Criteria for evaluating gaming keyboards
When choosing a gaming keyboard, there are many important factors to consider to ensure the best gaming experience. Below are 5 main criteria to evaluate a gaming keyboard:Sensitivity and response speed
- Keyboard switch: Popular switches such as Cherry MX, Kailh, or Razer Green will affect the sensitivity and typing feel.
- Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover: This feature helps the keyboard accurately record commands when the user presses multiple keys at the same time.
- Polling rate: Keyboard response speed, usually 1000Hz, helps reduce latency and increase accuracy when gaming.
Durability and materials
- Shell material: ABS plastic, aluminum, or high-quality alloy makes the keyboard more durable and impact resistant.
- Keycap: Keycap material such as PBT or ABS will affect the durability and typing feel of the keyboard.
- Switch lifespan: High-end switches usually have a lifespan of up to 50-100 million clicks.
Customization features and LED lighting effects
A good gaming keyboard should have custom software included, allowing users to easily adjust functions, macros, and LED lighting effects to personal preferences. The ability to record and assign complex command sequences to a single key (macro) is a very useful feature, helping gamers perform operations more quickly and accurately. Besides, diverse RGB LED lighting effects not only increase the aesthetics of the keyboard but can also assist in identifying the location of keys in low light conditions.
Comfort for long periods of use
For gamers who often play games for many hours continuously, the comfort of using the keyboard is a factor that cannot be ignored. A gaming keyboard with an ergonomic design, proper tilt and armrest will help minimize wrist and arm fatigue. The size and weight of the keyboard also plays an important role. A keyboard that fits well and has a stable weight will be easy to move and use during long gaming sessions. In addition, the distance between the keys and the standard key layout will help users quickly get used to and use the keyboard fluently.Pricing and availability
Gaming keyboards have many different prices, from affordable products to high-end products. It is important to choose a keyboard that fits your budget and meets your feature and quality requirements. Besides, choosing popular and available products on the market will bring convenience to users when needing product replacement or warranty. A reputable brand with a good warranty policy and thoughtful customer support service is also a factor worth considering, helping gamers feel more secure while using the keyboard.
Top 5 best gaming keyboards
Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Keyboard
Outstanding features
Razer BlackWidow Elite is one of the most popular mechanical gaming keyboards today, with beautiful design and outstanding performance. The keyboard uses Razer Green or Razer Orange mechanical switches, providing a responsive and accurate typing feel. The keyboard frame is made from durable aluminum, providing good impact and twist resistance. One of the highlights of the Razer BlackWidow Elite is the 16.8 million-color RGB Chroma LED lighting system, which can be easily customized through Razer Synapse 3 software. The keyboard also integrates a quick macro recording feature, allowing Users record complex command sequences and assign them to a single key, helping to optimize in-game operations. To ensure comfort during long gaming sessions, Razer has equipped the BlackWidow Elite with a palm rest made from soft faux leather material. Besides, the full Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover feature helps ensure absolute accuracy when users press multiple keys at the same time.Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
- Excellent build quality with sturdy aluminum frame and durable doubleshot ABS keycap.
- The Razer Switch offers a great typing experience, suitable for both gaming and typing.
- Razer Synapse 3 software is easy to use, providing many customizations for LED and macro effects.
- Detachable armrest is convenient and comfortable, helping to reduce fatigue during long-term use.
Defect:
- Price is higher than many competitors in the same segment.
- The Razer Green switch has a fairly loud clicky sound, which can be annoying to some users.
- ABS keycaps can become shiny and worn after long periods of use.
