How to Choose the Right Gaming Keyboard for You

Your Guide to buying the best Gaming keyboards

Overview

A gaming keyboard is an essential tool for serious gamers, providing superior performance and comfort. With a variety of styles, features, and sizes available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your gaming needs. This buying guide will provide you with helpful information on what to look for when shopping for a gaming keyboard, from key travel and switches to customization and lighting. With this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision and choose the best keyboard for your gaming setup.

Key features

  1. Form Factor: The form factor of the keyboard should be considered and chosen based on individual preferences. Options may include full-size, TKL, or even smaller min-keyboards.
  2. Switch Type: Choosing the right type of switch is important for comfort and response. Popular choices are mechanical switches, membrane switches, and scissor-switch keyboards.
  3. Backlighting: For gaming, many keyboards come with full RGB backlighting, allowing for custom lighting and effects, as well as lighting that indicates which keys have been pressed.
  4. Macro Keys: Gamers may choose to look for keyboards that have dedicated programmable macro keys. This allows for specific functions to be programmed directly to a key.
  5. Connectivity: The connectivity of a keyboard is important, as it will determine how many devices can be connected at once, and which ports are available.
  6. Anti-Ghosting: Anti-ghosting technology is important for gaming, as it allows for multiple keys to be pressed and registered simultaneously.

See the most popular Gaming keyboards on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Customizable Keys – Gaming keyboards often have customizable keys that allow users to assign designated commands to each key for specialized gaming needs.
  • Backlit Keys – Gaming keyboards will typically have backlit keys to make them easier to see in dark conditions.
  • Macro Keys – Many gaming keyboards have dedicated macro keys that allow for easy input of complex commands.
  • Responsive Switches – Gaming keyboards are designed with responsive switches that enable gamers to react quickly to input.
  • Ergonomic Design – Gaming keyboards are designed with an ergonomic shape that helps reduce strain and fatigue on the hands and fingers.

Cons

  • Cost: Gaming keyboards can be more expensive than standard keyboards, as they often are packed with additional features such as backlighting and programmable keys.
  • Size: Gaming keyboards tend to be larger than standard keyboards due to the extra keys and features. This can make it difficult to find a suitable desk or space for the keyboard.
  • Complex Features: Gaming keyboards often come with additional features such as programmable keys and macros that can be difficult for beginners to learn and use.
  • Noise: Gaming keyboards are often louder than standard keyboards due to the mechanical switches that are used. This can be distracting to others in the same room.
  • Durability: Gaming keyboards are often more durable than standard keyboards, but the additional features can add complexity to the design which can lead to more maintenance and repairs.

Best alternatives

  1. Mechanical Keyboards - Keyboards with physical switches for each key, allowing for greater accuracy and durability.
  2. Programmable Keyboards - Keyboards that allow you to customize and program the keys for specific functions and games.
  3. Wireless Keyboards - Keyboards that connect to your gaming system via Bluetooth or another wireless connection.
  4. Ergonomic Keyboards - Keyboards that are designed for comfort, with features such as adjustable angles or split designs.
  5. RGB Backlit Keyboards - Keyboards with multiple lighting zones that can be customized to create unique effects and lighting patterns.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Keyboard Palm Rest - A keyboard palm rest is an accessory that attaches to the bottom of your keyboard for additional comfort while gaming.
  • Backlit Keys - Many gaming keyboards come with backlit keys that can be customized to various colors or effects for a more aesthetically pleasing gaming experience.
  • Programmable Keys - Gaming keyboards may also come with programmable keys that can be used to customize specific keystrokes for various tasks or games.
  • Key Switches - Gaming keyboards may come with various types of key switches that offer different levels of responsiveness and tactile feedback.
  • Mechanical Keyboards - Mechanical keyboards offer increased durability and tactile feedback, but may be more expensive than other types of keyboards.

Common questions

  1. What key switch should I get? Key switch types vary from model to model, and the best switch for you depends on your gaming needs. Generally, Cherry MX mechanical switches, such as red, blue, or brown, are the most popular for gaming keyboards. You should also consider other factors, such as actuation force, which is how hard you have to press the switch for it to register.
  2. Do I need dedicated media keys? Dedicated media keys are useful if you like to adjust your audio on-the-fly while gaming. Make sure to check if the keyboard you’re looking at has dedicated media keys and if they are positioned in a way that is comfortable for you.
  3. What type of illumination do I need? Most gaming keyboards have LED illumination options, which come in a variety of colors. RGB lighting is also popular for a more customizable look. Some keyboards allow you to program the lighting to your own specifications.
  4. Do gaming keyboards come with dedicated macro keys? Yes, some gaming keyboards come with dedicated macro keys that allow you to create and store custom commands for easy access. This is great if you’re playing a game with lots of hotkeys.
  5. What type of wrist rest should I get? Depending on your style of gaming, you may want to consider a wrist rest for comfort and support. There are different types of wrist rests, such as removable, detachable, or integrated, so make sure you choose the one that best suits your needs.
  6. Do I need to purchase a separate software to customize my Gaming keyboard? Some gaming keyboards come with software that allows you to customize the lighting, macros, and other settings. If the keyboard you’re looking at doesn’t come with software, you may need to purchase a separate software in order to customize your keyboard.

Trivia

In 2014, a gamer in England got the shock of his life after his gaming keyboard exploded while he was playing. According to reports, the 26-year-old had to be taken to the hospital after the incident to be treated for burns. An investigation by the fire department revealed that the explosion was caused by an electrical fault with the gaming keyboard. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of using good quality, well-maintained gaming keyboards. Source

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.