There’s always a debate about what exactly the most important piece of equipment is for a gaming computer. A good gaming monitor is the obvious first choice, after all, if you can’t see you can’t do anything. This is very true, and monitors will always be an important part of any computer build. However, there’s something a builder/buyer should always consider just as important when stocking up, the very thing being used to take down this article here: a Good Mechanical keyboard.
Keyboards, historically, predate the mouse and the monitor regarding computer use, but that’s neither here nor there because today’s article contains a very important distinction regarding keyboards, that is, the mechanical keyboards. Now, a mechanical keyboard was difficult to define without simply comparing it to non-mechanical keyboards, but here’s the long and short: when a key is pressed on a standard, non-mechanical keyboard, a rubber dome underneath presses a circuit together and sends an electrical signal to your PC saying “Hey! You pressed the keys to say ‘Hey! You pressed the keys!’”, And then the computer takes over from there. A mechanical keyboard, on the other hand, contains an actual physical switch with a spring in it that depresses and then sends the same electrical signal. Seems very similar, doesn’t it? Well, the difference is in the details.
There’s a lot of reasons a mechanical keyboard is superior to a classic rubber dome-type, but for the sake of brevity here’s the most important two. First is a response, both in time and in feeling. Mechanical keyboards have the advantage of that spring discussed earlier, which gives a satisfying feeling when pressed, a feeling that can only be described as a “thunk.” Also, mechanical keyboards, by that same spring design, allow faster register of presses, which in turn means more rapid inputs into the computer itself. As any gamer can tell you, more rapid reactions save games, and mechanical keyboards excel at that. Which brings it nicely to the second point, actuation. Simply put, actuation in a keyboard is how far down the key must be pressed to register as such. In a standard keyboard, that rubber dome has to make full contact with the circuit to record the press. In a mechanical keyboard, the tension of the spring allows for lighter presses to actuate, or register as a press as well, meaning, again, faster reactions in-game, and also less downtime before moving onward to the next keystroke, which could mean all the difference in complex combos in MOBAs and MMOs.
But enough beating around the bush. It has been established what a mechanical keyboard is, but now, which one to get? Well, certain factors such as size, price, and accessibility features aside, there’re a few keyboards to consider ‘best’ when considering what to buy. Today, the focus will be on three specific models. Also, the author would like to point out at this point that they own a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate keyboard, which while not on the list is an excellent keyboard to begin the journey into the mechanical land. With that being said, here are the best three mechanical keyboards on the market right now.
Number 3: the Rosewill RK-9000V2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Specifically the version with the Cherry MX Brown switches (Cherry being a company that makes almost all of the actual mechanical switches for this kind of keyboards). This is a keyboard for the Cubicle Crusader who also wants to tear up some games in their off time. Its professional, mostly-black design lets it sneak into office environments easily, and the MX Brown switches eliminate the rather loud clicking sound of most mechanical keyboards, allowing easy use without disturbing the status quo. This keyboard ranks here because not only is it professional and quiet, it’s just as reliable and robust as the dedicated ‘gamer-looking’ keyboards coming up. Recommended to anyone who wants the enhanced feel and control of a mechanical without the noise or flash.
Number 2: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Game keyboard
Nothing says “Precision German Engineering” quite like a charging Reinhart of Overwatch fame, and nothing complements him like Das Keyboard’s offering. This guy is the best of both worlds, with a hint of the professionalism of the Rosewill, but with more features and more flair. The most obvious addition is the volume knob at the top right of the board, which is both satisfying to use and useful to have, especially if your games like to run off different sound levels. But this isn’t even scratching the surface of this keyboard. There’re so many great features it’s almost impossible which ones to focus on. A couple notable ones include an aluminum top plate for durability, two built-in USB 3.0 ports, a dedicated sleep button and media controls, gold-plated mechanical switches, designed and built in Germany, a six-and-a-half foot (~2 meter) cord for operating anywhere, and, probably coolest but also most strange, an option to buy with blank keys, perfect for different, customized keyboard layouts like Dvorak or even a completely unique one for personal preference. Recommended for anyone who wants to look sleek and cool while also annihilating with absolute precision.
