When shopping for a gaming keyboard there are a few things you should keep in mind, since the difference between the worse and the best gaming keyboard is thin and you could end up paying a lot more than anticipated for something that essentially is not worth the money. Here is the criteria that differentiate your typical office keyboard from a good keyboard for gaming purposes:
Configurable function keys - A keyboard for games must come with a few arrays of additional keys you can configure to do whatever you want in a game. While a simple game of chess doesn’t need additional keys you might want a few extras for your FPS, strategy or MMORPG games. It’s what separates professionals from newbies
Macros – If you’ve ever played Mortal Combat you know how important it is to know by heart the combo hits that requires as much as five key presses in an exact order. If you can record macros you can assign a special combo bit to a single key press. If you can configure these macros in game it’s even better
LCD display - you might think this is a fancy feature, but the top gaming keyboards come sometimes with LCD screens (monocrome or LCD) that display game stats and could be used as a second monitor. Don’t dismiss this function from start as some manufacturers have opened their API to developers so you can even download small widgets and apps that extend the functionality of included LCDs
Backlight - if you play during the night (who doesn’t?) it makes sense to have backlit keys on your gaming keyboard. If you can configure intensity and the color it’s even better
Durability - when you lose sometimes you get mad, so it’s best to get a keyboard that can take the test of time with flying colors. Check with the manufacturer how many key strokes are guaranteed.
Ergonomics - you might think that an office keyboard needs to be ergonomic, but the same applies to gaming gear, which have to be fitted with a comfortable palm wrest (detachable if needed) and good keys travel. Why? Because often gaming sessions extend over the 8 hours of a typical work day
Wired vs wireless – sure there’s less data to be transmitted (a few keys per second at most), but you don’t want that wireless lag to make you miss that perfect headshot. A wired gaming keyboard is a good choice, and it’s even cheaper than wireless models
The Logitech G19 is, a rather, sophisticated gaming keyboard since almost everything is customizable and a lot of options for serious gamers are included.
Let’s start with the small color LCD that displays information, such as game stats, system information, VOIP communication data, video playback and image slideshows (not particularly bad). Twelve gaming keys are provided, as well as three macros per key can be set. One of the best gaming keyboards, the G19, has backlit keys (and you can choose the lighting color from four different ones and those are white, yellow, green and blue) and two 2.0 USB ports to support the connection of other two peripherals. On this keyboard a gamer can press as much as five keys at the same time.
Logitech G19
In terms of performance, the Logitech G19 is mostly irreproachable. The only annoyance a gamer could have with this piece of hardware is the price.
The Logitech G19 is listed at the price of almost 160 US dollars. What you get for this specific amount is quite a sturdy gaming keyboard, but not particularly the best deal possible. Unless you have a problem with its cost, the Logitech G19 is a fine peripheral!
2. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical is a backlit, mechanical keyboard made especially for gaming.
The mechanical key architecture of this particular keyboard enhances not only the tactile feel, but also the time of response (which is significantly better: one millisecond). The keys are fully programmable and you get five extra keys dedicated to gaming (that allow recording macros while playing).
The gaming mode of the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical allows you to deactivate the Windows or Context keys and that spears you the trouble of accidentally pressing them.
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical
Like I said earlier, this is a backlit gaming keyboard. The light is an icy blue and you get to choose the light intensity you prefer from five different levels, so you won’t have to exhaust your eyes while playing in the dark or by day time.
In terms of performances, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical is quite a nice keyboard, but the wrist pad may raise some annoyances (not particularly comfortable), this is the only thing that wasn’t given too much thought, other than that is perfect!
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical is listed for about 130 US dollars. I would call it a decent deal!
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical is a backlit, mechanical keyboard made especially for gaming.
The mechanical key architecture of this particular keyboard enhances not only the tactile feel, but also the time of response (which is significantly better: one millisecond). The keys are fully programmable and you get five extra keys dedicated to gaming (that allow recording macros while playing).
