If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup, buying a gaming keyboard is often a great choice. With a gaming keyboard, you can take your gaming experience to the next level with features like Macro support, backlighting, Customizable Keys, and More. But, with so many gaming keyboards available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the top things to consider when deciding what gaming keyboard to buy.
Research the Types of Gaming Keyboards Available
Before you buy any gaming keyboard, it’s important to understand the different types of gaming keyboards available. There are full-sized gaming keyboards, with full-sized dimensions and a full layout of keys, as well as more compact keyboards with a smaller footprint. In addition, there are wired and wireless gaming keyboards and even gaming keyboards with mechanical switches.
Determine Your Budget
The next thing to consider is your budget. Gaming keyboards can range from $30 to over $200, so it’s best to decide how much you can afford and then narrow your search to gaming keyboards within your price range.
Read Reviews
Once you have an idea of what type of gaming keyboard you’re looking for and your budget, it’s time to start reading reviews. Look for honest, unbiased reviews from people who have actually used the gaming keyboard. Pay attention to key features like responsiveness, feedback, key layout, build quality, and aesthetic.
Consider Your Needs
Before making your final decision, make sure to think about your needs as a gamer. Will you be playing games that require complex combinations of keys, like MMOs or MOBAs? If so, then look for gaming keyboards with customizable keys. Do you want your gaming keyboard to have backlighting and special effects, or are you looking for something more utilitarian? Take your needs into consideration when making your purchase.
Check the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Finally, make sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty before buying any gaming keyboard. Many gaming keyboards come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, but some have longer warranties. Read through the warranty to make sure it covers the type of gaming you’ll be doing.
Assess Your Existing Setup
When evaluating gaming keyboards, it’s important to assess your existing setup as well. If you already have a mouse, headset, or other peripherals that you use regularly, make sure they’re compatible with the potential gaming keyboards you’re considering. You may also want to look at buying a gaming keyboard and mouse combo, which can save you some money.
Look at Extra Features
Finally, you’ll want to consider any extra features you may want in your gaming keyboard. Does the keyboard have anti-ghosting or N-key rollover? What kind of software does the keyboard come with? Do the keys have macro support? If you’re looking for more than just a basic gaming keyboard, it’s important to look for gaming keyboards with extra features.
Check Compatibility with Your Gaming System
Most gaming keyboards will be compatible with both PCs and Macs, but make sure to double-check. Some gaming keyboards may also require a driver or software to be installed, so make sure that your system can handle the software before investing in a gaming keyboard.
Look for Durability
Finally, make sure to check for durability when shopping for gaming keyboards. Gaming keyboards can take a lot of wear and tear, so look for gaming keyboards with reinforced chassis and robust construction that can hold up to use and abuse. That way, you’ll get the most out of your gaming keyboard.
Understand the Different Switches
When shopping for gaming keyboards, it’s important to understand the different types of switches available, as each type of switch offers a different feel and type of feedback. The most common switches are mechanical, membrane, and optical switches. Each switch offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to read up on all of them and decide which type of switch you prefer.
Look for Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort and ergonomics are also an important factor when buying a gaming keyboard. Make sure the gaming keyboard you buy has adequate wrist rest, leg room, and adjustable heights and angles. Many gaming keyboards also come with removable keycaps, so you can customize the look and feel of your keyboard.
Research Key Rollover and Registeration
Finally, make sure you understand key rollover and registration before buying a gaming keyboard. Key rollover and registration refer to how many keys can be pressed simultaneously and how quickly commands and inputs are registered by the keyboard. Usually, higher key rollover and registeration means better performance, so make sure to look for gaming keyboards that offer higher key rollover and registeration.