Number 1: The Corsair Gaming K70 LUX
Oh man, what a keyboard. Not only does it have a brushed aluminum body for extreme durability, not only does it have key-by-key backlighting for ultimate color customization, not only does it have three different Cherry MX options for customizable feel and textured removable/replaceable ‘QWER-DF’ and ‘WASD’ keycaps for increased control, it also has the same media controls and a similar volume knob to Das Keyboard, and still has more features and pluses to consider! Built in soft wrist guard (important but highly underappreciated), USB ports, and even a built-in software called CUE which syncs the coloring from your headset and mouse, so they all look good together. This keyboard is so good it makes your other components look good too! It’s the ultimate bro keyboard! And to top it all off, it, like the other two keyboards, is under $180. Talk about a deal. Recommended for anyone who wants a hardcore, dedicated keyboard to completely blow the competition out of the water, both with skill and flashiness.
The best Mechanical keyboards and game keyboards are the foundation of a good computer setup. Sure, you want a pretty monitor and a good gaming mouse, and of course, you want your computer to run quickly, but when it comes to absolute control and style, the keyboard is where you can safely hedge your bets, and you can’t go wrong with the best three on the market today.
The Complete Buying Guide for the Best Mechanical Keyboards 2016
Gaming keyboards are an essential part of a gamer’s arsenal. I know this because I am using one myself. You can also see the best gaming monitors in 2016 here.
Back in College, I always frequent internet cafés that have those normal membrane keyboards. They feel mushy, and they are not great to the touch but, well, they can be used in gaming.
Then, my friend bought one of those “gaming keyboards” and when I tried it, I instantly fell in love with it.
Now, what is the difference between gaming keyboards and the standard keyboards you usually see in the office?
There are only a few notable differences between them. One of which is the inclusion of a lighting mechanism. Second is the inclusion of dedicated macro and multimedia keys. There are also some gaming keyboards that have unique features that you cannot find on standard office keyboards.
But other than the three things I mentioned, gaming keyboards and regular keyboards are the same. They’ve got the same layout, they’ve got the same keys, and they’ve got the same functions.
If they are nearly the same, why would gamers want a gaming keyboard? I think that is predominantly because gaming keyboards, at least the ones that are popular nowadays, use mechanical switches rather than rubber dome or membrane switches.
What is the difference between the two key switches? Well, regular keyboards come with rubber dome switches that feel mushy. Yes, they do the job of registering the key when you press them, but they aren’t good to the touch. What I do love about rubber dome/membrane keys is that they aren’t loud compared to mechanical switches.
Mechanical switches, on the other hand, come with switches that have a good tactile feedback to it. Some mechanical switches have springs that you usually feel when tapping or typing and some switches are linear in that they bottom out without any resistance.
As previously mentioned, when I tried the gaming keyboard that my friend bought, I instantly fell in love with it. It came with the Cherry MX Red switches, which is a type of linear switch that requires only 45 grams of actuation force and it doesn’t have a spring resistance to it.
You’re probably now interested in getting one. But before you buy a gaming keyboard, you need to understand that buying one doesn’t necessarily make you a pro immediately. Becoming a pro requires time, effort, and practice. What gaming keyboards provide, however, is a perfect avenue for you to improve your game.
Before anything else, I want to talk about some important terms usually used when describing mechanical switches.
a. Actuation Point: This term refers to the distance the key needs to travel to register an input.
b. Actuation Force: This term refers to the force required to depress the key to register it on screen. For example, Cherry MX Red switches require 45 grams of actuation force for the key to register on screen.
c. Reset Point: This is a term used to refer to the rebound point of the switch before you can click it again.
d. Travel Distance: This is the total distance a mechanical switch need to travel before bottoming out.
e. Bottom Out: This term refers to pressing a key until it reaches the bottom of its travel distance.
There are a lot of types of mechanical switches used in gaming keyboards today. I will talk more about them in the next part of the article.
Mechanical Keyboards Switches
Back in the day, there was only one company that reigned supreme in the mechanical switch niche, and that is the company “Cherry.” They are the ones who produce Cherry MX Switches that provide amazing tactile response, and they come in different variants.
