When it comes to gaming, what sets a good gaming keyboard apart from the rest? In this article, we delve into the features that make gaming keyboards unique, from the ergonomic designs to the customizable macros and lighting. To understand why gaming keyboards are such an important part of the gaming setup, we’ll take a closer look at the features that give them the edge.
Ergonomic Design
Most gaming keyboards offer an ergonomic design that reduces strain on the wrists, hands, and neck. This design often includes a wrist rest made of comfortable material that reduces the fatigue that gamers can experience after hours of intense gaming sessions. Keycaps with a higher profile and greater tactile feel can add grip and reduce slips when gaming, as well as providing additional comfort. Aftermarket keycaps are also available to upgrade gaming keyboards.
Gaming keyboards usually also feature a multi-media friendly control panel that eliminates the need to switch between applications and adjust the volume or other functions of the computer. This makes the gaming experience much simpler, as the control panel can do it all from one place.
In addition, gaming keyboards may have a shorter travel distance for their keys, offering gamers more responsiveness and quicker response times. This can be a huge advantage for gamers who rely on a quick reaction time in games.
Finally, many gaming keyboards include anti-ghosting, a feature that detects multiple keys being pressed at the same time and makes sure only the intended keys are registered. With anti-ghosting, gamers won’t have to worry about pressing the wrong key while they’re playing.
Customizable Macros and Profiles
Gaming keyboards often come with customizable macros, which are chains of commands that can be triggered with a single keystroke. This makes gaming simpler, as players can quickly and easily activate their frequently used app features such as weapon commands, movement commands, and more without having to memorize complex combinations of keys. These macros can be customised and stored in onboard memory, allowing gamers to quickly switch between different profiles.
Additionally, many gaming keyboards have customizable lighting, which allows gamers to choose the colors and lighting effects that best match their setup. And some keyboards come with software that allows gamers to further customize their macros and profiles, making the gaming experience much more personalised.
For PC gamers, gaming keyboards can also offer USB ports, allowing them to plug in microphone headsets and other gaming accessories right onto the keyboard rather than having to plug them into the CPU.
Finally, some gaming keyboards come with specialised software that allows gamers to make use of statistical analysis and customise their keybinds even further. This allows gamers to maximise their performance in competitive gaming by closely monitoring and adjusting their keybinds quickly and easily.
Durability and Quality
Last but not least, good gaming keyboards must be high quality and durable. While some gaming keyboards are built with plastic frames, enthusiasts may be drawn to the more durable aluminum-framed gaming keyboards. Not only are these keyboards more attractive, but they are also more resistant to wear and tear, making them a better investment for gamers who plan on using the keyboard for a long time.
The quality of the switches can also make a big difference in both the feel and the longevity of the gaming keyboard. Mechanical switches are widely accepted as the best type of switches for gaming keyboards as they offer a great tactile feel and are much more durable than membrane switches.
Gaming keyboards also often feature tougher keycaps that are resistant to wear, making them last much longer than traditional keyboards. And some keyboards come with double-shot keycaps, which has the letters molded into the plastic rather than printed, making it much harder for the letters to fade over time.
Finally, the best gaming keyboards come with a good warranty that covers defects and replaces the keyboard in a timely manner.
Cord Length and Connectivity
The cord length is another important consideration when buying a gaming keyboard. USB-C cables are ideal as they are much thicker than the older USB 2.0 cables. This will make sure your data transfer is more reliable and less likely to be interrupted.
Wireless gaming keyboards are also becoming increasingly popular and offer gamers more flexibility in their setup. These keyboards feature a USB dongle that plugs into the computer and connect to the keyboard via Bluetooth or a proprietary RF connection.
And many gaming keyboards offer a range of connectivity options, such as PS/2, USB, and even Bluetooth, so gamers can plug in their gaming keyboard and begin playing right away.
Finally, gaming keyboards may also feature audio and microphone jacks, allowing gamers to plug in their headset right into the keyboard, eliminating the need for an extra adapter or separate USB port.
Price
When it comes to gaming keyboards, the price range can be quite wide. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good gaming keyboard. Good gaming keyboards can be found for around $50 to $100, depending on the features and type of switches. Of course, more features such as customizable lighting and programmable macro keys can push the price tag up, but gaming keyboards in this price range offer good value and don’t sacrifice quality.
Conclusion
Gaming keyboards offer a range of features to enhance the gaming experience, such as ergonomic designs, customizable macros, and durable keycaps. On top of that, many gaming keyboards offer a range of connectivity options, audio and microphone jacks, and specialized software, all with a price tag that won’t break the bank. With all these features, it’s no wonder gamers are drawn to gaming keyboards.
