Introduction
Getting the best set-up for your gaming sessions can feel a little overwhelming. Personally, all the different options for gaming keyboards put me off buying one for a long time. However, with some research, and our useful guide to choosing the right gaming keyboard, you can find the right equipment for you in no time.
Don’t be put off by all the choices and technology. Our handy guide breaks all the essential things down into manageable sections, so next time you’re looking for that perfect gaming keyboard, you’ll know what the computer jargon means and what’s best for you.
Who Is This Article For?
This article is for anyone who is looking for their next, or even first, gaming keyboard. Whether you’re a newbie who’s just getting started or an old pro with several gaming keyboards behind you, there will be something to help you in this guide. It doesn’t matter if you play Overwatch, World of Warcraft, or Fortnite. Whatever you need a gaming keyboard for, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
To choose the right gaming keyboard, know what size you need and check for key technology, key rollover, key customization and macros, and backlighting for aesthetics and better gaming. Get the best build quality and consider anti-ghosting features, aesthetics, brand, and price.
10 Steps to Choosing the Right Gaming Keyboard
- What size do you need?
- What about the key technology?
- Check for key customization and macros
- Consider key rollover amount
- What about anti-ghosting features?
- Backlighting for aesthetics
- Backlighting for better gaming
- Get the best build quality
- Brand Selection
- Price
11 Steps to Choosing the Right Gaming Keyboard
A gaming keyboard is an essential tool to have in your armory when you sit down to play a game. Most standard keyboards don’t last long under the pressure of a gamer’s fast fingers, and the keys aren’t always designed for simultaneous presses. No one wants their game ruined by shoddy keys or ghost presses, so here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right gaming keyboard.
1. Know What Size You Need: Full or Tenkeyless?
Keyboards come in various sizes, but they typically follow one of two styles: full-size or tenkeyless. Size is an issue for gamers, depending on where your game and personal comfort is. If you need all the keys, such as the number pad, you’ll want to buy a full-size keyboard.
However, a tenkeyless keyboard is best if you want a smaller gaming keyboard, for example, to fit on a desk or side table. Using tenkeyless allows you to keep the mouse closer to the WASD keys, which many gamers find more comfortable. Nevertheless, if you like using alt codes, a tenkeyless probably isn’t for you.
2. Mechanical or Membrane?
Computer keyboards use two main technologies to operate: mechanical or membrane. Gamers favor mechanical keyboards as they minimize ghosting and offer that satisfying click when pressed. A lot of games enjoy the old-school aesthetic of clicky mechanical keys, also.
On the other hand, mechanical gaming keyboards tend to bump up the price, and if you’re shopping on a budget, you’re probably going to end up with a membrane keyboard. Membrane technology is less accurate than mechanical, but you may find it more comfortable on your fingers. If you get into the habit of pushing keys firmly, a membrane keyboard will work well for you. Many gamers still use them, and it won’t hold you back.
Mechanical Keyboard Example:
SteelSeries Apex Pro
Apex Pro is a pricier option, at around $200, but it’s a Pro mechanical keyboard, and it comes with a choice of several options for color and clickiness. The Apex Pro is available from Amazon.com and connects to your desktop or laptop by USB. It comes with a magnetic wrist rest.
Membrane Keyboard Example:
Cooler Master MasterSet MS120
One for the membrane lovers here, the Cooler Master offers “mem-chanical’ keys and is at the lower price point of around $100. The Cooler Master is a fun hybrid of the membrane and mechanical keyboard technology and comes with a mouse. You have a couple of colorways to choose from, both of which are primarily black.
3. Do you want a lot of extra key customization?
Most games have a wealth of buttons, options, and menus, and your gaming keyboard needs to cope with whatever your favorite game can throw at it. Macros allow for mapping keys to game functions yourself, for example, programming the PrtSc button to bring up your inventory. Some gaming keyboards allow this functionality, and many keyboards allow you to save several macros sets, one for each game.
If you play several games, I’d recommend choosing a gaming keyboard with this capacity, so you don’t have to set up your macros every time you change games.
You might also want to change the switches under individual keys, especially if specific keys give you trouble.
