Gaming keyboard - the "face" of the gamer

Currently, accessories for personal computers play a large role, and attention is paid to them almost as much as the components of the system unit itself. This is due to the rapid development of the gaming community and e-sports. The best gaming keyboards take into account all the requirements of gamers - convenience, response speed, additional keys, settings, and so on. Therefore, keyboards are no longer just a data input device for a PC.

In this article, you will learn about the main differences between a game device and a standard one, learn how to choose keyboards according to the main criteria, learn about types of taps and much more. For example, at the end will be presented some of the most popular keyboards with a brief description. Let's get started!

The main differences from the "office" keyboard

Before considering the candidates for potential devices, you need to remember the main difference of a regular keyboard for 1 thousand rubles from a gaming device - this is the purpose. Of course, both options will perform the same functions (control in the game, text input, etc.), but they do it differently.

The gaming device allows you to immerse yourself in the gameplay with great convenience. In some games, the presence of a special keyboard greatly affects the result. An example is any e-sports discipline: the player must feel every keystroke to bring maximum benefit to the team. And if card games or strategies can be played equally on any keyboard, then for games in the competitive sphere you will have to choose a professional device.

For example, the esports CS GO in the genre of first-person shooter. Players move to WASD, so many manufacturers “sharpen" devices just for them: the WASD navigation buttons are made completely mechanical, and all the rest are membrane. The same applies to additional keys, programmable layout settings, binds, as well as convenient palm rests and much more. For all these factors, the gaming keyboard is different from the usual. Now let's figure out what characteristics and properties you need to pay attention to when choosing a device.

Main criteria

We will divide all factors into primary and secondary. The first category must be relied upon when choosing a device, and the second is strictly subjective and at the request of the user. The main selection criteria:

1. Form factor: full size or compact. The full-sized keyboard has a NumPad and many additional keys. Due to the large size, it is more convenient to use at the table. If you choose a device for computer games at home, then it is better not to look towards compact options. Shortened keyboards do not have a numeric keypad, but are often sold with a removable cord in the kit, which will be relevant for constant transfers.
   
   
2. The mechanism of depression: membrane or mechanical. One of the main factors, because it is from him that your sensation of keystrokes depends. Membrane, unlike mechanical keyboards, has a small operating resource and a limited number of simultaneous keystrokes. In addition, the keyboard’s responsiveness to pressing is not instantaneous. Given that gamers do not spare their devices and use them to the last, the choice of "mechanics" is obvious.
3. Case type: classic, game or "skeleton". The classic version of the form is a regular "office" keyboard.The Skeleton has practically no external casing - all the keys are attached to the board itself (light weight and minimal design). Game cases differ in a heap of attributes: backlights, additional keys, displays, backlights, inscriptions and aggressive forms. It is also worth noting the presence of convenient stands for the brush. In general, such options are most popular. If you are completely unimportant in appearance, then pay attention to classic keyboards.
   
4. If you made a choice towards mechanical keyboards, then you should pay attention to the type of switch. All switches are divided into linear, tactile and tactile with a click. The keys with the linear switch are pressed evenly throughout the stroke, the tactile ones have a slight resistance, after which the touch is felt. Clickable switches are distinguished by the specific sound emitted at the moment of pressing (similar to the sound of a typewriter). Mechanical keys, even over time, work like new ones.
5. The presence of programmable keys. This function will not be useful to everyone, but it can be useful in those games where you need to quickly press combinations of several keys (for example, in Dota 2). Macros can be programmed on a separate key and replace a series of keystrokes with just one. Such an opportunity gives a tangible advantage over other players with conventional devices.

Now you know how to choose a keyboard and what parameters you need to pay attention to. There is also a number of additional characteristics that do not affect the gameplay itself, but will be a pleasant addition to the device. Consider them.

