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Serious gamers who play at the highest level, where a delay of even 2 milliseconds can make or break a game, know the significance of a good gaming keyboard. Imagine having a gaming keyboard that gives satisfying clicks with every stroke, registers inputs quickly in half the time, and provides tactile feedback!
While that might seem unbelievable or like a far-fetched wild dream, a good mechanical keyboard designed particularly for gaming can give gamers that experience. These keyboards have better durability, a higher N-key rollover, and are easy to maintain.
The Best Mechanical Keyboards in 2024
Mechanical keyboards are now an essential part of any gaming setup. Among the endless choices, find the ideal mechanical keyboard for your rig.
Good ones also feature customizable RGB lighting, dedicated media controls, per-game macro profiles, and fast polling rates. Unlike other keyboards with membranes or rubber domes, mechanical keyboards last longer, thanks to the metal contact points. This means the keys can handle millions of presses before they start sticking or failing.
That said, determining the right gaming mechanical keyboard can be daunting. Hundreds of keyboards are out there, and the big terms thrown around make it even harder to pick the right one for gaming. This guide aims to separate the wheat from the chaff and help gamers choose the right mechanical gaming keyboard.
Tips On How To Choose the Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards in 2024
- Determine the budget
- Pick the right switch
- Pick between optical or mechanical
- Size matters
- Think about ergonomics
- RGB lighting
- Wired or wireless
- Check key caps and profiles
- Check the polling rate
Tip 1: Determine the Budget
Although a budget mechanical keyboard can go for as low as $50, most of the whistles and bells will be lacking at that price tag. For a reliable and durable mid-range gaming mechanical keyboard, be ready to spend between $80 to $150. At that price point, players will get a decent keyboard with many handy features for serious gamers. Those who can spend more ($150+) can get a solid mechanical gaming keyboard with all the features that gamers need for enjoyable and successful gameplay. Game ZXC's favorite in the affordability category is the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Gaming Keyboard. It delivers a fast and reliable connection and comes in three different mechanical switch options: GL Tactile, GL Linear, and GL Clicky.
Tip 2: Pick the Right Switch
Another important factor to consider when picking a good mechanical keyboard for gaming is the type of switch. They come in various colors, including clear, black, brown, blue, and red. Black and red are linear, meaning they feel smooth, respond quickly to long, rapid streams of fast-fire commands, and are quiet. These features make them an excellent option for pro gamers.
Tip 3: Optical or Mechanical?
This part is important for hardcore players because optical switches have some advantages. They are activated by a beam of light picked by a sensor when a gamer presses down a key, which is great for saving a few milliseconds when gaming.
However, mechanical switches usually have a “debounce delay." This refers to the delay that takes place when the key plates come into contact with each other before a signal is sent. It slows down response time by around 5-10 milliseconds, making mechanical switches a bit slower than their optical counterparts that use light to activate the sensor. So, for players looking for a mechanical keyboard that is slightly faster for gaming, the optical route is the best bet.
Tip 4: Size Matters
Keyboards come in various sizes, including full-size, Tenkeyles(TKL or 80%), and 60 percent (68 keys0. A “full size” keyboard has 105 or 104 keys, the QWERTY part, dedicated function keys, four directional cursor keys, and a number pad. Full-sized keyboards are usually very extensive; most players consider them too large for gaming. Also, because of their large size, they are not ideal for users with smaller desks and may sometimes create a significant distance between WASD keys and the mouse.
Therefore, most gamers will likely prefer keyboards without the number pad or TKL keyboards and use the space for the mouse. They have a compact design and retain all the crucial keys required for gaming. They strike a good balance between space efficiency and functionality. A good example is the MSI GK50 Elite TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
Tip 5: Think About Ergonomics
Comfort is very important in gaming. Most mechanical gaming keyboards feature a wrist stand that prevents a player's wrists from cramping after long gaming sessions. Another important trait of a gaming keyboard is not having the Windows key, which can easily disrupt a game if mistakenly pressed in the game or in the presence of WASD keys. Also, avoid gaming keyboards with mysterious multimedia buttons and wheels that clutter the surface and contribute to exorbitant prices.
Tip 6 RGB Lighting
Most mechanical keyboards for gaming come with a backlighting feature. Single color options usually only allow players to adjust the brightness, while Full RGB keyboards feature around 16.8 million colors and individual key color customization with effects such as color shift, wave, and breath. This is not only important for making the setup visually appealing but can also enhance the in-game experience.
Some apps, like SteelSeries Engine's GameSense, have reactive lighting in titles like CS: GO and DotA 2. Very bad at tracking cool-downs? Set timed lighting to alert you! Also, players who tab out between deaths will find this feature very helpful, as they can set the keyboard to adjust colors when the respawn timer goes off. The lights can also help gamers track the location of various keys and functions. The more a player uses the lights to refer to a key, the more accurately and quicker they can play.