4. Consider Key Rollover, If You Want It
The key rollover amount is usually pretty low on standard keyboards. You don’t often press two or more keys simultaneously when you use a computer for work or school, but simultaneous presses happen a lot when you’re gaming.
Look for a high key rollover, such as 5, to ensure your new keyboard can cope with all the button pressing you do in your gaming sessions, especially if you’re using macro keys. If you don’t have the right key rollover number, your computer will register the wrong keys as pressed, or it’ll register nearby keys instead. This could throw your whole game off, so make sure to get those keypresses covered on your new keyboard!
5. Make Sure it Comes with Anti-Ghosting Features
The best gaming keyboards have anti-ghosting features built-in. Ghosting is when the computer registers incorrect keys instead of the ones you pressed. It’s usually one of the keys you pushed if you’re using more than one key simultaneously, but it can be nearby keys you didn’t even touch.
Ghosting is much more of an issue for gamers than it is for regular computer users. It’s no big deal if your computer adds an extra few letters to a word you typed, and that’s easy to erase. However, what if you’re playing Rainbow Six Siege and your ghosted keypress knocks an ally out of the game?
6. Check the Backlighting for Aesthetics
We’ve all seen those colorfully-lit gaming keyboards with rainbow keys. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a keyboard for its stunning backlighting, especially if it’s customizable and you can select your favorite colors. You could also choose colors that match the game you’re playing, such as orange and white for Overwatch.
A backlit keyboard brings a whole other level to your gaming sessions and is a talking point amongst your friends. You don’t even have to spend that much, as the market’s full of reasonably-priced backlit keyboards. Ensure you’re buying one with customization, though, unless you’re happy with the colors on offer. You don’t want to buy a stunning new gaming keyboard just to find you’re stuck with hot pink or a rainbow if these aren’t what you want.
Example: Razer Huntsman Elite
Another Razer gaming keyboard, the Huntsman Elite, is reasonably large, but it comes with a wrist rest, and you can choose from black or white. You can even get tenkeyless versions of this keyboard. Again, you can fully customize the keys, from your macro options to your backlit colors. It’s available from Amazon.com.
7. Check for Key Backlighting
Despite its aesthetic appeal, backlighting on keyboards has another function for gamers. Customizable backlighting allows you to highlight the keys you use the most, so you can access them more easily. Many gamers enjoy playing in the dark, but this isn’t easy if you don’t know where the keys are.
Great Key Backlighting Example: Razer Cynosa V2
Razer’s Cynosa V2 works with Alexa, and you can buy it from Amazon.com. It offers individually backlit keys so that you can program your lighting to your heart’s content, and with 16.8 million colors to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You also get fully customizable macros so that you can create the best key options for your game.
Imagine how fast and efficient your game skills would be if the keys you want were lit up in your favorite colors. You’d get super fast and become unstoppable in battle. Fumbling for keys will be a thing of the past, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends.
Double-check how much customization individual gaming keyboards give you. Some don’t have the option to light up single keys, which is pretty useless as a gamer.
8. Check Reviews on Durability- From Gamers Specifically
Gamers are not known for their gentility. Gaming is fast and furious, and we’re all guilty of smashing keys or the odd bout of ‘gamer’s rage.’ Some games even function through button-mashing, so your gaming keyboard is going to suffer a fair amount of abuse.
The better the build quality, the longer your keyboard will last, and the more intense gaming it can take. If you plan on splashing out on a new gaming keyboard, you’ll want it to last a long time, so look at the build quality carefully, and don’t skimp on your budget.
Another thing to bear in mind is whether your keyboard comes with a guarantee or an option to buy replacement keys later on when your’s wear out. Replacing a few keys will be a lot cheaper than replacing your entire keyboard and saves you money in the long-run.
9. Don’t Just Look at One Brand
Don’t feel pressured to choose a gaming keyboard from popular brands if their products aren’t right for you. Many small sellers exist, and it’s well worth shopping around to see what they have to offer.
However, the tried and tested significant brands used by professional gamers are popular for a reason. Their prices might be higher, and you won’t get that personalized customer experience from a large store, but brands like SteelSeries are dedicated experts in their field and know what they’re doing.