Here are just some of the most popular Cherry MX Mechanical Switches:
Cherry MX Red: This is probably the most preferred mechanical switch by gamers. Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches, and they are one of the fastest key switches out there. It requires only 45 grams of actuation force, and it has an actuation point of
This is probably the most preferred mechanical switch by gamers. Cherry MX Red switches are linear switches, and they are one of the fastest key switches out there. It requires only 45 grams of actuation force, and it has an actuation point of the only 2mm. The switch’s travel distance is 4mm before bottoming out. Gamers love this key switch because it feels light, it is linear, so there is no resistance, and it is one of the quietest mechanical switches available on the market.
Cherry MX Brown: This mechanical switch provides a good tactile feedback and it, too, requires only 45 grams of actuation force. It also has the same actuation point and travel distance to that of the Cherry MX Red. Many gamers prefer the brown switch because of its tactile feedback. Many people believe that the Cherry MX Brown switch is the “middle ground” when it comes to gaming and typing.
Cherry MX Blue: Cherry MX Blues are clicky, and they are one of the loudest mechanical switches on the market. It has the same actuation point and travel distance to that of the Reds and Browns, but it requires 60 grams of actuation force for the key to register. Now, I’ve tried MX Cherry Blues, and they are very good to the touch. It also has that famous loud clack when you type on it. This is the preferred key switch for typing as it provides a nice tactile feel and clickiness while you’re typing. This switch, however, is not suitable for most gamers, especially for people who play fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
Cherry MX Speed: The Cherry MX Speed switches are the newest switches from the company. It is much faster than the Cherry MX Reds in that its actuation point is only 1.2mm compared to the Red’s 2mm. It still requires the same actuation force of 45 grams, though. It is also relatively quiet, but a lot of people say they are louder than the Cherry MX Red switches. This mechanical key switch is recommended for people who play fast-paced games thanks to its lower actuation point.
Cherry MX Black: The Cherry MX Black is one of the heaviest key switches on the market. It is a linear switch, so it doesn’t provide that good tactile feedback but it does bounce back quite nicely. However, it requires the same actuation force to that of Cherry MX Blue switches, so it is not really that great for gaming. But, if you like a linear switch with some resistance, then you can choose the Cherry MX Black.
Aside from Cherry MX Switches, there are also other mechanical switches on the market. That is because just recently, Cherry has lost the patent over mechanical switches which means that other companies can create their own mechanical switches now.
Here are the other popular mechanical key switches that you can find in most gaming keyboards nowadays:
Keith: When Cherry lost its patents to mechanical switches, Kalih was the first mechanical switch ever to compete with the popular brand. Kailh switches are made by the Chinese manufacturer, Kaihua. Kailh switches are nearly the same as Cherry MX switches. In fact, some people dub Kailh switches as “Cherry MX clones” because their switches feel like the popular Cherry MX mechanical switches. Their Kailh Blue switches feel the same as Cherry MX Blues and their Kailh Reds feel like Cherry MX Reds. I did say before that the Kailh switches are “nearly” the same as Cherry MX Switches. That is because although they feel the same, the quality is not that great. Some people reported issues just a few days after purchasing a gaming keyboard with Kailh switches in them. Though, that may not be the case anymore since the company stated that they are now more stringent when it comes to quality control.
Razer: Razer has teamed up with Kaihua to create what is now known as the “Razer switches.” Now, don’t fret about this move; Kaihua is just responsible for producing the switches while the original design is from Razer. Quality is exceptionally good because once the switches are made, Razer does a quality assurance test to ensure that the key switches that were produced are of top quality. There are two Razer switches currently used by the popular company: the Razer Green and Razer Orange switches.
a. Razer Greens: Razer Greens feel much the same as Cherry MX blues with some minor differences. It only requires 55 grams of actuation force, and it has an actuation point of 1.9mm. It also has an impressive 80 million keystroke lifespan. This key switch can be great for gaming and typing as it is a clicky switch that provides an excellent tactile feedback. However, this can be a noisy mechanical switch. If you do not want to wake your family up in the middle of the night, you can choose the other Razer switch.
b. Razer Oranges: The Razer Oranges feels like Cherry MX Browns, but it has the same actuation force and actuation point as the Razer Greens. The only difference between the Orange and the Green Razer switches is that the orange switches are much quieter than the greens. It also has an impressive 80 million keystrokes lifespan similar to the Razer Greens.