The gaming mode of the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical allows you to deactivate the Windows or Context keys and that spears you the trouble of accidentally pressing them.
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical
Like I said earlier, this is a backlit gaming keyboard. The light is an icy blue and you get to choose the light intensity you prefer from five different levels, so you won’t have to exhaust your eyes while playing in the dark or by day time.
In terms of performances, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical is quite a nice keyboard, but the wrist pad may raise some annoyances (not particularly comfortable), this is the only thing that wasn’t given too much thought, other than that is perfect!
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical is listed for about 130 US dollars. I would call it a decent deal!
3. Logitech G110
The Logitech G110 disposes of 12 programmable G-keys and allows the user to set up to three macros per key. Its backlit keys can be customized as you prefer. That means that the light can red, blue and purple and you get to choose, as well the intensity of the light.
The gaming keyboard hooks you up with an audio USB (for Headphone and microphone jacks), two 2.0 USB ports and it provides a special button that deactivates the Windows/Context Menu keys.
Logitech G110
In terms of performance, the Logitech G110 presents itself as fine gaming keyboard. For instance, a small detail, such as the light intensity of the keys is quite smart! A very intense light at night time will exhaust your eyes, so one can easily tell that that gaming session won’t be very long! The two USB hubs are another good detail: you won’t have to search in the back of your computer for a USB hub in order to plug your mouse in!
The price for the Logitech G110 is listed at around $73. It seems a rather fair price, since what you get is a intelligently built gaming keyboard!
The Logitech G110 disposes of 12 programmable G-keys and allows the user to set up to three macros per key. Its backlit keys can be customized as you prefer. That means that the light can red, blue and purple and you get to choose, as well the intensity of the light.
The gaming keyboard hooks you up with an audio USB (for Headphone and microphone jacks), two 2.0 USB ports and it provides a special button that deactivates the Windows/Context Menu keys.
Logitech G110
In terms of performance, the Logitech G110 presents itself as fine gaming keyboard. For instance, a small detail, such as the light intensity of the keys is quite smart! A very intense light at night time will exhaust your eyes, so one can easily tell that that gaming session won’t be very long! The two USB hubs are another good detail: you won’t have to search in the back of your computer for a USB hub in order to plug your mouse in!
The price for the Logitech G110 is listed at around $73. It seems a rather fair price, since what you get is a intelligently built gaming keyboard!
4. SteelSeries 6GV2 Mecanical
The looks of the SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical= are not the most impressive ones that a gamer has seen, but what is beneath that is worth it! Although it looks like one the regular keyboards that we were used to a few years ago, but after you see the gold plated connectors, somehow you start to change your mind!
The SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical is one of those keyboards made to last: its keys are made of metal (so they last to fifty million presses) and they are also placed on a metal plate, for even more enhanced durability.
SteelSeries 6Gv2
In terms of performance, the SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical provides good “Anti-Ghosting” action, fast response time and, nevertheless, a smooth tactile feel.
The SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical costs almost 105 US dollars at this points. What you get for this amount of money is a serious gamer keyboard, as solid as a rock. Is it a good deal? Yes, purchasing the SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical means you have probably bought your last keyboard. The engineering of the keyboard, its tactile feel and its performances make it a great acquisition!
The looks of the SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical= are not the most impressive ones that a gamer has seen, but what is beneath that is worth it! Although it looks like one the regular keyboards that we were used to a few years ago, but after you see the gold plated connectors, somehow you start to change your mind!
The SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical is one of those keyboards made to last: its keys are made of metal (so they last to fifty million presses) and they are also placed on a metal plate, for even more enhanced durability.
SteelSeries 6Gv2
In terms of performance, the SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical provides good “Anti-Ghosting” action, fast response time and, nevertheless, a smooth tactile feel.
The SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical costs almost 105 US dollars at this points. What you get for this amount of money is a serious gamer keyboard, as solid as a rock. Is it a good deal? Yes, purchasing the SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical means you have probably bought your last keyboard. The engineering of the keyboard, its tactile feel and its performances make it a great acquisition!
5. Logitech G510
The Logitech G510 is backlist keyboard and you are to choose the color of the light between red, blue, green and white.
This particular keyboard for games provides eighteen programmable G-keys and allows you to record macros without leaving the game, which is quite nice. You are also hooked up with the gaming mode option (it deactivates Windows or Context Menu keys and prevents the trouble that occurs when they are accidentally pressed, such as leaving the game). Among others, the gaming keyboard includes an audio USB, so the gamer can also connect the headsets to the keyboard.
Logitech G510
But, the real improvement of the Logitech G510 is GamePanel LCD. This is, basically, a small LCD that displays information, such as game stats, system performance, VOIP communication data, media player while playing.
In terms of performances, this gaming keyboard is interesting, from my point of view. But, I would have liked it even more if it would have been possible to adjust the intensity of the key’s light (to avoid exhausting the eyes). However, a nice thing is the time of response: 2 milliseconds.
The Logitech G510 is around 95 bucks today. This is a decent deal, almost great!
The Logitech G510 is backlist keyboard and you are to choose the color of the light between red, blue, green and white.
This particular keyboard for games provides eighteen programmable G-keys and allows you to record macros without leaving the game, which is quite nice. You are also hooked up with the gaming mode option (it deactivates Windows or Context Menu keys and prevents the trouble that occurs when they are accidentally pressed, such as leaving the game). Among others, the gaming keyboard includes an audio USB, so the gamer can also connect the headsets to the keyboard.
Logitech G510
But, the real improvement of the Logitech G510 is GamePanel LCD. This is, basically, a small LCD that displays information, such as game stats, system performance, VOIP communication data, media player while playing.
In terms of performances, this gaming keyboard is interesting, from my point of view. But, I would have liked it even more if it would have been possible to adjust the intensity of the key’s light (to avoid exhausting the eyes). However, a nice thing is the time of response: 2 milliseconds.
The Logitech G510 is around 95 bucks today. This is a decent deal, almost great!
6. Razer Lycosa
Razer has accustomed its clients with good looking products (and comfortable, as well). The Razer Lycosa is not the exception. The non-slip rubber finish on top of the keys is a very well thought detail: it prevents your fingers from slipping off the keys and it gives the user a very nice tactile feel.
The Razer Lycosa is a backlit gaming keyboard and the illumination of the keys is made in an icy blue color, which is very nice (the WASD keys are receive a special treatment, so they could be more visible for the gamer).
Razer Lycosa
The Razer Lycosa has fully programmable keys and allows the gamer to enjoy an awesome macro capability.
In terms of performance, this gaming keyboard is not only good looking, but also sharp (good response time) and capable of wonderful things (good macro capability). However, it would have been even nicer if one could adjust the light brightness level. Important, as well, is the comfort of the gamer while playing, and the Razer Lycosa delivers!
The price of the Razer Lycosa hovers at 68 dollars which is more than a decent deal if you like the design.
Razer has accustomed its clients with good looking products (and comfortable, as well). The Razer Lycosa is not the exception. The non-slip rubber finish on top of the keys is a very well thought detail: it prevents your fingers from slipping off the keys and it gives the user a very nice tactile feel.
The Razer Lycosa is a backlit gaming keyboard and the illumination of the keys is made in an icy blue color, which is very nice (the WASD keys are receive a special treatment, so they could be more visible for the gamer).
Razer Lycosa
The Razer Lycosa has fully programmable keys and allows the gamer to enjoy an awesome macro capability.
In terms of performance, this gaming keyboard is not only good looking, but also sharp (good response time) and capable of wonderful things (good macro capability). However, it would have been even nicer if one could adjust the light brightness level. Important, as well, is the comfort of the gamer while playing, and the Razer Lycosa delivers!
