Whether it’s for professional gaming or just for casual use, having a good gaming keyboard is essential to any gaming experience. A gaming keyboard is designed to help improve your overall gaming experience by providing you with a comfortable and efficient way to interact with your computer. Here are some of the factors that make a good gaming keyboard:
1. Durability – A gaming keyboard must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of gaming. It should be able to withstand wear and tear from continual use, as well as accidental spills and shocks.
2. Comfort – A good gaming keyboard should be comfortable to use. It should fit perfectly in your hand and have enough padding to ensure it doesn’t cause any strain on your palms or wrist.
3. Responsiveness – The keys on a gaming keyboard should have good tactile feedback and should respond quickly to user input. Response time and accuracy are particularly important when playing competitive games, as this will give you an edge over other players.
4. Macro Functions – For gamers who require complex inputs and macros, a gaming keyboard might be the best choice, as some models are designed with multiple programmable macro keys.
5. Ergonomics – As gaming can often be a long-term activity, it’s important to select a keyboard that is ergonomically designed. This will help to keep the user’s hands, wrists and arms in the correct positions and can help to alleviate some of the strain of extended gaming sessions.
6. Anti Ghosting – A gaming keyboard should also have some sort of anti-ghosting feature, which prevents multiple keystrokes from being registered when only one is pressed. This can help to prevent annoying mistakes when playing games.
7. Mechanical or Membrane – A gaming keyboard can be either mechanical or membrane. Mechanical keyboards have physical switches that allow for faster response times and more accurate tactile feedback. Membrane keyboards have a soft silicone top-layer and are cheaper, however they tend to offer less responsive keys.
Types of Switches
A gaming keyboard should have switches which are both reliable and durable. Today there are various types of switches which are designed for different gaming experiences. Below are some of the most popular switches used for gaming keyboards:
1. Cherry MX Switches – Cherry MX switches are the most widely used and well known mechanical switches used for gaming keyboards. They are rated in four varieties – red, blue, brown and black – each of which have slightly different tactile and audible feedback.
2. O-ring Switches – O-ring switches are noise dampening switches which fit around the stem of a keycap, reducing the sound of a clicky switch. They are usually used in quiet gaming environments.
3. Razer Opto-Mechanical Switches – Razer’s Opto-Mechanical Switches use optical light signals to detect keystrokes, allowing for faster actuation and higher sensitivity. They are designed to provide a light and responsive gaming experience.
4. Logitech GX Switches – Logitech’s GX Switches are designed for maximum responsiveness and durability, with an actuation force of just 50g and a life-span of up to 70 million clicks. They feature both tactile and audible feedback.
5. Kailh Box Switches – Kailh Box Switches are dust and water resistant switches that are designed to last more than 80 million keystrokes. They feature low actuation force and audibly noticeable feedback.
Backlighting and Illumination
For gamers who prefer aesthetic appeal and visibility, gaming keyboards should also feature some form of backlighting. Backlighting ensures comfortable and efficient key presses in dim light environments, as well as improves the overall look of a gaming keyboard. In some cases, illumination can come in the form of RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the colors and effects to their preferences.
1. LEDs – LEDs are the most common form of backlighting used for gaming keyboards. LEDs are cheap and provide a bright, even light. However, they usually only come in one color.
2. RGB Lighting – RGB lighting is the latest form of backlighting and can produce an almost limitless range of colors and effects. It is also more energy efficient than traditional LED lighting.
3. Backlit Keys – Some gaming keyboards have individual backlit keys, which can be programmed to show different colors or effects. This allows gamers to customize the look of their keyboard to their own unique preferences.
4. Keycaps – Keycaps can also be changed on gaming keyboards, which can alter the look and feel of the keys. Transparent and semi-transparent keycaps allow for maximum backlight visibility and illumination.
5. Macro Recording – Macro recording allows users to record a sequence of keystrokes, which can then be triggered by a single key press. This is useful for complex gaming actions and can help improve efficiency in competitive play.
Build Quality and Construction
As well as the features mentioned above, build quality and construction should also be taken into account when selecting a gaming keyboard. Gaming keyboards should be constructed from strong, durable materials that are designed to withstand heavy use. The keys should also be solidly attached to the keyboard frame and should not wiggle or move when pressed.
1. Keyboard Frame – The keyboard frame should be made from a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy impacts and prolonged use. Steel or aluminum are commonly used materials and are preferred over plastic, as they are much more durable.
2. Keycaps – Gaming keyboards should also feature keycaps which are made from strong, wear-resistant materials and can withstand heavy use. Keycaps should have a firm, comfortable grip and should be easy to press.
3. Key Switches – The switches underneath the keycaps should be reliable, with a good tactile response. Switches should also be rated for extended use and should not wear out quickly.
4. Wrist Rests – Wrist rests are important for long gaming sessions, as they help to alleviate strain on the wrist and hand. Wrist rests should be ergonomically designed and should be adjustable for added comfort.
5. Cable Management – Gaming keyboards should also feature some form of cable management, such as detachable cables, so that users can customize the length and positioning of the cables to their own preferences.
Price and Warranty
Finally, gamers should take into consideration the price and the warranty of a gaming keyboard. As gaming keyboards often come with a hefty price tag, it is important to ensure that you are getting the most value for your money. Additionally, some gaming keyboards come with a lengthy warranty, so it is worth checking in advance to make sure that the keyboard you are buying has a solid warranty.
1. Price – Gaming keyboards can be expensive and the price can vary widely between brands and models. It is important to consider what features are important for your gaming needs and select one that fits your budget.
2. Warranty – A lengthy warranty on a gaming keyboard is important, as this will ensure that you are covered should the keyboard break or malfunction in some way. This can provide peace of mind, as well as potentially saving money in the long run.
3. Brand – Selecting a reputable brand of gaming keyboard is also important, as this will ensure that you are buying a quality product. Popular brands such as Razer, Logitech and Corsair have good reputations and offer excellent customer service.
4. Reviews – It is also worth checking user reviews of a gaming keyboard before you buy, as this can give an insight into the build quality, performance, features and customer service of the product.
5. Support – Finally, it is worth considering the level of customer support offered by the manufacturer of the gaming keyboard. Quality customer service can often mean the difference between a resolution to your problem or not.
