Gaming Keyboard Buying Guide

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Keyboard is a kind of unseen essential part of a computer. We might hardly notice our mouse or keyboard and never planned to spend a higher amount in getting some different type of keyboard. The reason is that this are the default tools which does not need or requires any special support. After introduction of unpnp they have become common which is list on the population. But there are certain group of users who pay or look for specially designed keyboards and mouse. That is for gaming. Today's gaming industry offers you the most advance gaming modes with many features and options. Those features and option are not easy when you are using a traditional tool on your system. The question here arises that what is the need of gaming keyboard. Maximum games comes with default control depends on the genre. A professional gamer can give you the best answer for this. Gaming keyboards are not only versatile to use, but has maximum option for customization and are lowest in sensitivity rate. That means they are highly responsive board. For gaming sensitivity is another important aspect which matters the most. Gamers are most irritated while playing on a slow hardware. To gain better results it is recommended to go for specially designed hardware. For example, just have a look on the this review - Best Gaming Mouse. This review provides information on some of top gaming mouse. Every mouse has a special designed with extra button that you cannot have on the regular one.

So if you prefer to go for a gaming keyboard or trying to build up your own gaming pc, then this will be really helpful. I am providing you detailed points on what to look for in a quality of gaming keyboard. Gaming keyboard basically are larger in size. The reason is ample of space availability between buttons so that you can easily move your hands around it. Remember this keyboards are not meant for work purpose; they are mostly gaming and comes with customization tools. Under this you can customize the entire keys and some of the new models also provide you key re-mapping as and when needed. As a sample below you can have a glimpse of some models which are available right. See the design and look. Dedicatedly made for gamers only. Many gaming keyboards are made on the basis of particular game controls. They provide you to have maximum control over your gameplay. Widely played FPS games like Battlefield, Counter-Strike, etc are the one who has generate a need of having gaming keyboards as a separate brand. This are some of the weirdest model I found on net. Surely when you have such kind of board, you will surely not love to use your mouse.

I will begin with the most common feature which is helpful in every kind of device. Basically the choice begins with the look and design. It should be comfortable with ample of controls and consume less space on the desk. Some of the models above have led which can let you to configure more advance options that you can never do with the regular keyboard. Looks more like some spaceship controller. Below are some points which you must look for when you are going to buy any keyboard. It does not matter either it is a gaming or not.

The keyboard must have option to adjust the height. This is a one kind of important feature which lacks in many keyboard. You must be able to control the height of keyboard as per your convenience. Or else it might generate pain on your wrist. Because in gaming it is for sure that you are not going to play it for 5 or 10mins. Many people stick for hours and hours unaware about the bad sitting or hand position. Another important you must see that you can tilt the keyboard on the base of your hand angles. A straight lying keyboard is not always comfortable. Titling the keyboard a bit upward or downward can be a bit helpful for long hours of gameplay. The same also enables you to adjust your posture as and when needed. Many gaming keyboards offers a additional support on the below side. You have a look on the glimpse below. The below models has additional support for wrist you can relax your hand on the downside while you are feeling tired. This is somewhat a better thing to look for.

Now another thing which comes in the same range is looking for a mouse support. Many gaming keyboards comes with attached mouse pad. That is comfortable but as your traditional habit is to use a place next to keyboard where you can move your hand completely. There should be ample of space for the same. Your arm needs to rotate and move faster while playing games, so you must be comfortable with the entire setup. In this I will recommend you to have a separate mouse only. I was thinking to show some models which has attached mouse, but that will be too complicated to handle out. I had given a review link in the first paragraph on gaming mouse. Once again you can have a look on some of the coolest models.

Ergonomics: This means the design in support to your body. The companies tries to invest and research on the Ergonomics to make the product as much comfortable as they can. Every product comes with a better structure which makes it comfortable for usage. It is recommended that you must first have a good look on the keyboards ergonomics. This tells you how much the product will be compatible with longer runs.

