Performance in competitive games heavily depends on the computer keyboard a gamer uses. If the keys have minimal response times, low input lag, and comfortable actuation, gameplay becomes easier and more responsive. The game reacts faster to user commands, making movement much smoother. Even simple actions like walking, running, and jumping feel better on a good keyboard.
If you want to enhance responsiveness in gaming and improve your performance in online projects, you should consider genuine gaming keyboards. Below, we'll explain how they differ from regular peripherals, why their price can be surprising, and how to choose a good gaming keyboard.
How Gaming Keyboards Differ from Regular
Ones Gaming keyboards differ from office keyboards in the following ways:
- RGB backlighting;
- programmable keys;
- increased reliability and quality of materials.
RGB Backlighting
Office keyboards either lack backlighting or have single-color backlighting designed solely to aid typing in low-light conditions. In gaming keyboards, however, the backlighting is multicolored (RGB). Gamers use RGB LEDs not just for aesthetics but also to customize colors of specific keys, making it easier to find them quickly during gameplay.
For example, in many games, keys for opening maps or inventory are far from the WASD keys. Highlighting these keys with a different color helps gamers find them without looking away from the screen, significantly simplifying and making gameplay more comfortable.
Programmable Keys
This feature, also known as macros, allows assigning a sequence of actions to each key, which is very useful in online games with numerous commands, such as Dota 2. Some users consider this feature cheating, but in reality, macros cannot secure a victory in competitive matches. They merely accelerate and simplify the execution of certain commands, providing no significant advantage in games. The impact of macros is akin to high refresh rate monitors: they facilitate aiming and smooth out visuals, but they won't turn a poor player into an esports athlete. The player's skills remain paramount.
Increased Reliability and Quality of Materials
Regular computer keyboards are typically rated for a couple of million keystrokes, suitable for office workers who do not type large volumes of text. However, gaming keyboards are designed for tens of millions of keystrokes, necessary because gamers frequently press keys with significant force. Cheap and low-quality materials cannot withstand such stress and quickly break down. To avoid premature failure, genuine gaming keyboards are made from durable and reliable components.
Therefore, good gaming keyboards are much more expensive than office models, with prices often exceeding $150, which is entirely normal. It's simply impossible to create a reliable and durable keyboard from cheap components.
Membrane or Mechanical Keyboards
Membrane keyboards are the most common, featuring rubber membranes under the keycaps to provide resistance and key return after pressing. They tend to be stiff, with a noticeable resistance and bottoming out sensation during actuation.
Mechanical keyboards are best suited for gaming, using mechanical switches (switches). They are more reliable and faster than membranes: key actuation occurs before the key bottoms out, and return is almost instantaneous due to the metal spring in the construction.
The main advantage of mechanical keyboards is their increased response speed. Video games will register your commands faster, improving control responsiveness and making movement faster and more comfortable.
Is it true that membrane keyboards are unsuitable for gaming
Many believe that membrane keyboards are unsuitable for gaming because they use very durable and stiff rubber membranes. However, this is not the case. In expensive gaming keyboards, membranes are made not from rubber but from very strong polymers. These materials are much softer, allowing keys to be pressed with minimal resistance. Additionally, polymer membranes are very reliable and durable, comparable in lifespan to top mechanical switches. Therefore, membrane keyboards can be chosen for gaming. The key is to ensure that their membranes are made from high-quality polymers, not ordinary rubber.
Choosing Mechanical Switches
Today, there are countless switches from various manufacturers. Covering all would make this article endless. Therefore, when choosing mechanical switches, pay attention to four parameters:
- type of response;
- actuation force;
- actuation distance;
- keypress noise.
Response Type Keyboards are classified by response type:
- Linear switches have no noticeable response. They press smoothly throughout their length, producing only the sound of the keycap hitting the keyboard base.
- Tactile switches have a slight bump that must be overcome for activation. This helps minimize accidental and erroneous presses, which is very useful in some games and when typing large volumes of text.
- Tactile-click switches also have a slight bump. When pressed, these switches make clicking noises. Many gamers prefer them.
For the fastest response, we recommend choosing linear switches, i.e., switches without any bump. However, many gamers prefer tactile switches, and there's nothing wrong with that. While they may be slightly slower in response speed compared to linear switches, if you prefer tactile switches, there's no need to change them. Comfort and personal preferences should always come first for gamers.
Simply choose the switches you like. We recommend visiting any store and trying keyboards with different switch types. This way, you can decide which switches you prefer.
Actuation Force
This characteristic is measured in grams. As the name suggests, it determines how much force is required to press a key down.
Most switches have an actuation force of 40-50 grams, making them very easy to press. Your fingers will need only minimal effort to depress the keys.
Less popular switches have an actuation force of 70-80 grams, requiring more effort to press, which reduces accidental and erroneous presses.
Actuation force is a highly subjective characteristic, so it cannot be recommended. Therefore, we advise visiting a store and determining for yourself whether you prefer light or heavier key presses.
Actuation Distance
This characteristic is measured in millimeters. It indicates how far down a key must be pressed for the keyboard to recognize it.
The shorter the actuation distance, the faster and more responsive the keyboard. Therefore, we recommend choosing switches with minimal actuation distance, i.e., 1-2 mm.
Keypress Noise
Many gamers dislike mechanical keyboards because of their noise, but today there are many silent switches available. These switches include rubber dampeners that mute any sound, making keypresses nearly silent. Such switches are always labeled "Silent," indicating their quietness.
If you dislike mechanical keyboards due to loud keypresses, consider keyboards with silent switches. They are highly popular and widely available today.
Keycap Material
One of the main issues with office and budget gaming keyboards is keycap wear over time. To prevent this, keycaps should be made not from cheap ABS plastic but from durable PBT material. PBT keycaps do not wear out over time and do not change color due to ultraviolet light. They are exceptionally strong, practical, and durable.
Form Factor or Keyboard
Size Gaming keyboards come in two types: full-size (primary) and TKL (tenkeyless). The former has a standard form factor with a numeric keypad on the right, while the latter lacks a numeric keypad. TKL keyboards are approximately a quarter smaller than regular ones, saving desk space.
You should decide for yourself whether you need a numeric keypad on the right. If you primarily use your computer for gaming, consider TKL keyboards, but if you also type or work with information in professional programs on your home PC, it's better to opt for full-size keyboards.
Quality of Extendable Feet Many gamers dislike the standard tilt angle of gaming keyboards and use extendable feet. If you plan to use a device with feet, make sure their ends are rubberized. This will firmly secure the keyboard and prevent accidental device shifts on the table.
Conclusion
Genuine gaming keyboards should feature:
- minimal actuation distance;
- customizable RGB backlighting;
- rubberized extendable feet;
- programmable keys and specialized software;
- durable keycaps made of PBT materials;
- expensive and durable membrane or mechanical switches.
Remember that high-quality and durable gaming keyboards cannot be cheap. If you find a gaming keyboard in a store or marketplace for $20-40, be sure it won't last long. Within one or two years, keys will start failing, and you'll have no choice but to replace it with a new one.
It's much more rational to opt for an expensive purchase right away. By choosing a high-quality and durable gaming keyboard, you'll save yourself from constant frustration and trips to stores in search of a new device.
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