How to choose the best gaming keyboard – Buyer`s Guide

Best Gaming Keyboard – Buyer`s Guide

So, how to choose the best gaming keyboard?

Since we were in the full digital era, and in new gamage it starts to grow as an activity with which many users occupy most of their leisure time and even hours of holidays or vacations. So this is definitely a register where there remains room for technological evolution and for improvements to the old methods.

Among the relatively important peripherals in the mentioned field are the pro or professional gaming keyboard, as it is called. Many people who have not had such a device in their possession will encounter some difficulties in choosing a corresponding track, especially when we talk about beginners.

However, even if you have no idea how you could choose such a component or where you can find gaming keyboards at a good price buyers on Amazon, you have no reason to get impatient. There are preset rules for each purchase, and if you want to know the ones assigned to the category we are discussing here There are preset rules for each purchase, and if you want to know the ones assigned to the category we are discussing here , we invite you to give a little time to read them in the following lines:

Connection:

Contrary to many expectations, even for gaming it can be wired or wireless. The surprise is due to the mode of signal transmission, where until recently it is considered that it may be jammed by interference, if the keypad is not connected by cable to the system on which the game is played.

The models of modern wireless gaming keyboards defy this rule, demonstrating that you can have the same speed of reaction, regardless of connection.

If you want to bet on a classic option and want to make a more moderate investment as a price, we advise you to choose a wired component and USB connection port. For this situation and targeting the user’s comfort, we recommend a longer connection cable and a rich interface in USB ports, whether you play on your laptop or PC;

That’s because the keyboard must occupy an extra seat.

When you put a very high price on freedom of movement and you have a broader budget, you have to choose between the two options for the wireless gaming keyboard: With USB mini-transmitter or Bluetooth. Of course, in both cases it is necessary to check how much the battery will hold you at a prolonged game session, since the workpiece is not connected to the system, nor can it feed in this meanwhile.

The advantage for which these alternatives are appreciated, especially those with Bluetooth technology, is that it basically releases a USB port that you can use for another purpose. We advise you to check the signal transmission range and operating frequency, where the latter must have the value of 2.4 GHz (for USB), considered the most optimal for battery life.

Key structure:

Of course, this parameter refers to the way they are built, and from this point of view you must choose between keys with silicone support or mechanical keys.

The variant with silicone protection is the one found in conventional, cheaper models, being appreciated for the silent way they work.

However, these components are not recommended for gaming, as they will deteriorate more quickly because of the persistent wear produced during the game routine. In addition, repairs are not very difficult, but it is preferable to buy a new keyboard, than to risk other problems in the future.

So the most recommended in gaming remain the mechanical keyboard models. Besides the fact that they repair the easiest, wear is very attenuated, because the components are more robust combined. Even if a key deteriorates, it can be replaced with a new one.

The travel ul (the road that goes through the key to the bottom while you press it) is higher, giving a safer user control sensation; However, this aspect also has a less appreciated part, namely the more powerful sound produced. Even so, it’s not a cause for concern, because most gamers use headphones equipped with functions that cancel the noise from the external environment, without allowing those sounds to interfere with the performance in the game.

A third variant of the keyboard, only found in laptops, is the one with scissors holder for each key. If you have a gaming laptop, you will notice that the keystroke is very small and the process is silent, and to master the commands very well, you need a lot of accumulated experience.

Given that this model is the hardest to repair or reconditioned, many users choose to buy a separate mechanical component that they use along with the laptop.

Key configuration:

Represents how they are ordered and their typology. Regarding the first aspect, you can choose a product that the keys are arranged as to any other conventional or ergonomic one, divided into two almost equal halves.

There are still no conclusive studies to certify that an ergonomic track helps you improve your performance in the game, and if you are a beginner, we can clearly tell you that you will work easier with a conventional configured keyboard. In addition, you also have the advantage of a more affordable price.

In the other regard, in terms of design, you just have to choose a larger model and have at your disposal a multitude of additional keys, which can be customized. As with a gaming mouse, such a track must include buttons for macro-functions.

Any key will have to be programmed to fulfill a certain action within the games you prefer. Also, when you’re not running a game, you can use macro-functions to assign keys to execute various actions as shortcut. Often this configuration will require additional specific drivers.