Mechanical Keyboard: A mechanical keyboard uses real physical switches under the keys to determine when a use has pressed a key. Press a button, and you press the switch. Press the switch and the keyboard sends a signal to the computer to tell him that you pressed the button. It does not look amazing at first. You already have a keyboard, and you know when you press a button is pressed on it and a letter appears on the screen. But think about it a bit more: you know you have pressed a key because it was pushed up, and this is where we see that something happens on your PC. The issue ergonomic is also very important, especially for those who usually write a lot in the computer (such as systems programmers). For this there are a variety of keyboards whose layout of the keys has been designed specifically to alleviate or minimize injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

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List of some top Gaming keyboard

1. Thermaltake eSPORTS Challenger: Price $135.46

Gamers are a species that certainly can not complain about the lack of specially designed products. Of all the accessories, mouse and keyboard are of key importance as the only "weapons" in order to interact with the system. From this point of view, Thermaltake has created the new eSports Challenger Pro keyboard design very aggressive, detachable connection cable and length of 2 meters, USB hub, ten function keys and configurable backlighting. The detachable USB cable ensures that you, you should carry on the keyboard, for example, a LAN party, making sure no pesky cables must. The package is also quite abundant in, the pocket of the keyboard is ideal for transportation.

Features:

• Red Illumination Backlight
• 2x USB 2.0 Port
• User Interface
• Macro Keys
• Multimedia Keys
• 64KB onboard Memory
• On Board Profile Switch
• Backlight Switch
• Fan Device
• Windows Dummy Keycaps
• Smart Cable Management with detachable cable design
• 8 Additional removable keycaps

Specification:

• Tt. Breakaway Gold-Plated USB Connection Cable(2 Meters in Length)
• Tt eSPORTS Dragon-Red key backlighting
• 6 Easy Access Multimedia Keys
• 10 Customizable Macro Keys
• 10 Million Keystroke Lifespan
• Body dimensions (LxWxH): 505x 195x 27mm
• 6,000 RPM Tt. Breeze Hand Cooling Fan (Life Expectancy of 50,000 hours)

2. SteelSeries Shift : Price $89.99

The design of the keyboard can be described well as a rather simple, which is given by the quite wrinkled appearance and a certain timelessness. After you have put the wrist rest on the keyboard, striking the keyboard takes up but a lot of space on the table. On top of the keyboard is a USB hub with two USB ports, and those already in the feature table above audio ports (input and output) attached. These are positioned so that, when viewed from the front of the keyboard are not noticeable. Unfortunately, the build quality and the stability of the software "SteelSeries Engine" unsatisfactory partly because there were problems with the firmware update. Gives you the internet you think this is not uncommon.

Features :

• The Shift supports interchangeable keysets, all designed with awesome game designers.
• Every single key is fully customizable. What you want, where you want it.
• Advanced macros support delays. It's almost Skynet-ish. In the good way.
• Easily switch between layers, allowing near-unlimited options for configuration.
• Equipped with two USB 2.0 ports as well as in- and out-audio ports.
• Gaming Grade quality ensures a lifecycle of 15 million key presses per key.
• The rubberized feet offers 3 different height levels and ensures steadiness.
• Whether your poison is FPS, RTS, MMO, Shift was designed to make you win.

Specification :

• Record macros directly on the keyboard : You can start recording macros directly from the base of the keyboard and quickly assign them to 8 specific hotkeys with 3 unique layers – giving you an easy access to a total of 24 keys.
• Keyset compatibility : On a hardware-level SteelSeries Shift and Zboard Keysets are fully compatible with both the Shift and Zboard Keyboards.
• All-round use: FPS, RTS, RPG
• Improved rubber domes for extended lifecycle : lifecycle to 15 million keystrokes per key
• Fine-tuned heat spots
• Audio and USB hubs : The Shift base was also designed to make it easy to plug in your peripherals.
• Multiple levels of macros : Personalization allows you to shift the rules to your favor.
• Fine-tuned heat spots
• Media keys : Shift also offers easy access to Media controls
• On-the-fly layer switching

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3. SteelSeries 6Gv2 : Price $99.99

Most mechanical keyboards utilize switches from Cherry, of which the variants MX Blue, Black MX and MX Brown low. The blue buttons have almost no resistance, and a clearly defined, loud "click" to solve, but relatively late and can then be further downward pressure. SteelSeries, like other brand has its own color. Here it comes in black and white, enhanced with fine orange lines. The buffer system, then, is able to handle multiple transactions at the same time and support the so-called anti-ghosting.