Backlight and the rest

The difference between gaming devices from ordinary in appearance is the presence of a variety of lighting and an unusual shape. Often, users choose precisely on these grounds. Below is an approximate list of additional features:

• backlight. Budget models are limited to a single color glow. More expensive models boast a color change, a combination of several colors at the same time, and so on. All options are changed using a special button or through software. This characteristic in no way affects the ease of use, and carries only an aesthetic purpose;
• type of connection. Wireless keyboards with Bluetooth connectivity are in great demand, since they can sit in front of a computer more conveniently. Keyboards on the radio frequency are more in demand, since they do not require batteries;
• built-in memory. A convenient option for saving individual settings for keys and macros. If you use several macro options for several games on the keyboard, it makes sense to save them in the device’s memory and switch between them, rather than setting them up every time from scratch;
• rubberized keys. Many keyboard options use rubberized buttons in their design for more convenient operation. Typically, these keys are WASD and others for controlling characters in games (space, shift, etc.);
• additional screen for displaying information about the status of a personal computer, operating time, load, and so on;
• connectors. A gaming keyboard may have several additional connectors for a mouse, headphone, or microphone. A useful option, if you connect devices directly to the system unit does not allow the length of the wire. Also, with such a keyboard, all the wires from the headphones and microphones will not roll on the floor and interfere with the computer chair, as is usually the case with gamers;
• game mode availability. This function allows you to disable all system keys (except those that are involved in the game) during gameplay.In this way, you do not accidentally minimize the game, or open the Task Manager full screen at the time of a shootout or a fight.

As you know, even high-quality keyboards rarely combine all the described features. The presence of each of them increases the final cost of the product, so we recommend choosing options that are useful to you. Below we have presented to your court a ranking of the best keyboards in 2019. Consider each of them in relation to cost, basic characteristics and additional features.

Rating of the best

To begin, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the models and their average cost in stores.

The list contains the best manufacturers of gaming devices to date, such as Razer, HyperX, Logitech and others. Let's start the review with more budget models and smoothly move on to the most top-end devices.

A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB

Budget option from A4Tech. The company is famous for quality products manufactured specifically for gamers. Classic keyboard with USB connection. The low cost is due to the membrane mechanism of pressing. By default, rubberized WASD keys are installed. The device comes with standard plastic WASD buttons and a replacement tool, so you can rearrange them if you wish.

The backlight is bright and uniform, but its brightness settings are reset each time it is turned on. Keys and settings cannot be programmed here. A well-assembled version with a minimalist design for a reasonable price. Perfect as an intermediate option or as the first gaming keyboard. If you do not need macros and other delights, and the membrane mechanism does not bother you, then feel free to choose this device.

A4Tech Bloody B530 Black USB

Another budget device from A4Tech. This time you will find a compact form and mechanical keys. The rest of the design is similar to the previous candidate - a black case and red backlight keys. Connects to a computer via USB. The WASD buttons are likewise made of silicone and are replaceable.

The difference from the previous version is the presence of a stand in the kit. You can see her in the photo. With a convenient plastic stand, you can play for long hours and not get tired. Many users note that the backlighting of all keys is uneven: Russian letters are seen slightly worse.

Cooler Master Trigger SGK-6000-GKCC1 (CHERRY Black) Black USB

This device is a class higher than the previous ones. The model can offer additional programmable keys (13 pieces), 64 Kbytes for storing profiles, additional USB ports. The keyboard is fully mechanical with adjustable backlight. Suitable for those who play different games, and he needs a few saved macros.

Logitech G413 Black USB

Logitech is less popular in the gaming segment than A4Tech, but its devices are also in good demand. G413 Black with mechanical keys and a classic design has a backlight, adjustable in brightness (4 modes). There is an additional USB input on the keyboard. Note that the mechanical keys sound pretty quiet, which is not typical for them. The disadvantages include a thick and tight cable. Many users consider this model the best in its price segment.

ASUS Cerberus Mech RGB (Kaihua Black) Black USB

ASUS products can not be called budget, but for the appropriate amount you get a quality device. The compact keyboard with a classic 104-key layout at first sight captivates with its backlight. Connection via USB cable, no additional connectors. Extra or rubberized keys are also missing. But you get a variable backlight with the ability to customize. Not the most functional keyboard, but comfortable, compact and extremely beautiful.If appearance is most important to you, we recommend that you pay attention to ASUS.

