If you’re a gamer, it’s likely that at some point in your life, you’ve wondered about the various types of gaming keyboards out there. There are tons of options, from membrane-based models with built-in macro keys to RGB mechanical switches with programmable keypads. And while some models are clearly better than others, there’s no one right answer when it comes to picking out a new keyboard.
That said, we’ve found that many gamers have questions about what makes one model different than another and how they compare features like actuation force or programmable keypads. So below is a compilation of answers to some common questions about gaming keyboards, including what is the best type for you!
But first, let’s discuss some essential features that you might need in a gaming keyboard.
Actuation Force
Actuation force is the amount of pressure you need to activate a key. A keyboard with higher actuation force responds faster but can be uncomfortable to type on for long periods of time. This is because you have to press down harder on each key. On the other hand, keyboards with lower actuation force require less effort and are more comfortable over long typing sessions. But they don’t respond as quickly when your fingers are moving quickly.
Typing speed will also depend on what kind of keyboard you buy: mechanical or membrane. These keyboards usually have higher actuation forces than their membrane counterparts because they use individual switches instead of rubber domes.
Mechanical Switches
Mechanical switches are the best type of keyboard switch to have. They’re durable, have a lifespan of over 50 million presses, and are more responsive than other types of switches. This means that you’ll be able to play games faster and more precisely. Mechanical keyboards also offer a better tactile experience. The sounds and feeling of pressing down on them are different from membrane keyboards’ “click” or scissor-switch keyboards’ “snap.”
Mechanical key switches are made from metal, not plastic like membrane models. This makes them more durable overall (and thus less likely to break). In addition, they feel sturdier under your fingers thanks to their weightier keys, and there’s nothing quite like it!
What To Look For In Keyboards For Gaming?
Gaming keyboards are an important part of the gaming experience. If you don’t have a good keyboard, it may be hard to play games. This can lead to frustration and even quitting games entirely. So here are the things to look out for when searching for the best gaming keyboards.
🟩 Switches
We already defined the purpose of switches, but when it comes to gaming keyboards, there are two types: mechanical and membrane.
>>Mechanical vs Membrane
Mechanical keyboards use springs that you need to press down in order for the keypresses to register. While membrane keyboards use rubber domes that push against the keys when you press them down. Membrane switches are less capable of registering multiple simultaneous key presses than their mechanical counterparts due to the fact that they don’t have springs or any other mechanism that can keep track of how many times you’ve pressed a single button. For gamers using rapid-fire techniques (such as pressing two buttons at once), this means your PC may not register all of your commands as quickly as you intend it to if you’re using a membrane keyboard instead of a mechanical one.
>>Clicky vs Non-clicky
On top of this difference between the two types of key switches is another variation: clicky vs non-clicky switches. And yes, there really are people who prefer either one over another! Non-clicky switches provide feedback only when you press them down completely. Clicky ones also give feedback when they return up again after being fully depressed (sorta like how most smartphones make noise when they detect touches).
🟩 N-key rollover.
N-key rollover is a feature that allows you to press more than one key at once. This can be useful when pressing multiple keys, such as for macros and other shortcuts.
For example, say you wanted to create a macro that would allow you to jump forward and sideways on your keyboard at the same time. It’s possible for this key combination to register by enabling n-key rollover on your gaming keyboard.
The most common way of implementing n-key rollover is by having one switch per key with a maximum combination of 6 switches (6KRO). A popular mechanical gaming keyboard manufactured by Logitech uses this implementation which has six dedicated switches under each keycap, which means there is 18 switches total in their design. Enough for six different key combinations on each button!
🟩 Anti-ghosting capabilities.
Anti-ghosting capabilities are also important to look for in a gaming keyboard. The term “ghosting” refers to the ability of a keyboard to register multiple keystrokes at once. This can happen when you press more than one key at the same time. For example, if you type the word “the” on a standard keyboard and then press an additional letter or number with your other hand, it will often result in either ‘the’ or your additional character being entered incorrectly.
Ghosting happens because each individual keycap has a separate switch underneath it that detects whether or not you’ve pressed it down. While there are ways around this issue (like using N-key rollover), they aren’t always practical solutions. Anti-ghosting allows multiple keys to be detected simultaneously so that all of them get registered correctly no matter how many of them are pressed at once. And most gaming keyboards offer anti-ghosting capabilities as part of their features list.
🟩 Macro keys
Macro keys are the keyboard’s version of a Swiss army knife. Instead of having to press multiple buttons at once to get the desired result, you can program macros so that certain keystrokes trigger other actions. This can be useful for gamers who want to save time or simplify complex commands.
Some keyboards offer dedicated macro keys that are placed on either side of the spacebar, while others use F1–F12 as macros instead. Macros are programmed by either pressing one button or a combination of buttons and then tapping on the corresponding macro key (which is usually indicated by a letter or number). Some gaming keyboards even have backlights under each macro key so you know exactly what your options are at all times!
