Best gaming keypads for perfect gaming in 2020

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The gaming, computer world has long ceased to be a small addition, a pleasant pastime, becoming a huge sports industry. Cybersport now has its champions, big cash prizes, and a wide range of fans.

The key to such popularity is the possibility that everyone is capable of becoming a future “cyber-cutter” (professional athlete), literally at home. But engaging in e-sports or even just playing comfortably without an appropriate keyboard is unlikely to work. What keypads according to buyers have the best characteristics, how to choose a decent model, this article will tell you. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you an overview of the best gaming keypads for the perfect game for 2020.

What is a Keypad

First of all, it should be understood that a keypad (not to be confused with a gamepad) is a specialized keyboard for gamers, whose functionality is more expanded than the usual one. But key illumination or any other additional functions do not make a regular keyboard a gaming one. The features and differences of these two devices will be clearly shown in the comparison table below:

FunctionsRegular keyboardKeypad
BacklightYesYes
Palm restYesYes
Built-in touch panelNotYes
Peripheral connectorsNotYes
Moisture, dustproof protectionYesYes
CompactnessNotYes
The presence of multimedia keysYesYes
Key ProgrammingNotYes
Built-in displayNotYes

Thus, popular gaming models have a number of advantages over conventional ones. Keypads are used, as a rule, in three cases:

  1. To replace the PS keyboard with a keypad during gameplay;
  2. Use them for game consoles, which allows you to correspond with players;
  3. In order to protect the laptop keys, as their replacement is expensive.

What are the models

All keyboards are divided into mechanical, membrane and mechanical-membrane.

The first type appeared before everyone else, representing a simple mechanism built on pressing a key, which returns to its original position with a spring. The advantage of such devices is reliability, durability, maintainability. Cybersportsmen prefer "mechanics" for the clarity of button response, and they do not need to be pressed to the end, which saves the athlete's strength.

In addition, the “mechanics” have no sticking effect, in which repeated pressing of the button is recognized by the system as a double signal. That is, the user presses the button five times, while the system recognizes only two or three signals.

The disadvantages include the increased background noise, which sometimes interferes with the game at night or during the Internet stream. The disadvantages are the high average price of devices, sensitivity to dust, dirt and heavy weight. There are esports players who consider the last point more an advantage than a disadvantage. Indeed, during intense play, a heavy device is more difficult to move from a place than a light one.

The second, more common type of "keyboard" is a membrane one, instead of a spring it contains a synthetic hemisphere that performs reciprocating movements when a key is pressed. The advantages of this technology are that the equipment is more affordable, quiet during operation, and has less weight and size. Some models are frameless, which makes them easy to fold like a mouse pad.

The disadvantage of membrane devices is primarily considered to be rigidity, which changes over time. When the keyboard is new, the buttons have a large, uneven spring, making it difficult to use. Over time, the membrane loses its elasticity, and the response occurs even with a light touch. Subsequently, the aging of the device reaches the degree of membrane sinking, and it is impossible to replace it separately from the entire synthetic block of membranes. The wear of the synthetic, usually silicone, block occurs earlier than the springs in the mechanical model. Also, the integrity of the silicone coating does not allow cleaning its surface from collected dust and dirt.

The third system used combines the previous two, it is called the mechanical-membrane, or scissor. The base is a pair of plastic criss-crossing rails on the scissor principle. A returnable plastic rod is placed under them, returning the plastic guides to their original state. For games, this scheme is more acceptable than a membrane one, since the guide scissors evenly distribute the pressing force, the movement of the keys is less, and the system itself is more reliable. The field of application of mechanical-membrane models is laptops, netbooks.

Modern devices are connected via the USB port, and the connection itself does not cause any particular difficulties. Only a complex device can raise the question of how to connect and configure buttons, memory on your own. But if there are no accompanying documents (passport) or they are not in Russian, then step-by-step instructions will come to the rescue, which is easy to find on the Internet.

Which company is better?