Features :

• Gold-plated mechanical switches.
• Lower-priced alternative to the well-renowned SteelSeries 7G.
• Allows as many simultaneous key presses as there are keys on the keyboard.
• No-click mechanical switches ensure low latency and fast response.
• Cherry Black switches increases the lifecycle to 50 million keystrokes.
• Quick access to volume, mute and other audio controls.
• All facets of the 6Gv2 are included to increase the users' actions per minute.
• 6Gv2 can withstand punishment. Seriously.

Specification :

• The rubber domes on a conventional keyboard.
• The design and build quality of the SteelSeries 6Gv2 keyboard stands up to fast fingers
• The 6Gv2 is built with a USB as standard, also included a USB to PS/2 adapter in the box.
• Cherry Black MX switches are the toughest and highest quality key switches available on the market.
• SteelSeries 6Gv2 is built with mechanical no-click switches
• No Windows Keys
• 50 Million Key presses

4. Cyborg V7 : Price $79.99

Cyborg Gamming is one of those manufacturers who wanted to give their products an elegant touch while functional, thanks to the backlit keyboard in three colors, with segmentation of the keypad to customize to our liking it. A Cyborg mode that turns off instantly with the Windows function keys. Includes multimedia keys and 3 modes of programming, has a software that can program your macro function keys, all with perfect ergonomics, thanks in part to customizing height and adjustable wrist rest, let it has almost everything, but look further in that it is.
Features :

• Built for 21st century gaming, the V.7 embodies the true essence of the Cyborg range.
• Multi-color Backlighting – Tru-Vu illuminations allow you to set the mood and illuminate your world, mixing shades from Red through Amber to Green.
• Touch-sensitive, backlit dashboard Control Panel – Configure your lighting, media and volume controls with the brush of a finger.
• WASD, cursor, ‘Cyborg’ and NumPad keys can be lit independently from the rest of the keyboard to highlight commonly used gaming keys – Set each area to your preferred color or brightness to make the keyboard battle ready.
• Cyborg Mode – Instantly disable the Windows® keys and change the color and brightness of your gaming keys at the touch of a button.
• Set and forget – Persistent key illumination settings ensure your color combinations remain intact, even after a system reboot.

Specification :

• 12 programmable ‘Cyborg’ keys – Store your favorite macros for buying equipment, activating abilities or just for initiating your favorite trash talk.
• Powerful ST Programming Software – Create profiles for each game that you play in order to save different button configurations.
• Hard wearing, metal-plated key caps in key gaming areas are designed to withstand the punishment that pro gamers demand.
• Pass-through USB, audio and microphone sockets means no more crawling behind your PC to change your USB device or audio configuration.
• Enhanced multiple key presses in gaming areas for complex in-game commands.
• Adjustable wrist rest and keyboard rake angle (front and back).
• Gold-plated connectors for USB and audio.

5. Razer Tarantula : Price $99.99

The Razer Tarantula would be a sports car, the G15 would be a tank. At least this is near the end, when the two opponents face on the desk. The G15 is a strand of a keyboard and dominates the competitive dimensions in all respects. With its glossy black finish, the Tarantula appear dignified and sprayed a lot more understated than the militant-inspired G15 in matt black and silver. On the Tarantula Keyboard only illuminate the ten bonus buttons, status indicators, and the knob to select the occupancy profile. Have her make the gently pulsating snake Emblem integrated palm rest. A Windows logo are nowhere, there's a button marked "Start" on the left and another with Razer logo on the right of the spacebar.