SteelSeries Apex Pro mechanical keyboard
Outstanding features
SteelSeries Apex Pro features exclusive OmniPoint switch technology, allowing users to adjust the sensitivity of each individual key, with trigger points from 0.4mm to 3.6mm. This provides a customized and optimal typing experience for each individual. The keyboard also integrates a small OLED screen, which conveniently displays system information, notifications and personal settings. Apex Pro has a 16.8 million-color RGB LED system, which can be easily customized through SteelSeries Engine software. The keyboard frame is made from aircraft aluminum, providing outstanding durability and sturdiness. The magnetic armrest is removable, making cleaning easier. The keyboard also fully supports Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover, ensuring absolute accuracy when pressing multiple keys at the same time.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
- Unique OmniPoint Switch, providing a customized typing experience and optimal sensitivity for each user
- Convenient OLED screen, providing useful information and high personalization capabilities
- Outstanding build quality with aircraft aluminum frame and doubleshot PBT keycap
- SteelSeries Engine software is powerful and easy to use
Defect:
- The price is very high compared to other gaming mechanical keyboards on the market
- The OmniPoint switch can take some time to get used to and customize it to suit individual needs
- OLED screens are relatively small in size, limiting the amount of information that can be displayed
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT mechanical keyboard
Outstanding features
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a high-end mechanical gaming keyboard, equipped with fast and smooth Cherry MX Speed switches. The keyboard has a sturdy aluminum frame and durable doubleshot PBT keycap, ensuring high durability and a great typing experience. The K95 RGB Platinum XT's 16.8 million-color RGB LED strip can be customized via iCUE software, providing high personalization. The keyboard also has six programmable macro keys, helping users customize complex commands and operations. The wrist rest is soft and comfortable, providing wrist support during long gaming sessions. Anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover ensure that every keystroke is recorded accurately.Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
- Using high quality Cherry MX Speed switches, fast and smooth response
- Durable design with aluminum frame and doubleshot PBT keycap
- Six programmable macro keys provide customization flexibility
- 16.8 million-color RGB LED lights, easily adjusted via iCUE software
- The wrist rest is soft and comfortable, providing good support during long gaming sessions
Defect:
- The price is quite high compared to many other gaming keyboards
- The size is quite large, taking up a lot of space on the table
- Lack of variety in switch options, only Cherry MX Speed
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 mechanical keyboard
Outstanding features
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is a remarkable mechanical gaming keyboard with a durable design and impressive performance. The keyboard uses exclusive HyperX Red switches, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. The sturdy steel keyboard frame and unique PBT pudding keycap enhance durability and enhance the visual experience. Alloy Elite 2's brilliant RGB LED lighting can be customized through HyperX Ngenuity software. The keyboard is also equipped with a dedicated scroll wheel, allowing users to quickly adjust volume, backlight brightness and multimedia functions. Dedicated multimedia keys and the ability to assign custom macros enhance the overall user experience. Anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover ensure accuracy in any situation.Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
- Using exclusive HyperX Red switches, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience
- Durable design with steel frame and unique PBT pudding keycap
- Convenient dedicated scroll wheel for adjusting volume, brightness and multimedia functions
- Multimedia keys and the ability to assign custom macros
Defect:
- The price is relatively high compared to some gaming mechanical keyboards with similar features
- Lack of diversity in switch options, only HyperX Red available
- HyperX Ngenuity software sometimes has some stability issues
Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless mechanical keyboard
Outstanding features
Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless is a premium wireless mechanical gaming keyboard, combining a slim and modern design with outstanding performance. The keyboard uses Logitech's advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, providing stable connections and ultra-low latency. With an ultra-thin design and premium aluminum frame, the G915 Lightspeed Wireless offers a luxurious look and sturdy feel. The keyboard has three types of exclusive Logitech GL mechanical switches for users to choose from, including GL Linear, GL Tactile and GL Clicky, to meet personal needs and preferences. The G915 Lightspeed Wireless's 16.8 million-color RGB Lightsync backlighting system can be customized through Logitech G HUB software. The keyboard also has dedicated multimedia keys and convenient volume scroll buttons, helping users easily control media.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
- Advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless design, providing stable connection and low latency
- Ultra-thin design and high-quality aluminum frame, luxurious and durable
- Three types of Logitech exclusive GL switches, tailored to individual needs and preferences
- RGB Lightsync lighting system with 16.8 million colors, customizable via Logitech G HUB software
- Dedicated multimedia keys and convenient volume scroll wheel
Defect:
- The price is very high compared to other gaming mechanical keyboards, including wireless models
- The built-in battery is not replaceable, which can cause inconvenience when the battery is damaged or worn out
- Lacks an included armrest, which may affect comfort when used for long periods of time
Compare and overview
| Features | Razer BlackWidow Elite | SteelSeries Apex Pro | Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT | HyperX Alloy Elite 2 | Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless |
| Switch type | Razer Green / Orange | OmniPoint | Cherry MX Speed | HyperX Red | GL Linear / Tactile / Clicky |
| Durability | High | Very high | High | High | High |
| RGB LEDs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support software | Razer Synapse 3 | SteelSeries Engine | iCUE | HyperX Ngenuity | Logitech G HUB |
| Armrest | Yes, leave | Yes, magnetic | Yes | No | No |
| Macro keys | No | No | 6 keys | Customizable | No |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | LIGHTSPEED Wireless |
| Price (reference) | $169.99 | $199.99 | $199.99 | $129.99 | $249.99 |
The comparison table above summarizes the main features of 5 outstanding gaming mechanical keyboards, including switch type, durability, RGB LED lighting, support software, palm rest, macro keys, connectivity and reference price. consult. Each keyboard has its own advantages and characteristics, suitable for each gamer's needs and budget. The Razer BlackWidow Elite and Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT are great options for gamers looking for a combination of high performance and rich features. SteelSeries Apex Pro features unique OmniPoint switch technology and an integrated OLED display. HyperX Alloy Elite 2 delivers a smooth and quiet typing experience with exclusive HyperX Red switches, while Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless is the perfect choice for gamers who love the convenience of wireless connectivity and design. Ultrathin. Ultimately, choosing the right mechanical gaming keyboard depends on each person's personal preferences, gaming style and budget. By carefully considering the features and pros and cons of each product, gamers can find the perfect keyboard to enhance their gaming experience.
