Before we dive into why you should buy a gaming keyboard, let’s briefly touch on how we got here.
The Evolution of Gaming Keyboards – A Short but Sweet History
Gaming keyboards have packed a lot of innovation into their relatively short history compared to their standard keyboard counterparts.
The first dedicated gaming keyboards emerged in the late 1990s to enhance performance specifically for gaming. According to experts at Razer, these early models focused solely on improving polling rate for faster response compared to standard keyboards. Many utilized similar membrane dome switch technology rather than mechanical keys.
In the early 2000s, gaming peripheral brands began implementing mechanical key switches, which provide better tactile feedback, greatly improved durability over 50-100 million keystrokes, and an overwhelmingly satisfying typing experience compared to membrane options.
Razer helped drive mass adoption of mechanical gaming keyboards when they released the pivotal Razer BlackWidow model in 2010 featuring Cherry MX Blue mechanical switches. It became an instant success and kickstarted a mechanical gaming keyboard renaissance of sorts. This subsequently encouraged other manufacturers to start utilizing mechanical key switches in their own gaming models.
Another major innovation was customizable RGB lighting with millions of dynamic color options. Leading the charge in 2008, the Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard introduced the concept of colorful backlighting to gaming peripherals. RGB lighting opened up a whole new level of personalization and immersive effects.
Today‘s gaming keyboards offer the fastest response times ever thanks to high bandwidth USB connections capable of 8000Hz polling rates for near instantaneous input lag reduction. They also provide full RGB customization along with a wide selection of mechanical switches catering to different tactile tastes and preferences.
And now onto why you need one of these modern mechanical gaming keyboard marvels!
5 Benefits of Gaming Keyboards Over Standard Options
Gaming keyboards give you concrete advantages that tangibly improve your overall gaming experience. Let‘s explore those benefits now:
1. Seriously Fast Response Times
Gaming keyboards utilize high polling rates, often 1000Hz or higher, to transmit your keystroke inputs faster to the computer. This lessens input delay or lag which can mess you up during fast-paced competitive games.
The fastest gaming keyboard models today boast insane 8000Hz polling rates, leading to near real-time responsiveness translating on-screen. We‘re talking a 1ms delay from pressing a key to registering the input in-game. This split-second difference between commands often determines winning or losing gunfights in FPS titles for example.
| Keyboard Type | Average Polling Rate | Input Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 125-250 Hz | 8-16 ms |
| Gaming | 1000 Hz | 1 ms |
| Pro Gaming | 8000 Hz | 0.125 ms |
Most gaming keyboards also utilize superior mechanical key switches rather than typical membrane designs. Mechanical switches offer shorter actuation points reducing the distance your fingers need to press each key. Again, shorter actuation distances promote faster in-game reaction times.
If quick reflexes and no lag is critical to your gaming success, a swift gaming keyboard like the Razer Huntsman V2 is a must-buy!
2. Fully Customizable Keys
Many gaming keyboards allow programming custom keybinds and macro functions to simplify complex game commands. This lets you activate skills, switch weapons, pull off special moves, and execute intricate button combos by pressing just one tailored key.
Programmable keys remove the need to memorize convoluted keyboard shortcuts. They help you focus attention on actually playing rather than recalling which keys trigger which actions. You can streamline repetitive tasks into instant one-button triggers tailored to your personal preferences and playstyle.
For multiplayer titles, custom keybinds tailored specifically to your gameplan provide a real edge over default configurations. Think about ways you can utilize programmable keys to unlock your gameplay potential!
3. Personalized RGB Lighting
RGB lighting has become a standard feature among gaming keyboard models enabling millions of dynamic color options and effects. Configurable lighting zones across the full keyboard can display everything from rainbow wave animations to reactive effects that respond to in-game events when linked with compatible games and software.
Personalized RGB lighting pulls you deeper into the gaming experience by creating immersive ambient environments that transform based on on-screen actions. Your keyboard essentially becomes an extension of the game. RGB effects also make your gaming station stand out with flair. Expressing your style through lighting customization has become a hallmark of gamer culture.
| Without RGB | With RGB | |
|---|---|---|
| Immersion Level | None | High |
| Setup Appearance | Dull | Lively |
| Epicness Factor | Low | Extreme |
If mesmerizing RGB effects tickle your fancy, the premium Corsair K70 RGB Pro gaming keyboard delivers dazzling dynamic multi-zone lighting powered by powerful Corsair iCUE software.
4. Built Tough for Intense Gaming
Unlike flimsy standard keyboards wearing out after only 5-10 million clicks, high-performance mechanical gaming models withstand over 50-100 million keystrokes over their long lifespan.
The mechanical key switch construction and premium internal components endure the barrage of clicks and clacks that gaming wear and tear dishes out. When you eventually wear down certain keys after years of intense mashing, their modular design makes swapping individual switches simple by just popping in replacements.
Gaming keyboards are designed from the ground up for hardcore heavy usage over their extended usable lifespan. That rugged construction pays dividends down the road saving you from continually replacing cheaper worn down models.