Romer-G: This is Logitech’s proprietary mechanical key switch. The Romer-G Switches are one of the fastest key switches out there thanks to its 1.5mm actuation point. It also requires only 45 grams of actuation force for the key to register. The keys feel light, and they provide a slight tactile feedback. The Romer-G switches are also durable as they are rated to withstand over 70 million keystrokes per key.
QS1: This is SteelSeries’ mechanical key switch but unlike Logitech, they turned to Kaihua to make these switches. It has the same actuation point and requires the same actuation force to that of the Romer-G switches, but it is not loud. It also doesn’t have tactile feedback. The QS1 is perfect for fast-paced games because of its actuation point.
Knowing the different mechanical switches is important as it helps you decide which mechanical gaming keyboard you want. There are also other factors to consider when buying a gaming keyboard. These are:
1. Usage:
What are you going to use the gaming keyboard for? Are you going to use the keyboard entirely for gaming or are you going to use it for office work as well? There are many mechanical switches that offer great features depending on your need. If you want the best switches for gaming and typing, I suggest the Cherry MX Brown or the Razer Orange switch.
2. Noise Levels:
Another thing to consider is the noise levels. Mechanical key switches are noisier than their rubber dome counterparts. That is just the nature of it. Decide for yourself if you want a loud and clicky mechanical switch or a silent one. I find that the Cherry MX Red is the quietest switch on the market. If you do not mind the noise, Razer greens offer superb gaming performance with that matching clickiness to go along with it.
3. Features:
What’s great about mechanical gaming keyboards (well, aside from the mechanical switches) is its features. As previously mentioned, there are gaming keyboards out there that have the standard layout similar to that of a regular office keyboard. However, there are some gaming keyboards that come with unique and useful features. Macro keys, for example, are perfect for people who play MMORPGs. If you play World of Warcraft, having a set of macro keys can help you play the game at a more competitive level.
4. Lighting:
All of the modern gaming keyboards now sport a lighting mechanism. There are some keyboards that only provide one color backlighting, but there are also some that have a full RGB lighting scheme. If you decide to buy an RGB gaming keyboard, be ready to dish out more money as they are more expensive than the ones with only one color backlighting. If you want to save money, just buy the non-RGB variant.
5. Standard or TKL?
If you want a gaming keyboard that is light and portable, get a TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard. TKL refers to a keyboard without the num pad. If you want to use the gaming keyboard for purposes other than gaming, then get one with a standard layout.
6. Comfort:
If you are like me who plays games and also does a lot of typing, you want to have a gaming keyboard that is comfortable to use for hours. There are gaming keyboards that come with a wrist rest, and I highly recommend you get one with that included if you plan to play for hours. Keep in mind that although a wrist rest brings you comfort for prolonged gaming sessions, it is optional; some people want it, some people don’t.
7. The genre of games:
The games you play can also affect your decision to buy a gaming keyboard. If you play first-person shooters, a standard or a tenkeyless design will be okay. But, if you play MMORPGs or other games that require macro commands, then buy a gaming keyboard with dedicated programmable keys.
8. Price:
There are many gaming keyboards out there, and they are priced accordingly. There are budget gaming keyboards, and there are also those highly-priced, high-end gaming keyboards. There will be times that gaming keyboards are priced higher than they should. Read reviews on a particular product that you like to make sure that the pricing is just right, and it has the features that you need.
9. Warranty:
Gaming keyboards are fallible. Some key switches might be faulty by the time you receive the gaming keyboard. Because of this, buy a gaming keyboard that has a good warranty. Keyboards from prominent manufacturers such as Razer and Corsair offer amazing warranties on their products.
Now that you know the different mechanical switches and the factors that you need to look at before buying a gaming keyboard, it is now time for me to recommend some.
I will recommend some gaming keyboards in different price brackets so you can instantly decide for yourself which one you want to buy.
I will post recommendations for the budget, midrange, and expensive gaming keyboards. Just remember that not all expensive gaming keyboards warrant their price tags.
So, without further ado, here are some of the budget-friendly gaming keyboards you can find on the market:
Best Budget Gaming Keyboards
1. TTSports Poseidon Z
First on our list of budget-friendly gaming keyboards is the TTSports Poseidon Z. It is a gaming keyboard with a full keyboard layout; complete with a num pad as well. It also has some media controls that can be found on the Function keys. Just press the “Fn” button with the corresponding function key to controlling your media.
