⌨Best gaming keyboards for 2020

Despite the fact that many years have passed since the advent of the computer, the physical keyboard remains a priority when entering data. The device acquired new functions, hotkeys that make it easier to control the player, e-mail, backlight and many other devices, but the main purpose remained unchanged.

With the development of the gaming computer industry, gaming has rapidly burst into human life and firmly settled there, becoming one of the most important entertainment. The keyboard and mouse have become the primary means of achieving victory and success on virtual battlefields. Not all devices are equally convenient and suitable for this, it is more about functionality than about appearance. Having caught the requests of many consumers, keyboard manufacturers are releasing highly specialized devices aimed at gamers - gaming keyboards.

What is the difference from the office?

1. One of the first and most noticeable differences is the design, it is bright and catchy. Such a keyboard is equipped with additional buttons, which are located in a separate block on the left. In some cases LCD display and analog joystick.
2. The device is not designed for printing text. The keys are made of rubber and are hard to press. Due to this, they can withstand heavy loads and respond faster to pressing. This keyboard is designed for a comfortable game, typing on some of them is contraindicated.
3. Game models are several times more expensive than office ones.

In the nearest points of sale of computer electronics and online stores, there is a wide selection of gaming keyboards in various price categories. If desired, it is possible to choose a device for almost any budget. You don't have to buy the most expensive one. The choice largely determines the personal preferences and wishes of the consumer. A mechanical keyboard is not of the highest build quality, without the possibility of additional macro settings and RGB backlighting will cost around 3 thousand rubles.

Thinking about the choice, do not forget that some of them are categorically not suitable for writing texts, they are only comfortable to play on. The keys may be too light or hard for typing. Before direct purchase, you need to test this moment by performing several clicks, it is advisable to compare several types.

What to look for when buying?

1. Decide on the type of device. Allocate: Mechanical and membrane. The latter are silent representatives in the low and medium price category. When used, they are much quieter than their competitors, but lose in terms of service life. The basis of the key is a rubber membrane, the resistance and return of the button depends on it. Over time, they lose their elasticity and even break. These keyboards support a small number of simultaneous presses. The key is triggered only after fully pressing it all the way. Not the best solution for gamers. The situation is completely different with mechanical keyboards. It is built on rugged mechanical switches with up to 70 million clicks. The response speed is several times faster than its competitors. You don't need a full press to register an action.The return to its original condition occurs almost immediately. They do not wear out over time and, despite the time of use, respond to pressing like new. They have support for pressing multiple buttons at the same time. This opportunity is relevant for avid gamers. The main disadvantage of mechanical keyboards is their high noise level. Despite popular belief, working on such a device will require less effort than membrane ones.
2. Backlight. It makes it easier to play at night. Most devices support multiple modes with dedicated buttons. This allows you to find them faster. The option plays a more aesthetic role. Its functionality is applicable for comfortable writing of texts, since WASD and Shift are easily found by players in the blind. It is absent only on budget devices. All others, depending on the cost, have one-color, RGB-backlighting and even a separate setting for the glow of each of the buttons. For those for whom such visualization is not essential, you can save on this. Regardless of the lighting settings, it copes with its basic functions just as well.
3. Dedicated keys. Often, keyboard manufacturers highlight the buttons with rubberized inserts, or a certain coating. As a rule, attention is paid to the most commonly used ones. Thanks to this, the grip of the fingers with the surface increases, the fixation and controllability increase qualitatively.
4. The number of simultaneously pressed buttons. Key Rollover is responsible for this parameter. Manufacturers indicate in #KRO format, with hash marks the number of non-conflicting buttons. Most gaming models have 6KRO or NKRO (No Key Rollover). The latter means that it supports 6 and more simultaneously pressed keys. This function allows you to quickly switch to the second and subsequent ones by holding one skill. 6KRO is essential for maximum efficiency. There is no need to overpay for the purchase of NKRO. The main thing is that it should not be in the region of 2 - 3. Comfortable play on such a device raises serious doubts.
5. Software and built-in memory. Most keyboards are equipped with macro keys for recording specific combinations. This is convenient if you need to press a number of keys in sequence in the game. It is common practice to place such buttons in a separate row. Manufacturers release special applications to facilitate programming. You can customize the keyboard with a combination of buttons with Fn. Thanks to the built-in memory, macros are stored even after the PC is turned off. For players of different genres, a separate setting of macros for each is possible. The number of saved profiles depends on the amount of memory.
6. Other useful functions. They will greatly facilitate the game and allow you to immerse yourself in it with great comfort. These features include: game mode to block minimized applications; LCD display, for displaying game statistics or performance data; USB port and additional connectors that allow you to connect a microphone, headphones with great comfort.
7. Design. Durable and comfortable to use with rubberized feet for added stability. The stand (if present) fits snugly against the table top.

