The most used keyboards by CS2 players
The most popular keyboards are calculated based on 590 professional players.
Introduction
CS2 is a game where every little thing matters. The tiniest mistake can cause your team to lose a site and consequentially a round, and from there on out things can spiral out of control pretty rapidly. If you want to be at your best in a game like this it’s important to be using gear that doesn’t hold you back. We all know that a mouse is a vital piece of kit, but people often ignore the keyboard.
Getting the right keyboard for you can make your experience much more comfortable and it can even improve your performance if you’re coming from a regular old membrane keyboard.
To help you pick the right keyboard for CS2 we’ve been analyzing what the pros are using, and we came up with this list of the most used keyboards in the pro scene. We’ll go over each of them and give you a quick rundown of their features.
Our Guide
The Pro Usage Top 5 gets updated continuously and instantly so that you can always get an accurate overview of what the pros are using at any given time. In the body of the article itself, we go over the five most popular pro products in no particular order and, when relevant, we also give you some extra options in the form of products that fall just outside of the top 5 or are otherwise relevant.
What makes a keyboard good for CS2?
Counter-Strike might seem like a simple game on the surface but it really is anything but simple once you really start studying the game. If you’ve ever watched a professional match you have no doubt noticed just how smooth and natural the pros seem to glide around the map. That’s the result of hours upon hours of training, of course, but there’s another factor at play here: all professional players use a mechanical keyboard.
The reason for that is pretty simple; a mechanical board is much more responsive than a regular rubber dome board, meaning that it’ll allow you to be much more precise with your inputs, and we don’t have to tell you how much of an advantage that can give you. We’re not saying that getting a mechanical board is going to make you a pro player in a snap but there is a reason why all of the boards in this list are mechanical.
The advantages don’t end with the responsiveness. Due to the great variety of form factors and available switches with these boards it’s really easy to find a keyboard that suits your exact preferences, both when it comes to the size and the overall feeling of the board. Want clicky and tactile feeling switches? You got it. More of a silent switch fan? There’s multiple options there too. In short: going for a mechanical keyboard gives you a great array of options so that you can get an experience that’s tailored to what you want out of a keyboard.
As far as features are concerned: most of these boards are are pretty basic. There are no extra macro buttons or special add-ons because you simply don’t need it for a game such as CS2. It can be handy to go for a keyboard with a numpad if you’re someone who likes to have buy binds, but otherwise we would recommend you to go for a tenkeyless (TKL) or smaller model. The smaller form factor will give you more space on your desk for your mouse and the increased portability means that TKL boards are way easier to transport in case you’re someone who goes to LANs or tournaments quite often.
Logitech G Pro X Keyboard
Logitech’s G line of products is directed at professional and competitive gamers. In case you’re wondering what the ‘X’ does different than its predecessor: this is basically the same keyboard as the previous G Pro but the newest version has a hotswappable PCB, meaning that you can change switches without having to (de)solder.
The G Pro X is a very compact TKL keyboard with a detachable cable, making it easy to carry around. Aside from that it’s got a relatively small footprint with its thin bezels, and while the body is made out of plastic it is a sturdy board regardless, so you can definitely use this one as a travel type of board.
Because this is aimed at competitive gamers you won’t find any additional features such as a volume dial or media buttons. You get a button to turn on gaming mode (which disables the Windows button etc.) and a toggle to turn off the programmable RGB backlighting, and that’s pretty much it. That’s no problem for competitive gamers though, and the lack of fancy features or design elements makes this product rather friendly on your wallet. The option to change up the switches on a whim makes it a great board for people who like to switch it up every now and again, as a set of switches is cheaper than an entirely new board.
One obvious downside that also shows the age of this board a bit is that it connects via a Micro USB cable, meaning that you probably won’t be able to use any custom keyboard cables that you may have lying around.
If you want a compact hotswappable gaming keyboard that gets you into Logitech’s ecosystem, this is the one to look out for.
Logitech G Pro X Keyboard
Used by 70 CS2 players ()-
Aunkere
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Kvem
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wiz
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Buzz
❝What you’re getting is a solidly built gaming keyboard without any unnecessary frills that’ll last you a pretty long time and delivers everything you’d want out of a competitive gaming keyboard. Nothing more, but certainly nothing less either.❞
Pros
- Hot-swappable PCB means changing switches is very easy
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Keycaps don’t feel very premium
- Non-standard bottom row means that switching out keycaps can be a hassle
Specs
| Form Factor | TKL |
|---|---|
| PCB | Hotswappable |
| RGB | Yes |
| Height | 3.5cm |
| Width | 36cm |
| Length | 15.5cm |
| Weight | 980g |
HyperX Alloy FPS
A lot of mechanical gaming keyboards try to dazzle you with extra features and impressive RGB backlighting, but the HyperX Alloy FPS doesn’t do all that. It’s made for (as the name obviously suggests) serious FPS gaming. It’s made out of a solid steel frame and it has a detachable cable (even on the full size version, which is somewhat of a rarity) so it’s going to be plenty durable and portable for the traveling gamer.
