In the gaming world, the question "Is a wired or wireless keyboard better for gaming?" always causes a lot of controversy. Wired keyboards have the advantage of fast response speed and little delay, but they limit portability. In contrast, wireless keyboards offer freedom of movement, but can suffer from connectivity and battery life issues. So which type of keyboard is really more suitable for gamers to optimize their gaming experience? Let's find out with Enthkey the benefits and limitations of each keyboard type in this article.
The popularity of computer games
In today's technological age, comput er games have become an indispensable part of many people's lives. From simple titles to complex, beautiful creations, video games have attracted a large number of fans around the world. Professional eSports tournaments with big prizes are also increasingly popular, turning gaming into an attractive career.
Why the keyboard is an important device for gamers
In the journey to conquer magical virtual worlds, the keyboard plays an extremely important role for gamers. This is the main input device, the bridge between the player and the game. A good keyboard will help gamers move flexibly, react quickly and execute commands accurately. For action, strategy or role-playing games, the keyboard largely determines the user's gaming experience.
Advantages of wired keyboards
Lower latency
One of the biggest advantages of a wired gaming keyboard is its lower latency compared to a wireless keyboard. Latency is the amount of time between when you press a key and when the computer receives that signal. With a wired keyboard, the signal is transmitted via USB or PS/2 cable directly to the computer, so the latency is only about 1-8ms.
According to Nvidia research in 2018, latency below 16ms is ideal for professional gamers. This ensures quick reactions in stressful, critical gaming situations. On the contrary, with a wireless keyboard, the delay can be up to 20-40ms because the signal must go through the wireless connection before reaching the computer.
Stable connection, few interruptions
Wired keyboards always ensure a stable and continuous connection to the computer thanks to a direct connection via cable. This is very important in the game. A sudden loss of connection can lead to serious consequences such as losing control of the character or freezing.
Meanwhile, wireless keyboards face more risks of connection interruptions such as interference from other radio waves, obstacles, too far away from the receiver device or running out of battery. According to Vero's survey, 38% of wireless keyboard users have encountered the problem of losing connections at least once.
No need to replace the battery
With a wired keyboard, you don't have to worry about running out of battery or changing batteries frequently. They are continuously powered through the computer's USB or PS/2 port. This ensures the keyboard is always ready to operate at any time.
In contrast, wireless keyboards use built-in batteries or rechargeable batteries. Battery life is usually only about 6 months to 2 years depending on the type. This means the cost of maintaining or replacing the battery periodically, as well as the risk of the battery suddenly running out while gaming. According to HP research, 77% of users surveyed said worrying about running out of battery is the biggest drawback of wireless devices.
Advantages of wireless keyboards
More portability and comfort
One of the biggest advantages of a wireless keyboard is its greater portability and comfort compared to a wired keyboard. Not limited by the length of the cable, you can use the keyboard anywhere within the operating range of the wireless connection.
According to a Logitech survey, 68% of wireless keyboard users said they feel more comfortable when not entangled by cables. This is especially useful for those who like to sit on the sofa or bed to play games.
Neater, cleaner
Wireless keyboards help minimize wires and clutter around the work area. The room becomes neat, clean and easier to move and arrange.
According to Microsoft research, up to 60% of users admit that their room looks messy and cluttered due to the messy condition of their devices. Wireless keyboards completely solve this problem, creating a more airy feeling.
Wireless technology is increasingly advanced
Manufacturers continuously improve wireless technology to ensure performance and meet the increasing needs of users. Typically, Bluetooth technology is more advanced, with lower radio frequencies helping to reduce interference and longer operating distances.
Logitech, with its wireless Lightspeed technology, claims a latency of only 1ms, almost on par with wired keyboards and superior to most other wireless keyboards. Razer has also launched wireless HyperSpeed technology with a latency of just 7ms under ideal conditions.
These improvements have helped wireless keyboards increasingly regain their advantage over wired keyboards, especially for more advanced gamers.
Is a wired or wireless keyboard better for gaming?
Latency affects the gaming experience
Latency is one of the most important factors affecting the gaming experience, especially action, shooting or fighting games. When latency is high, there will be a small time gap between when you press a key and when the character reacts on screen. This can reduce gamers' ability to react quickly in stressful situations.
As mentioned, wired keyboards usually have a latency of only about 1-8ms, while wireless keyboards are usually 20-40ms higher depending on technology. However, with recent improvements such as Logitech's Lightspeed or Razer's HyperSpeed, the latency of wireless keyboards has been significantly improved, reaching 1-7ms under ideal conditions.
Durability and battery life
Wired keyboards always have the advantage of durability and there is no need to worry about battery life because they are continuously powered via the connection cable. Many wired keyboard models are specifically designed for gamers with a key life of up to 50-100 million clicks.
On the contrary, wireless keyboards face the problem of battery drain. Depending on the battery type and manufacturer, battery life ranges from 6 months to 2 years of use. This means the cost of periodically buying new batteries or having to regularly recharge the built-in battery.
Convenience and comfort
In terms of convenience and comfort, wireless keyboards are better thanks to their high portability and lack of cable constraints. Users can arbitrarily arrange the most convenient location for use. The room also becomes neater and cleaner when there are no messy wires.
However, in return you have to deal with worrying about running out of battery, suddenly losing connection or having to replace the battery frequently. With a wired keyboard, you always ensure stability and continuity throughout the game without any interruption.
As such, the choice between wired and wireless keyboards depends on each gamer's priority needs-whether it's high performance or more portable convenience.
Make recommendations based on specific needs
For racing, shooting (FPS) gamers or games that require fast response and high precision, a wired keyboard is still the most optimal choice today to avoid high latency affecting the playing experience. game. Gaming models such as Razer Huntsman and Corsair K70 RGB TKL meet the most stringent requirements.
For gamers who want to enjoy a more comfortable, flexible experience such as being able to move freely or sit on a sofa to play games, a wireless keyboard like the Logitech G915 TKL or Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro will be more suitable. However, they should also pay attention to the issue of battery life.
For those who play games at a more general level, such as role-playing games (RPG) or strategy games (RTS), both of the above options are possible. They can prioritize prices, favorite brands or additional features such as RGB backlighting, macro keys,...
In general, before buying a new keyboard, gamers should consider their needs for performance, portability or budget to make the most suitable choice, ensuring the most optimal gaming experience.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question “is a wired or wireless keyboard better for gaming?”, there is no definitive answer that will work for all gamers. Ultimately it depends on personal priorities and gaming needs. Wired keyboards offer the benefits of lower latency, stable connections, and no battery concerns, making them ideal for competitive gaming where speed and accuracy are paramount. important.
However, Enthkey contends that wireless keyboards offer unprecedented portability, clutter-free setup, and ever-improving technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy that help minimize latency issues. For casual gamers who value comfort and convenience over marginal performance gains, a wireless keyboard can be a great choice. Ultimately, gamers should evaluate their specific requirements, budget, and whether they prioritize raw performance or portability before deciding between a wired or wireless keyboard for their best gaming experience.