Primary functions:

Anti-ghosting option:

If you’re not on the first computer you start working with, you probably already know that for a conventional keyboard you can’t get an executable command by pressing more than three keys simultaneously. When you press 4, the command will not register.

This limit is useless in games, where you often need a minimum of five commands to give at the same time. For this reason, all gaming keyboards are made to accept pressing from a number of 5 keys upwards. It is advisable to check this function before deciding which of the offers to choose.

Option pooling rate:

refers to the number of reports of keyboard actions towards the system in one second. You can compare it to the refresh rate at a monitor, but it basically moderates the response time of the system. It’s natural to need very high speeds at this answer, which is why we advise you to avoid any model with a pooling rate of less than 500hz.

So, if you want to get the best component, start looking at a coefficient of 1000hz, advice they will give you and enough reviews about the best gaming keyboards on the forums.

Other notable functions:

It is important to remember that you will appreciate: illuminated or highlighted keys in different colors and even on areas, products with specific settings for gaming mode and several multimedia functions. When the camera is dark or you prefer to play your favorite game all night, an illuminated gaming keyboard is a mandatory choice.

Of course, the light emanates will be colored, sometimes allowing you to determine how the lights are colored that emphasize important keys, so you can recognize them in the dark. Similarly, in some models the distribution can be done on areas, and so you will be able to differentiate between the keys that give you access to the menu and those that move your character.

If you don’t have the unpleasant surprise to get to the Start menu in the action type, a lock option for the Windows key is required. Otherwise, if you want to open a Facebook page directly or access any other site by clicking one button, it is recommended to buy a product that provides you with these extra-multimedia options.

Okay, now that we’ve gone over the layout, ports and other necessities, let’s see which type of switch is right and what types there are! But first of all, a brief history lesson!

Inventor of switches

The company Cherry Corporation, founded in the year 1953, is the inventor of these switches, starting to produce keyboards from the year 1967. Also, the most popular series of switches created by them is Cherry MX, produced in the year 1985.

So, switches are usually sorted by their physical color, each color indicating the characteristics of the behavior, if it is noisy, if it is tactile, and how much force is required for its activation, expressed in cents-newtons or grams. However, regardless of the manufacturer or brand, these switches fall into one of the three categories below:

Linear

These switches have the simplest method of operation, moving in the right line, without giving the user feedback or that sound by clicking the keyboards distinctly.

In general, the Red and Black switches fall into this category. What defines these switches is the actuation force, which is required to 60 cN to activate the key, being the most rigid switches in this list.

For gaming, absolutely ideal, for productivity or writing not too! The Values differ from the manufacturer, to the manufacturer, and there are switches on the Red market that reach the cN 45, the most suitable to look at what kind of switch has the keyboard and to do a short search on Google to identify what force requires you to act Ste.

Tactile

Touch switches, as the name implies, add more feedback while you act, giving that satisfying feeling when typing, the keys offering more endurance. Besides, these switches are preferred by both gamers and those who work in productivity, and there is a satisfactory click when you act the key.

From this category, the most popular are MX Brown, being a perfect marriage for those who want a mechanical gaming keyboard for both gaming and productivity, touch switches being a good option.

Clicky

Clicky switches are not generally among gamers ‘ favorites, that’s because it gives you that click that only mechanical keyboards can offer. It is intentionally heard so loud, ideal for those who are typing, MMO players, for example, enjoying this kind of switches.

The switches that fall into this category are MX Blue, notable, more noisy switches, but ideal for productivity, especially for typing.

Conclusion

If, after all these implications explained, there are many people who still have no idea where they find best gaming keyboards at good prices, our first advice for this purpose is to try to buy the appropriate model on the Internet. Online you will expect a multitude of variants, even the most affordable in terms of cost.

So, you don’t have time to consult specialized sites? – We thought about it, consisting of a concise ranking of the products considered more popular in the sales of the Romanian market. We have included the ones that are accompanied by the warranty and allow a reliable return policy.

Featured Models in 2019

Redragon Yama K550

Redragon K550 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard with Wrist Rest and Volume Control, 131 Key RGB LED Illuminated Backlit Yama, Programmable Macro Keys, USB Passthrough for Windows PC Games – Black

This pro gaming track from Redragon is considered by many users as the best gaming keyboard available for a moderate budget.
So the price is decent for a professional component, and performances will thank almost any experienced gamer. Firstly, we specify that it has a wired connection, achieved via USB with gold plated circuit, thus guaranteeing the best transmission times and impeccable durability.

