The importance of a good gaming keyboard
For a passionate gamer, owning a good gaming keyboard is extremely important. The keyboard is the central tool for interacting with the game, determining much of the user's gaming experience.Correct response
A high-quality keyboard will provide accurate and responsive feedback, allowing players to perform complex operations smoothly and promptly. This plays a decisive role in stressful situations and requires quick reflexes.Increase your chances of winning
With better feedback, players can easily optimize their playing style and maximize performance. This helps increase your chances of winning important game matches.Durable longevity
A high-quality gaming keyboard usually has a significantly longer lifespan than regular office keyboards. This ensures you can enjoy a great gaming experience for many years.
Keyboard mechanism
Types of keyboards available on the market
When it comes to gaming keyboards, there are three main types of mechanisms to consider: mechanical, membrane, and hybrid keyboards.Mechanical keyboard
Mechanical keyboards use a physical mechanism, with each key connected to a separate switch. This is the most popular type of keyboard in the gaming community. Advantage- Real feedback: Mechanical switches provide clear and precise feedback, allowing players to clearly feel when a key is fully pressed.
- Long lifespan: Mechanical switches can withstand millions of clicks without failure, ensuring the keyboard has a long lifespan.
- Higher price: Mechanical keyboards are often more expensive than other types of keyboards due to the more complex mechanism.
- Noisier: The clicking of mechanical switches can be noisy in quiet environments.
Key membrane keyboard Membrane keyboards use a thin membrane with electrical contacts to detect key presses. This is the most popular type of keyboard on the market and is often found in cheap office keyboards.
Advantage
- Cheap price: Membrane keyboards are often significantly cheaper than other types of keyboards.
- Quiet: Because there are no moving parts, membrane keyboards operate quite quietly.
- Poor feedback: Membrane keyboards do not provide as clear feedback as mechanical keyboards, which can lead to a poorer typing experience.
- Low lifespan: The membrane may be damaged after a period of use, reducing the lifespan of the keyboard.
Hybrid keyboard
Hybrid keyboards combine the features of both mechanical and membrane keyboards. They often use a switch mechanism like a mechanical keyboard but have a membrane to detect key presses. Hybrid keyboards can provide some of the same feedback as mechanical keyboards but at a lower cost. However, they can also inherit some of the disadvantages of both other keyboard types.
Different switches of gaming keyboards
For mechanical keyboards, the type of switch used plays an important role in determining the feel and feedback when typing. The most common types of switches include:Cherry MX
Cherry MX is the most famous switch brand in the keyboard industry. Their popular switch types include:- Cherry MX Red: Linear switch (no diagonal lever), light pressure, suitable for games and typing.
- Cherry MX Brown: Switch has a light diagonal lever, moderate pressing force, suitable for multi-purpose use.
- Cherry MX Blue: The switch has clear diagonal switches, moderate pressing force, long lasting sound, suitable for typing.
Gateron
Gateron is another famous switch brand, with switches similar to Cherry MX but often cheaper. Some of their popular switches include Gateron Red, Brown, and Blue.Kailh
Kailh is another switch brand, with many options such as Kailh Red, Brown, Blue and specialized game switches such as Kailh Speed (faster pressing) and Kailh Box (better dust protection).Other brands
In addition, there are other switch brands such as Outemu, TTC, Huano, etc. Each type of switch will have its own characteristics in terms of pressure, sound and feel, suitable for different user preferences. Choosing the right switch is an important factor in having the most comfortable and effective gaming experience. Many gamers often prefer to use light and fast switches like Cherry MX Red or Kailh Speed for the best response in situations that require quick reflexes.
Features of gaming keyboard
Besides keyboard mechanics, features also play an important role in choosing a gaming keyboard. Here are some key features to consider:Anti-ghosting
Anti-ghosting is a feature that helps the keyboard detect and properly handle when users press multiple keys at the same time. In complex games, players often have to use multiple keys quickly and simultaneously, so anti-ghosting is a necessary feature to ensure all commands are recognized correctly. The number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously that the keyboard is capable of detecting is often called the "number of key rollovers" or "N-key rollovers". Gaming keyboards often have anti-ghosting capabilities of 6 or more keys.N-key rollover
N-key rollover (NKRO) is the ability of a keyboard to accurately read any number of keys pressed at the same time. This is an important feature for gamers, especially in games that are complex and require many keys to be pressed simultaneously. Good gaming keyboards usually support full NKRO, which means they can accurately recognize all keys pressed at the same time. This helps ensure that every player command is processed correctly.RGB backlight
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) backlighting is a common feature on modern gaming keyboards. RGB backlighting allows users to customize the color of the backlight, creating beautiful lighting effects to suit their personal preferences. Additionally, many gaming keyboards support dynamic backlighting modes, such as flashing to a certain rhythm or reacting to in-game actions. Not only does this create an engaging visual experience, but it can also help players easily keep track of important keys in the game.Macro/media keys
Macro keys are keys that can be programmed to execute a complex sequence of commands with a single press. This is very useful in complex games, when players need to perform many actions in quick succession. Besides, some gaming keyboards also integrate media keys, allowing users to easily control the volume, pause/play music or video without having to leave the game.Control software
Many high-end gaming keyboards come with dedicated control software, allowing users to customize and program various keyboard features. The control software allows you to:- Assign macros to keys
- Customize RGB backlight effects
- Set up different profiles for each game
- Update the latest software and firmware
Control software plays an important role in optimizing the keyboard according to the user's wishes, helping to enhance the gaming experience. In short, features like anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, RGB backlighting, macro/media keys, and control software are all important factors to consider when choosing a suitable gaming keyboard. They enhance control, customization, and provide a better gaming experience.