Features :

• Anti-Ghosting Capability
• Onboard Profile Memory
• A Key top that is Eight Times as Responsive

Specification :

• Anti-ghosting capability for up to 10 keys
• 32KB Razer Synapse onboard memory
• On-The-Fly Sensitivity profile switching
• 10 programmable gaming hotkeys
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
• Hype response gaming key top with fully interchangeable keys
• Headphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• Media center keys
• Two USB ports
• Gold-plated USB connector
• Razer Battledock for add-on accessories
• Approximate size: 522mm (length) x 220mm (width) x 33mm (height)

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6. Razer Lycosa : Price $79.99

The processing is at a high level of Razer. On the back of the keyboard is ensured by four rubber surfaces for a safe location on your desk, two folding feet are responsible for the proper ergonomics. From an ergonomic standpoint, the Razer Lycosa has unfortunately not improved in all respects. Although the key illumination compared to the first model of the Lycosa has actually changed, and the lighting is not only intense, it is also less dependent on viewing angle. This effect was mainly by a bright light and larger letters (and thus a larger coverage area) is reached. In addition, the white keys provide a more uniform light distribution. A dimmer is missing, unfortunately, continue.

Features :

• Key top with Non-slip Rubber Finish
• Backlight Illumination with WASD Cluster Lighting Option
• Fully-programmable Keys with Macro Capability

Specification :

• Key top with non-slip rubber finish
• Backlight illumination with WASD cluster lighting option
• Fully-programmable keys with macro capability
• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability
• Slim keycap structure with Hype response technology
• TouchPanel easy access media keys
• Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
• Earphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• Detachable wrist rest
• One integrated USB extension port
• Approximate Size : 470mm/18.50” (Width) x 222mm/8.74” (Height) x 23mm/0.91” (Depth)
• Approximate Weight: 788g /1.74lbs

7. Razer BlackWidow : Price $79.99

Razer products always present in the same way. And for good reason, he is talking about identity. In fact, place cardboard decorated with black and bright green. The Blackwidow no exception to the rule. The videos can significantly shorten this aspect, we will therefore result in the description of the keyboard itself and its bundle. The extension of I / O panel, the audio connections and loop-through USB port is recessed into the indented right side. Seen from above, so they fall on any further, but are freely accessible. The unusual uniformity and maximum brightness of the backlighting is quite impressive, even in daylight you may not turn it off. In the dark you will probably choose a weaker level of illumination. The effort to illuminate each key individually to pay off here.

Features :

• Full Mechanical Keys for Superior Tactility and Faster Response
• On-The-Fly Macro Recording & Profiles allow Effortless Configuration
• Macro-Keys & Gaming Mode ensure uninterrupted gaming experience

Specification :

• Full mechanical keys with 50g actuation force
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
• Programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
• Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
• 5 additional macro keys
• Gaming optimized key matrix for minimized ghosting
• Multi-Media controls
• Braided cable
• Approximate Size : 475 mm / 18.70” (Width) x 171 mm / 6.73” (Height) x 20 mm / 0.79” (Depth)
• Approximate Weight: 1400 g / 3.09 lbs

8. Microsoft Sidewinder X4 : Price $59.95

The SideWinder X4 Keyboard is a robust command center for all gamers: The SideWinder X4 keyboard player supports with 6 programmable buttons (which can be assigned to a gaming profile up to 18 programmable options), sophisticated macro features and anti-ghosting capability for hunting on high scores. Furthermore, the Sidewinder X4 keyboard to switch between modes: This feature can be switched between a standard mode, the keyboard and two gaming modes. The selected mode is displayed by means of LEDs. Automatic profile change: Once a game has started, which was assigned a profile, the keyboard detects that and switches to the appropriate settings.

