Fortnite players know that precision and timing are everything, so finding a mechanical keyboard that enhances these elements is a surefire way to level up your playing.
As one of the most popular games out there, you can gain an advantage by using a keyboard with a quick actuation and reaction time, but you have to know exactly what you are looking for.
Today we will dive into a list of five keyboards that we think are perfect for playing Fortnite.
Let’s get started!
| The Award | The Keyboard | The Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Best All-Around Keyboard for Fortnite | Ducky One 2 Mini |  |
| Best Full-Sized Keyboard for Fortnite | Corsair K70 Rapidfire |  |
| Best Compact Keyboard for Fortnite | Razer Huntsman Mini |  |
| Best Low-Profile Keyboard for Fortnite | Logitech G815/915 |  |
| Best Budget Keyboard for Fortnite | Tecware Phantom |  |
1. Ducky One 2 Mini: Best All-Around Keyboard For Fortnite
To kick off our list we have the Ducky One 2 Mini, a 60% keyboard that has made a name for itself in the mechanical keyboard community. Though an older keyboard, the One 2 Mini remains one of the best choices for gamers for its powerful firmware and high-quality build.
With an all-plastic case, you might be worried about this keyboard flexing with use. However, I’ve found this keyboard to be sturdy and it has no give when I try to bend it between my hands.
Helpfully, this keyboard has kickstands with two levels to choose from if you ever want to adjust the height.
The One 2 Mini has a detachable cable, which is convenient for travel or if you have a custom cable you want to use. However, this keyboard does not have Bluetooth, which is a feature that is increasingly available on keyboards at this price point and lower. If you are looking for a keyboard for Fortnite though, this might not be much of an issue. Many people prefer to play games with their keyboard wired as there are often latency issues when using Bluetooth.
The Ducky One 2 Mini has a pretty standard all-black look, but there are definitely options to add some color. For one, this keyboard has RGB backlighting, with tons of modes and effects you can enable. It’s always fun to have RGB lighting when gaming because it can really enhance the ambiance.
A few colorful keycaps are also thrown in as extras with the One 2 Mini, which you can easily put on the keyboard to have it stand out. The spacebar has a zodiac design on it that is also unique.
The keycaps on the One 2 Mini are made of PBT plastic, the best keycap material out there. PBT keycaps are durable and resistant oil and grime.
There are tons of switch options to choose from with this keyboard, with lineups from Cherry MX and Kailh. It is super nice to have so many choices, ensuring that you can get the exact feel you are looking for. For gaming, I would recommend the linear switch options but it is ultimately up to your preference. For Cherry MX, the options are Brown, Blue, Red, Black, Silver, and Silent Red. The Kailh options are Speed Pro Burgundy, BOX White, and Speed Copper.
The One 2 Mini doesn’t have any software to accompany it, which may be a bummer for those who like to make changes in lighting and key functions with the visual interface. With this keyboard, you can make all changes onboard, which I honestly think is more convenient than having to download and navigate software.
The DIP switches on the back of the keyboard allow you to quickly switch to a different mode, such as enabling the Windows Lock key function. The One 2 Mini also has mouse functionality onboard, meaning you can move the cursor around and make right or left clicks all by pressing keys on the keyboard.
Unfortunately, if you are a Mac user the Ducky One 2 Mini will not be compatible. Many mechanical keyboards can operate with both Windows and Mac, so this is definitely a major downside to the One 2 Mini.
The One 2 Mini has remained a no-fail option for gamers, as it is an excellent compact and high functioning keyboard. Even though it has withstood the test of time, I would still like to see the features of Bluetooth and hot-swap in the future. If you would like to purchase or find out more about this keyboard, you can check it out here.
- Brand new bezel design and Dual layer PCB
2. Corsair K70 Rapidfire: Best Full-Sized Keyboard for Fortnite
Next up we have the Corsair K70, an option for those who want loads of functionality out of a keyboard. This keyboard comes in at a higher price point, but it is fully equipped for high level gaming.
As a full-sized keyboard, the K70 is going to take up a lot of desk space and won’t be the easiest to pack up and carry around with you. But in exchange, you get a full set of keys including the number pad. This keyboard also has dedicated media keys, a volume scroll wheel, and buttons to adjust brightness, enable Windows lock, or change between profiles.
