At an ever faster pace, the gaming world is plunging into virtual reality, where there is no longer any place for the usual monitors or keyboards. However, today most computer game lovers prefer the classics - the system unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Peripheral device developers know this and fight literally for every client.
The market offers a huge assortment of gaming keyboards, in which it is so easy to get lost and buy is not what is required. The fact is that players pay attention to everything, forgetting about the keyboard. Only real gamers know how important this detail is: it should be ergonomic, pleasant to the touch, it is desirable to have all kinds of hot keys, LED backlight for playing at night.
We decided to devote our today's review to gaming keyboards, so that it would be easier for you to choose the best device for yourself. However, before moving on to a direct analysis of specific models, let's first look at what exactly you should pay attention to when buying this product.
Summary of the rating:
What factors influence the choice of gaming keyboard?
If for the average user there is no fundamental difference as to which keyboard to work with, then the gamer, as well as any other person who somehow loves functionality and ergonomics, will be ready to part with a decent amount of money, but purchase a gaming keyboard. First of all, when choosing such equipment, you should look at the type of keys: it can be membrane or mechanical. In the first case, a single membrane is used. When you press a key, it will push through and close the corresponding contact.
Mechanical keys are equipped with an individual switch for each of them. This is a simpler organization, respectively, it is much more reliable and durable. If necessary, on this keyboard you can simultaneously use several combinations at once. The response speed of mechanics is much higher. Membrane-type keyboards are cheaper, they work absolutely silently.
It will not be out of place if this device has a certain amount of internal memory. A similar function allows you to program a specific sequence of actions on one button. This allows the gamer to get a decent amount of additional features. The keyboard backlight has long ceased to be something unusual and original. It is not only a decorative element, but also carries a certain functionality. In particular, there are models in which using different colors you can highlight certain keys or groups of keys. This allows you to quickly navigate even in stressful situations, when the success of the battle directly depends on the speed of the reaction.
There are models equipped with small screens on which certain information about the player is displayed - the state of health, the number of rounds, the ability to use minimaps, and so on. On sale, you can find models with additional keys that will control the brightness of the monitor, multimedia, and so on.In addition, many manufacturers bring to the panel input for microphone, headphones, USB connectors and so on. When choosing such equipment, they are sure to look at how the keyboard connects to the computer - wired or wireless.
Experienced gamers recommend choosing a wired model, since wireless devices transmit information more slowly, moreover, they work on batteries, which can be discharged at the most inopportune moment. Perhaps now is the time to analyze the operational characteristics of the models included in our today's review. We selected keyboards in this rating depending on popularity according to user reviews, price-quality ratio, as well as a number of other important parameters. We hope that the information we collect will be enough for you to make the right choice and buy the most suitable equipment.
The best inexpensive products
3. Oklick 760G GENESIS
This keyboard looks very impressive - the creators in the development process paid maximum attention to the details that are needed in order to emphasize the stylishness of the device. Despite the fact that these products belong to the budget segment, it was decided not to save on materials. The lower part is a metal base on which all other parts are located. Due to such a constructive approach, the rigidity and durability of the device were significantly increased, while the mass of the product was also increased. Accordingly, she has an additional margin of stability while on the desktop. The keys themselves are in a suspended state. If necessary, they can be easily removed and cleaned, however, dust will hardly accumulate between the buttons.
The main working surface of the device is at a slight angle, but the stand cannot be adjusted, so the angle of the keyboard will be unchanged. The set of keys is standard, there is only one additional button that controls the backlight. The main part of the body is made of plastic with a matte finish, and the build quality is on top. This keyboard can not be called a full-fledged gaming, as it does not have software. The fact is that many gamers cannot live without macros, and a number of games need special attention to themselves. The keys have an RGB LED backlight.
Benefits:
- Superior build quality
- The presence of LED backlight;
- Very comfortable keys.
Disadvantages:
- From active use, the key designations may be erased;
- There is no way to adjust the angle.
2. Defender Werewolf GK-120DL
The case of this keyboard is made of high-quality plastic so that the design acquires additional rigidity, it is reinforced with a metal bottom. The build quality is excellent, all elements of the case are fitted as close as possible to each other, any backlashes, extraneous creaks and so on are excluded. The key layout is traditional, there are additional Fn buttons and a backlight control key. All keys have LED backlighting, which is clearly visible in the dark. On the bottom there is a very convenient palm rest, which will prevent fatigue from accumulating during prolonged use of the product. On the reverse side, you can find extendable and rubber feet, with which you can change the angle, there is a special hole for draining the liquid if the user spills on the keys, say, water.
The keyboard does not have specialized software, so changing the backlight colors and distributing certain commands on the keyboard does not work. However, the keyboard itself has a number of predefined hot keys, which provide access to Internet and multimedia applications. You can use them with the combination of the Fn buttons and the F1-12 key block. You can change the brightness of the backlight and its type - ripple or ordinary.The system keys are locked if necessary, which is quite convenient, as they protect gamers from inadvertently minimizing the game at the most inopportune moment.