Features :

• Advanced anti-ghosting capability
• Mode switching
• Automatic profile switching
• Programmable macro keys

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9. Logitech G19 : Price $159.99

The Logitech G19 also features a backlight system selective. The gamer may decide he wants to illuminate the keys. It also offers 12 programmable macro keys very finely. Or a sequence up to 36 keys or by complex macros performed using the software. It is also possible to record new macros without leaving your game For faster or at least the most demanding, it is possible to squeeze up to 5 keys at once without losing the Logitech G19 pedals. There are also two USB ports (e.g. mouse). But most original, the Logitech G19 offers slots under the keyboard cable goes to help manage the cables of the mouse and headphones. The G19 display is probably in large part to the incredibly high price of the keyboard responsible. While the predecessor still had a monochrome mini-monitor, the screen of the G19 is on the cutting edge

Features :

• Tiltable, color GamePanel LCD
• 12 fully-programmable G-keys
• Multi-key input
• Intelligent cable management
• Public software development kit (SDK)
• Custom-color backlighting
• Two high-speed USB 2.0 ports
• Game/desktop mode
• Instant media access
• Onboard memory

10. Logitech G15 Gaming : Price $69.09

The first thing to attract our attention is the size. It is definitely the larger keyboard that we analyzed. Personally I hate the keyboards great, but from the migration of old CRT monitors to LCD that mania is much more subtle. The G15 has three columns of keys more than any other keyboard and it has with a 160x43 pixel LCD screen. If we add that Logitech, rightly, has not attempted to reduce the size of the keyboard keys limiting the space between a provisions or uncomfortable, we have a keyboard 56 cm wide by 23 deep. With the LCD and the legs raised, reaches 9 cm high. The second thing that will catch your attention is its backlight. It seems incredible that something fundamental seems to us as gamers is the ability to see the keyboard.

Features :

• LCD display to display like Teamspeak viewer, time and date, etc.
• Here are some tools to run around on the screen his own image or program can be.
• Programmable G keys 1-18 are due to switch to other channels to show up to 54 keys.
• Very useful for gamers who like their Buyscripts and can prove it
• The buttons and display are illuminated at 3 levels (off, medium, light) on the software, the display can be adjusted separately again. On LAN’s guaranteed eye catcher because the letters are illuminated and not the whole keyboard.
• How to look at the picture and multimedia keys are available for on / - back, play, and pause. The wheel in the middle of the volume. The black keys are above it (the program .... Upstream) for the display settings
• Switch to turn off the Windows.
• Cable channels on the back to carry the headset cables and the like.
• 2x USB 1x left, 1x right of the screen on the back of the keyboard

11. Steelseries Merc Stealth : Price $78.76

First I must say that the SteelSeries Merc Stealth gaming keyboard is a dedicated, the reason for this is the arrangement of keys that are not equal to the normal keyboard, so if you intend to do a lot of typing work or office on your computer and use as a gaming keyboard, then this particular model is probably not for you The key placements will take some getting used to Merc Stealth, and during the learning process You can probably expect that the performance of his overall game was reduced to some extent, this is expected though, and once mastered, it is very likely that your game can improve especially if you like to play World of Warcraft , So that the keyboard is apparently very suitable. This model has mechanical means keys that give excellent tactile sensation, but uses a tough membrane under the keys that manufacturers claim will be good for up to ten million keystrokes, so there should be no problems reliability if these claims are correct.

Features :

• Anti Ghosting
• Gaming Terrain
• Pre-defined profiles for more than 150 games
• Rubberized movement keys for enhanced tactile feedback.
• 2 USB ports as well as audio ports available for headphone-in and microphone-out.
• Quick access to volume, mute and other audio controls.

Specification:

• Intuitive Keyboard
• The SteelSeries Merc Stealth features 3 different color illumination options – blue, red and purple.
• Easy access to general keys like multimedia and navigation
• Two USB 2.0 ports alongside a microphone and headset jacks provides a better connection
• The terrain keys are tilted at an 11 degree angle of in order to provide the perfect ergonomic hand positioning while gaming
• Rubberized keys
• The SteelSeries Z-Engine enables you to program every key on the Merc Stealth
• Drag and Drop Macros