While there’s no RGB show to be found here there’s still (red) backlighting so that you can see what you’re doing in dark environments. The board also has full N-key rollover (NKRO) so that you’ll never have any issues with keys not registering, no matter how many you’re pressing at the same time. The bezels of the board are almost non-existent as well so that the footprint of this board remains minimal (even for a full sized plank) so all in all you can say that this keyboard definitely is made for serious competitive gaming.
It’s not the one to get for gamers who like to tinker with their keyboards (on the performance side or the hardware side) but if you don’t care about all that then you can go for the Alloy FPS.
HyperX Alloy FPS
Used by 22 CS2 players ()-
stanislaw
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REDSTAR
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XigN
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hutji
The HyperX Alloy FPS was made as a minimal-distractions board that’s aimed towards competitive gamers who want a reliable mechanical gaming keyboard without any unnecessary frills, and this full-sized keyboard is exactly that.
Pros
- Straightforward design
- Detachable cable
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Red backlighting only
- Very limited customization options
Specs
| Form Factor | Full Size |
|---|---|
| Switches | Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Blue |
| PCB | Non-Hotswappable |
| RGB | No |
| Height | 3.5cm |
| Width | 44.2cm |
| Length | 13.0cm |
| Weight | 1100g |
Logitech G915 TKL
The G915 TKL is a perfect keyboard for those who want to cut the cord and/or for people who want to also bring their keyboard to work, college, or what have you without it looking out of place. This is helped by the fact that it can connect via Bluetooth and, as such, to multiple devices without having to reconnect or switch the receiver. The G915 TKL is rocking Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless, ensuring a completely hassle-free and flawless connection at all times.
The G915 TKL not only looks sleek, it also feels sleek due to its low profile design. If you feel like regular keyboards are too high or you get wrist pains using regular boards, it can be a good idea to look towards Low Profile options. All of this comes in a package complete with media controls, a volume rocker, and gaming controls, making this a great ‘battlestation’ type keyboard for the gamer on the go. It does charge via Micro USB though, which is a downside in today’s market.
If you want a full-featured and wireless TKL keyboard that won’t look out of place in a work or school environment due to its sleek low profile design, the Logitech G915 TKL could be an option.
Logitech G915 TKL
Used by 38 CS2 players ()-
ScreaM
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device
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tudsoN
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steel
❝The G915 TKL is a great wireless gaming keyboard, and due to the underlying tech (Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology ensures a lossless and hassle-free connection) it’s one of your only options on the market today if you’re a serious gamer with a desire to cut the cord. All of that comes at a price though, so if you don’t really care about the wireless aspect there are plenty of other options to look at from Logitech and other brands that’ll be a bit friendlier on your wallet.❞
Pros
- Flawless wireless connection
- Sturdy build quality
- Looks sleek and modern
- Included media keys and volume rocker
- Multi-device connectivity thanks to BT and USB connection options
Cons
- Expensive
- Keycaps aren’t the best
Specs
| Form Factor | TKL |
|---|---|
| Switches | GL Clicky, GL Tactile, GL Linear |
| PCB | Non-Hotswappable |
| RGB | Yes |
| Height | 1.9cm |
| Width | 36.7cm |
| Length | 15.1cm |
| Weight | 814g |
Xtrfy K2 RGB
Xtrfy keyboards have been a favorite in the Counter-Strike scene for years, and despite full sized boards falling out of favor with professional gamers (across all games), the K2 RGB still makes the list due to its reliable build quality and lightning-fast performance.
The K2 RGB comes with super-scan technology for a faster response, and while all quality mechanical gaming keyboards are fast enough to for gaming purposes it is remarkable how fast the K2 feels thanks to the combination of that technology and the Kailh Red switches.
While this is not the one to go for if you like a lot of portability and a compact design, the Xtrfy K2 is a great choice for people who are looking for a smooth and fast full sized mechanical gaming keyboard.
Xtrfy K2 RGB
Used by 16 CS2 players ()-
malta
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tenzki
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bondik
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ISSAA
❝This keyboard doesn’t offer a whole lot when it comes to features or any premium additions such as a wrist rest or whatever, but it does what it sets out to do beautifully; it’s a great keyboard for gaming and it’s a joy to look at.❞
Pros
- Responsive, fast-feeling keyboard
- Keycaps could be better
Cons
- No software to customize lighting
- Cable routing channels on the bottom
Specs
| Form Factor | Full Size |
|---|---|
| Switches | Kailh Red |
| PCB | Non-Hotswappable |
| RGB | Yes |
| Height | 14cm |
| Width | 44cm |
| Length | 14cm |
| Weight | 1211g |
SteelSeries Apex Pro
When SteelSeries first announced the Apex Pro line, their unique selling point was their OmniPoint switches. These are switches that can be customized by the user, meaning that you can choose the actuation point yourself. This is interesting because it allows you to have different profiles for different games, and you can even set different keys to be more (or less) sensitive than others. If that’s something that sounds like it interests you the Apex Pro is a fantastic keyboard to consider.
