Gaming is a huge industry, and the best gaming keyboards are a small but significant part of that. While the keyboard is an often-overlooked peripheral in PC gaming, it can have a huge impact on your performance. There are many factors to consider when you’re looking for a good gaming keybaord, from mechanical switches to RGB lighting. This guide will help you choose the right keyboard for your budget and preference. However, there’re few gaming keyboards under 100 that can do an excellent job.
But before choosing a gaming keyboard, check your desk! Give a thought to the ergonomics of your desk and chair. This is where you’ll be spending a lot of time working or playing. So it’s important to have a setup that works for you.
Keyboard Ergonomics: A Non-issue?
Regardless of whether you’re building a new computer or looking for a keyboard to upgrade your existing one. Whether you’re interested in mechanical switches or not, the fact is that the most important thing about choosing a keyboard is how it feels. You can get performance out of any keyboard when you’re determined enough. However, when it comes to comfort and convenience, some keyboards are definitely superior to others. Make sure that you consider ergonomics before finalizing your purchase.
Types of Switches And Their Benefits
The most basic distinction in gaming keyboards is between ones with membrane keys and ones with mechanical switches . Membrane keys produce an inferior tactile response compared to Cherry MX switches. But are more affordable than their counterparts with mechanical parts. Mechanical keyboards use metal springs under each keycap which provide resistance and a clicky response. In addition to more responsive keys, mechanical keyboards can help gamers avoid developing RSI .
Cherry MX is a popular brand of key switch that dominates the market for mechanical switches. The company has been around since 1953 and produces a variety of switches with different properties. You’ll find linear switches that require less force to press all the way down, tactile but non-clicky switches. And some with an audible “clack” sound. If you’re not sure which type of switch you want. I recommend trying them out at your local electronics store or doing some research online beforehand.
The Top 8 Gaming Keyboards You Can Buy
1. Redragon K552 Kumara LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Redragon K552 is a great choice for gamers who want a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard. It features Blue switches that require 50g of force to press and have a tactile bump for feedback. The keycaps are made from ABS which has decent durability but tends to wear out over time. The keyboard itself is very durable, with thick metal plates under the keys protecting them from damage during travel. This model also comes with pre-programmed lighting effects as well as 9 backlight profiles.
2. Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Rapidfire Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Corsair keyboards come highly recommended by the vast majority of PC gamers. And their newest models feature a full 16.8 million colors (with multiple brightness levels) per key. The Vengeance K70 RGB Rapidfire is the ideal keyboard for fans of FPS games thanks to dedicated media controls. And Cherry MX Speed switches with a 1.2mm actuation point that allow you to press keys faster. Than any other switch on the market at 60g.
3. Logitech G910 Orion Spark Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Another great choice for gamers is this offering from Logitech. Which features 9 programmable macro keys as well as dynamic lighting effects. There are three different backlight modes: gaming mode which disables the windows button so it won’t interfere with your game; home mode where all your custom profiles are activated; and typing mode if you just want some basic backlighting over WASD.
4. Razer BlackWidow Chroma Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Razer gets a lot of attention from PC gamers for their high-quality peripherals and gaming laptops. But they’ve recently released a line of less expensive mechanical keyboards including this offering with Razer Orange switches. This model is perfect for gamers who love to play MMOs thanks to its full anti-ghosting capabilities. And dedicated media controls, and audio headphone pass through port. The illuminated logo can also be customized using the included Synapse software.
5. CM Storm QuickFire Pro Tenkeyless Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This tenkeyless keyboard from Cooler Master features. Cherry MX Blue switches with a tactile bump around 50g of force required to actuate the key. The backlight is red, which may not be to everyone’s taste but does match the color accents well. It has a removable braided USB cable for easy transport and dedicated media controls.
6. Corsair Vengeance K95 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This is another model from Corsair that’s perfect for gamers. Who love MMOs or RPGs thanks to its 18 programmable macro keys. This keyboard features Cherry MX Red switches. That require 55g of force to actuate with no tactile bump providing smooth linear key presses. It also includes 8MB of onboard memory. So you can store all your custom macros on the keyboard itself rather than an external device like a mouse.
7. DREVO Calibur 71-Key Illuminated Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This full-size keyboard from DREVO features high quality PBT keycaps and genuine. Cherry MX switches at a price that’s hard to beat. There are two models available: one with blue switches for those. Who prefer tactile feedback as well as a cheaper version that’s only available in red. But before choosing a gaming keyboard, check your desk! Give a thought to the ergonomics of your desk and chair. This is where you’ll be spending a lot of time working or playing. So it’s important to have a setup that works for you.
8. Corsair K70 Rapidfire Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Another great choice from Corsair, this model is the big brother of the Vengeance K70 RGB Rapidfire. But it doesn’t have quite as many extras if you don’t need them. It features Cherry MX Speed switches with a 1.2mm actuation point along with a similar software package to its sibling. So you can adjust everything from backlighting color to macros.
That wraps up our list of mechanical keyboards that we recommend for gamers. We hope you found this helpful and if we missed your favorite model please. Let us know in the comments section of this article!