There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to gaming peripherals, especially PC gaming keyboards.
Choosing the right keyboard can make or break your gameplay, and it also has a major impact on ergonomics and comfort over long periods. In this article, we’re going to discuss all of the most important factors involved in choosing a new gaming keyboard, from switch types to aesthetics and price point.
The first step is deciding what kind of switch you want your Gaming keyboard to have. Mechanical switches will provide a more accurate keystroke response while membrane or scissor-switch keyboards tend to offer superior ergonomic design while sacrificing some tactile feedback. Also, be aware that sometimes manufacturers combine different switch types for their products – so if you find yourself digging the way that one keyboard feels then look for other keyboards by the same manufacturer that uses a similar switch type.
The next step is to consider how many keys you need (and how many you can afford). Gaming keyboards generally come in either full-size or tenkeyless varieties, with tenkeyless models offering significant ergonomic benefits while sacrificing little in terms of functionality. Tenkeyless models also tend to be considerably cheaper than their full-size counterparts, though every key should count when it comes to your wallet – so choose smartly!
Aesthetics are up next – and this largely depends on individual taste, but certain things should be taken into consideration regardless of what you think looks good. First off, don’t get a backlit keyboard unless you know that you are going to make use of it. Backlit keyboards cost more and generally don’t look as good, so if you aren’t certain then we recommend steering clear of the feature entirely.
Also, consider how suitable your chosen form factor is for your desktop set-up (i.e. where will the keyboard be placed and how difficult will it be to get behind?). There’s little point in having an awesome-looking keyboard with programmable macro keys if you’re never going to take advantage of them – and on the other end of things, no one wants an ugly gaming peripheral taking up space at their workstation!
The final step is all about price – which gaming mechanical keyboard should you buy? This is largely up to you, but there are some notable brands that everyone should be aware of. If you want a cheap mechanical keyboard then it’s best to look for an option manufactured by either Razer or Cooler Master. For the best possible price/performance ratio I would recommend checking out some tenkeyless Corsair models, but if you have a bigger budget then check out the full-size Corsair keyboards!
Last and most certainly not least: before buying anything make sure that what you’re purchasing includes all of the keycaps and accessories that you will need (i.e., spare cables and replacement keycaps). Replacement keycaps can often be quite expensive so we highly recommend looking into your product before making the purchase. Well, there you have it! That should cover just about everything so best of luck in your future endeavours and happy gaming!
Gaming Keyboard Sizes
A good gaming keyboard will have a specific width depending on the size of the keys. This is important because it can vary from switch to switch.
Switches
There are two main types of switches used, Mechanical and Membrane types.
Mechanical [mechanical] switches provide superior tactile feedback while requiring more force to press the key down. They also offer a longer lifespan than membrane [membrane, rubber dome] switches which are very quiet but do not provide nearly as much tactile feedback or accuracy when compared to mechanical switches for general use.
Mehcnical Vs. Membrane
When choosing your new keyboard you should consider what kind of switch you would prefer, each has its advantages and disadvantages:
Membrane switches are generally cheaper, quieter, and more resistant to liquids than mechanical switches. However, membrane switches have a lower life expectancy, minimal tactile feedback, and offer little resistance against mistypes due to the way that they require the user to compress the rubber dome with their finger to register key presses.
Mechanical switches provide superior tactile feedback while requiring more force to press the key down (mechanical keyboards also allow the use of O-rings – small rubber rings which can be placed on each keycap to improve tactility). This makes them great for fast-paced games where accuracy is required; however, they do not offer much resistance against liquid spills or dust.
Aesthetics, Comfort, And Macros
Since you will be using your new keyboard for long periods and looking at it frequently, its appearance is an important factor to consider.
It is also important to note that some gaming keyboards can offer macros or hotkeys which allow you to press multiple buttons simultaneously to perform certain functions. This is a great feature for MOBA players as it allows them to cast abilities with one hand while performing different actions with the other (i.e., moving their mouse).
Keycaps
The keycaps on a gaming keyboard refer to the actual lettering on each key – even those not normally used such as F2, PrintScreen, ScrollLock, etc. The point of having a set of replacement keycaps sounds ridiculous but they are very useful.
Wired Vs. Wireless Gaming Keyboards
There are two primary types of gaming keyboards: wired and wireless. There is no difference in terms of holding or performing, but it’s best to stay with a wired keyboard as they do not require charging and you eliminate the risk of disconnecting mid-game. Price This is largely up to your available budget as some models can cost upwards of $150, though most will range from $50 to $100 on average depending on which features you would like included (i.e., backlighting). Reputable Brands For Gaming Keyboards Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid-i Realforce Razer Corsair.
Price-
wise, you can expect to spend roughly $50 on a decent gaming keyboard. If that is too steep then we suggest looking into the model(s) offered by your favourite gaming manufacturer (i.e., Razer or Madcatz).
Final Word The two main things gamers need to improve their game are skill and speed – so having an easily accessible way to limit the delay between keystrokes is essential for high-level players since it equates to faster responses which will give you an edge against your opponents.
Technology has come a long way over recent years allowing companies like Cooler Master, Corsair, Razer, and many more to enter this industry with devices that offer superior performance at competitive prices; this allows you as the gamer to choose the model that best suits your needs.
Reputable Brands For Gaming Keyboards
Cooler Master
Corsair
Razer
Madcatz
Logitech
Unbranded keyboards will be found under the following brands:
These are by no means the only companies that make good-quality gaming keyboards, but they are some of the more popular ones. If you have a favourite brand that should be included on this list please leave a comment below.
Final Word As stated at the beginning of this article, choosing a keyboard is largely going to depend on your budget and personal preference – just remember to consider what you will need from it as well as how much time you plan on using it. In closing, we hope you enjoyed our take on ‘How To Buy A Gaming Keyboard’ and got all of the information you were looking for out of our guide! We would like to thank you for reading and wish you the best of luck in your next gaming match!
Price-wise, you can expect to spend roughly $50 on a decent gaming keyboard. If that is too steep then we suggest looking into the model(s) offered by your favourite gaming manufacturer (i.e., Razer or Madcatz).
Final Word
The two main things gamers need to improve their game are skill and speed – so having an easily accessible way to limit the delay between keystrokes is essential for high-level players since it equates to faster responses which will give you an edge against your opponents.
Technology has come a long way over recent years allowing companies like Cooler Master, Corsair, Razer, and many more to enter this industry with devices that offer superior performance at competitive prices; this allows you as the gamer to choose a gaming keyboard the model that best suits your needs.