It is quite clear that the "longevity" of any device depends on the manufacturer. It is now easy to purchase inexpensive peripherals from an online store like aliexpress. But such sellers, as a rule, do not have any guarantees that the products are branded. Therefore, when the question arises, where to buy a branded keypad, specialized stores will be the right choice. They sell branded gaming accessories with a guarantee of the most famous companies. The most popular ones are as follows;

  • Logitech is a global manufacturer from Switzerland known for its PC peripherals in a wide price range. The company's products are distinguished by high-quality assembly, the most necessary set of options. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the brand, it is most often counterfeited.
  • Redragon is a Chinese company originally focused on gaming devices. For this reason, the company's products are thought out to the smallest detail, and the design is pleasant in appearance, ergonomically executed.
  • A4Tech is a Chinese company competing with Logitech in the budget segment. The technique of this brand has been known to every user for over 20 years.
  • Corsair - if the Redragon specification is gaming devices, then this American manufacturer is profiling on devices for esports players and those who want to become them. Accordingly, the company's products are more functional, with high performance, but also a premium price category.
  • Oklick is a Hong Kong-based manufacturer that has been dynamically developing in recent years. Brand specification is to provide the buyer with the best value for money.
  • HyperX is another American manufacturer, a subsidiary of the famous brand Kingston Technology, whose specialty is esports gadgets.
  • Defender, Qcyber - two domestic manufacturers of computer peripherals. But if the purpose of the products of the first company is good quality at an affordable price, then the second creates accessories for athletes in the world of computer toys. They have one thing in common - an advantageous difference from foreign counterparts by an acceptable pricing policy.In addition, the opportunity to order online their equipment, contacting consultants is easier than from foreign competitors.

What is the best keypad to buy and what to look for?

Before choosing a specific model, you should first decide which type of keyboard mechanism suits you best. Such types of technologies as membrane, scissor-type ones are more acceptable in price, but the mechanical type nevertheless corresponds more to professional requirements. Then you should pay attention to the appearance of the device, and not only in terms of aesthetic beauty. The athlete's hands and fingers should lie comfortably on the substrate, and the keystrokes should be adequate, not requiring much effort. Otherwise, during the long-term gameplay, they will get very tired, their hands will constrict from pain in the wrist.

A separate conversation is the topic of additional functions, how much they are justified, given the fact that the advanced parameters of the device affect its price. First of all, you should decide how the backlight is needed. It is of two types, mono color, providing key illumination. Which is convenient during the evening game. And multi-colored, then the backlight changes colors over time. Athletes consider the latter option nothing more than an unnecessary decoration that only increases the price of the device.

The keypad's own internal memory raises the price even more. It is considered a necessary addition if you want to record your own commands, save presets (perks), which is indispensable, for example, for the MOBA genre. However, with other games, this option would be a waste of money. But programming keys for specific commands will always come in handy, as it saves playing time. Seconds, fractions of seconds during the game are simply priceless. If the criteria for choosing a gamer is good sound, then you should pay attention to devices with headphone ports or even with their own sound card.

Rating of quality keypads for 2020

Mechanical

GameSir Z2

The keypad tops the TOP rating of mechanical systems for a long time and has firmly held its position due to its affordable price, wide user functions. The virtual soldier has 33 keys disassembled for cleaning, a mouse included, a pillow under the arm, wireless communication via Bluetooth or wire. Convenience of play, work, provides anti-slip material of buttons, multicolor backlight. If the question is how much a multi-functional gamer's device costs is important to the user, then you should pay attention to this model.

GameSir Z2

Advantages:

  • Affordable price;
  • The ability to disassemble the structure in order to clean it;
  • Good battery life
  • Design;
  • Several connection options.

Disadvantages:

  • Noise emitted during operation.

AULA Excalibur Master One-hand Gaming Keyboard

A premium device of extraordinary appearance, semi-oval shape. It immediately catches the eye, creating a futuristic atmosphere. It is emphasized by blinking backlighting, which has several presets. The number of keys allows, if necessary, to use the gadget as an alternative to the working keyboard. This is convenient when a gamer needs to write something urgently through the game chat. The large form factor of the device will not allow confusing buttons with intense gameplay, calling the necessary commands in time. Users with a large hand will benefit from a removable pad that makes the hand feel relaxed.

AULA Excalibur Master One-hand Gaming Keyboard

Advantages:

  • Typing available;
  • Interesting design;
  • Clarity of work;
  • Interesting lighting.

Disadvantages:

  • Price;
  • For girls, a pillow at hand will be uncomfortable.

Razer Orbweaver Elite Mechanical Keypad Black USB

Another tier model is premium. The price, about 10,000 rubles, is justified by the proprietary build quality, high functionality, and thoughtful arrangement of the control elements. Operation of the device evokes positive emotions, since the adjustable palm rest is made taking into account the anatomical features of the user during the game process. A high-quality "bend" will provide the joystick lever for eight positions.

Razer Orbweaver Elite Mechanical Keypad Black USB

Advantages:

  • Versatility;
  • Good performance;
  • The backlight is dimmable;
  • Quality materials.

Disadvantages:

  • Price;
  • Loudness of work;
  • Takes an unstable position.

