experience, but it will give you a lot more room on your desk. It’s highly customizable and feels good to use, at least for short periods of time."
NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Keyboard review — A softer typing experience
I’m very particular about keyboards. I always prefer a full sized keyboard, complete with a num pad, and want the switches to be loud and proud. While others may find the clicking and clacking of keyboard keys while typing distracting or frustrating, I love the loud sound of a
David Flynn
NZXT Lift Elite
David Flynn said, "The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Mouse is a nice, subtle device that’ll feel at home when gaming or at the office. Using it both wired and wirelessly is great, but hiding the documentation in the product page can hide key features. Even so, it’s a good choice for someone who needs both options and wants something very lightweight."
NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Mouse and Mousepad review — Light and speedy
Most people seem content with laptops and tablets, but personally, I need a desktop computer. A big reason behind that is gaming, yes, but it also helps a lot to have work stuff in a specific place that I cannot move. It lets me more easily take breaks without being
David Flynn
Thanks for checking out all our recommendations for your holiday shopping! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
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