Essential Tips For Choosing A Gaming Keyboard

Gaming keyboards are more than just a funky design or light-up display. They are made completely different from a regular keyboard because of the intense usage and precision gamers need.

It might be tempting to pick up the flashiest keyboard which matches your setup, but consider these tips before parting with your money.

Rubber Dome Vs Mechanical Keyboards

When you are choosing a gaming keyboard, the biggest thing you need to consider is the key type. Do you want rubber domes or mechanical keys?

These terms refer to the mechanics under the keys. “Rubber domes” have a rubber dome under the letters which caves when you press down on them. Pressing down closes the circuit allowing the computer to know which key you are using.

Rubber domes are the most common and cheapest keyboard type. They have a soft sound and slimline look. However, they are easier to wear down over time.

Mechanical keyboards are often considered the ideal keyboard for gamers. They use spring-loaded mechanisms, which remind those from the 80s of their childhood. They are preferred due to their pleasing clicking sound, large buttons (which make it easier for gamers to confirm keystrokes), customization qualities, and durable shape.

However mechanical keyboards are expensive and bulky, which means gamers on the move may not want the big piece of tech.

Consider which makes the most sense to your gaming style.

Comfort

Most gamers are on their computer for hours on end. You might compare the time to office workers, but the difference is in concentration. Most people when they are working will go for a coffee break, or stop their typing to think. Gamers, however, will get sucked into their games so dramatically that they forget they need a bathroom break.

Due to the intensity of gaming, you will need a comfortable keyboard. Consider looking for large wrist pads, tiltable standing ends, and creative shapes which fit with the mold of your hand.

The most comfortable keyboards for long game sessions are ones that spaced out keys. This is because they allow your fingers to stretch out in a natural flexing pattern. This will reduce cramps.

Backlighting

Many people enjoy backlighting on their keyboards, as it gives them an atmospheric experience in the game. However, if the keyboard is cheap, you can expect the lightwork to be cheap too.

Cheap backlights can lead to overheating or shortcutting. Worst case scenario is that the lights start strobing in a random and distracting pattern. In the best-case scenario, they just stop working altogether.

If backlighting is important to you, you should buy a keyboard that specializes in the light show. Ones that have detailed patterns, and a mixture of practical colors to help you see better and sensory colors for atmosphere. 

You can be sure that detailed backlit keyboards will be more stable than cheap ones.

Size

Generally speaking, there are 8 different keyboard sizes. In order of biggest to smallest their names are Full-Size, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%, 40%, Number Pad, and Micro Pad.

Most games don’t require a full-sized keyboard and will work just as well with a TKL or 75%. Both of these smaller keyboards have 86 to 88 keys, but a TKL has more space between each button. They essentially hold every key, bar the additional number bad on the right-hand side.

The reduced sizes mean you will be able to reach the keys faster and don’t have as many unused buttons taking up your space.

Many games only require a small collection of keys to be used. These are normally the 4 arrows, number 1, number 2, number 3, and then some special number such as the space bar, B, N, and Y.

However, you can customize your game to change these keys to fit your keyboard. Doing that can allow you to buy a smaller more convenient size.

N-Key

Also known as the Key Rollover, the N-Key is a processing design that allows you to press as many keys as you want and allow them to be seen as separate actions. For example, you could press the Spacebar, 3, Y, and Enter keys at the same time and allow the game to see them all as separate actions to be completed simultaneously.

This can speed up your gaming style and allow you to play tactically and faster. However if your game requires unusual modifier keys, then the N-Key options will not be suitable for you.

For example, a classic modifier key is Ctrl, Alt, Del. This would still be usable on a N-Key keyboard as it is standard, but if your game considers Shift + Down used together as a different command to Shift and Down used separately, then you won’t be able to use the combo command.

Summary

Keep all of these details in mind when you are choosing a gaming keyboard. Remember what matters to you, and your gaming style.