Design & build quality
Besides mechanics and features, design and build quality are also important factors to consider when choosing a gaming keyboard.Shape, size
The size and shape of the keyboard directly affects the comfort and efficiency of use. There are popular keyboard models:- Full-size (104 keys): Includes full numeric keypad and function row keys.
- Tenkeyless (87 keys): Removes the numeric keypad for a more compact size.
- Compact/60% (61 keys): Only retains the main keys, even more compact.
Material
The material of the frame and keycap (key) affects both the time of use and the feeling when typing. Some popular options:- Frame: Solid aluminum, high quality hard plastic, stainless steel.
- Keycap: Thick PBT (durable, wear-resistant), ABS (softer), premium POM.
Connection (Wired vs Wireless)
- Wired: Ensures a stable connection, with little interruption, often used in professional matches.
- Wireless: Convenient on the go, but may experience signal delay or loss of connection if the battery is low.
Water/dust resistant
Many high-end gaming keyboards have good water/dust resistance to protect internal components from damage caused by water spills or dust. This is a useful feature, especially for those who often eat and drink while playing games.Review of popular options
Below is Enthkey's review of 3 popular gaming keyboards, along with suggestions for each user segment.Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
Advantage
- High-end design with monolithic aluminum frame
- Razer Green mechanical switches (similar to Cherry MX Blue) with clear sound and feedback
- Premium RGB Chroma backlighting with multiple lighting effects
- Fully supports N-key rollover and anti-ghosting
- Programmable multimedia keys and macro keys
- There is a convenient wireless version
Defect
- The price is quite high (from 3 million VND)
- The plastic back is not as high-quality as the aluminum frame
- Not fully water/dust resistant
Corsair K70 RGB PRO
Advantage
- Strong aluminum body design
- Supports many popular mechanical switches (MX Speed, Brown, Blue)
- Individual RGB backlighting for each key, many lighting effects
- Water resistance up to IP32
- iCUE software allows for deep customization
Defect
- Full-size is quite bulky
- High price (over 3 million VND)
Ducky One 2 Mini
Advantage- Compact design: 60% compact, easy to move
- High quality construction, sturdy solid aluminum frame
- Many good mechanical switch options (Cherry, Gateron, Kailh)
- Fully supports N-key rollover, good water/dust resistance
- Keycaps and keyboard mods can be replaced easily
- More affordable price (about 2 million VND)
- There are no number keys or macros
- Monochrome backlight, no RGB
- Needs 3rd party software for advanced customization
Suggestions: Great choice for FPS or RTS gamers who need a compact, high-quality keyboard.
Suggestions for each user segment FPS Gamers:
Should choose a mechanical keyboard with fast switches like Cherry MX Red/Speed, Kailh Speed with good feedback. Prioritize compact or tenkeyless size for ease of portability. The Ducky One 2 Mini or similar tenkeyless model is a good choice.
MOBA Gamers:
Need a sturdy mechanical keyboard that fully supports N-key rollover and is water/dust resistant. Switches like Cherry MX Brown are the right choice. Corsair K70 or a similar model with aluminum frame, waterproof, is a top suggestion.
RTS Gamers:
Prioritize compact, compact keyboards with many programmable macro keys. A fast switch like the Kailh Speed Silver is the right choice. Ducky One 2 SF or similar 65% model is suitable.
Versatile Gamer:
Full-size keyboards with multiple switch options and RGB backlighting are ideal for serving a variety of needs. Razer BlackWidow, Corsair K70 series or equivalent lines are reasonable suggestions. Don't forget to carefully consider your budget and specific needs to choose the most suitable keyboard. It is best to directly try the feel of each type of switch before deciding to buy it.
Conclusion
What to look for when buying a gaming keyboard includes the keyboard mechanism, the type of switches used, features like anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, RGB backlighting, macro/media keys, and control software. Design, build quality, connection method, water/dust resistance, brand and desired budget are also important to consider. By carefully evaluating all of the above factors and based on the gamer segment and personal needs, Enthkey believes that you will find the most suitable gaming keyboard, helping to optimize the gaming experience.