Also, the resistance is ensured by a construction with aluminum chassis and mechanical keys. The piece is equipped with anti-ghosting function, and the buttons do not enter into conflict.

The model is also equipped with lights (backlit) in the RGB scheme, benefiting from three lighting profiles and multiple setting options on color zones, depending on how the user comes more comfortably. Also, includes 12 keys that can be programmed for specific actions, 6 such multimedia components and an option to register macro-functions.

Everything can be customized to this model, including the speed of input (2 possible choices). In addition, you can block the Windows button, to avoid activation by mistake while playing. In order, an 18-month Warranty certificate ensures your purchase.

Razer Deathstalker

Razer DeathStalker Expert - Backlit Ergonomic Fully Programmable Membrane Black Gaming Keyboard - 10 Key Rollover

This Razer keyboard will definitely be on the list of passionate brand enthusiasts. What does the component remark differently? – Comes with a Chiclet key set, more specific to laptops. This peculiarity makes them much quieter than conventional mechanical ones, but more difficult to reconditioning.

The connection will be wired and, of course, USB port, ensuring excellent transmission, fast, no risk of delay.

With an anti-ghosting capacity of 10 keys pressed simultaneously, this track allows you to use all your fingers useful when playing your favorite franchise. Performances are worthy of the highest level of gaming, with a pooling rate of 1000Hz and backlit backlight, for night vision (green light).

You can schedule keys to correspond to specific functions, with flexibility in this chapter. You receive the product accompanied by a software that provides you with specific drivers and updates, Razer Synapse 2.0.

Reddragon Karura

Redragon K502 RGB Gaming Keyboard RGB LED Backlit Illuminated 104 Key Silent Keyboard with Wrist Rest for Windows PC Games (RGB Backlit)

Also by Redragon offered, the Karura model will be the perfect piece for beginners, putting in service a lot of capabilities, but having a low cost of departure that almost any gamers will allow that acquisition. The product will be connected to the system via wired, plus USB port, allowing for excellent transmission possibilities.

This parameter contributes to a correctly 1000hz polling rate. The keys are chiclet, so they can be quiet enough at the press. 12 of these can be programmed to correspond to various actions. Although you can not press so many at once, for this model is mentioned an anti-ghosting function of 19 active buttons simultaneously.

A number of 12 are usable in multimedia mode and Windows will be able to lock when you open a game. Backlight is done differently on keys and key groups, ensuring even more control.

MAD Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. M

Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.M Wireless Keyboard for Android and Windows Smart Devices, PC, and Mac - Gloss Black

For fans of best wireless gaming keyboards that sell cheap enough I have included in this model ranking here presented. The piece has a compact design and is praised for the 190g, being ideal on journeys.

Small sizes were however criticized by some regular gamers with very large models, but the configuration recommends it for both browsing and touch-based games.

Connectivity is made through classic Bluetooth, which means you can use it with any other device that has this function. The keys have low profile, ensuring silent and fluid use, and an optical sensor allows you to use some of them as a mouse.

At night you benefit from adjustable lighting, and the conventional autonomy of the workpiece is up to 45 hours, resulting from a strong Li-Ion battery. Also, the model is equipped with game Smart application, for easy use in the game mode and is compatible with Android micro-consoles.

SteelSeries APEX M800 USB

SteelSeries Apex M800 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - RGB LED Backlit - Linear & Quiet Switch

Although you're going to have to make a more serious investment for this SteelSeries gaming keyboard, you'll definitely appreciate all of its capabilities.

Mechanical keys with long lifespan (up to 60 million presses), Wired and USB interface, which allows excellent transfer speeds and preferred lighting option is the most notable aspects that should not be omitted from the description this product.

The 114 keys can all be programmed for individual commands, no matter what function you want to assign, accepting even the role of the mouse. Also, the construction is robust, and the cable is protected by a sheath of woven fabric, so it will wear out very hard.

The thread is 2m long, and that means you have enough space in relation to the system you're working on.

So, You will have to be very careful when using this model, as the Zero ghosting option allows you to activate each key simultaneously, which could be too large a request for the operating system.