5. Adaptive Noise Control
Noise levels differ greatly depending on the type of mechanical key switch utilized. For example, clicky Blue switches produce audible feedback with each keypress while linear Red options provide a silent operational experience. And yes, that clicky clacking does get amplified tenfold in the heat of frantic gaming moments!
Gaming keyboards grant you flexibility to choose between near-silent stealth presses or ultra-noisy clicks bolstering your epic gameplay crescendos. This acoustic adaptability lets you adjust volume suitable for your environment whether that‘s late night gaming or rocking out at full volume.
Some gamers strongly prefer silent smooth keystrokes facilitating undetected ninja-like ambushes in FPS games. But many others absolutely love the audible confirmation of their intense button mashing accomplishments! Gaming keyboards empower you to switch between silent stealth or loud ‘n proud on the fly.
Standout Gaming Keyboards to Power Up Your Play
Let‘s check out 3 of the top-rated all-around gaming keyboards I‘d recommend as your next weapon of choice:
Overall Best Balance: HyperX Alloy Origins
The HyperX Alloy Origins strikes an ideal balance of performance, features, and price rooted in a durable foundation. A rigid aircraft-grade aluminum body provides a sturdy base while HyperX‘s own Red linear mechanical switches deliver smooth, rapid responses.
Underneath those keys, the keyboard promises an impressive 80 million click lifespan thanks to time-tested mechanical design principles. The Alloy Origins supports multi-key input thanks to N-key rollover technology in addition to 100% anti-ghosting.
Personalizing your playstyle is simple with the Alloy Origin‘s vibrant per-key RGB lighting powered by HyperX‘s intuitive NGENUITY software suite. It allows light synchronization with other HyperX gear and storage of custom profiles automatically triggered by launching specific games. A convenient Game Mode function locks down unnecessary keys preventing accidental presses mid-match.
For less than $100, the Alloy Origins supplies reliable high-performance wrapped in a rock solid minimalist aluminum frame built to withstand gaming abuse. It‘s the complete value-packed package!
Most Affordable: G.Skill KM250
Despite a sub $50 budget price, the ultra-compact G.Skill KM250 RGB doesn‘t compromise delivering solid gaming performance. At less than 13 inches long thanks to a condensed 65% layout, its diminutive size makes room for maneuvering your gaming mouse while the detachable Type-C cable enhances portability.
Smooth linear Red switches pair up with durable doubleshot PBT keycaps for resilience against heavy gaming clicks. Convenient media controls along the top provide on-the-fly volume and playback adjustments. Future customization stays possible with hot-swappable key switches too.
For the price, the G.Skill KM250 does everything you need in a space-saving portable package without breaking the bank. Its ultra flexibility makes a great companion keyboard when gaming on the couch with handheld devices as well!
Best Wireless: Logitech G915 TKL
If you demand cable-free convenience, the feature-loaded Logitech G915 TKL gaming keyboard delivers uncompromising speedy performance without wires. Logitech utilizes their super-fast LIGHTSPEED wireless technology to offer real-time lag-free response up to 40 feet away thanks to an optimized 2.4GHz signal connection. You can expect 70 hours of non-stop gaming per charge or utilize the keyboard infinitely wired.
Underneath, Logitech implements ultra-low throw GL mechanical switches designed specifically for rapid gaming actuations. They have short 1.5mm actuation requiring little 50 grams force for quick, effortless keypresses. Tenkeyless design trims excess size for maximum mousing flexibility. An attachable memory foam wrist rest boosts all-day gaming comfort further too.
For full personalization, Logitech G Hub software provides animated RGB effects down to per-key lighting control alongside robust macro programming. Just be aware that unparalleled wireless gaming performance commands premium pricing hovering around $200. But if cable clutter drives you crazy, the exceptional G915 TKL offers the ultimate clutter-free battlestation solution!
Key Factors When Choosing Your Next Gaming Keyboard
Keep these aspects in mind while evaluating keyboards to find your ideal match:
Size – Compact 60-65% variants conserve desk space for mousing movements while full-size options allow more macro keys. Wireless models cut cable mess further.
Switches – Do you prefer loud & tactile or silent & smooth key presses? Trying out different mechanical switch types can help decide what feels best for your gaming style.
Desired Features – Consider what extra capabilities like USB pass-through ports or programmable keys appeal to your use cases and choose accordingly. Necessary software compatibility matters too.
Connectivity –Wired ensures 100% stable low-latency response while wireless allows obstruction-free setups with similar fast speeds at average 40-foot ranges. Just monitor potential battery longevity.
Finding your dream gaming keyboard comes down to discovering the features and performance that align with your top priorities!
Go Grab That Gaming Keyboard, My Friend!
As you can see clearly now, gaming keyboards provide concrete advantages that’ll seriously improve your gaming prowess thanks to performance-driven designs purpose built for gaming requirements from rapid response to deep customization.
I hope all this info helps you better understand the real benefits of upgrading to a modern gaming keyboard option that caters directly to your playstyle. Feel free to refer back if you ever have any other questions pop up during your shopping quest!
Now that you’re armed with everything needed to decide, go discover your ideal gaming keyboard to step up your play to all new levels. Game on!