The price of the Razer Lycosa hovers at 68 dollars which is more than a decent deal if you like the design.
7. Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro
The Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro is the first keyboard in the world to have a cooling fan built onto it. Another interesting thing about it is that it has a memory of its own (64KB), so it can store up to five game profiles, useful isn’t it?
Other than that, we ought to mention that this gaming keyboard has backlit keys (and the only light color available is the red one, unfortunately). Two 2.0 USB ports are provided, so the user will be able to connect additional devices to the PC through the keyboard. Ten macro keys are also included.
Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro
In terms of performances, the Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro brings two new things on the consumers market: the cooling fan (it comes useful when you ought to dry your hands; and some people’s hands sweat while gaming) and the on board memory. The installation process doesn’t take long, so it is user friendly!
The Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro is listed for almost 56 US dollars and that is very good money value. So, I would call it a good deal!
The Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro is the first keyboard in the world to have a cooling fan built onto it. Another interesting thing about it is that it has a memory of its own (64KB), so it can store up to five game profiles, useful isn’t it?
Other than that, we ought to mention that this gaming keyboard has backlit keys (and the only light color available is the red one, unfortunately). Two 2.0 USB ports are provided, so the user will be able to connect additional devices to the PC through the keyboard. Ten macro keys are also included.
Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro
In terms of performances, the Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro brings two new things on the consumers market: the cooling fan (it comes useful when you ought to dry your hands; and some people’s hands sweat while gaming) and the on board memory. The installation process doesn’t take long, so it is user friendly!
The Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS CHALLENGER Pro is listed for almost 56 US dollars and that is very good money value. So, I would call it a good deal!
8. Microsoft Sidewinder X6
The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 is, most certainly, a very interesting keyboard from various points of view. To begin with, we are talking about a backlit gaming keyboard and here the gamer can customize the color of the keys, on one hand and the level of brightness, on the other.
This specific keyboard allows you to create up to ninety macros and the WASD keys (very used in gaming) have been added small LEDS in the front-face, so you can’t miss them. You also get media keys (Play/Pause, Previous Track, Next Track, and Mute), which is a nice thing, plus a volume control.
Microsoft Sidewinder X6
Now, this is definitely a nice keyboard, but what one tends to love about it are the three modes (standard one and two gaming ones) and switchable key pad (that can be placed on the left side or on the right side of the keyboard).
The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 costs almost $63. What you get for this amount is one of the best keyboards, at the moment. Interesting, as well is the good money value it offers comparing to other gaming keyboards that do less, but are more expensive. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST DEALS!
Gaming gamepads
We thought of including also two gaming gamepads you might want to consider. Look at these as an extension for your regular office keyboard, amazing value for the money if you want to take your gaming to another level. What we’ve said about picking the right gaming keyboard applies to gamepads too.
The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 is, most certainly, a very interesting keyboard from various points of view. To begin with, we are talking about a backlit gaming keyboard and here the gamer can customize the color of the keys, on one hand and the level of brightness, on the other.
This specific keyboard allows you to create up to ninety macros and the WASD keys (very used in gaming) have been added small LEDS in the front-face, so you can’t miss them. You also get media keys (Play/Pause, Previous Track, Next Track, and Mute), which is a nice thing, plus a volume control.
Microsoft Sidewinder X6
Now, this is definitely a nice keyboard, but what one tends to love about it are the three modes (standard one and two gaming ones) and switchable key pad (that can be placed on the left side or on the right side of the keyboard).
The Microsoft Sidewinder X6 costs almost $63. What you get for this amount is one of the best keyboards, at the moment. Interesting, as well is the good money value it offers comparing to other gaming keyboards that do less, but are more expensive. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST DEALS!
Gaming gamepads
We thought of including also two gaming gamepads you might want to consider. Look at these as an extension for your regular office keyboard, amazing value for the money if you want to take your gaming to another level. What we’ve said about picking the right gaming keyboard applies to gamepads too.
