Introduction
Whether you are a professional gamer or you use your computer for other purposes, you might be considering if a gaming keyboard could be something you could use. There are a lot of benefits that come with gaming keyboards, but it’s important to determine first what these benefits are and how they could lift your performance up to a higher level.
This article will discuss the differences between a gaming keyboard and a regular keyboard, eleven reasons why you need a gaming keyboard, if a gaming keyboard really makes a difference, why gaming keyboards matter, the three best gaming keyboards out there at the moment, and if non-gamers should also consider getting a gaming keyboard.
Getting a gaming keyboard will definitely make a difference in gaming skills and comfort for most fervent gamers. The main reasons that you need a gaming keyboard are:
- Benefits of mechanical switches
- They respond faster
- Operate smarter
- Have N-Key Rollover
- Offer keypress consistency
- Offer high comfort levels
- Very durable
- Come with backlit keys
- Better functionality.
- More Comfortable
- More immersive experience
- Wrist Strain Reducing
All of these features will result in a higher performance level and a bigger chance of winning, meanwhile you are enjoying a more immersive experience.
1. Gaming Keyboards Have Mechanical Switches
As opposed to the regular keyboard, gaming keyboards have these mechanical switches for each individual key, whereas the regular keyboard has a single mat of rubber domes.
So, what do these individual mechanical switches do for you as a gamer? They offer better performance, not only for gaming but also for typing (although the typing is often louder than with a regular keyboard). Because of this, many gamers prefer a keyboard with mechanical switches. However, mechanical switches don’t guarantee that you’ll be a better gamer, but many are preferred.
2. Gaming Keyboards Respond Faster
The difference between a mechanical keyboard (gaming keyboard) and a membrane keyboard (regular keyboard) is that the mechanical one responds slightly faster, only a few milliseconds. However, this is more meaningful than it sounds, as you might just be a bit quicker than your opponent. To be exact, the gaming keyboard has a latency of roughly 15-25 milliseconds, while the regular keyboard has a latency of about 30 milliseconds.
3. NKRO
NKRO stands for N-Key Rollover, which is a very helpful feature for gamers. It means that you can press any amount of keys at the same time while all of these are registered accurately and in the correct order. Mechanical (gaming) keyboards have this feature, as well as the membrane keyboard. However, the membrane keyboard can usually only offer a maximum of about six Key Rollovers. If you’re looking at keyboards and you see 6 KRO, it means exactly that.
For typing, this feature isn’t beneficial since you type in all of the letters one-by-one. It is, however, helpful for gaming because you might need to press down and release certain keys at the same time while pressing down others (depending on the game).
4. Keypress Consistency
Another difference that’s a major benefit for gamers is the fact that you can expect instant feedback without pressing the key all the way down with mechanical keyboards. Your mind will remember how hard you need to press down in order for it to register.
This isn’t the case with membrane keyboards because, with these keyboards, it isn’t always the same when it comes down to registering the pressing of the keys, so your brain has a hard time predicting it.
5. Heaviness
A gaming keyboard is slightly heavier than a regular keyboard, which will make it a little harder to slide around. This could be beneficial for gamers when they’re caught up in a game where a lot of (or some) movement is expected. It could be less ideal if you plan on traveling a lot with your keyboard but for many this isn’t the case.
6. Durability
Gaming keyboards are generally more durable than regular keyboards. If you’re a fervent gamer, having a keyboard that you can rely on for a preferably longer amount of time is very beneficial. Gamers tend to also hit certain keys very hard because of the intensity of the game. The keys are obviously also used often in games, so you want to have a keyboard that can handle a bit of slam here and there.
7. Macro Keys
Macro keys, also known as programmable keys, are keys that you can find on a mechanical keyboard. These keys allow you to assign a (complex) command sequence to one single key. For certain games, this is very helpful, such as World of Warcraft, DOTA 2, and Guild Wars 2. This feature makes it possible for you to set up your own actions in a certain order—this way, you won’t need to press the key repetitively or remember in-game hotkeys.
This doesn’t mean that if you set this up once, it will be the same for every game; you can alter it for different games. It can also be used outside of gaming while copy and pasting, opening and closing windows, and launching programs. Overall it’s a super handy tool!