The K70 has an aluminum frame, so it is weighty and inflexible. Aesthetically, this keyboard looks like a “gaming” keyboard from the font used for the keycap legends. Corsair even includes some additional WASD that are light grey and textured, keycaps for keys used specifically when gaming. The spacebar and QE are also textured, but they are black to match the rest of the keyboard.
This keyboard is not wireless, so there is a braided USB cable that comes out of the center-back of the keyboard. There is also a cable management system to route the cable in a manner that suits your desktop.
Cherry MX speed switches are used on the K70, which as you can expect from their name actuate much faster than other types. In a game like Fortnite where speed and precision key, these switches are really great to have.
If you’ve ever struggled with wrist soreness from typing or playing games, the wrist rest included with the K70 is a game changer. For some, a wrist rest provides a lot of comfort, but for those who find it as annoyance it can be detached easily.
The K70 also has a pretty comprehensive software called iCUE, which you can use to customize the RGB lighting or macros. The iCUE works with most Corsair products, so you can have a whole setup programmed to your liking.
Another feature of the K70 that comes in handy is the USB passthrough. If you want to plug in a mouse, headset, or even charge your phone, you can do it directly from your keyboard.
Many aspects of the Corsair K70 are tailored for gamers, but this keyboard would also be great for homework, number entry, programming, or any use. It is comfortable, multifunctional and simply a great investment for a serious gamer. This may not be the best choice for those who like to bring their keyboard on-the-go with them, but it would be a perfect choice if you are looking for something to level up your setup. If interested, you can find the Corsair K70 at a great price.
- Aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum frame, built to withstand a lifetime of gaming
- 8MB profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback allow access to up to three stored...
- Per key dynamic multi color RGB backlighting offers near unlimited color customization and control
3. Razer Huntsman Mini: Best Compact Keyboard for Fortnite
The Razer Huntsman Mini is another popular compact keyboard for gaming. What makes this keyboard different from most other 60% keyboards is that it has Razer optical switches, which actuate via light.
This keyboard has a solid build thanks to the aluminum top plate. As a compact keyboard, the Razer Hunstman Mini would be perfect for those who have a small desk or want to be able to fit their keyboard in their backpack.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has a detachable cable, but can not operate wirelessly. Even though I wish this keyboard had Bluetooth, it is still nice to have a detachable cable. The one included is braided and better than the majority of cables you get with a keyboard.
I found the stabilizers on the Razer Huntsman Mini to be a little rattily, and I think it mainly comes from the style used on this keyboard. Instead of having Cherry stabilizers, this keyboard has a unique Razer style that won’t support the traditional stabilizer-enhancing mods.
The optical switches available on the Huntsman Mini are Red, Purple, and Silent Red. The Red switches are linear and smooth, while the Purple ones are tactile and louder.
Now what makes optical switches different from mechanical switches? This type of switch was created to have a quicker reaction time and lower actuation distance than mechanical switches. Instead of the switch touching the electrical plate to actuate a response (as with mechanical switches), optical switches function with a light sensor when you press a key. In Fortnite, having a little more speed on your side may come in handy.
Over the switches are black doubleshot PBT keycaps, which are super simple and have easy-to-read legends. As mentioned earlier, PBT keycaps are the preferred keycap material, as keycaps made from ABS plastic tend to be flimsier and attract oils.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is not suitable for Mac users. While would probably work with a Mac just for typing purposes, you will definitely lose a lot of the keyboard’s functionality.
The Razer Synapse software that is compatible with this keyboard only works with Windows 7+. Through the software, you can program the keyboard’s layers and make lighting adjustments, all of which are essentials Mac users would miss out on.
If you want to give optical switches a try with Fortnite, the Razer Hunstman Mini is a favorite among gamers. The poor stabilizers and Mac compatibility are areas that need more work, but otherwise, this keyboard is well-loved for its RGB, strong build, and fast actuation. If you want to check out the Razer Huntsman Mini, you can find it here for a good price.
- Faster Than Legacy Mechanical Switches: Razer Optical switches use light-based actuation,...
