In the Keyboards category there is so much marketing that in our opinion it creates a lot of confusion. First of all we must divide the Keyboards into two macro categories:
– in Membrane: cheaper, under the KeyCaps (keyboards) they have a rubber membrane that separates the circuits
– Meccaniche: the most suitable for Gaming, they have a mechanical system called SWITCH which gives the electrical impulse for each key
The choice of keyboard must be made mainly on these factors:
SWITCH TYPE OF THE PADDER
That is, the type of response of the switches. The main name of the switches is “Cherry MX” and can be divided into:
– Linear switches (Cherry MX Black, Red, Speed Silver): they are switches with a short stroke (i.e. pressure is not required all the way down) and without jerks, which allows to reduce the reaction times, allowing a smooth and silent key pressure .
– Tactile switches (Cherry MX Brown, Gray, Clear): they have a step, normally inserted in the middle of the stroke, which requires more pressure when typing. This allows you not to get to the end of the stroke by pressing a button, typing faster and fatiguing your fingers less.
– Clicky switch (Cherry MX Blue, Green): same concept as the Tactile Switches but they are more ’ noisy at click. Some may like to hear the noise of each clicked button.
Some manufacturers, such as Logitech & Razer, have proprietary switches which are however very similar to those listed above. Being all a subjective factor, before spending important figures we recommend doing a minimum of research on the type of keyboard you want to buy.
In THIS videos you can hear the noises of all switches.
DIMENSION
The main dimensions of the Keyboards are:
– Full Size: complete with all keys & numeric keypad
– TenKeyLess (TKL): without numeric keypad
– 75%: without numeric keypad & side darts
– 65%: like 75% but also without the F1, F2, F3 keys etc ...
– 60%: like 65% but also without the Ins, Del, Home, Fine, PgUp, PgDn keys
Here too the choice is very subjective, for those who play with very low Mouse sensitivities, however, we recommend not to take a Full Size in order to have more space on the desk for large arm movements.
FUNCTIONALITY ’ & AESTHETICS
Media keys, Macro, Software, Wireless, KeyCaps rigidity adjustment, additional side buttons or the possibility to change the Switches without having to unsolder the PCB, wrist rest etc ...
By aesthetics we mean RGB keys, backlighting etc ... All of these are secondary features that can also be not particularly observed.
It also controls the Keyboard Layout: a US Layout will have different characters in different positions than an IT or DE Layout, but the keys will still be based on the language set on Windows.
RECOMMENDED KEYBOARDS
As for the Mouse, the choice of keyboard is very personal so all the keyboards that we consider valid and that we have personally tested will be listed below. Follow the advice written above and do some research on the web to find the keyboard for you.
In addition to the listed keyboards, you can always opt for those CUSTOM handmade and personalized.
