How to Buy the Best Wireless Gaming Keypad

Your Guide to buying the best Wireless gaming keypads

Overview

A wireless gaming keypad is an essential gaming accessory that offers a convenient way to control and interact with your favorite games. With the help of a wireless gaming keypad, you can enjoy faster, smoother gaming experiences, making it easier to perform complicated actions and commands. This buying guide will help you navigate through the different types, features and specs of wireless gaming keypads, giving you all the information you need to find one that suits your gaming needs.

Key features

  1. Connection Type - Wireless gaming keypads typically offer either a bluetooth or wireless receiver connection type. Some may also offer both. Choose the connection type that is best suited to the other devices you have and make sure the keypad is compatible.
  2. Number of Buttons/Keys - How many buttons/keys does the wireless gaming keypad offer? Consider your gaming needs and choose the keypad that offers the number of buttons/keys that is most suitable.
  3. Programmable Buttons - Is the keypad capable of having its buttons/keys programmed to perform various gaming functions? If so, you may be able to customize your gaming experience.
  4. Design - Consider the design of the wireless gaming keypad. Does it have a comfortable grip? Is it ergonomically designed? Does it have an adjustable wrist rest? It is important that the design of the keypad is suitable for your gaming needs.
  5. Compatibility - Make sure the wireless gaming keypad is compatible with the type of gaming PC or console you have. Check the manufacturer's website or product description for details on compatibility.
  6. Price - What is your budget? Wireless gaming keypads can range from budget-friendly to expensive, depending on the features they offer.
  7. Battery Life - Check the estimated battery life of the wireless gaming keypad to ensure it will last through your gaming sessions.
  8. Warranty - Most wireless gaming keypads come with a limited warranty. Make sure to check the manufacturer's website to see what is covered.

See the most popular Wireless gaming keypads on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Improved Mobility: Wireless gaming keypads provide improved mobility, allowing users to sit further away from their computer while still having access to all the same features of a regular, wired keypad.
  • Ease of Use: Wireless gaming keypads are simple to use and require no additional installation or setup.
  • Compact Design: Wireless gaming keypads are designed to be compact and lightweight, allowing for easy storage and portability.
  • Less Wires: With a wireless gaming keypad, users don't need to worry about dealing with the cables and wires that come with wired models.
  • Better Performance: Wireless gaming keypads can provide better gaming performance, with less lag and quicker response times.
  • Customizable: Most wireless gaming keypads offer a range of customization options, allowing users to tailor the keypad to their specific gaming needs.

Cons

  • Lag - Wireless gaming keypads may suffer from lag due to interruption in transmission or signal interference.
  • Battery Drain - Wireless gaming keypads require batteries to operate and the battery drain can be significant if used heavily.
  • Range Limitations - Wireless gaming keypads are limited by range and may not be suitable if the user needs a keypad that operates from a larger distance.
  • Cost - Wireless gaming keypads usually have a higher price tag due to their wireless capabilities.

Best alternatives

  1. Mechanical Keyboards – An alternative to wireless gaming keypads are mechanical keyboards, which offer a loud and tactile experience that many gamers prefer.
  2. Gaming Mice – Another alternative to wireless gaming keypads are gaming mice with special features like adjustable weights, customizable buttons, and adjustable DPI settings.
  3. Gamepads – Gamepads, like those used with consoles, can be an alternative to wireless gaming keypads for PC games that support them.
  4. Joysticks – Joysticks are another alternative to wireless gaming keypads, designed for flight simulators and games that require precise control.
  5. Racing Wheels – Racing wheels are yet another option for gamers who prefer a more realistic driving experience.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Rechargeable batteries/charger - Batteries and chargers are necessary for keeping wireless gaming keypads powered on and charged up.
  • Keypad controller - A keypad controller is a device that allows the player to control their game with a set of keys, much like a traditional keyboard.
  • Wireless gaming receiver - A wireless gaming receiver connects the keypad controller to the gaming console or computer so it can be used.
  • Gamepad software - This type of software allows the user to customize the operation of the keypad controller and create custom controls.
  • Wireless gaming adapter - A wireless gaming adapter is a device that allows the user to connect their keypad controller to the network so they can play online.
  • Carrying case - A carrying case is necessary for storing and transporting the keypad controller safely and securely.

Common questions

  1. What are the main differences between wired and wireless gaming keypads? Wireless gaming keypads offer the advantage of being cordless, allowing for more freedom of movement and portability. Additionally, wireless gaming keypads are often more ergonomic and comfortable to use for extended periods of time. On the other hand, wired gaming keypads offer better performance as they are not prone to latency or interference like their wireless counterparts.
  2. What should I look for when buying a wireless gaming keypad? When buying a wireless gaming keypad, you should consider the size of the keypad, the type of buttons it has, the compatibility with your PC or console, the response time, the battery life, and the price.
  3. What features should I look for when buying a wireless gaming keypad? When looking for a wireless gaming keypad, be sure to consider features like the number of buttons, the type of buttons, the ergonomics, the connectivity type, the response time, and the battery life.
  4. What are the benefits of using a wireless gaming keypad? The main benefit of using a wireless gaming keypad is the added freedom and portability that comes from not being tethered to a cord. Additionally, wireless gaming keypads are often more ergonomic and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
  5. What are the drawbacks of using a wireless gaming keypad? The main drawback of using a wireless gaming keypad is that it can be prone to latency or interference due to its wireless connection. Additionally, wireless gaming keypads typically have shorter battery life than their wired counterparts.

Trivia

A funny fact about wireless gaming keypads is that they can sometimes be used to play non-gaming related activities. For example, one user connected their wireless gaming keypad to a browser-based piano application and wrote a song using the gaming buttons. The user was able to successfully write a complete song and have it published on YouTube. This story was featured in a 2016 article by Gamespot, which can be accessed here: Gamespot.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.