When it comes to buying a gaming keyboard, there are certain factors to consider. It’s important to look for a keyboard that is both durable and provides the features you need for your gaming needs.
One of the most important features is the key switch type. Mechanical keyboards offer tactile feedback which some gamers prefer as it gives a more tactile experience. It’s also important to choose a switch that has the key travel times that best suits your gaming style. A membrane keyboard is also an option but they tend to require more effort to press a key down.
Another factor to consider is the size and weight of the keyboard. You want a keyboard that fits well with your setup and isn’t too heavy to carry. Some keyboards include a pad that you can use to help reduce the overall weight of the keyboard.
The design of a keyboard is also important when choosing a great gaming keyboard. Look for a design that is ergonomic and comfortable to use so that you can enjoy gaming for extended periods of time without your hands getting too tired. Look for designs that include palm rests, wrist rests, and other customizations to make the keyboard feel like it is part of you.
Another factor to consider when buying a gaming keyboard is the software. Some keyboards come with advanced software that includes special game modes, macros, and other features. Make sure to try out the software to see if it works well with your games and fits your gaming requirements.
Finally, you should also look for the features you need for your gaming. This will depend on the type of game you are playing, as some games require more specialized features than others. Examples include macro support, advanced lighting effects, backlighting, and other features.
Durable Keyboards
When you are looking for a gaming keyboard, you want to choose one that is durable and built to last. You want to avoid buying keyboards that are prone to wear-and-tear quickly, as this can be a real hassle if you need to replace them often. Check the construction materials, such as aluminum and steel, and look for special features such as water-resistance or dust-resistant design.
Some keyboards also come with extra features that make them more durable. These can include a mini-fan inside the keyboard to help keep your hands cool during long gaming sessions, or a special membrane that is designed to keep dust and grime out of the keycaps. If you spend a lot of time gaming, these features can be worth the extra cost.
In addition, some gaming keyboards also have detachable cables. This is a great feature to have as it makes it easier to replace or update the keyboard if needed. This also makes it easier to pack the keyboard away when you need to take the keyboard with you.
Finally, there are keyboards designed for gamers who need to play in loud environments. These keyboards often come with noise-cancelling technology, so you can game in peace without disturbing anyone else in the house.
Comfortable Keyboards
Aside from choosing a gaming keyboard with durable features, you also want one that is comfortable to use. If you spend hours gaming each day, you need a keyboard that feels great on your hands and won’t cause any unwanted fatigue. One of the most important factors here is the ergonomics of the keyboard, which should be designed to make your gaming experience as comfortable as possible.
Look for keyboards that have adjustable height settings, as this allows you to find a position that works best for your typing and gaming needs. You should also look for keyboards with different types of cushions, such as gel-filled cushions or foam-filled cushions, which provide additional support and comfort.
In addition, some keyboards come with detachable wrist rests. These are designed to help reduce the strain on your wrists that can come from long gaming sessions. The size of the wrist rest should be comfortable enough for your hands, and the material should be well cushioned for maximum comfort.
Finally, you want to look for a keyboard with programmable functions. Some keyboards come with features such as macro support, which allows you to assign multiple commands to a single key. This can save you time by eliminating the need to press multiple keys or click multiple times to carry out a certain command.
RGB Lighting
One of the biggest differences between gaming keyboards and regular keyboards is the presence of RGB lighting. RGB stands for red-green-blue and refers to the lighting effects that the keyboard produces. These are often highly customizable, allowing you to change the colors, brightness, and even specific effects, such as pulsing lights or static rainbow colors.
Many gaming keyboards come with programmable RGB lighting, so you can set the effect to match the mood of the game you are playing. This can create a more immersive feel, as you can match the colors with the visuals of your game. Some keyboards even allow you to sync the lighting effects with in-game events, so the lighting can change when something happens in the game.
Make sure to look for a keyboard that has strong software support for its RGB lighting functions. Some of the best keyboards have dedicated apps, such as Razer Synapse, that allow you to customize the lighting effects and program them to work with games.
In addition, some keyboards have advanced lighting effects that you may want to consider. These can include things like wave, ripple, and spiral effects, which can add a unique touch to your gaming setup.
Programmable Macros
If you are a heavy gamer, you may want to find a keyboard with macro support. Macros allow you to assign multiple keystrokes or commands to a single key and are especially useful for complex games. This feature can save you time and help you become more efficient when playing, as you don’t need to press multiple keys each time you want to carry out a certain command.
When looking for a gaming keyboard, you want to make sure that it comes with a set of dedicated macro keys. These keys should be easy to access and have colors that stand out, to make them easy to find when you need them. In addition, you want to make sure that the keyboard’s software is robust, allowing you to customize and tweak the macros to your specific needs.
Most gaming keyboards also come with dedicated media keys, allowing you to control media playback without having to take your hands off the keyboard. This makes it easy to pause, stop, or skip tracks in the middle of a game. Some keyboards also come with navigation keys for controlling the interface of your computer.
Finally, some keyboards come with features such as volume wheels or dials, which allow you to quickly adjust the sound levels without having to move your hand away from the keyboard. These can be useful if you need to quickly adjust the sound levels in the middle of a game.
Wireless Connectivity
Finally, if you want to cut down on the clutter and make it easier to take your keyboard with you, look for one with wireless connectivity. This will allow you to connect the keyboard to your computer without needing to deal with lots of annoying wires. Furthermore, a wireless gaming keyboard can also be useful if you are a streamer and need to quickly switch between devices.
When looking for a wireless gaming keyboard, you want to make sure that it has a reliable wireless connection. Most wireless keyboards use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to your computer, but some use dedicated wireless receivers that you need to plug into your computer’s USB port. Make sure to test the connection in order to check its latency and overall reliability.
You should also make sure that the battery life is sufficient for your needs. If you want to use the keyboard for long gaming sessions, you may want to look for one with a long battery life or one that comes with a replaceable or rechargeable battery.
In addition, look for keyboards with extra features such as the ability to change profiles or quickly switch between devices. This can be useful if you are a streamer or if you want to quickly move between games or different computers with the same keyboard.