Benefits:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Superior build quality
- Long period of operation;
- Reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- There is no way to use macros.
1. A4Tech Bloody B318 Black USB
As many users note, this keyboard has an excellent price-performance ratio. For quite reasonable money, a computer game lover gets an ergonomic and very effective design in terms of appearance, which has several degrees of protection against moisture, as well as having backlight keys. This device has 108 membrane-type keys, in the central part there is a dedicated unit that includes eight mechanical keys at once. The user will immediately be able to feel the whole difference between a membrane and a mechanical keyboard.
If desired, the color of the backlight can be changed - three types of backlight are provided for the user choice: turquoise, green and blue. Traditional red can not be found here. Brightness can also be changed if necessary. The manufacturer introduced a USB interface into this device, as well as full protection against the effects of water - it will perfectly cope even with a large amount of spilled liquid. The wire connecting the keyboard and the system unit is quite dense and durable, well protected from possible excesses. On the left side, the space bar is made a little wider - you don’t have to touch it with your thumb.
Benefits:
- The keys are soft and virtually silent;
- The product is durable and easy to use;
- The backlight can be changed if necessary;
- Reasonable cost;
- The response is almost instant.
Disadvantages:
- The top buttons are not too comfortable.
The best membrane keyboards
3. Razer DeathStalker Essential
The manufacturing company is generally famous for its mechanical products, but it was decided to develop membrane products. This keyboard has low-profile Chiclet keys with support for up to ten simultaneous keystrokes. All keys can be programmed if necessary due to the availability of Synapse software. Despite the fact that these products are not too expensive, they support frequencies up to 1000 Hz. This was achieved largely due to the use of the same technology as in gaming mice. To make the keyboard more comfortable even during prolonged use, it was decided to equip it with a fixed wrist rest.
The product has a Game Mode mode: when it is active, the Windows key is locked, so games will not be minimized due to accidental clicking on it. The keyboard has several integrated media keys, which can only be used in combination with the Fn button. A braided cable for connecting to a computer, like the more expensive products of this company, is not provided, the most ordinary simple rubberized wire is used, the length of which is 2 meters. The mass of the device is just over one kilogram; it works stably with all modern operating systems. The case is made of reliable matte plastic, on which greasy spots or fingerprints will be practically invisible. The keys have a very low profile - the same as on laptops.
Benefits:
- Programmable keys;
- Attractive appearance;
- Convenient and intuitive software.
Disadvantages:
- Configuring macros is very problematic.
2. Logitech G213 Prodigy
Before us is a full-fledged membrane keyboard, which has 104 keys. In addition to the main buttons, there are four more that are designed to control various multimedia features - three of them are aimed at adjusting the volume and one that turns the backlight on and off. In addition, there is another additional button that is responsible for activating the game mode.The overall dimensions of this device are 452x218x33 mm with a mass of 1 kg. The keyboard has a five-zone RGB LED backlight, which can be set using the proprietary software Logitech Gaming Software.
Depending on the keys pressed, the keyboard can support from seven to fifteen simultaneous keystrokes. The design is reliably protected from moisture, however, in their own experience, users recommend that it not be heavily flooded, since it does not have openings through which liquid could escape. The form factor is traditional - in general, the model is made without any additional frills. A palm rest is provided, and it is non-removable, but this does not cause the slightest discomfort, since this element significantly increases the functionality of the device. The keyboard is made of matte plastic, the end sections are glossy, but it is on them that various kinds of scratches begin to appear, and the gloss may fade noticeably over time. The rest of the product is quite practical.
Benefits:
- There is a palm rest;
- High-quality and stylish LED backlight;
- Good degree of protection against moisture;
- It responds to pressing almost instantly.
Disadvantages:
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- It will not be possible to adjust the brightness of the backlight without software;
- The wrist rest is non-removable.
1. A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB
This is a fairly lightweight model - its mass is not more than 600 grams with overall dimensions of 458x180x37 mm. The keyboard has 106 keys, all but two of which are standard. The location of the buttons and their size are made in such a way that the user is as convenient as possible. The power cable has a fabric braid, long enough - 180 cm. When connected, a stylish blood-red backlight turns on, and the logo of the manufacturer is lit at the bottom. The backlight is very neat and high-quality, the eyes from it do not get tired at all, its intensity can be adjusted. There is a button that activates Game Mode, multimedia keys are also present - they can be used in combination with the Fn button.
The keyboard has a water-repellent coating, it is equipped with special holes for draining the liquid. The response to pressing is only 1 ms. The keyboard is quite high-quality, it looks stylish, will organically fit into the interior of a computer table. The buttons are pleasant to the touch, they look like they are made of plastic with a glossy finish, however, fingerprints will not remain on them. The keys are pressed softly, almost silently. A macro can be assigned to almost any key - experienced players will be able to appreciate it. Printing on it is also quite convenient, so it can be used for work.
