What to Look For When Buying a Gaming Keyboard

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In the gaming world, keyboards are just as important as a computer mouse. When you’re about to purchase a new keyboard, it’s important to think about how it will be used and what type of gamer you are-casual or hardcore. For a casual gamer, a mechanical keyboard might not be a great idea because it can be quite noisy.

This article will discuss some of the best keyboards for gaming currently on the market to help you make an informed decision when buying one.

What to Look For When Buying a Keyboard

A keyboard is an important tool for any gamer. When you’re about to purchase one, you will want to look for type of keys (if they are mechanical or membrane), special features (backlighting, wrist support, etc.), and color scheme.

The Different Types of Keyboards

When looking for a gaming keyboard, there are two major types to choose from: the membrane and mechanical keys. Membrane keyboards use rubber domes that create the keystroke. On the other end, mechanical keyboards use individual switches under each keycap to create tactile. Mechanical switch keyboards offer better performance than membrane style. This is because it registers every keypress, which helps cut down on typos during gameplay.

The Importance of Keyboards in the Gaming World

If you’re a casual gamer, a keyboard for gaming will not be a big deal to you at all. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer, it’s important to get the right keyboard for your preferred genre of games.

Why Mechanical Keyboards Might Not Be Ideal For Casual Gamers

The mechanical keyboards are extremely loud, which can be a problem for those with other people. They also tend to have a concave keycap because the individual switch sits in a cavity, so they can feel uncomfortable typing on these compared to membrane styles.

Membrane Keys vs. Mechanical Keys

Mechanical switches require more force to push down than membrane style. However, once activated, it requires less force to hold the key down until it bottoms out at the end of its travel distance. The activation point is easier to accomplish since it’s typically halfway through the stroke as opposed to near the top, as with most membrane-style switches. It takes roughly twice as much force (50g) to actuate membrane keys as it does to actuate mechanical keys (25g). This makes them ideal for office-type usage.

Key Switches

Keyboard key switches come in three types: linear, nonlinear, and tactile. Linear switches require the same amount of force throughout the entire stroke. Nonlinear requires more force at the beginning than at the end. Some people prefer one over another, depending on their typing style-some will bottom out their keycaps frequently.

So, they need a switch that gradually increases pressure as it goes down. However, others don’t care about bottoming out frequently, so they will want something with less resistance at the lower portion of the keystroke. Tactile switches are usually used on gaming keyboards with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, so the operator knows when the key has been engaged.

Why Gamers Prefer Mechanical Keyboards

The preferred choice for hardcore gamers is usually a mechanical keyboard due to its durability, longevity, and efficiency of use (fewer typos). They’re also more aesthetically pleasing than membrane keyboards because most companies that make them will customize their colors depending on what type it is; there are different types of switches that alter the sound and feel.