When building a gaming setup, people often focus on PC specs and building a machine that can run all the new titles. However, peripherals also play an important role, and a gaming keyboard is one of the key pieces of equipment to get right. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best one for your arsenal isn’t always easy. That’s why in this article, we’ll cover several things you need to know about buying a gaming keyboard.
Games You Play Should Impact Your Choice
As you can imagine, not all gaming keyboards are built the same, and some fit certain playstyles better than others. With that said, the games you usually play should influence the type of keyboard you buy.
If you’re into fast and competitive games like CS:GO or Valorant, it’s all about having fast and responsive switches that can enhance your performance. With how popular games in which even a fraction of a second can decide the outcome of a round, keyboards that suit this playstyle have become a go-to option for many players.
However, there are also games where having a top-notch keyboard doesn’t necessarily impact your performance. Sure, it’s great to have a top-tier piece of equipment you can count on, but do you really need it if you only play single-player games where the focus is on the story?
The same goes for browser games where your keyboard sees little action. Online casino platforms have attracted a lot of attention, and they keep drawing in more players. Sites such as those listed at ukslotsnotongamstop.com have huge game libraries that include everything from themed slots to classic table games. Still, most of these games don’t require fast reactions, and your focus should be on comfort. This is especially the case if you often spend long stretches behind the screen.
Lastly, MMORPGs are known for the number of commands players need to manage. For titles that belong to this genre, it’s always smart to pick keyboards with extra macro keys and customizable layouts.
Therefore, look at your Steam library or think about the games you play the most. Pick a keyboard that matches your style instead of just picking up the flashiest option on the shelf.
The Benefits of a Mechanical Keyboard
If you go through most keyboard buying guides, you’ll find a section about choosing between a mechanical and a membrane keyboard. However, if you want a true gaming piece of equipment, the former is almost always the preferred option.
What separates mechanical keyboards is that each key is built with its own switch. This means that every press is registered accurately, and there’s a distinct tactile feel you simply don’t get with membrane ones. In addition, key presses are registered faster, with switches on some keyboards activating halfway through the press. This can be crucial in fast-paced games where quick reactions often mean the difference between winning and losing.
Mechanical keyboards are also built to last tens of millions of key presses, which is always the case with membrane keyboards, and they tend to wear out sooner.
And if you’re like most gamers, you probably enjoy the idea of being able to customise your equipment. With a mechanical keyboard, you can swap out keycaps as you wish and tailor the design to your liking. You can even take them out, paint them, and put together a completely personalized look. Some models even allow you to replace switches, making it possible to tailor the entire keyboard to your personal playstyle.
There’s also the audible signal a mechanical keyboard gives you when you press a key, which can impact your reaction times and help you stay in rhythm during intense fights and similar scenarios. Just keep in mind that it might take you some time to get used to the constant clicking sound, especially if you’re switching from a quieter setup.
Top Brands are Your Safest Choice
Once you walk into your local tech store or scroll through an online catalog, you’ll see that there are hundreds of models you can choose from. Some brands you’ll recognize even if you’re not deeply into gaming equipment, but there will also be names you’ve never heard of before.
More often than not, the best thing you can do is pick a renowned brand that’s been in the industry for years. Companies such as Razer, Corsair, and Logitech are known for designing top-tier keyboards that deliver consistent performance and comfort. You can count on them using premium materials to build their keyboards, resulting in devices that can handle years of heavy use without wearing down.
Also, top brands tend to refine their designs with each release, aiming to improve their layouts and create better wrist support. So, if you get one of their latest models, you can be assured that everything in its design has been optimized and adjusted to meet the needs of a modern gamer.
The biggest brands in the industry are also leading in terms of additional features like RGB lights, customizable macros, and dedicated media controls.