🟩 Backlighting
Backlighting is one of the most important features of a gaming keyboard. Without backlighting, you will find yourself struggling to see what keys you need to press in low-light conditions and at night. As such, look for keyboards with a large number of LED lights that can be turned on or off as needed. This will make it easier for you to see the keys and avoid mistakes that could cost your team a match later on.
Best Keyboard For Gaming
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of keyboards is probably a clunky, old-school device. However, gaming keyboards have come a long way over the last couple of decades, and they can now offer you many more features than ever before.
You might have heard about mechanical keyboards, membrane keyboards, and ergonomic ones as well. While there are some similarities between them all, each one has its own distinct advantages for certain types of gamers. In this section, we’ll break down these three choices so you can decide which kind is best for you!
🟩 Mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards have physical switches that make a clicking sound when you press them. Some people find this to be annoying, while others feel it gives them additional tactile feedback and makes the keyboard more durable.
Mechanical keyboards are also more expensive than their membrane cousins, but they’re often backlit and provide better tactile feedback (because of their physical keys).
🟩 Membrane keyboards.
Membrane keyboards have been around since the early ’80s and are still popular today. While they’re not as durable or exciting as mechanical keyboards, they are more affordable.
Membrane keyboards use a rubber membrane (similar to the one on your smartphone) that detects keystrokes when you press down on the keys. They don’t have individual switches for each key like mechanical keyboards do. Instead, they use what’s called a scissor switch to detect when you’ve pressed down enough to register an input. Membrane keyboards are also referred to as “rubber dome” or “semi-mechanical” because of their lack of individual switches and slightly different typing experience compared with mechanical models.
🟩 Ergonomic keyboards.
For those who spend a lot of time at their keyboard, ergonomic keyboards are typically the most comfortable and beneficial. But they’re also the priciest type of keyboard by far. Ergonomic keyboards feature split designs that allow your wrists to rest in a more natural position, reducing strain when you’re typing for long periods.
Many people prefer ergonomic keyboards because they can last longer than other types of keyboards without needing serious maintenance or repairs. And some users report that their hands don’t hurt after spending hours typing on an ergonomic keyboard compared with traditional ones. Other users say that, while they do experience less discomfort while using an ergonomic model, it’s not enough to justify spending extra money on one over another type of keyboard.
One common criticism is that most ergonomic models have shallow key travel (the distance between each key when pressed) compared with mechanical ones. This makes them less satisfying to type on for gamers who rely heavily on tactile feedback from keys during gameplay (though this may be true only if you’re used to deep key travel).
Can You Use An Ordinary PC Keyboard For Gaming?
Yes, you can use an ordinary PC keyboard for gaming. But it’s not ideal. If you’re serious about gaming, you need a dedicated gaming keyboard.
If you’re playing a game that requires lots of typing, or if you’re looking to save money on your gaming setup, then, by all means, use your normal keyboard. However, for most games, it’s important to have a gaming keyboard, which has different features than your typical computer keyboard.
These features include more comfortable keys, a better layout, extra macro buttons, and customizable lighting. In short, a gaming keyboard is specifically designed with features that make it more responsive and easier to use in the heat of battle, like mechanical switches and programmable keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
🟩 Do I need macros?
Macros are a way to automate certain actions that you perform frequently. What this means is, if you frequently find yourself needing to do something similar, then macros can be a great way of doing it quickly and easily.
Macros can also be useful if you want to bind multiple abilities together into one button press. Or if there’s an action within a game that requires multiple inputs before being performed (like using both hands). They’re also good for repeating complex keyboard shortcuts.
🟩 Do I need RGB lighting?
The RGB lighting is not necessary. It’s great to have, but you can definitely get by without it. Some gamers prefer a simpler setup and will opt for standard white backlighting on their boards. If you’re playing in the dark or need to find keys quickly, however, RGB lighting is actually pretty handy since the colors can help differentiate between keys and make them easier to find in a hurry.
🟩 What about programmable keypads?
A programmable keypad is great for gamers who need to use a lot of different keys and shortcuts in their games. You can set up the buttons on your keypad to do things like open your inventory or fire off spells or execute specific moves. The benefit of this kind of keyboard is that it lets you customize your gameplay without having to re-map keys all the time, so if you want a certain spell in the same place every time, it’s easy to set up.
Final Words
In general, you should aim to avoid the pitfalls of cheap mechanical keyboards. If you’re looking for a high-quality keyboard that will last you for years, it might be worth paying a little bit more for something from a reputable brand. And if you just want something that works out of the box without having to tinker with settings or macros, there are plenty of great options available too!
We hope this guide has given you some insight into what makes up an awesome gaming keyboard. Don’t forget to share your gaming experience with your chosen keyboard in the comment section!
You can also check here how to increase GPU for gaming.