Benefits:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Ease of use;
- Adjustable backlight;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
The best mechanical keyboards
3. Corsair STRAFE RGB Cherry MX Silent
This is a fairly overall device - 448x170x40 mm with a mass of 1.3 kg. The keyboard is a full-size model, which includes 104 main keys and two additional ones. All switches are located directly on the case, without using any kind of frame. Two additional membrane keys - they are used to adjust the brightness of the backlight, as well as to lock the Windows button. The front surface of the keyboard is made of matte colored plastic, the surface of which has a slightly rough texture. Hands on such plastic do not slip, it perfectly resists the appearance of various kinds of dirt, fingerprints and so on, but it collects dust well. The product comes with a special wrist rest that prevents hand fatigue during work or play. It is removable - it is quite convenient.
On the sides there are two inserts made of translucent plastic. When you turn on the backlight, they begin to glow with a pleasant white soft light - it looks quite original at night.Inside the switch housing there are special dampers that will significantly reduce the noise level when using such a keyboard. It is worth noting that under the switches is a white substrate that reflects light. It is made of plastic and is also designed to reduce noise. The backlight is soft and pleasant, its brightness can be adjusted, however, to fully control it, you will have to install the Corsair Utility Engine application on your computer.
Benefits:
- Quietly enough;
- High build quality;
- With the application installed, the backlight capabilities are quite wide;
- Good performance.
Disadvantages:
- The edges of the body are quite sharp;
- High price.
2. Logitech G810 ORION SPECTRUM
In wide sale, this device was launched only in February 2018. A fairly compact case and original Romer-G switches acted as the main distinguishing characteristics. The appearance is classic, overall dimensions are the minimum possible for a mechanical keyboard. The game focus of this device gives out only the mass, which is more than a kilogram, so that the device will remain in place even if there are quite bright and active battles. The case is made of durable matte plastic. The assembly is simply excellent, all the elements are fitted tightly together, there is not even the slightest hint of slots or backlashes. Glossy inserts are provided on the sides, hands are practically not in contact with these areas, therefore, fingerprints will not remain.
The keyboard has a complete set of buttons. The outer surface of the keys has a slight indentation. Fingers run on the keys freely, even with fast typing there is no difficulty. The buttons themselves are also made of matte plastic. On the right side there are four keys for working with multimedia. There is another additional button that allows you to put the keyboard in game mode and lock certain keys.
The letters are printed on the surface of the buttons using laser engraving, and both Latin and Cyrillic symbols have the same dimensions. On the lower side there are two large enough folding legs equipped with rubber pads that prevent the keyboard from sliding on the table surface. The cable has a fairly large length - as much as two meters, and is also placed in a fabric braid. You don’t have to get used to such a keyboard. You have to push the buttons with little effort, it works instantly, there is almost no excess noise. The keyboard is very comfortable both during games and for work, especially if you need to type a large amount of text.
Benefits:
- Very high-quality switches, work almost silently;
- The keys are fully highlighted, not just English letters;
- Great for gaming, but comes in standard sizes.
Disadvantages:
- No wrist rests included.
1. HyperX Alloy FPS
This model was in first place among the best gaming keyboards of the year. It has a minimalistic, but very stylish appearance. From a technical point of view, this product belongs to the latest type of keyboards of the "skeleton" class. The principle of operation is as follows: the key mechanism is partially located on the outside, and partially recessed inside the case. The contours of the case itself are practically not noticeable, the exception in this case is the upper right corner. The side faces are beveled, in width they are no more than 4 mm. The entire keyboard is painted black with a matte finish that practically does not reflect light.The layout is traditional, if a person knows the method of touch typing, then he will not have to adapt to this keyboard. The backlighting of the keys is clearly distinguishable. All keys have a cylindrical shape, in the central part there is a slight depression. If necessary, this keyboard is very easy to clean from dust. To do this, you need to remove the keys themselves and remove accumulated dirt - for this, a special key is included in the kit. There is a very original backlight, which can be controlled using software, and without using it.
The multimedia capabilities of this keyboard are not very large - they are limited by the functions of the F6-11 keys, which, when the Fn button is pressed, will stop, start the player, switch between tracks and adjust the sound volume. There is a special Game Mode that disables the Windows button. The Enter key is single-row, in overall dimensions made even smaller than the Shift button. An additional digital unit is standard, does not stand out at all. The rows of keys at the same time do not have a pronounced tilt, so they are convenient to use both with the legs extended and with the legs folded. If you set the legs, it will make the keyboard just 7 mm higher. At the back there is a standard USB 2.0 port that can be used exclusively for charging mobile devices.
Benefits:
- Good build quality
- Several backlight modes;
- The keys are very easy to remove.
Disadvantages:
- Except for the high price not found.
In conclusion, a useful video
Well, our review of the best gaming keyboards of 2019 is coming to an end. We hope that after careful study, you can determine for yourself which keyboard will be the most optimal for you. If you still have any questions, wishes, or if you just want to share your experience with using such gadgets with other users, then welcome to comment on this article.