Tip 7: Wired or Wireless
Mechanical keyboards for gaming connect to a computer using two main methods: a physical cable and a wireless connection like a wireless receiver or Bluetooth. Wired options are usually more responsive and reliable than their wired counterparts because they have any latency issues or interference. Although less portable, they are less expensive than wireless ones.
But for gamers, the keyboard is usually in a fixed state; there's no need to move it from one place to another. They might just tilt it a bit for comfort, but after that, it's usually a more stationary peripheral. So, besides those who want to use their mechanical keyboard for gaming in bed or those who are cable-phobic, we wouldn’t recommend wireless gaming mechanical keyboards.
Tip 8: Key Caps and Profiles
Keycap profiles are all about the shape and size of the keycap. So, why do they matter? It all boils down to the ergonomics and comfort of the gamer. When selecting keycaps for a gaming keyboard, go for one that is comfortable and will allow you to play for hours without getting fatigued. The keycaps should augment the gaming experience and make it seamless for a player to find the next key quickly.Most players usually go for the Cherry profile keyboards, as they are designed to be comfortably pressed and efficient. They feature a structured and ergonomic design, and their shape resembles OEM keycaps and produces a “bassy sound” when pressed.
The first row is another major variation between the OEM and Cherry profile keycaps is the first row. It is somehow flatter in a Cherry profile than on the OEM keyboard. Also, Cherry keycaps are only manufactured by the mother brand, and no other brands or third parties are allowed to manufacture them. A good example is the Cherry MX RGB Mechanical Keyboard, a compact and high-quality ergonomic keyboard that is aesthetically pleasing.
That does not mean that OEM cannot be used for gaming. Game ZXC recommends them depending on a player’s experience because they have a medium height, provide tactile feedback, and have a slightly curved design. How the keys feel will depend on the specific material used to make them. The two main types of plastics used in making keycaps are polybutylene terephthalate, also known as PBT, and acrylonitrile butadiene sterile, also known as ABS.
ABS is not only the most common but also the cheapest. They are easily available because they can be produced via a less complicated process called “injection molding.”
PBT is less common but is of a higher quality than ABS. PBT is more textured and durable, while ABS keycaps feel smooth but tend to develop a greasy shine after being used for a while. PBT is the best option for avid players because it takes time before it wears down. That said, OEM keycaps are usually compatible with most keyboard layouts and feature customization options. So, whether to go with OEM or cherry will depend on your personal preferences in terms of compatibility, key feel, and shape.
Generally, when selecting a keycap, look at the design, profile, material, and thickness to ascertain what will complement your gaming setup. Also, If the gaming mechanical keyboard features RGB lighting, it is recommended to go for a keycap profile with a pudding style or double shot. It will allow the light to shine conspicuously via the keycaps.
Tip 9: Check the Polling Rate
Though important, many brands rarely talk of a keyboard’s polling rate. It is an essential feature for professional gamers who want a gaming keyboard that registers keystrokes as fast as possible. Technically, because the mechanical keyboard is connected using a USB cable, the computer actively checks or “polls” the keyboard to confirm whether a keystroke has been registered.
A keyboard with a high polling rate is better because the computer will check for keystrokes much faster and constantly than one with a lower polling rate. Most popular gaming keyboards usually feature a polling rate of 125Hz, meaning the computer checks for the keystrokes 125 times each second.
The best competitive options can have a polling rate of up to 1000Hz, meaning the computer will check for keystrokes 1000 times each second, which is ideal for avid gamers. Actually, it is the same concept behind a screen’s refresh rate, and the higher the rate, the faster the keyboard will be.
Related Products
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Best Overall Mechanical Gaming KeyboardRazer Huntsman V2 Analog
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is an analog switch-based wired keyboard that is at the highest tier of Razer's premium mechanical gaming keyboards. It features USB 3 passthrough, adjustable switches, and dedicated media keys as part of its USB-C powered feature set.
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SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Best Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This is the 2023 Edition of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless gaming keyboard. According to the company, it is the fastest keyboard in the world with the new OmniPoint 2.0 technology that allows 11x faster response and 10x faster actuation.
The keyboard allows the user to customize and adjust each and every key to the nearest tenth of a millimeter. With this precision adjustment, the keyboard can provide ultra-fast 0.2 mm actuation or deliberate 3.8 mm presses. The 2-in-1 action keys, on the other hand, let the user configure two actions for the same key. -
Best Wireless Mechanical Gaming KeyboardASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
$190 $250 Save $60The Asus ROG Azoth is a fresh take from ASUS as it attempts to make up for its limited presence in the wireless mechanical gaming keyboards market with a premium TKL-esque offering that pushes the boundaries of both price points and customizability for consumers.
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Best Budget Mechanical Gaming KeyboardROCCAT Pyro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
$40 $80 Save $40The ROCCAT Pyro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers an amazing amount of features for its very affordable asking price. Using linear red mechanical switches tuned for a 2.0 mm actuation, the Pyro rivals the most premium gaming keyboards with a brushed aluminum top plate and ROCCAT's stunning Aimo RGB lighting. Gamers can activate the wired keyboard's Easy-Shift (plus) button to multiply the number of available commands.