Best gaming keyboards for 2020

A4 Tech Bloody B120 Black USB

A4 Tech is a manufacturer that has established itself in the budget category. The new product of the company came out in the segment of gaming goods. At first glance, the device is no different from its office models.

The membrane gaming keyboard has 104 buttons on board. Their course is smooth and practically not inferior to mechanical ones. The built-in red backlight is equipped with a dimmer. There are 5 modes of operation (100% 75% 50% 25% 0%) The response time of the button is 1ms. WASDs are rubberized and highlighted in red. Device with thick rubber feet. Fixation of the working position is rigid and not satisfactory.

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OkLick 760G Genesis

The model is made in a minimalist style. 104 keys are compactly located on the metal base. The use of such material has increased the life of the product. The buttons are located in a suspended state. Due to this, they do not serve as dust collectors and are pleasing to the eye. The body of the classic shape has one minor difference, namely space bar, Fn, Alt, large and slightly pushed down. The backlighting is pleasant and does not irritate the eyes. It is allowed to configure multi-colored overflows, pulsating light mode, constant glow and its complete shutdown.

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Qcyber Dominator TKL Black USB

The wired mechanical keyboard is housed in an eye-catching metal-plastic case. The type of design "skeleton" excludes all unnecessary, removed frames, digital block. At first glance, they give the impression that the device has been disassembled. Fine-tuning allows you to make each key glow with its own color. Individual selection of color, response speed and function allows you to make your gaming device unique. A non-standard font will cause problems for beginners and those who do not know the touch typing technique, as the search time for the required button will increase. Due to the fact that the inscriptions are applied with cutouts, you can not worry about their abrasion.

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Logitech G213 Prodigy USB

One of the best representatives of membrane keyboards. When developing the functionality, we took into account all the wishes and requests of the players. Mech-Dome technology delivers high-speed tactile response and performance like mechanical keyboards. The stroke depth is 4 mm.

The device has 112 keys on board with the ability to clamp up to ten buttons simultaneously. This is enough for a comfortable game in all modern projects. The built-in palm rest combined with adjustable feet will make your leisure time as comfortable as possible.

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A4Tech Bloody B810R Black USB

The company has long established itself in the gaming gadgets market. The new mechanical keyboard is made in a compact minimalist style without rims. This solution made it possible to clean it from accumulated dust and dirt with maximum comfort.

The implemented Light Strike technology with the optical switches involved provided a response time in the region of 0.2 ms. The key operates from a distance of 3 mm, which is 25% faster than metal switches (4 mm).

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Razer Black Widow Tournament Croma

A representative of shortened keyboards, the main feature of which is the missing numeric keypad. This solution can significantly reduce the width of the device. Due to this solution, there is more space for the rug, the playing position is more comfortable.

Razer Green Switch keys are responsive with up to 60 million keystrokes. Supports up to 10 simultaneously pressed buttons. Supports macro recording for stable and comfortable playing.

According to the company, the device is positioning itself as the Tournament Edition. The set includes a case with textile handles with a mesh pocket. It contained a cardboard envelope with a user manual, stickers and a card for posting a review on the company's website.

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Redragon Dark Avenger Black USB

Mechanical device with short body without digital block. Due to its compactness, it will serve as an ideal solution for those who do not have much space on their computer desk. Key life is 50 million keystrokes. Dark Avenger lacks zone illumination, only general illumination is present. Outemu Blue is the type of switches used.

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Steel Series Apex M800

Made of matte plastic with a glossy sheen around the edges. The new model uses a new type of QS1 derailleur for maximum smoothness, 25% faster than its mechanical competitors. Laser-engraved keys let you forget about rubbing marks. The double-decker spacebar button stands out from the rest. It is so huge that it can easily be mistaken for a touchpad at first glance.

The small tilt angle minimizes the time it takes to find keys and reduces fatigue even in the most intense contractions.

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Redragon Asura Black

The keyboard with auxiliary keys conquers with its original appearance. The stylish design will be appreciated not only by game lovers, but also by ordinary users. Made of black plastic. The build quality is not satisfactory. The key travel is soft and smooth. Classic layout. The inscriptions on the buttons are readable even in the dark. The ones most often used by players are underlined with a white line. Below is a wrist rest.It fits seamlessly into the overall design concept of the keyboard. There are 8 programmable keys on the sides. They are highlighted in red for comfort.

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Conclusion

In the announced top, there are prominent representatives of gaming devices, which have proven themselves from the best side and have won widespread recognition by players. They are widely used in competitions as well as by cyber athletes in training. If you have a comment on the rating, your personal preferences or experience in using these models, be sure to share your impressions with us in the comments.