This gaming keyboard uses Kailh Blue Switches, and it may put off some Cherry MX purists. But, despite the mechanical switch used in this gaming keyboard, the TTSports Poseidon Z performs exceptionally well.
All of the keys on the gaming keyboard lights up thanks to its blue per-key backlighting. But what is enticing about this gaming keyboard is that it is one of the cheapest ones you can find. At $65, this is a killer deal because you get a gaming keyboard with a standard keyboard layout and it also has media functionality as well.
There is also an RGB variant of this one but it costs higher, and I don’t think it is the best bang for the buck.
2. CM Storm QuickFire Rapid
Next on our list is the ever-popular CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Tenkeyless gaming keyboard. As previously mentioned, a TKL keyboard is a keyboard without the num pad.
Anyway, the CM Storm is an amazing gaming keyboard because it comes with Cherry MX switches. You can choose between three of the most popular ones: Red, Brown, or Blue.
Other than its tenkeyless design, it has anti-ghosting features wherein no matter how many keys you press, all of the keys will be registered at the same time.
The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid TKL gaming keyboard is quite popular for people who frequent tournaments. That is thanks to the removable braided USB cable. On top of that, there is a cable routing mechanism on the keyboard to make it look cleaner.
This gaming keyboard also comes with additional keycaps for the W, A, S, numpadD keys as well as the Q, E, R, T, keys. It also comes with an included keycap puller to help you replace the keycaps with ease.
For a budget gaming keyboard, the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid TKL is one of the best out there. This keyboard is priced at $75.89.
3. SteelSeries Apex M500
The last gaming keyboard on our budget category is the SteelSeries Apex M500. This is a gaming keyboard with a standard keyboard design.
SteelSeries dubs this gaming keyboard as an “eSports” keyboard but what is interesting is that this product comes num pad. Most of the tournament keyboards out there have a TKL design, so this is quite surprising.
The SteelSeries Apex M500 comes with MX Red switches which are best for fast-paced gaming like first-person shooters.
It also comes with a per-key backlighting, but it only comes with one color (blue). It also has full anti-ghosting capabilities to assure you that no matter how many keys you press at one time, all of them will register in the game.
Like the CM Storm Quickfire gaming keyboard above, the SteelSeries Apex M500 also comes with a handy cable management system so that the wire will not get in the way when you are gaming.
Although this keyboard doesn’t come with dedicated macro buttons, you can assign macros to other keys by using the SteelSeries software. As of the time of writing, the Steelseries Apex M500 costs $79.99.
Mid-range Gaming Keyboards
The next budget category is for the mid-range gaming keyboards. I am going to recommend some gaming keyboards with prices ranging from $100-$150. There are actually quite a lot of good mid-range gaming keyboards out there, so I am going to go over some of the most popular ones.
1. Logitech G910 Orion Spark
Do you play MMORPG games? If so, you may want to take a look at the Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum. I know its name is a mouthful, but that is probably the best way to describe this amazing gaming keyboard.
For the price of only $139, you are getting a full mechanical keyboard with loads of features. For one, it is equipped with the Romer-G switches which are considered to be one of the fastest mechanical switches out there. Second, it’s got a total of 9 programmable macro keys. And third, it has a full RGB lighting scheme. The macro keys and the RBG lighting can be tweaked using the Logitech Gaming software.
Do you happen to look at your phone from time to time when you’re gaming? This gaming keyboard comes with the “Arx Control Dock” which is a fancy term for a docking station for your mobile phone. You can put your phone on it so that you can see new messages or other notifications with ease.
The G910 also has quick-access media control keys that allow you to play, pause, and stop your media at any time. It also comes with a volume control knob that instantly adjusts the system volume according to your preference.
With a price of only $139, this gaming keyboard is a steal.
2. G.Skill Ripjaws KM780R
G.Skill is a prominent system RAM manufacturer that has just ventured into the gaming peripherals niche. In fact, they have new products that include a gaming headset, a gaming mouse, and a gaming keyboard.
The G.Skill Ripjaws KM780R is the company’s first foray into the gaming keyboard niche. It is quite a nice keyboard, and it is priced just right at $119.
For the price, you are getting a fully RGB-lit mechanical gaming keyboard, and you have a choice between Cherry MX Reds or Cherry MX Browns.