8. Backlit Keys
This feature is very rare in regular keyboards, so it’s another great example of why gaming keyboards are a great choice for gamers! They come in multi-colors (RGB backlights) or single-colors.
This feature will allow you to game in all sorts of lighting conditions. Low-lit environments can be attractive to some gamers because it makes them feel like it’s a more immersive experience, especially when it comes to games in the horror or action genre.
Besides the previously mentioned benefits of backlit keys, RGB backlights can be assigned to specific keys, making it very easy for you to find the right keys without looking down at the keyboard. They also look really cool so this is definitely a very big plus of gaming keyboards!
9. Colors & Shapes
Regular keyboards often come in only black or white, while gaming keyboards are available in a wide variety of colors. You can even find keyboards with detailed patterns or panels that are lit with flashy LED lighting. With some high-end gaming keyboards, you can choose the LED lighting yourself, which isn’t hard to install.
In contrast with regular keyboards, gaming keyboards come in many different shapes. You can find simple shapes if you prefer that or something that’s called “space-age” designs. If you like futuristic fonts on the keycaps, you will probably be able to find that as well.
10. Proprietary Software
Proprietary software allows you to customize and optimize your keyboard for your preferences. This is a feature that you see with high-end gaming keyboards made by Razer Synapse, HyperX NGenuity, Logitech G Hub, and Corsair iCUE, amongst others.
What this software does is it automatically updates the firmware and detects peripherals from the producer. You can also save several character profiles within a game and switch between each of them easily.
11. Functionality and Comfort
Since gaming keyboards are made with gamers in mind, the manufacturers are trying to make the experience as comfortable and functional as possible. Some gaming keyboards come with paddings, or detachable wrist rests on offering support for your wrists. This will allow you to game longer without getting tired or bothered by a sprained wrist.
The keys in gaming keyboards are spaced wider apart in comparison to regular keyboards. This makes it easier to type as well as prevents you from accidentally pressing the wrong keys. Additional convenient features could be rubber keys, extra USB ports, microphone and headphone jacks, and media control buttons.
12. Protection from Wrist Strain
Since the keys of a gaming keyboard are more sensitive, meaning that you will have to push them down less hard than on a regular keyboard, gaming keyboards can be considered somewhat ergonomic. Plus, they also often come with particular features for comfort and are made for long use.
Perhaps you’ve heard of a thing called Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) before, which is more likely to occur when you have to press keys harder for a longer amount of time. Using a gaming keyboard can prevent this injury from happening to you, although there are a lot of regular keyboards nowadays that also don’t require a hard slamming of the keys.
The Best Gaming Keyboards All Time
There are a lot of great gaming keyboards out there, and I could probably give you a long list of perfectly suitable ones. To avoid overwhelming you, instead, I’m going to stick to the three best out there in 2021.
Razer Huntsman Elite
About this keyboard: This is the fastest gaming keyboard you’re going to find. Why? Because of its new optomechanical switches, which means that Razer has combined mechanical switches with optical sensors. It ticks all the other boxes that you might require as well.
Pro’s: Macro keys, backlit keys, super-fast, comfortable.
Con’s: Expensive.
SteelSeries Apex Pro
About this keyboard: This is an amazing gaming keyboard and comes out on top in many online reviews. It has been designed very well and has everything you’ll need from a keyboard when it comes to gaming.
Pro’s: Quiet, comfortable, great performance, good design, backlit keys, macro keys.
Con’s: Expensive.
ROCCAT Vulcan 120 Aimo
About this keyboard: A great gaming keyboard that uses its own switches (Titan) instead of what most gaming keyboards use (Cherry MX).
Pro’s: Looks good, comfortable, quiet, typing feels good, great lighting. Con’s: Expensive.
The Difference Between a Gaming Keyboard and a Regular Keyboard
In order to determine if you want to make the switch to a gaming keyboard, you must first know the difference between a gaming keyboard and a regular keyboard. Let’s go through a short introduction of both the gaming keyboard as well as the regular keyboard.