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Best Ergonomic Mechanical Gaming KeyboardLogitech G915 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
$203 $230 Save $27The Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed is a professional-grade gaming keyboard. It supports Lightspeed wireless connectivity, which delivers a fast connection that is reliable enough for even the most demanding esports gamer. A single charge on the keyboard can last for up to 40 hours. With Lightsync technology, the user can create personalized RGB lighting animations and control the lighting of each key separately. The Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed comes in three mechanical switch options: GL Tactile, GL Linear, and GL Clicky, from which most people can find their preferred feel and noise levels. Logitech's G915 TKL Lightspeed Gaming Keyboard is one of the company's flagship products.
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Best Compact Mechanical Gaming KeyboardRazer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard
$100 $120 Save $20The Razer Huntsman Mini boasts Razer Linear Optical switch technology, which utilizes optical beam-based actuation for key presses at the speed of light. This results in a 15-30% shorter actuation distance of 1.0 mm compared to other linear switches.
For an enhanced gaming experience, this keyboard offers ultimate personalization with Razer Chroma, syncing with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from over 30 partners. This enables support for 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys. Designed with quality in mind, the Huntsman Mini features a matte, aluminum top frame that increases structural integrity and durability.
What About N-Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting Features?
When it comes to gaming, pressing keys continuously and rapidly almost all the time is the norm. As such, a good mechanical keyboard for gaming should be able to handle multiple simultaneous presses for extended periods. This is referred to as “N-key rollover.” The "N" represents the number of keys a player can press simultaneously when gaming.
So, the higher the “N” figure, the more the number of keys the mechanical keyboard can handle simultaneously. In cases where more than two gamers press keys simultaneously on the same keyboard or for avid gamers, a mechanical gaming keyboard with a high N-key rollover number is crucial. It will help save time and response time, which is important in gaming.
Best Wired Keyboards for Gaming in 2024
Wired gaming keyboards remain extremely popular among competitive and casual games. Find out which keyboards offer the best performance and features.
Another important aspect that players should consider when looking for a good mechanical gaming keyboard is key ghosting. This occurs when a player presses particular keys in rapid succession or simultaneously, and then the peripheral registers a press on another key that was not pressed. While this is not a big issue in everyday normal keyboard activities like typing or streaming, it can make or break a game. So, the safest option is to go for a mechanical keyboard that has a high N-key rollover with anti-ghosting features. Any other option might frustrate gaming sessions.
What About the Keyboard's Customization and Macro Buttons
A reliable gaming mechanical keyboard should feature a predefined combination of commands that gamers can program or customize to activate in-game macros. For example, some titles require gamers to key in controls and use the mouse to click on a specific icon to trigger a macro. The right keyboard should allow gamers to assign macros by only pressing a single button to activate the action.
Also, a reliable mechanical keyboard for gaming should allow players to change switches under keys for customization purposes. Need a softer spring below the WASP keys? The gaming keyboard you go for should let you do that.
The Best Wired Gaming Headsets in 2024
Battle-tested and reliable, the best wired headsets can make a world of difference when gaming on the Xbox, Playstation, or PC.
In some mechanical keyboards, gamers might be required to install additional software for further customization. Though the process is pretty straightforward, some manufacturers don’t focus on this feature.
As such, a good idea is to buy recognizable keyboards from reputable brands. What’s more, give a shot at popular software options like Chroma, Raze’rs Synapse, or Logitech’s G HUB. Then look at the different layouts and compare them to the mechanical keyboard you desire and see if they are compatible.
Bottom Line
Now that you have an idea of what features to look for in a mechanical keyboard for gaming, it is time to put the ideas into use and pick the right peripherals for your needs. Remember to balance the price tag with the right specifications. Start by setting a budget and then narrow down the different options.
For example, gamers looking for the best mechanical keyboard, regardless of the price, concentrate on performance and durability features such as 6-key Rollover or higher, switches with 10+ million keystrokes, and metal or ABS construction. Those who want to invest in a high-end, long-term mechanical keyboard for gaming also go for metal or ABS construction; the switches should have a rating of 50+ million keystrokes, dedicated macro keys, per-key RGB illumination, bundled software for customization, and N-key rollover.
The Best L-Shaped Gaming Desks for 2024
L-shaped gaming desks are great for corner spaces and for players who need plenty of room for their gaming rigs. These are the best ones available.
FAQ
Q: What type of mechanical keyboard is best for gaming?
Cherry MX Red switches are the best option for gaming mechanical keyboards.
Q: Why do gamers want a mechanical keyboard?
Mechanical keyboards are ideal for gaming because they feature tons of customization,N-key rollover,faster response times, and better durability.
Q: How do I choose a gaming keyboard?
The most vital aspects factors to keep in mind is the latency or how responsive the keyboard is), switch types as well as the overall comfort and feel.