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Keyboards

Apr 11, 2025

Keyboards: How to Choose the Right One for Gaming

The keyboard market is full of marketing hype and unnecessary complexity, which often confuses users. To make things clearer, keyboards can be divided into two main categories, each with its own characteristics and advantages:

Membrane Keyboards:
These are typically more affordable. Under the keycaps lies a rubber membrane that separates the electrical circuits. They are quieter and softer to the touch, but less responsive, making them less ideal for competitive gaming.
Mechanical Keyboards:
The best choice for gaming and typing precision. Each key has an individual mechanical switch that registers keystrokes more accurately and provides tactile feedback. Mechanical keyboards last longer, feel more satisfying, and are faster overall.

Switch Type

The switches determine how each key feels, sounds, and responds when pressed. The most common and reputable switch family is Cherry MX, though other brands (like Logitech or Razer) produce similar alternatives.

Here are the main switch types:

Linear Switches (Cherry MX Red, Black, Speed Silver):
Provide a smooth, consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. The key moves straight down without resistance, allowing for faster and quieter typing or gaming. Ideal for competitive players seeking speed and minimal friction.
Tactile Switches (Cherry MX Brown, Clear, Gray):
Feature a small bump halfway through the press, offering feedback without requiring a full press to register. This helps reduce fatigue and allows for more controlled typing. Great for users who want a balance between gaming and productivity.
Clicky Switches (Cherry MX Blue, Green):
Similar to tactile switches but with an audible click when pressed. These are louder but satisfying for those who enjoy audible feedback when typing.

Other switch brands—such as Razer’s Green, Yellow, and Orange, or Logitech’s GX switches—mimic these characteristics closely. Since switch feel is highly subjective, it’s best to try different types before buying.

You can find comparison videos online that demonstrate how each switch type sounds and behaves during use.

Keyboard Size (Layout Form Factor)

Keyboards come in several form factors, defined by how many keys they include. The right choice depends on your desk space, gaming habits, and personal comfort.

Full Size: Includes all keys, including the number pad. Ideal for productivity but takes up the most space.
Tenkeyless (TKL): Removes the number pad for a more compact setup and more mouse room—great for gamers with low sensitivity settings.
75%: Drops the number pad and arrow keys cluster for an even smaller footprint.
65%: Excludes the function keys (F1–F12) as well as the number pad.
60%: The most compact format, removing the navigation keys (Insert, Delete, Home, PgUp, PgDn).

For gaming setups, especially those involving low mouse sensitivity and wide arm movement, smaller keyboards (TKL or 65%) are generally preferred.

Functionality & Aesthetics

Modern keyboards come packed with extra features, many of which are optional depending on your needs:

Functional Features:
- Media controls and macros
- Software customization (e.g., Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse)
- Wireless or wired connectivity
- Hot-swappable switches (no soldering required)
- Adjustable keycap resistance
- Wrist rests for comfort
Aesthetic Features:
- RGB backlighting and effects
- Custom keycaps
- Minimalist or aggressive designs

While these can enhance your setup’s appearance or comfort, switch feel and build quality remain the most important factors.

Also, check your keyboard layout:

US Layout (ANSI): Common for international users.
IT or DE Layouts (ISO): Feature different key placements for certain symbols.
Your layout preference should match your language settings in Windows to avoid key-mapping confusion.

Recommended Keyboards

As with gaming mice, the best keyboard depends on your personal preference—how it feels, sounds, and fits your playstyle. Below are some of the most popular and reliable options based on performance and build quality:

Logitech G Pro X / G915 / G513
Corsair K70 / K95 / K65 RGB Mini
SteelSeries Apex Pro / Apex 7
Razer Huntsman / BlackWidow V4
Ducky One 3 / Ducky Mecha Mini
Keychron K6 / K8 / K10 (wireless options)

For enthusiasts, custom mechanical keyboards are also a fantastic choice—they can be hand-assembled, fully personalized, and tuned with your preferred switches, stabilizers, and keycaps.