Like the Logitech G910, the G.Skill KM780R also comes with dedicated Media keys that are located at the top right of the gaming keyboard. It, too, comes with a volume knob to adjust your PC’s volume on the fly.
People who are looking for a gaming keyboard that has dedicated macro keys will be pleased to know that the KM780R comes with six programmable G-keys that are located on the left side of the keyboard.
The unique thing about the KM780 apart from the ones I mentioned is that it includes a USB 2.0 pass-through at the back, a foldable mouse cable holder, and 3.5mm jacks for the stereo headset and the microphone. Build quality is also topnotch thanks to the Solid Brushed Aluminum plate.
3. Corsair Strafe RGB
Last on the list for mid-range gaming keyboards is another very popular choice coming from Corsair. The Corsair Strafe RGB got the best gaming keyboard award in 2015 and even to this day, a lot of people are still buying this gaming keyboard.
What makes this gaming keyboard extra special? Much of its success can be attributed to its build quality and unique features.
For one, this gaming keyboard has a solid build quality as it is made of an aluminum chassis as opposed to a cheap plastic material.
Second, you can choose from a wide variety of Cherry MX Switches: Red, Brown, Blue, and the new Silent switches. The Silent switches are just the same as MX Reds, but the difference is that it has a dampener on the switch itself, making it less noisy than its counterpart.
Although this gaming keyboard doesn’t have dedicated macro keys, all of the keys can be reprogrammed using Corsair’s CUE software.
Other features include a USB pass through, a detachable soft wrist rest, additional key caps for MOBA and FPS games (keycap puller also included), 100% anti-ghosting and a 104-key rollover which ensures that every key pressed at the same time will be registered on the screen or in-game, and dedicated media controls.
Lastly, the Corsair Strafe RGB comes with fully programmable RGB lighting. You can choose any color from the 16.8 million color spectrum. There are also different lighting modes that are present in the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) as well.
With amazing per-key RGB lighting, a durable build, a USB pass-through, a choice of your favorite Cherry MX key switches, and a host of other features, no wonder the Corsair Strafe RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is one of the best on the market.
This gaming keyboard costs only $137.80.
High-end, expensive Gaming Keyboards
The last category will be for the high-end gaming keyboards. These gaming keyboards are expensive, and the pricing will start from $150 and above.
Do note that not all expensive gaming keyboards are great. That is because some of the gaming keyboards only carry a popular brand, but they aren’t usually the best in its class.
I will recommend some that are expensive, but they all warrant their price because of their awesome features.
So, without further ado, here are some of the recommended gaming keyboards for the high-end, expensive category:
1. Corsair K95 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Corsair K95 is probably one of the best gaming keyboards on the market today (not looking at the price but the actual keyboard itself).
This gaming keyboard is feature rich. It’s got a top of the line design, and the keyboard comes with an aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum chassis for that premium look and durability. It also comes with either the Cherry MX Red, Brown or Blue switches depending on your preference.
It’s got full RGB lighting mechanism that can be tweaked using the Corsair Utility Engine. It also has a 100% anti-ghosting capability with 122-key rollover. But probably the best feature of this gaming keyboard is its macro keys.
Other gaming keyboards on the market only have a maximum of 9 programmable keys, but not the K95.
The Corsair K95 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard comes with 18 fully programmable G-Keys, and it is further increased thanks to the three profile switches. So all in all, you can create up to 54 macros!
This gaming keyboard is perfect for people who play MMORPG games or other games that require a lot of macro commands.
But, you are not limited to just programming the 18 G-Keys to in-game commands; you can actually program it to run, say, a program that you want.
For example, you can set G1 to run Google Chrome, and you can also program it to go to a specific website if you desire.
All of these great features come with a hefty price of $189.99. Even though it is expensive, the Corsair K95 truly warrants its price thanks to its awesome features.
2. Razer Blackwidow Chroma X
Next on the list is one of the most popular gaming keyboards in the market. The Razer Blackwidow X Chroma may not have dedicated programmable macro keys like its predecessors, but it’s got a beautiful build.
According to Razer, the Blackwidow X Chroma is crafted with Military-grade metal construction. In fact, the company went on to say that the Blackwidow X Chroma is the most durable gaming keyboard they’ve ever produced.
This gaming keyboard sports a standard keyboard design with a Razer logo at the middle of the keyboard. It also uses the Razer Green switches.