9. Logitech G13
The Logitech G13 Gameboard has a hand shaped design, so that its user could comfortably play for hours and hours. It also has an on board memory for the gamer to be able to customize up to five different gaming profiles.
The keys of this gameboard are backlit and you get to choose the color that you like best to light your keys (from yellow, green, blue and red), as well as the brightness intensity. Add that to twenty five programmable keys and the ability to create macros while gaming. Things don’t sound bad!
Logitech G13
The small LCD panel displays data like game stats, system info, and communications you’re your team players, but that probably sounds familiar from Logitech keyboards. In terms of performances, the Logitech G13 Gameboard presents itself like a trust wordy and helpful tool for a gamer. I have no reproaches up to now.
The Logitech G13 Gameboard is about 64 US dollars. What you get for this amount is a sturdy and reliable game board (seems like a built to last product) that provides good money value, as well. I would call it a good (or at least decent) deal!
The Logitech G13 Gameboard has a hand shaped design, so that its user could comfortably play for hours and hours. It also has an on board memory for the gamer to be able to customize up to five different gaming profiles.
The keys of this gameboard are backlit and you get to choose the color that you like best to light your keys (from yellow, green, blue and red), as well as the brightness intensity. Add that to twenty five programmable keys and the ability to create macros while gaming. Things don’t sound bad!
Logitech G13
The small LCD panel displays data like game stats, system info, and communications you’re your team players, but that probably sounds familiar from Logitech keyboards. In terms of performances, the Logitech G13 Gameboard presents itself like a trust wordy and helpful tool for a gamer. I have no reproaches up to now.
The Logitech G13 Gameboard is about 64 US dollars. What you get for this amount is a sturdy and reliable game board (seems like a built to last product) that provides good money value, as well. I would call it a good (or at least decent) deal!
10. Razer Nostromo
The Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad is just as the majority of the Razer products, both good looking and comfortable (and that is the most important detail in a long gaming session). Backlit in an icy blue light, the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad keys also have that smooth tactile feel that makes one enjoy not only the game, but the tools, too. Nevertheless, the wrist pad is adjustable and soft, so comfort is not a problem for this gaming keypad.
The Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad can store up to twenty different gaming profiles and sixteen fully programmable buttons are provided.
Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad
The performances that the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad can reach are not unnoticeable at all! The time of response is as good as it can be, the number of profiles that this piece of hardware can store is the best, up to now. The only problem that could appear is that it is designed for the right hand and that could be a serious issue if you are a lefty!
The Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad is listed for the price of almost sixty US dollars and from my point of view it is worth every penny!
This is our list of favorites best gaming keyboards for now. We believe 10 options are more than enough. Sure there are plenty other gaming keyboards out there, but these are the ones we like. Putting up more here would only confuse you. Feel free to share this list with your friends and let us know what you think: did we help or not?
The Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad is just as the majority of the Razer products, both good looking and comfortable (and that is the most important detail in a long gaming session). Backlit in an icy blue light, the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad keys also have that smooth tactile feel that makes one enjoy not only the game, but the tools, too. Nevertheless, the wrist pad is adjustable and soft, so comfort is not a problem for this gaming keypad.
The Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad can store up to twenty different gaming profiles and sixteen fully programmable buttons are provided.
Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad
The performances that the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad can reach are not unnoticeable at all! The time of response is as good as it can be, the number of profiles that this piece of hardware can store is the best, up to now. The only problem that could appear is that it is designed for the right hand and that could be a serious issue if you are a lefty!
The Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad is listed for the price of almost sixty US dollars and from my point of view it is worth every penny!
This is our list of favorites best gaming keyboards for now. We believe 10 options are more than enough. Sure there are plenty other gaming keyboards out there, but these are the ones we like. Putting up more here would only confuse you. Feel free to share this list with your friends and let us know what you think: did we help or not?
source: http://www.gadgetroad.com
