So, how do you understand which gaming keypad is truly worth your time in 2025? 🤔 As someone who has tested dozens of gaming keypads, from entry-level gadgets to professional eSports gear, I decided to create this ultimate tier list to help you out.
If you’re just like me—someone who loves tech, gaming, and especially keyboards—you’ll love this guide. Let’s dive deep, explore real insights, laugh a little, and geek out over the coolest gadgets of the year.
And hey, before anything else, here are some articles from my blog that go hand-in-hand with this one:
- Gaming Keyboards Ranked: From Budget to Pro-Level
- How to Optimize Your Keyboard for Competitive Gaming
- The Role of Keyboards in Competitive Esports

🕹️ What is a Gaming Keypad and Why Do People Use Them?
Let’s break it down in a super easy way. A gaming keypad is like half a keyboard, made specifically for gaming. It usually has a cluster of programmable keys, often RGB backlit, and ergonomically designed to fit your hand like a glove.
Think of it as a gaming controller made out of keyboard magic.
I personally started using keypads during my League of Legends and Valorant sessions, and honestly, they changed the game for me—literally. You get faster reactions, better macro control, and it just feels right.
🔍 Why Gamers Prefer Keypads:
- Compact Design: Easy to move, especially when space is tight.
- Custom Keys: You can assign game functions to each key.
- Ergonomics: They’re designed to reduce wrist strain (no medical advice here, just my experience).
- Special Features: Scroll wheels, volume knobs, built-in joysticks. Yes, for real.
Check out more about extra keys and their uses in one of my favorite blog posts.
🎯 Tier Criteria: How I Ranked These Keypads
This tier list is based on:
- Build Quality 🧱
- Responsiveness and Input Lag ⚡
- Customization Software 🛠️
- Comfort During Long Sessions 😌
- Overall Gaming Performance 🏆
And yeah, I also looked at reviews from real gamers, my own tests, and feedback from folks on forums like Reddit and Linus Tech Tips.
🏅 S-Tier Gaming Keypads (The Cream of the Crop)
✔️ Razer Tartarus Pro
This one’s a beast. With analog optical switches, you can control your movement speed like with a joystick. Insane, right?
- Price: $$$
- Why I Love It: Analog input + great build + Razer Synapse software = chef’s kiss.
- Learn More: Wikipedia on Keyboards
✔️ Azeron Cyborg
If you like sci-fi vibes, this one’s for you. It looks like something out of Cyberpunk 2077.
- Price: $$$$
- Unique Feature: 3D-adjustable layout
- Perfect for: MMO and RPG fans like me.

🥈 A-Tier Gaming Keypads (Amazing But Not Perfect)
✔️ Logitech G13 (Discontinued but Legendary)
If you can find it, it’s still a solid choice. Great keys, comfortable palm rest.
- Why It’s Here: Old but gold. RIP, Logitech.
✔️ Redragon K585 DITI
Affordable and functional. I recommend this to beginners or budget gamers.
- Price: $
- Pros: Great value, decent software
- Read this next: Gaming Keyboard Myths
🥉 B-Tier Gaming Keypads (Decent, But You Could Do Better)
✔️ Delux T9
It’s okay, but the key layout takes time to get used to. Plus, no software customization.
- Best For: Casual gamers
- Why It’s Here: Build quality isn’t top-tier.
✔️ GameSir VX2 AimSwitch
Cool idea with wireless console compatibility, but a little meh for PC use.
- Better Alternative: Use a full mechanical board.
🚫 C-Tier Gaming Keypads (Skip These Unless You’re Curious)
- No-name Amazon Brands: You’ll know them when you see them. Lots of RGB, not much else.
- Old Chinese OEM Models: No software support, bad key travel, and ghosting issues.
These might look flashy, but they won’t last—and your fingers deserve better.

📊 Gaming Keypad Tier Table (2025)
Tier | Keypad | Highlights | Price |
---|---|---|---|
S | Razer Tartarus Pro | Analog input, premium design | $$$ |
S | Azeron Cyborg | Sci-fi style, fully adjustable | $$$$ |
A | Logitech G13 | Reliable classic | $$ |
A | Redragon K585 DITI | Budget-friendly, solid for beginners | $ |
B | Delux T9 | No software, decent build | $ |
B | GameSir VX2 AimSwitch | Console-focused, PC use limited | $$ |
C | No-name Amazon models | Flashy but unreliable | $ |
C | Generic OEM keypads | Poor durability, ghosting issues | $ |
See More
- Best Mac-Friendly Keyboards for iOS and Xcode Developers
- QWERTY Layout Explained: Why It Was Designed This Way
- QWERTY vs. Colemak: The Battle for Typing Efficiency
🧠 Final Thoughts: Are Gaming Keypads Worth It in 2025?
Totally! But only if you get the right one for your needs. If you’re a competitive FPS player, go S-Tier. If you’re just getting into MOBAs or RPGs, A or B Tier could be more than enough.
Personally, I can’t go back to a full-sized keyboard for gaming anymore. Once you feel the speed and control of a keypad, it’s really hard to un-feel it.
Want to explore more game-optimized keyboard ideas? Read this deep dive: The Best Switches for Rapid Typing and Gaming.
If you liked this article, don’t forget to share it with your gaming buddies or leave a comment below 🗨️ letting me know which keypad you’re using right now!
Wanna explore more content like this? Here’s a super cool one to check out next: The Psychology of Keyboard Preferences: What Your Choice Says About You
➡️ Oh, and don’t forget to browse through Wikipedia’s page on gaming keyboards if you want even more background info.
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