The answer to the question “Does a gaming keyboard matter on Reddit?” is a resounding yes. A gaming keyboard is a critical piece of hardware when it comes to playing games on Reddit. Not only does it provide a comfortable place to rest your fingers while gaming, but it also plays a role in providing both accuracy and speed while playing. This is especially the case when playing fast-paced, real-time strategy (RTS) games, as the right keyboard can make all the difference between success and failure.
A regular keyboard does offer certain advantages for gamers though; it is more widely available, more affordable, and more user-friendly than most gaming keyboards. However, gaming keyboards offer improved key switches and built-in macros that make gaming easier and more efficient. While regular keyboards have the same layout and usually offer around the same amount of travel per key, gaming keyboards typically feature mechanical switches that offer a more tactile response, more accurate key presses, and better durability over time.
Additionally, gaming keyboards often come with dedicated software that allows users to customize their keybinds and macros, allowing players to spend less time fiddling with their keyboard set-up and more time focusing on their games. Some gaming keyboards even come with features such as customizable RGB lighting and wrist rests, allowing gamers to purchase a gaming keyboard tailored to their individual needs.
In conclusion, a gaming keyboard is an invaluable tool for any competitive gamer who wants to maximize performance and stay at the top of the leader board. It can significantly reduce the time spent adjusting key binds and macros and provide an enhanced level of control and comfort. As such, a gaming keyboard can certainly be a worthwhile investment for any serious gamers on Reddit.
Types of Mechanical Switches
When shopping for a gaming keyboard, one of the most important things to look out for is the type of mechanical switch used. Mechanical switches are the underlying technology that “tell” the keyboard when you are pressing a key, and offer a much more tactile response when compared to traditional rubber dome switches. There are several different types of mechanical switches used in gaming keyboards, including Cherry MX, Kailh, and Gateron.
Cherry MX switches are the most popular type of mechanical switch for gaming keyboards, offering higher quality, better durability, and faster response times. Kailh switches are an economical alternative, offering faster speeds than Cherry MX switches but at a more affordable price. Gateron switches are a newer option that are designed to provide a smooth and tactile response, and come in both linear and clicky varieties. Having an understanding of the switch type used in a keyboard can be invaluable when trying to decide on the ideal gaming keyboard for your needs.
In addition to the type of switch used in a gaming keyboard, one should also look out for the actuation force and travel distance. Actuation force is the amount of force needed in order to register a keystroke, and the higher the actuation force, the harder it is to trigger the keys. Travel distance is how far the key must be pressed in order to register a keystroke, and a shorter travel distance can help to avoid fatigue while gaming.
Overall, a gaming keyboard is an integral part of any gamer’s arsenal, and understanding the type of mechanical switch used enables gamers to hone in on the perfect gaming keyboard to match their preferences and budget.
Unique Features
Modern gaming keyboards have all sorts of unique features designed to give gamers an edge, from customizable RGB lighting to dedicated software for advanced keybindings and macros. RGB lighting allows gamers to customize the look of their keyboard with a choice of different backlight color options, whether it be for aesthetic purposes or for better visibility in darkly-lit gaming setups. Dedicated software, meanwhile, can help to simplify the process of assigning keybindings and macros and also offers additional features such as game optimization, allowing gamers to use the same keybinds and macros across multiple games.
Another feature worth looking into on a gaming keyboard is a dedicated macro key. This is a key that can be programmed to automatically execute a series of different commands, allowing gamers to quickly respond to situations in-game without having to manually enter the same commands over and over again. This can be especially helpful for RTS games where players are required to quickly micromanage their armies, and having a dedicated macro key can mean the difference between success and failure.
Other optional features such as wrist rests, dedicated media keys, and USB passthroughs can also come in handy, allowing gamers to adjust the position of their keyboard as well as control their media and access their USB devices without having to leave the keyboard. Ultimately, the type of features a gaming keyboard includes should depend on the individual gamers needs and budget.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the nature of gaming, having a durable keyboard is important to ensuring years of good performance. Mechanical keyboards are typically considered the most reliable type of keyboard when it comes to durability, thanks to the robust and responsive mechanical switches they include. However, even these keyboards require regular maintenance in order to keep them working properly.
The first step to maintaining a gaming keyboard is to ensure that it is always kept clean. Accumulated dirt, dust, and oils from our hands can wear down the mechanical switches over time, so keeping the keyboard free from any dirt and debris is essential. Cleaning the keyboard itself is relatively easy, as all one needs to do is unplug it, use a light damp cloth (or an air compressor in more serious cases) to remove any built up debris, and then allow it to dry.
In addition, it is also important to install any available firmware or driver updates for the keyboard as they can help to improve performance and reliability. The good news is that most gaming keyboards can now be updated via their dedicated software, making it easy to keep them up to date.
Finally, it is also important to account for personal usage habits when shopping for a gaming keyboard. If you are someone who prefers softer keys with a larger travel distance, then you should look into a gaming keyboard that offers softer tactile switches. Similarly, if you are someone who likes to use a lot of macros, then you should look into a gaming keyboard that offers more macro keys and more advanced software.
Price
When shopping for a gaming keyboard, price is always a factor, and thankfully gaming keyboards come in a wide range of different prices to suit all budgets. Mechanical gaming keyboards generally start from around $50 and can go up to several hundred dollars for the more high-end models, such as those from the likes of Corsair, Razer, and Logitech.
By and large, the more money you spend on a gaming keyboard, the better the experience you can expect. Higher-end gaming keyboards typically offer better key switches, more features, and improved build quality. However, that’s not to say you can’t find a great gaming keyboard on a budget.
There are a number of good quality budget gaming keyboards available now, such as the Cooler Master’s CK530, which offers many of the features found on the higher-end gaming keyboards, including mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and dedicated software, all for under $80.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what features are most important and which are not, as there is no single “right” gaming keyboard for everyone. Taking the time to research different models and read online reviews can help to narrow down the list of contenders and ensure you get the best possible gaming keyboard for your needs.
