Gaming keyboards are increasingly popular, as they provide advantages to gamers that regular keyboards do not. A gaming keyboard is specifically designed to improve your gaming performance and offer features that other keyboards don’t have. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing serious gaming for years, having the right keyboard is non-negotiable.
The biggest advantage of gaming keyboards is the number of keys available. Gamers have multiple commands they have to actuate quickly, so having more keys available allows them to do that more efficiently. These extra keys also come with labels, often with a different color than the other keys, making it easier to seek out the right one in a hurry.
Another advantage of gaming keyboards is the kind of switches used in them. Non-gaming keyboards typically use rubber-dome or scissor switches, which are fine for typing but not for gaming. Gaming keyboards use mechanical switches, which require less force to actuate. These switches also last longer since they register for around 60-70 million keystrokes, roughly five times as long as non-gaming keyboards.
Gaming keyboards also feature backlighting. This doesn’t necessarily affect gaming performance directly, but it does what it says on the tin – it lights up the keyboard. This is especially useful in dark conditions, making the keys easy to find without the need to look away from the game. A lot of gaming keyboards also allow you to customize the backlighting and have different light effect options.
Anti-ghosting technology is another must-have feature of gaming keyboards. The idea is to ensure that all keystrokes registered, no matter how many are pressed at once. Non-gaming and some gaming keyboards lack this feature, resulting in some keystrokes not being recognized when pressed simultaneously.
The build quality of gaming keyboards is also beneficial, as they’re often made from aluminum. Not only does this look and feel great, but it also makes them more durable and resistant to damage. Having a proper gaming keyboard takes gaming performance to the next level, so if you’re serious about gaming and spend a lot of time doing it, having the best gaming keyboard is essential.
Gaming Keyboard Features
Aside from the features mentioned above, gaming keyboards are also capable of additional functions, such as allowing for Macro commands to be programmed. Macro commands are useful for repetitive tasks such as crafting in-game items or for quickly entering multiple commands with a single press of a button. Additionally, gaming keyboards may have programmable key mapping, which lets you customize which command is mapped to which key.
In some cases, gaming keyboards also come with additional connections such as USB ports and audio jacks, which can be used to connect other peripherals without taking up additional space in your gaming setup. Finally, some gaming keyboards have removable wrist rests, too, which provide added cushioning and comfort while gaming.
Buying Considerations
When it comes to purchasing the best gaming keyboard, there are a few factors you should take into consideration — the two most important of which are budget and preference. If you’re looking for a budget keyboard, you’ll want to prioritize the features that are the most important to you and stick to those. However, if you have a higher budget at your disposal, you can get keyboards with more features, such as additional key mapping and macro commands.
The other consideration you’ll want to make is the kind of switch you prefer. There are three main types of gaming switches out there — linear ones, tactile ones, and clicky ones. Each of these offers different types of feedback when pressed and some people may find one type more comfortable than the others.
Wireless gaming keyboards are also becoming more and more popular, though they will cost a bit more. Aside from the obvious convenience of being wireless, they can also be more comfortable to use as there’s no cable in the way. Keep in mind, however, that they do require charging.
Cleaning Periodically
Apart from choosing the right gaming keyboard, it’s important to clean it periodically. As you use the keyboard, dust and other particles may accumulate in-between the keys. This can impede with the mechanical switches and make them less responsive. As such, it’s important to clean your keyboard every once in a while. You can do this by simply using a small brush or compressed air can.
Depending on how often you use your gaming keyboard, it’s recommended to clean it at least once a month. This will help keep the keyboard’s switches operating as intended and prevent dust from obstructing them. It’s also important to avoid spilling anything on the keyboard and make sure not to put it in a place where direct sunlight hits it.
Cable Management
Wired gaming keyboards tend to have long cables which can become somewhat of a nuisance. To avoid this, it’s recommended to manage them properly and keep the wires neat and tidy. There are several ways of doing this, the simplest being to secure the wires against the wall or to use a cable management system that can be attached to the back of your desk.
Apart from avoiding tripping hazards and looking tidier, cable management helps with the ventilation of your PC setup as well. By not having a bunch of exposed wires, you ensure better air circulation and your setup’s components can benefit from that.
Consider Ergonomics
As gaming sessions can be quite long, it’s important to consider the ergonomics of the keyboard, too. Despite its aftermarket design, your keyboard should still provide a comfortable gaming experience. This means you should avoid keyboards with extra-long wrist rests if you don’t need them and you should keep an eye out for any kind of feature that would make gaming more comfortable.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a keyboard for typing too, you should go for one that has ergonomically designed keys. These keys feature a concave shape to help you orient your fingers and reduce strain, leading to a more comfortable typing experience.
Summary
Gaming keyboards offer a wide variety of features and can make all the difference when it comes to gaming performance. Before purchasing one, it’s important to look into the available features, the kind of switch being used, the connectivity options, as well as budget and preference. Additionally, peripherals such as wireless gaming keyboards are also a great option. Lastly, it’s important to manage cables properly and consider ergonomics as well, as this can lead to a more pleasurable gaming experience.