The Blackwidow X comes with the Chroma lighting feature, which is just a fancy name for Razer’s RGB lighting mechanism. You can set the lighting modes using the Razer Synapse software. You can also visit Razer’s Chroma workshop if you want to download other people’s Chroma configurations if you’re lazy to set your own.
This gaming keyboard also uses the Razer Green switches, and it has a 10-key roll over with 100% anti-ghosting.
If you want to have a durable gaming keyboard, a 2-year warranty, amazing Chroma lighting, and mechanical switches that can last up to 80 million keystrokes, then the Razer Blackwidow X Chroma is a good choice.
3. Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire
The last keyboard at this price point is another offering from Corsair. The Corsair k70 Rapidfire RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is much like its predecessor, the K70, but the main difference is that this particular gaming keyboard comes with the MX Speed switches, which is touted to be the fastest mechanical key switch in the world thanks to its actuation point of the only 1.2mm.
The K70 Rapidfire is also made of aircraft-grade anodized aluminum, so you know that this keyboard is very sturdy.
This gaming keyboard is unlike the K95 in that it only comes with a standard keyboard design. There are no programmable keys, though, you can program every key on this keyboard to a custom one thanks to the CUE software.
It also comes with a per-key RGB lighting similar to the K95 and everything can be set in Corsair’s proprietary program.
The main selling point of this gaming keyboard is the Cherry MX Speed switches. In fact, this is the only gaming keyboard at the time of writing this article that uses this particular mechanical key switch.
If you want to improve your game in first-person shooters, then the Corsair K70 Rapidfire RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is the one to buy. This gaming keyboard costs $167.99.
Non-Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards are not only limited to keyboards with mechanical switches. There are also gaming keyboards out there that come with rubber dome or membrane switches.
Even though they are called “gaming keyboards,” I still do not recommend them. That is because most mechanical gaming keyboards nowadays are quite affordable now and they provide the best gaming experience compared to rubber dome or ordinary gaming keyboards.
For example, the keyboards I’ve mentioned in the budget category are priced below $100, and all of them come with mechanical switches. Remember, mechanical key switches are way more durable than ordinary key switches. In fact, they can last up to 10 years depending on the punishment the keyboard receives.
Final Thoughts
A mechanical gaming keyboard will last you a long time and is definitely a good investment, especially if you want to improve your gaming experience.
I have to reiterate that even if you have a mechanical gaming keyboard, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you become a pro instantly. You still need to practice a lot to become a master of your game.
Mechanical gaming keyboards are not only great for gaming, but they are also great for other purposes as well.
True story, I am currently using the Razer Blackwidow X Chroma. I just love the tactile feel of it, and the Razer Greens are durable in that they can withstand 80 million keystrokes.
This gaming keyboard can last me at least 4-5 years. I just love the build construction and the Chroma lighting scheme.
If you are a gamer who loves to watch movies or consume other forms of media, a gaming keyboard with dedicated media controls is the one you should get. The Logitech G910 and the G.Skill KM780R are good gaming keyboards that offer dedicated media controls.
As for the key switches, if you like to play fast-twitch games, the Cherry MX red or the Cherry MX Speed is preferred. If you want to feel a slight bump when pressing a key, then get the Cherry MX Brown.
If you use the gaming keyboard purely for gaming, the Cherry MX Speed switches should be used. I’ve used it for typing, but because of its low actuation point, I tend to double tap quickly. This translates to misspelled words.
Do not limit yourself to the Cherry MX mechanical switches, though. Yes, they are the original mechanical key switches, but other mechanical keys are also great for gaming as well.
The Romer-G key switches are quite fast with only a 1.5mm actuation point. The QS1 follows it.
If you like a key switch that can last for more than five years, then the Razer key switches are a great choice. If you want the feel of the Cherry MX Blue, get the Razer Greens. If you want a more silent switch that mimics the quietness of the Cherry MX Brown, then get the Razer Orange.
A gaming keyboard, like any other gaming component or peripheral, should be bought according to your preference.
There are many gaming keyboards out there that satisfy particular people. Decide for yourself first what features you want and then go from there.
Remember, if you want to improve your game, definitely get a good gaming keyboard.
Learn more about Computer Keyboards on Wikipedia
Leave a Reply