If you’re a serious gamer, then you know that having the right gaming keyboard is essential for your gaming prowess. But with so many manufacturers offering different types of gaming keyboards, it can be hard to decide which gaming keyboard is right for you. Before you invest in a gaming keyboard, it’s important to understand what to look for in a gaming keyboard and the different types available.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gaming Keyboard
The key to selecting the perfect gaming keyboard is to consider what features you need and how much money you’re willing to spend on it. Generally, gaming keyboards should be made from durable materials and feature a superior tactile response. You should also look for a full-size layout for adequate space, whilst being comfortable to use for long gaming sessions. Additionally, the keys should have a low-profile design and be designed to be easily pressed.
In addition, gaming keyboards should have customizable RGB lighting, multiple profiles, and programmable macros, with additional features such as a digital volume control, multimedia keys, and a USB pass-through. The N-Key Rollover is an important factor to consider as well, allowing all the keys to be pressed at the same time without compromising speed or accuracy.
Finally, a quality gaming keyboard will have an ergonomic design, allowing users to adjust its angle as needed, eliminating the risk of tension in the wrist and hand. It should also be resistant to liquids, dust, and other contaminants, protecting the keyboard from wear and tear.
Types of Gaming Keyboards
Mechanical keyboards provide gamers with excellent accuracy and responsiveness, so if you’re looking for a crisp keystroke experience, this type of gaming keyboard is a great choice. The keycaps offer a variety of designs and colors to choose from, and the mechanical switches can be customized according to user preference. Additionally, many mechanical keyboards come with dedicated macro keys on the side, making key commands and other customizations easier.
If you’re on a budget, membrane keyboards are an alternative solution. They offer good response and accuracy, allowing gamers to maintain the game’s speed and accuracy. They also feature anti-ghost technology, which ensures that the user’s input is not lost due to too many presses at one time.
Finally, for those looking for portability, a compact-sized gaming keyboard is the way to go. These keyboards are often wireless and run on rechargeable batteries, making them extremely convenient. They also take up little space, and the keys are usually just as responsive as a full-sized keyboard.
Types of Switches
When shopping for a gaming keyboard, it’s important to understand the different types of keyboards switches available. Depending on the type of switch, you can get a tactile or linear switch, with each boasting their own advantages and disadvantages.
Tactile switches are usually the most popular, as they provide the user with a tactile feedback when the key is pressed, making it easier to recognize when a key is pressed correctly. If you’re using your keyboard for gaming, a tactile switch is often the best choice.
Linear switches provide a smooth, non-tactile experience, making it a great choice for those who want a more natural typing experience. They also offer a silent typing experience if that’s important to you.
hybrid switches are a combination of both tactile and linear switches, offering the user both types of feedback. This type of switch is often best for gaming, as it offers the user a good blend of both tactile and linear response.
Anti-Ghosting Technology
When it comes to gaming, pressing multiple keys at the same time can be common. Anti-ghosting technology ensures that your keystrokes will always be registered, even if you press more than one key at the same time. This is important to look for when shopping for a gaming keyboard, as the last thing you want is to have your commands not be registered due to too many simultaneous key presses.
Some keyboards feature full anti-ghosting technology, meaning that all keys will register as intended without any issues. This type of technology isn’t cheap, so you’ll want to consider the rest of your gaming setup before splurging on this feature.
Other keyboards come with partial anti-ghosting technology, meaning that only certain keys will register if pressed at the same time. This can be sufficient for many games, but if you plan on playing more intensive games, it’s worth investing in a keyboard that boasts full anti-ghosting capability.
Number of Programmable Macros
For gamers who require more customization to their gameplay, many gaming keyboards come with programmable macro keys. These keys allow you to assign specific commands to them, making them easier to execute in game. Many gaming keyboards today come with up to 10 programmable macros, allowing gamers to configure different functions and shortcuts.
However, more advanced users may need more than 10 macros. Luckily, some gaming keyboards come with up to 20 custom macro keys, allowing users to assign more custom commands. For some gamers, having this ability may be essential, but for the average user, 10 programmable macros should be plenty.
Price Considerations
Finally, before you invest in a gaming keyboard, it’s important to look at the price tag. The price of a gaming keyboard can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the brand, features, and type of switches included.
The most basic gaming keyboards will cost around $50, for a simple membrane keyboard. On the other hand, more advanced mechanical gaming keyboards can be up to a hundred dollars or more, depending on the features you’re looking for.
If you’re on a budget, you can get a good deal on a gaming keyboard if you shop around, but it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. For example, cheaper gaming keyboards may not have all of the features such as programmable macro keys and dedicated media keys.
The type of gaming keyboard you choose will depend largely on your personal preferences and budget. Make sure to do your research beforehand, and consider all the features and price points, to find the gaming keyboard that’s right for you.