HyperX Alloy FPS Black USB

The top best gaming keyboards continues with a representative from HyperX. Alloy FPS Black is a minimalistic skeleton device with bright backlight. The switches are Cherry MX Blue, which emit a distinctive click when pressed. The device is extremely popular among gamers. The disadvantages include monophonic backlighting and the absence of additional keys. For the rest, there is nothing to blame for the gaming Alloy FPS Black. A nice bonus is a special case for storage in the kit.

TESORO Durandal (Cherry MX Blue) Black USB

Strict classic design, minimal equipment and a set of additional functions, but excellent build quality and long life - Durandal is definitely among the ten best gaming devices in 2019.

In terms of design, everything is very modest - a black case and lack of backlight, but many attribute this simplicity to the pluses. The classic model with 104 keys with a mechanical stroke. Cherry MX Blue switches have a distinctive click sound. It is perfect not only for games, but also for typing, program code.

Cooler Master MECH SGK-7000-MBCL1 CHERRY MX Blue Black USB

An interesting model in terms of design decisions. The classic gaming keyboard, made in two colors - black and white. Classic shape and 109 buttons, wired via USB. The assembly is very high-quality: when pressed, no extra sounds and squeaks. There are as many as 3 USB 3.0 ports for connecting additional devices and separate ports for headphones and a 3.5 mm microphone. The body is made of aluminum. On the table stands steadily due to the large and heavy body. In design, this option stands out among all competitors.

Logitech G810 ORION SPECTRUM Black USB

This class is distinguished by Logitech's unique Romer-G switches and classic ergonomics. A full-size keyboard with 104 main keys and 7 additional keys, which include sound control, backlighting and game mode. The design of the device is the simplest and most classic, as you can see in the photo. There is a pleasant RGB backlight that does not hit the eyes in the dark, because it only highlights the contours of the labels on the buttons. No additional ports.

Small changes in the size of the keys: the side CTRLs are a bit longer, and the spacebar is a little shorter. In fact, the difference is almost imperceptible, but using the left and right CTRL is much more convenient. When pressed, you will not hear the click characteristic of mechanical keyboards.

Razer BlackWidow Chroma Black USB

The most expensive representative in the top of the best gaming keyboards of 2019. Classic wired keyboard with 104 primary and 5 additional buttons. Connection via a USB wire. The design uses a unique switch from Razer and customizable Chroma lights. You can mark different keys in separate colors: the settings are not limited to choosing standard options. Through proprietary software you can customize the effects of color switching and much more. The characteristics of the device itself are not to complain about. Here, 1 USB port, 1 3.5 mm port are installed, the kit comes with a soft stand under the player’s palm (removable). Macros can be recorded not only on additional buttons, as is customary in more budget devices, but also on any keys, except for system ones.

Which is better?

You saw the top 10 best keyboards for games in 2019. The list includes both budget devices and expensive ones with a bunch of individual settings. It is incorrect to single out an unequivocal leader, since it all depends on your needs:

Focus on the presented characteristics, manufacturers and models, but do not limit yourself to the top of the best gaming keyboards from our list: the gaming device market offers many options for all price categories, so you can pick up similar options from the same companies.

Title	A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB	A4Tech Bloody B530 Black USB	Cooler Master Trigger SGK-6000-GKCC1 (CHERRY Black) Black USB	Logitech G413 Black USB	ASUS Cerberus Mech RGB (Kaihua Black) Black USB	HyperX Alloy FPS Black USB	TESORO Durandal (Cherry MX Blue) Black USB	Cooler Master MECH SGK-7000-MBCL1 CHERRY MX Blue Black USB	Logitech G810 ORION SPECTRUM Black USB	Razer BlackWidow Chroma Black USB
Number of keys	104	104	117, additional 13	104	104	104	104	109	111	109 additional 5
Trackball	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no
Type of	membrane	membrane	mechanical	mechanical	mechanical	mechanical	mechanical	mechanical	mechanical	mechanical
Key backlight	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is
Price	from 2150 rub.	from 3150 rub.	from 4750 rub.	from 4900 rub.	from 7300 rub.	from 7600 rub.	from 7000 rub.	from 7600 rub.	from 9550 rub.	from 11100 rub.