There is no definitive answer to the question of how much you should spend when purchasing a gaming keyboard. Each person’s ideal keyboard configuration and budget requirements may be different. Before you can accurately answer this question, you need to consider your needs and what features are integral to having a successful gaming experience. It’s important to understand that price does not always equate to quality, so it’s best to look carefully at what you’re getting for your money.
When it comes to gaming keyboards, the most important factor to consider is responsiveness. A great gaming keyboard should have anti-ghosting technology and an appropriate polling rate to make sure the keystrokes or commands you input are recognised and returned quickly and accurately. Many keyboards also come with backlighting technology, additional programmable buttons, and a handy wrist rest. You should also consider the durability of the keyboard before making a purchase. High-end keyboards usually come with increased durability, but are often more expensive than entry-level keyboards.
Next, you should look at how much you’re actually going to use your gaming keyboard. If you’re someone who mainly uses the gaming keyboard for your professional life, then you may want to invest in a model that is durable and versatile, such as those with mechanical switches. However, if you’ll only be gaming occasionally and you don’t need a lot of features, then saving money by purchasing a cheaper option may be more advantageous.
Finally, you should also think about aesthetics. Do you prefer an aesthetic that stands out or something more subtle? Consider what kind of design you’d like for your gaming keyboard and choose one that suits your preferences. Gaming keyboards come in a range of colours and styles, so it’s easy to find one that fits into your setup.
Durability
Durability is another crucial factor to consider when buying a gaming keyboard. Typically, keyboards with mechanical switches are more durable, as they are designed to withstand heavy use. They also come with extra features such as active anti-ghosting, where the keys remain responsive up to a certain level of simultaneous keystrokes. Additionally, some gaming keyboards come with double-shot keycaps, which are specifically designed to be more durable than single-shot keycaps and won’t wear easily.
Some gaming keyboards also come with a detachable wrist rest for extra comfort and support. While wrist rests only improve the ergonomics of a gaming keyboard, they are not essential and you can save money by opting for a keyboard without one. Ultimately, you want to choose a model that’s tough enough to withstand extended use and won’t require replacing anytime soon.
Features to Look For
A gaming keyboard should be able to do more than just register your keystrokes accurately and quickly. If you wish to get the most out of your gaming experience, you should look for models that have additional features. For example, some gaming keyboards come with dedicated media keys, extra programmable macro buttons, and backlighting. Dedicated media keys allow you to quickly adjust audio and video settings, such as controlling the volume or pausing a video game.
Programmable macro buttons can also be useful for gamers. These buttons can be programmed to perform a combination of keys instantly and are ideal for executing common commands or text-entry-intensive tasks such as entering a chat code quickly and easily. Backlighting is great for using a gaming keyboard in dark environments. Nowadays, RGB lighting is common, allowing you to set a desired mood and colour scheme.
Finally, if you’re someone who enjoys customising the look of your gaming keyboard, you may want to look for a model that offers keycaps that you can swap out. Keycaps are panels that cover individual keys and can be changed out to enhance the look of your gaming keyboard.
Type of Keys
When looking for a gaming keyboard, you should also take a look at the type of keys it supports. For example, membrane keyboards are common and well-suited for casual gamers, as they are relatively affordable. However, they don’t offer the same performance levels as mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, mechanical keyboards offer better responsiveness and a crisper typing experience, as each key is supported by an individual switch.
These switches come in different varieties, such as Cherry MX Browns, Reds, Blacks, and Blues. Each type offers a unique set of features, such as clicky or tactile feedback. Some keyboards also come with semi-mechanical ‘hybrid’ switches, which are a midway point between membrane and mechanical key switches. Ultimately, you should select a keyboard with the type of key switch that is most suited to your gaming requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, answering the question of how much money you should spend on a gaming keyboard depends on your individual needs. You should carefully consider the features, durability, extra features, aesthetics, and type of key switch before making a decision. However, it is important to remember that price does not always equate to quality, so it is best to look carefully at what you’re getting for your money.