The OmniPoint switches steal the show (as a bonus they’re also quite smooth and thus pleasant to use) so if you don’t really care for this feature it can be a good idea to look towards some other boards, since the Apex Pro does come with a premium price tag.
If you’re looking for a keyboard that you can tweak to match your exact playing style (down to setting the exact sensitivity on a per-key basis) then the Apex Pro line should be on your radar.
SteelSeries Apex Pro
Used by 14 CS2 players ()-
Mercury
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somebody
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Stewie2k
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BnTeT
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a keyboard that’s focused on gamers who try to min-max everything. With its customizable switches, you could set your reload key to require a lot more force in order to actuate than your movement keys, giving you a way to customize the board to match your exact playing style.
Pros
- Customizable actuation point for the switches
- Included wrist rest
- USB passthrough
- Volume wheel feels nice to use
- Cable routing options on the bottom
Cons
- Subpar keycaps
- OLED screen feels a bit like a gimmick
- Only the main cluster of keys has OmniPoint switches
Specs
| Form Factor | Full Size |
|---|---|
| Switches | OmniPoint |
| PCB | Non-Hotswappable |
| RGB | Yes |
| Height | 4.36cm |
| Width | 43.7cm |
| Length | 13.9cm |
| Weight | 970g |
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
If you want to experience an extremely fast gaming keyboard with some extra luxury additions, the Huntsman V2 TKL might be right up your alley. It houses Razer’s Linear Optical switches, which feel smooth and extremely responsive, and to top it all of it is capable of polling rates of up to 8000Hz.
It’s not only about performance, though: the board also feels really nice to use thanks to the PBT keycaps and the included wrist rest. The stabilizers aren’t the greatest, but aside from that this is a nice mix between performance and comfort, and if you’re looking for a Razer keyboard for CS then this is one of the better ones to get right now.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
Used by 22 CS2 players ()-
ropz
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neaLaN
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dennis
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TMB
The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is a great gaming keyboard for people who want a speedy board. The smooth optical switches combined with a polling rate of up to 8000Hz make this one of the fastest-feeling gaming keyboards out there.
Pros
- Feels very fast and responsive for gaming
- Included wrist rest is comfy and feels high quality
- Sturdy build quality
- PBT keycaps
- Opto-mechanical switches are very smooth
Cons
- Stabilizers aren’t the best
- Wrist rest doesn’t attach magnetically like it does with the full size version
Specs
| Form Factor | TKL |
|---|---|
| Switches | Razer Linear Optical |
| PCB | Non-Hotswappable |
| RGB | Yes |
| Height | 3.3cm |
| Width | 33.5cm |
| Length | 14.2cm |
| Weight | 907g |
Logitech G715
The G715 is a TKL keyboard that’s very much focused on dreamy aesthetics, and you can take that quite literally as it comes with a cloud-shaped wrist rest. Logitech sells a bunch of customization packs for this board, meaning that you can change the top plate as well as the keycaps so that the board fits your personal aesthetic, and that combined with the RGB lighting that runs across the bottom of the board makes this a sight to behold, if you’re into that type of look.
It’s not all about looks, though. The board runs on Logitech’s flawless LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, giving you lag-free wireless connectivity, and it comes with PBT keycaps, making for a pleasant typing and gaming experience.
This is certainly not a board for the budget-minded people who just want a performance-focused product, but if you’re attracted to this type of design it’s a very alluring option.
Logitech G715
Used by 39 CS2 players ()-
m0NESY
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b1t
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meyern
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w0nderful
The G715 is wireless gaming keyboard with unique looks that you can customize even further due to the swappable top plates.
Pros
- Customizable top plate + keycaps
- Flawless wireless connection
- Included wrist rest
- Underglow lighting looks great
- PBT keycaps
Cons
- Expensive
- Looks won’t be for everyone
Specs
| Form Factor | TKL |
|---|---|
| Switches | GX Blue Clicky, GX Red Linear, GX Brown Tactile |
| PCB | Non-Hotswappable |
| RGB | Yes |
| Height | 3.8cm |
| Width | 37cm |
| Length | 15.7cm |
| Weight | 975g |
The Best Keyboard for CS2 – Conclusion
Counter-Strike is a simple game, at least when it comes to the basic gameplay. You have no abilities and you don’t need to build stuff or any of that, so you don’t need a super decked out board to play this game. The pros opt for minimal keyboards, with a sturdy build quality and a small footprint. That’s important because tournament desks often don’t allow for much room, so getting an absolutely massive board can be detrimental to their performance.
Most of the popular gaming keyboards used to be full sized boards, and that could’ve been because of the fact that Counter-Strike is such a customizable game that the numpad can become a handy addition instead of something that’s in the way. You can make buy binds, for example, and bind them to the keys on your numpad. These days we see the professional CS players moving towards smaller boards though. Of course the size of your keyboard is down to personal preference, but it’s an interesting development regardless. We hope that this list has been informative for you.
If you have any questions, remarks, or comments, please feel free to reach out to us!
