Avid-gamers around the world won’t settle in for the conventional keyboard as it provides limited options as far as playing high-end games is concerned. Here, in this article, we will be taking a look at some of the best gaming keyboards around the world.
Veteran gamers would tell you the importance of precision and skill in winning, and a gaming keyboard is crucial in achieving that. Some features that one expects from a gaming laptop are programmable keys, an ability to put the keyboard on gaming mode, and may be, an LCD screen. Keeping in mind these requirements, manufacturers have come up with innovative designs and features, but as in the gaming world, there is a lot of competition in this segment as well.
Top Gaming Keyboards
Microsoft SideWinder X6
The Microsoft SideWinder range has been the favorite of gamers all round the world, and the SideWinder X6 continues its legacy. The USP of the keyboard is its Cruise Control feature which makes it easy to repeat a particular action. This feature allows the user to perform other tasks in a game rather than holding a key down for long periods.
For example, in racing games, wherein one always looks to accelerate, Cruise Control keeps the vehicle going automatically. Although, most popular games have an auto-run feature pre-installed, Cruise Control proves to be very beneficial on other games. Apart from the Cruise Control feature, another feature that sets this keyboard apart from its rivals is the flexibility of a removable number pad. In other things, the keyboard is equipped with backlighting and six dedicated programmable keys. At $75, this keyboard offers value for money to users.
Logitech G110
Special attention has been given to provide users access to media while gaming as the keyboard boasts of media control keys and a large scrolling wheel for volume control. Most gamers complain of accidentally hitting the Windows key, which takes them back to the home screen when they are in the middle of the game.
Also, you may have noticed that when you press more than one keys simultaneously, the keyboard doesn’t register anything (ghosting), which can prove fatal in a game. Both these issues have been taken care of in Logitech G110. The USB 2.0 takes the gaming experience to a different level and with the red and blue options of backlighting, the keyboard seems too hard to resist. The device is priced at $70, which is fair considering the features that it has to offer.
Razer Lycosa
When a keyboard has already done itself a lot of good by winning the Top Ten Reviews Gold Award, there isn’t much that we need to delve into. The keyboard comes packed with features that one expects from its class like the media control keys, Windows key disability, anti-ghosting and above all its amazing design. The backlighting is impressive, but what sets this keyboard apart is its ability to allow the user to program every key present on the keyboard!
A lot of other keyboards also allow key programming, but the number of keys you can program is limited. Razer has done remarkably well as far as the brand building is concerned, courtesy its gaming team which has won many competitions in the past. Razer Lycosa retails at $73.
SteelSeries 6Gv2
For those who are easily put off by lack of ergonomics, we would like to say that this keyboard deserves a second look. Although, this keyboard looks similar to ones you see around in offices, but it packs in all the features expected of a gaming keyboard. The inclusion of a USB to PS/2 adapter is a refreshing break from similarly designed keyboards. It weighs more than other keyboards, but rather than a drawback, the brand uses this to position itself uniquely in the market. The keyboard is priced at $100 which may be a bit on the higher side for some users.
Razer Tarantula
Another competent keyboard from Razer, which has manufactured few cutting edge computer peripherals. Tarantula from Razer is truly a master piece. It comes with 10 programmable macro keys, earphone-out, microphone-in jacks, plug and play without a driver, anti-ghosting capability, etc. The best feature what I liked about this product was its interchangeable keys.
Yes, there are few gaming keys on this keyboard which can be interchanged as per individual’s choice and also these specific keys can be assigned different commands. In the box, you get few extra keys and also a ring-like tool with which you can interchange the keys for that personalized gaming experience. It is amongst the best keyboard for gaming. Approx. price $99.
So these were few of the best gaming keyboards in the market. A few of these are priced high while a few others are not. Like I mentioned before, the generic computer keyboards may prove to be incompatible controllers for some of the advanced games of today. Hence, there is a need for exclusive keyboards to optimize the gaming experience. Cheers!