Some popular brands in the gaming keyboard space include:
- SteelSeries
- Corsair
- Razer
- Asus
- Logitech
- HyperX
Your local electronics or computing store will also have some gaming keyboards stocked. Check with gaming stores, too.
10. Calculate the Cost, then Compare it to Other Brands with the Same Features
For a top-quality gaming keyboard, you’re going to have to spend some money. Fortunately, the prices aren’t too crazy, and some great budget keyboards exist also.
If you’re looking for something premium or recently released, it’s going to set you back $200-300. However, at that price point, you’ll get premium features such as:
- Macros
- Customizable backlighting
- Mechanical keys
- Ability to change switches on individual keys
- A robust guarantee if you break stuff easily
However, every keyboard is different, and some are overpriced. Always make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you commit to buying anything, and if you’re not sure, search for the product online and check out the reviews.
Don’t be afraid to ask if you can try a keyboard out. Take time to test how it feels under your fingers and especially under your wrists. It’s also worth asking the sales rep if they can cut you a deal. Some shops have set prices, others will offer discounts, but you may have to ask.
What Are the Best Gaming Keyboards?
With so many keyboards out there, it’s challenging to pick one. However, we’ve given you a great place to get started with our handy rundown of some of the best. Our list includes some high-end keyboards, as well as some budget gaming keyboards, so whatever your budget, you’ll find something for you.
RandomFrankP has an excellent video on gaming keyboards here:
Related Questions
When choosing a gaming keyboard, there’s so much to think about, and, understandably, you’ll have a few questions. It’s tough to know what’s right for you if you don’t have friends or family who play. We’ve answered some of the most common questions about gaming keyboards below.
Is a Gaming Keyboard Worth It?
If you play a lot of PC games, it is worth investing in a gaming keyboard. Your game will be better, you’ll be quicker and more comfortable while you play, and your keyboard will last a lot longer. However, if you only play PC games occasionally, it might not be worth it unless you play fast-paced, intense games with lots of button-mashing.
Is Membrane Good or Bad for Gaming?
If you can afford a mechanical keyboard, you’re better off choosing a mechanical keyboard for gaming. However, if you’re on a budget or just prefer membrane keys, then it’s absolutely fine to use a membrane keyboard for gaming. You can play just fine with a membrane keyboard, but you might want to consider getting a hybrid keyboard instead.
Are Keyboards Spill-Resistant?
Suppose you drink a lot of water while gaming; you’d be better off with a membrane keyboard, as these are more likely to be spill-resistant than mechanical keyboards. Always check the packaging, so you know for sure if your keyboard can handle a spill. You might want to use spill-resistant drinks bottles or travel mugs while gaming to keep your keyboard safe.
I Have a Limited Budget: Should I Buy a Keyboard or a Mouse?
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford the full set-up, sum up what you use the most when you game to help you decide whether you should spend the money on a keyboard or a mouse. The mouse is your primary tool for direction, but many in-game functions revolve around the keyboard.
There’s no easy decision, and it depends on where your game experience is lacking. However, there are some great package deals for reasonable prices, so you may still be able to get both.
Conclusion
In this article, I looked at 11 easy steps to choosing a gaming keyboard. From selecting the right size (full-size or tenkeyless) to looking at key technology (membrane or mechanical), I took you through all the things you need to consider before splurging on that cool new gaming keyboard.
Other than aesthetics, brand, and price, you’ll want to check for key customization and macros, backlighting, and build quality. Don’t forget to choose a gaming keyboard with a decent key rollover number and some robust anti-ghosting measures, to prevent ghost keypresses from ruining your game.
I also offered a shortlist of the best gaming keyboards, including some high-end keyboards and some for a more reasonable price. From the SteelSeries Apex Pro to the Cooler Master MasterSet MS120, you’re spoilt for choice. Don’t forget about Razer’s Cynosa V2 or their cool-looking Huntsman Elite.
Finally, I answered some common questions many people have about gaming keyboards, such as whether it’s worth it or not, if membrane keyboards are good or bad for gaming, and what to do if you want to buy a keyboard and a mouse, but can’t afford it. I also looked at which keyboards are spill-resistant.