How to Choose the Best Gaming Keyboard?
When you’re playing a video game, you have a single motive in mind – to win. But without a good system to play with, it becomes really challenging to stay focused on the gameplay. And the worst is when your main weapon – The keyboard! starts giving up on you.
Choosing the best gaming keyboard is not about spending the most money possible. It is a process of elimination in which you look for certain features that you appreciate in a keyboard. Some features that manufacturers list may not even make much sense but they all help. We are going to explain some of them, and the focus will be on the most essential features that you should keep an eye out for when browsing to find the best gaming keyboard.
Anti-Ghosting
Anti-ghosting is a feature that all decent gaming keyboards have. What this feature does is register the correct number of keystrokes. Playing video games means using various key combinations to attack and defend your character. Regular keyboards register only one or two keystrokes, limiting gamers to try out different key combinations.
To better understand this behavior, try pressing and holding two keys, then hit a third one. Most keyboards will not register the third keystroke. A gaming keyboard does not have this issue and can register a higher number of simultaneous keystrokes.
Mechanical Switches
If we are talking about gaming keyboards, we must limit the search for mechanical keyboards. There is a reason why professional gamers only use this type. Mechanical keyboards offer better feedback when pressed and have a higher lifespan than cheaper membrane keyboards.
At the same time, mechanical switches used in mechanical keyboards offer a satisfying sound. The trouble comes from the fact that some manufacturers make keyboards that look as if they are mechanical ones when in reality they use a membrane instead of a switch. Make sure that your keyboard has high-quality mechanical switches.
Extra Features
The extra features that matter the most when it comes to choosing the best gaming keyboard are the software customizations. While the type of key used in a keyboard has an impact on the user experience and, in some cases, its longevity, the lifespan of a keyboard depends on the material used to manufacture it.
For gaming, you want to have all the essential keys. Multimedia buttons do not add much value. What adds value is a set of customizable keys that you can use to set up macros. The software of the keyboard needs to be well-thought-out to allow you to create macros, shortcuts, and customize keys as per requirements.
Build Quality
Build quality is the first thing that you notice about a gaming keyboard. While the type of key used in a keyboard has an impact on the user experience and, in some cases, its longevity, the lifespan of a keyboard depends on the material used to manufacture it.
Overall, they might look and feel more sturdy than a regular keyboard. However, it is easy to get fooled. As gamers tend to abuse their keyboards, they need to withstand a heavy beating. If you were to choose the best gaming keyboard, you need to get one that has a metal plate. It provides better support and prevents the keyboard from bending. At the same time, it adds a certain degree of weight. The whole body and keycaps of the keyboard need to have a high-quality finish.
Removable Keycaps
Another important feature of gaming keyboards is the removable keycaps. Most of them make it easy to remove the caps while others are simply impossible to remove. You will want to get a keyboard that has removable caps. Removable caps make it easier to replace them and it makes it easier to clean the keyboard without taking it apart. If you want to get the best gaming keyboard, it needs to have removable keycaps.
Impressive Backlighting
Backlighting makes it easier for users to type in low-light conditions. It’s a great feature to have, so you’ll always be productive when using your keyboard. When you’re buying a gaming keyboard, you’ll need to decide whether you want one evenly lit color or RGB lighting. RGB lighting, on the other hand, comes with a hefty price tag.
RGB lighting is done in zones (from three to six zones depending on your keyboard) or on each key individually. Cheaper keyboards have less uniform lighting, especially RGB keyboards. You’ll find that not all the keys are illuminated at the same time. If you’re looking for the best and most customizable RGB lighting, then you’ll want to choose a keyboard where every key has its own independent lighting, which will increase your price.
Some of the Best Gaming Keyboards in 2023
Below are the top 4 gaming keyboards available in 2023 with all amazing features.
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
This gaming keyboard is the perfect balance of gaming and typing. It’s got silky smooth switches and smart media keys, making it the best of the best. It’s got a funny name, but it’s still the best keyboard out there. Check it out on Amazon!
G.SKILL RIPJAWS KM780 RGB
If you’re looking for a gaming keyboard that won’t break your piggy bank, the KM780 RGB is a great option. It’s a great entry-level keyboard with enough features to make it almost an enthusiast-level typing board, and it won’t cost you nearly as much as the cheapest basic kit. Check it out on Amazon here!
Mountain Everest 60
If you’re looking for the best compact gaming keyboard, check out the Mountain Everest 60. Mountain has taken everything they learned from their first keyboards and created a keyboard that feels great and is super reliable. It’s also super responsive and gives you the best typing experience out there. Find this amazing keyboard here on Amazon.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed
If you’re looking for a wireless gaming keyboard, the Logitech G915 lightspeed is the way to go. It’s the perfect choice for PC gamers, with its low-profile keys and a comfortable wrist angle. It’s a must-have if you’re looking for the best wireless keyboard. Go buy it on Amazon from here.
With so many choices in the market, there’s no doubt that you will definitely find the best-suited keyboard to be your gaming partner. Go into details, read the specs, analyze the pros and cons, and you’ll find yourself with a keyboard of your liking.
So what are you waiting for? Go get your weapon and bring it on!