Regular Keyboards
Sometimes also referred to as “rubber dome” keyboards or “membrane” keyboards, regular keyboards are the ones that you’re used to using in an office. Basically, for all keyboards that aren’t gaming keyboards, you can consider regular keyboards. The reason for both the name “rubber dome” and “membrane” is that these keyboards are made out of three flexible, thin membranes between the keyboard casing.
Gaming Keyboards
An important difference between a gaming keyboard (also called mechanical keyboards) and a regular keyboard is that gaming keyboards have individual mechanical switches that are more responsive and durable than membrane switches. Gaming keyboards come with extra features that a normal keyboard mostly doesn’t have. These features include media controls, RGB backlights, and programmable keys (also named macro keys).
Now that you know a few basic differences between a regular keyboard and a gaming keyboard, let’s take a look at a few reasons closely to see why a gaming keyboard can be a great choice.
Important Note*
Most gaming keyboards have mechanical switches. However, this isn’t all that’s out there. There is some more to say about this subject which you should be informed about.
Cherry MX
I also said that most of these switches use MX mechanisms from a company called Cherry and are identified by color (MX Blue, MX Brown, MX Black, etc.). Each mechanism has a slightly different design in order to provide a certain feel or sound while typing.
If you play games where it’s important that you don’t accidentally hit the same key twice, Cherry MX Black is a good choice for you since they have the highest activation force. This benefit can also give the keys more of a stiff feel, though, which is not ideal for other types of games.
Other Switches
There are other choices besides Cherry MX switches, and which type of switch you need depends on the types of games you play plus what else you use your computer for. Another player in the game is Logitech’s Romer-G switches, which are available on many of its gaming keyboards. Logitech claims that these switches are more durable and have a shorter travel distance.
Additionally, Razer also has earned its part and has several different key switches.
Scissor Switch
These types of switches are sometimes used for low-profile gaming keyboards but are most often used on laptops. The scissor-switch is a slight variation of the “rubber dome” switch as it also uses a silicone membrane for spring backs, but it has a slimmer profile and an X-shaped mechanism beneath each key, which is stabilizing.
But Will a Gaming Keyboard Really Make a Difference in Your Gaming Abilities?
If you are a fervent gamer, you have probably given a lot of thought and attention to many important aspects such as your computer, motherboard, processor, and pc card. But did you really give the same amount of attention to your keyboard? Many would probably say no. This is a shame since a gaming keyboard can improve your gaming experience and skill level.
If you’re not a professional gamer, you might wonder if the switch to a gaming keyboard is really worth it. In the previous section of the article, we’ve listed many reasons why having a gaming keyboard could be a great idea. However, in case you are still unsure, you might want to consider how much time you spent gaming and if you are happy with your current regular keyboard.
Take Your Skills to the Next Level
If you spent a significant amount of your time gaming, gaming with a gaming keyboard will be a very different overall experience, and before you know it, you don’t know how you ever went without one. It can really take your skills to the next level. With some games, it can really make a big difference if you can be a millisecond faster than your opponent. It’s definitely a purchase you’re not going to regret.
If you want to get your skills to the highest possible level, it’s simply an essential part of getting there. It can make the difference between winning or losing.
Have a More Immersive Experience
Why not go for the best gaming experience that’s out there if you have the budget? As I mentioned previously, the backlighting of the keys allows you to play in dimly lit rooms, which can really elevate certain gaming experiences (depending on the game). It can really elevate the overall gaming experience, especially with horror games, which will make you anxious to get home and play.
Playing Time
Gaming keyboards are designed for a long(er) playing time because of the fact that they consider comfort, they have wider spaced keys; the keyboard is overall designed so you won’t get wrist or hand pain. Most games take up quite a bit of your time, with at least a playtime of 20 minutes and sometimes hours. If you don’t want to be held back because it’s uncomfortable, getting a gaming keyboard is essential.
Anti-Ghosting
Before getting to know more about anti-ghosting, you must know what ghosting means. It means that a key is registered even if you didn’t touch it. No worries, this doesn’t mean that you should abandon the premises and never look back because a paranormal entity has settled there. It simply means that sometimes when you press more than one key in the same column or row, the keyboard doesn’t know which key was pressed.
