The modern age of gaming has brought many notable innovations. In recent years, gaming keyboards with additional features have become popular for playing PC games. These keyboards allow for increased precision and dexterity when playing, making them a must-have for experienced PC gamers. But what if you want the same advantage when playing on a laptop? Can you use a gaming keyboard with a laptop?
The simple answer is yes, however, it requires a bit of work. A laptop’s design is not as well suited to fit a large gaming keyboard as a desktop’s is. However, you can purchase an adjustable laptop stand or desk in order to fit the gaming keyboard comfortably. Additionally, depending on the gaming keyboard you purchase, some may come with a wrist rest or adjustable feet which can help make the keyboard more comfortable for gaming.
Now that you understand how to fit the gaming keyboard to your laptop, let’s talk about the steps you can take to prepare the laptop for your gaming keyboard. First, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct drivers and software installed. Most gaming keyboards require a software package that allows you to customize the keyboard’s functions. This package will often come with the gaming keyboard itself or you can usually find it on the manufacturer’s website.
Once you have installed the software and drivers, you’ll want to set up the laptop’s settings. Some gaming keyboards come with their own customizable settings, so you’ll want to make sure you have the correct ones set up. Additionally, you’ll want to check the laptop’s power settings and ensure that the laptop doesn’t “sleep” after a certain amount of time. Otherwise, the keyboard will become unresponsive, making it very difficult to game.
Finally, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the gaming keyboard. Different gaming keyboards come with their own unique functions and capabilities. You should also get used to the layout of the keys and the ergonomic design of the keyboard. This will ensure that you can get the most out of the keyboard during your gaming sessions.
Gaming Keyboard Comfort
Comfort is a major factor when using a gaming keyboard with a laptop. As we mentioned before, you’ll need a laptop stand or desk in order to get the keyboard to a comfortable height. Additionally, you may want to look into purchasing a wrist rest or adjustable feet in order to make the keyboard more comfortable. Wrist rests are designed to decrease fatigue while playing, while adjustable feet give you the ability to adjust the height of the keyboard to your liking.
Utilize the Keyboard Shortcuts
Gaming keyboards often come with a plethora of key combinations and shortcuts that can make gaming much easier. This includes shortcuts for navigating menus, changing weapons, and more. Spend some time getting familiar with the shortcuts and key combinations of the gaming keyboard and use them during your gaming sessions. This will give you an advantage over your opponents and help you play more efficiently.
Customize the LED Lights
One of the more popular features of gaming keyboards is the ability to customize the LED lights. With this feature, you can change the color of the keys and make it easier to see while playing in the dark. This is especially useful if you play late at night or in low-light environments. Spend some time getting familiar with the LED lights and customize them to your liking.
Cable Management
No matter how feature-packed or ergonomic your gaming keyboard is, it won’t be of much use if it’s a mess of tangled cables. If you’re using a wired gaming keyboard, you will need to spend some time managing the cables. Take some time to organize the cables and make sure they stay out of the way of your gaming keyboard and laptop. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally kick a cable during a gaming session.
Regular Maintenance
Finally, it’s important to take some time for regular maintenance of your gaming keyboard and laptop. Make sure you’re regularly checking for any loose connections or cables that may come undone. Additionally, check for any dust or dirt that may have built up on the keyboard or laptop. This may interfere with the gaming keyboard’s performance and you don’t want that. So make sure to regularly clean your gaming keyboard and laptop to ensure optimal performance.