- Ultimate Personalization and Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games,...
- Quality, Aluminum Construction: Covered with a matte, aluminum top frame for increased structural...
4. Logitech G815/915: Best Low-Profile Keyboard for Fortnite
The next keyboard we have is the Logitech G 815/915, another full-sized keyboard but with a low profile design. As a pricier option, the G815 is for those with a higher budget looking for a gaming keyboard.
This keyboard can come in a version with Bluetooth (the Logitech 915), or you can opt for the lesser expensive one without (815). I’m glad that they offer the choice when it comes to this because some people don’t need/want Bluetooth and it makes the price more accessible.
The G815 is super thin, so even though the frame is made of metal it has a little bend to it. This shouldn’t cause any issues for you though while typing/gaming.
As this keyboard sits pretty low to your desk, it is nice that there are kickstands with two adjustment angles on the G815.
The keycaps on the Logitech G815 are made of ABS plastic, which was surprising given the price point of this keyboard. I was impressed at how nice they felt, they weren’t flimsy or cheap feeling. I have heard that some users accidentally broke these keycaps while trying to take them off, so that may be a potential problem area for this keyboard.
Three switch types are offered with the G815, all of Logitech design. The switches, one of each “feel,” are GL Linear, GL Tactile, and GL Clicky.
In addition to all of the standard keys you would find on a full-sized keyboard, the G815 has 5 macro keys on the right side of the keyboard. Using the Logitech G hub software, you can program these keys and many other aspects to personalize your keyboard.
The G hub software was easy to navigate, and through it you can play around with the RGB lighting to get your keyboard looking exaclty how you want it to.
If you recall, earlier in this article when Bluetooth was mentioned I said that it can often cause problems for gamers, and that it is usually better to game wired. The G915 is an exception- it has lightspeed wireless, which is much faster than the normal Bluetooth found on mechanical keyboards. This feature is what sets the Logitech G915 from other gaming keyboards, and why the price point is higher.
The battery life of the G915 is also admirable, as you can 30 hours without charging (and to charge all you need to do is plug into your laptop/computer USB).
All in all, the Logitech G815/915 is super impressive, so if you are looking for a low-profile keyboard to use for Fortnite I definitely recommend checking it out. If you want to play Fortnite wireless, the G915 is one of the few keyboards that would support that kind of gaming. If you think the Logitech G815/915 is the right keyboard for you, you can find it here on Amazon.
- LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords. Creates...
- LIGHTSYNC technology provides RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content. Personalize...
- Low Profile mechanical switches offers the speed, accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at...
5. Tecware Phantom: Best Budget Keyboard For Fortnite
Lastly we have the Tecware Phantom, a keyboard under $50 that brings its A game. With RGB lighting, smooth stabilizers, and hot-swap capabilities, this keyboard is an awesome budget find.
In terms of build, the Tecware Phantom holds up well due to its aluminum plate. Often budget keyboards will be made entirely out of plastic, so I was surprised at the nice build.
If the full-sized options on this list seem too big for you and the 60% boards not big enough, the Tecware Phantom is a happy medium at the tenkeyless size. TKL keyboards pretty much have everything a full-sized keyboard has, but it cuts the number pad.
This keyboard does not have a detachable cable, but there is a cable routing system to direct the braided cord out whichever side you like.
As expected with the price, the keycaps are made of ABS plastic on the Tecware Phantom. The type of keycap material doesn’t really affect how the keyboard works, but they are noticeably of lesser quality than PBT in terms of structure and feel. You will also have to clean ABS keycaps more often because they get oily.
As a plain black keyboard, I’m glad that the Tecware Phantom has RGB backlighting to brighten things up. The colors illuminate the keyboard and legends nicely.
The Tecware Phantom uses Outemu switches, which are a cheaper clone of Cherry MX. The colors available with this keyboard are Outemu Blue, Brown, and Red. I would definitely recommend choosing the Red if you want to use this keyboard for Fortnite.
I was happy to find that the stabilizers were great on this keyboard, super smooth with minimal rattling. This is another area where budget keyboards tend to lack and the Tecware Phantom exceeds expectations.