So the keyboard doesn’t know which key you’ve pressed so sometimes the wrong key shows up on the screen. This is called “ghosting.” Since gaming keyboards have individual switches underneath each key, they are “ghosting” proof, or as it’s expressed mostly, they are “anti-ghosting.”
Any Disadvantages?
After reading this article so far, you might be thinking: How could there be any disadvantages? I hear you, but still, there are (just) a few. Let’s take a look. You’ll find these aren’t really cons once you get used to them.
- Expensive. Compared to a regular keyboard, gaming keyboards can get quite expensive. Certainly, if you choose a high-end one that has all the features you might desire. But that’s also exactly the benefit; it will have all you desire. What makes them so expensive are mostly the mechanical switches.
- Heavy. Gaming keyboards can be a bit heavier than the regular kind. If you purchase it once and leave it at home, that shouldn’t be an issue. In fact, it’s also a benefit because if you move around during gaming, it’s best if you have a stable keyboard. If you want to bring it with you for traveling, it might be less ideal.
- Loud. Gaming keyboards can be loud; they are definitely louder than a regular keyboard. How loud depends on which type of switches that are used.
Related Questions
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Is Getting a Gaming Keyboard Also Advisable for Non-Gamers? If you are a gamer and you have to use your keyboard/computer for other things than gaming, a gaming keyboard is still great. It will still offer you comfort and cool aesthetics, although all of the other features might be of more benefit during a game. However, if you aren’t a gamer in the first place you might want to ask yourself why you would consider getting a gaming keyboard.
Because all of the previously mentioned benefits are nearly all of most benefits for gamers, I wouldn’t recommend a non-gamer to purchase a gaming keyboard. Simply because there are plenty of ‘regular’ ones out there that will do the job just fine. Why invest in a gaming keyboard if you’re not going to use all of the built-in benefits?
. - What do Professional Gamers Use? Professional gamers use a gaming keyboard as well as a gaming mouse to get the most out of their skills. They look at all of the elements that I have discussed in this article, similar to you (perhaps you are a professional gamer already). They use a wired gaming keyboard and a wired gaming mouse. The keyboards that I advised will be both suitable for professional gamers as well as gamers who just game for fun.
. - Is Wired or Wireless Better? The same rules sort of apply when it comes to gaming mice and whether or not they are better wired or wireless. Despite the fact that wireless mice have come a long way and are great for many tasks, you will still have a slight advantage most of the time with a wired mouse (or keyboard) because there is no room for any delays. Although most people would prefer wireless keyboards, most gaming keyboards are not. However, they are wired for a reason. Wired keyboards are quicker to react since they are not dependent on input latency that might have to wait for wireless transmission signals. Even though these delays might be minimum, they can be very important for a gamer. In fact, if you are a competitive gamer, these milli-seconds are essential in contributing to whether or not you win. This is the reason why wired keyboards are the norm, and most professional players swear by them. Some big names in the gaming keyboard world do offer some wireless gaming keyboards, although they are still the exception instead of the norm
. - Do you Also Need a Gaming Mouse? Here’s 6 Reasons They Matter Just like a gaming keyboard, a mouse can also be performance-enhancing. It can give you more accuracy and response, which can make all the difference if you’re competing in a game and want to win (which, of course, you do). A gaming mouse has sensors that are designed to be more accurate and responsive. Secondly, gaming mice are designed in such a way that they have more accessible and programmable buttons than a normal mouse, so you don’t have to screw around with the keyboard while you’re making an important move. Another thing that you might be happy to hear is that gaming mice are very affordable nowadays.
Conclusion
If you are doing fine right now without using a gaming keyboard, you don’t have to worry because getting a gaming keyboard is not mandatory. It can, however, make the entire gaming experience a lot more fun, successful and comfortable. Especially if you desire to be a professional gamer or you just want to level your game up, you will definitely want to make the switch over to a gaming keyboard.
Since the milli-second that you might, and most likely will respond faster than your opponent can be critical if you want to win (and who doesn’t). Even for non-professional gamers who still spent a significant time playing games, it is most definitely a choice you won’t regret, given all of the benefits that I have listed for you.