Membrane

HORI T.A.C. FOUR TYPE K2 Black USB

The device has received the most laudatory reviews from users for a number of undoubted advantages. First of all, the device is used in several systems - PS, PlayStation 3,4. For this, the device is equipped with a block of keys, touchpad, mouse and joystick. In addition, such a solution gives the future "cyber-hobbyist" to engage in e-sports in several "disciplines", changing the computer to the console. It doesn't matter what genre types of games the user prefers, tanks, arcade or strategy. A set of controls will provide comfortable gameplay with any choice. The device lies comfortably on the hand due to its compact size and light weight.

HORI T.A.C. FOUR TYPE K2 Black USB

Advantages:

  • Sophisticated ergonomics;
  • Multifunctionality;
  • Joystick and mouse included;
  • The backlight is adjustable;
  • Wear-resistant material of the body, control elements.

Disadvantages:

  • It is difficult to set up on your own, with your own hands;
  • Price.

Ritmix RKB-209 BL Gaming Black USB

The presented device belongs to the budget category. The popularity of membrane-type models is relevant, first of all, by the combination - compactness and affordability. And this device embodies the benefits of such systems to the fullest. Simple, with the most necessary set of functions, programmable keys, multimedia buttons, compact and small, only 332 grams of weight. But in order to avoid mistakes when choosing this device, you should take into account that it will take some time to get used to pressing the keys. What is especially critical if the user has previously used mechanical or hybrid models.

Ritmix RKB-209 BL Gaming Black USB

Advantages:

  • Sophisticated ergonomics;
  • Compactness;
  • Nice design;
  • Budgetary price.

Disadvantages:

  • Strong backlighting at night irritates the eyes;
  • Installation of specialized software is required;
  • The stencil on the button wears off quickly.

A4Tech X7-G100 Black USB

The purpose of this device is action games - races, adventure games, shooters. To do this, the main control keys (forward, backward, left, right) have a dedicated color and a higher level compared to others. This makes it easy to navigate in poor lighting conditions, since the device has no backlight. I will like it with its quiet operation, large size, adequate price and a separate multimedia volume control unit. The solution of interchangeable layouts seems interesting, their four stencils for the games Battlefield2, Call of Duty2, Half-Life2 and Counter-Strike. Thus, the gamer can easily navigate among the "hot" buttons without wasting time searching for them.

A4Tech X7-G100 Black USB

Advantages:

  • The kit includes a cover for a keyboard, mouse;
  • Block of 65 buttons;
  • Fast response;
  • Moisture protection;
  • Quiet work.

Disadvantages:

  • The body sways due to the unevenness of the legs;
  • F1 and others are not readable.

Mechanical membrane

Razer Tartarus V2 Black

New items of the current year are headed by a hybrid device, which immediately after its appearance caused a lot of positive emotions. First of all, it is interesting for its versatility, because the device is suitable for both a personal computer and a game console. This is facilitated by a mini - typing unit combined with a joystick. The text dialing buttons are programmable, with a reduced noise compared to the previous version. Many hours of computer battles will not cause discomfort, since the comfort of use is provided by an adjustable pillow under the hands. What even the best manufacturers cannot sometimes boast of. We recognize the device with its interesting appearance and branded RGB backlight.

Razer Tartarus V2 Black

Advantages:

  • Acceptable noise level;
  • Thoughtful, ergonomic design;
  • Joystick, scroll wheel;
  • Good build quality.

Disadvantages:

  • Price;
  • From time to time there are complaints about bugs;
  • Users with a small hand experience discomfort.

A4 Tech Bloody B3590R

The rating of the mixed-type devices is completed by the model, which differs from all those listed above, first of all, in its size. After all, in fact, this is a gaming, full and full-size keyboard. Additional keys, a specific layout, buttons of a hybrid type make it a keypad. 8 keys - gaming, mechanical, the rest are membrane. Two in one, the B3590R will appeal to those who do not want to waste time and money to buy an additional keypad. The device is distinguished by excellent assembly, the use of anti-slip, wear-resistant materials, and a large-size arm rest.

A4 Tech Bloody B3590R

Advantages:

  • Build quality, materials;
  • Backlight with effective wink function;
  • Long service life of mechanical keys.

Disadvantages:

  • Inconvenient volume control;
  • Weight, size.

Conclusion

It will be interesting for the author of the article to read the comments of readers. If a site visitor has something to say or can give advice, recommendations on choosing a keypad, the possibility of commenting is always provided under the article. Clarifications will also be useful to us if the description of the devices above has any inaccuracies.

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