One of the most valuable components of the Tecware Phantom is the hot-swap feature. Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to change the type of switch you are using, which is extremely convenient if you want to be able to change the feel of your keyboard. The type of switch you use can define your entire keyboard experience, so being able to change them is indispensable.
The Tecware Phantom is a steal at its price, and would make for a great keyboard to use for Fortnite. It is a top gaming keyboard competitor at its price point because it offers so many features, so its worth checking out. If you want to purchase the Tecware Phantom of learn more, you can find it on Amazon for a good price.
- RGB BACKLIGHTING
- OUTEMU SWITCHES & Spare Switches
- FIBERGLASS PCB
The Best Switches for Fortnite
In determining the right switch type for you, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. Switch types are known for their “feel,” usually being one of the following types: linear, tactile, or clicky.
Linear switches are the predominant choice among gamers because they are very smooth and actuate swiftly. Tactile and clicky switches require more force to hit and have a tactile bump that can cause you to lose some speed. That being said though, there are a lot of gamers out there who like a switch with tactility.
While you can get linear switches with a heavier actuation force, for a game like Fortnite you might want to opt for a light switch that can be pressed and registered quickly.
As there are tons of different switch brands and colors, I won’t make recommendations for them all here. However, I will provide some guidance given the switch types offered with the keyboards I have included on this list.
Among the Cherry MX switch lineup, I find Red, Silent Red, Speed Silver, and Black to be the best choices for gaming. The Ducky One 2 Mini additionally has Kaihl switch choices, and the Speed Silvers are a great, less-expensive clone of the Cherry version.
You’ll definitely want to go for the Optical Reds on the Razer Huntsman Mini- the other option provided to you will be loud, clicky, and may be distracting while gaming. Your choices are also limited on the Logitech G815/915, but the GL Linear switches are the right move and many people love how they feel.
The Tecware Phantom only has a few Outemu options, and the Red would be the best choice for a gamer. However, I highly suggest ordering a set of higher quality switches given this keyboard is hot-swappable.
How a Mechanical Keyboard Can Improve Your Gaming Experience
The many mechanical keyboard fans (and addicts) out there aren’t obsessed for no reason, mechanical keyboards have a lot to offer in enhancing the gaming experience.
Mechanical keyboards often are designed ergonomically with user comfort in mind, so this is a major advantage over a normal keyboard considering how much time we spent typing/gaming. Have you ever been typing on your laptop and experienced hand cramps or wrist pain? Mechanical keyboards are rarely completely flat, they often have sculpted keycaps to rest your fingers and hands comfortably during use. It is also nice that most mechanical keyboards have kickstand adjustments (some even with two levels) to further alleviate strain.
Another advantage mechanical keyboards offer has to do with aesthetics. When gaming it can be really fun to have lights fit the ambiance of the activity you are doing. With RGB backlighting or even plain white backlighting, you can enable different modes that simply make the gaming experience more visually pleasing. The ability to change the backlighting is a level of customization you won’t find on normal keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards also have strong firmware, and often with a software accompaniment to make changes with the visual interface on your computer. As discussed in the article so far, with mechanical keyboards you can program key functions, macros, and modes to suit the game/s you like to play.
We also talked a lot about switch actuation in this article, and this is where a mechanical keyboard can improve your gameplay. The response time of mechanical keyboards is generally much better than what you will get on your laptop or other keyboard, so this is why you’ll see most professional gamers with a mechanical keyboard.
Also with mechanical keyboards you have choices between different switch types, which allows more room to improve your Fortnite performance.
Conclusion
There are so many mechanical keyboards out there, and navigating all the options can become tedious. And if you don’t know what you are looking for, it can be even more frustrating.
When looking for a keyboard for Fortnite or other games, you want to make sure that the entire gaming experience is amplified. Most obviously you’ll want to have your performance optimized, but the ability to have modes, key functions, and specific lighting programmed can make playing more enjoyable.
I hope the options we provided give you an idea of what features and components available on mechanical keyboards are most useful for gamers. The keyboards on this list are all great choices, but if you want to do more research there are a ton more reviews and info articles on our website to help you!
Thanks for reading and good luck!