Keyboards are one of the few pieces of tech that almost everyone uses on a frequent basis. Whether typing at work, creating a short story, or building out characters in your favorite video game, keyboards are the silent heroes of most digital interactions.
Not all keyboards are created equal though; some people swear by mechanical keyboards while others enjoy the ease-of-use and portability of wireless models. Depending on the type of keyboard and where you plan to use it.
Do Gaming Keyboards Make a Difference?
Yes, gaming keyboards are considered better because they generally have better manufacturing, features, and are built for gaming rather than general typing. The features they offer usually include macro keys, backlighting (with multiple colors), and gaming specific features such as a “win key lock” or customization software.
This allows you to have more control over the keyboard and avoid getting stuck with a board that doesn’t fit your needs. The keyboard that you use should also be easy for you to use and customized for the games and genres you play most often.
7 Difference Making Gaming Keyboard Features to Look Out For
There are a variety of features that you will want to look out for when selecting your new gaming keyboard. These features will vary depending on your personal preferences.
The ones we have listed below are the most common and should be considered if you are looking for the best keyboard for gaming. They work great in combination with one another so don’t hesitate to pair them together. Here are the most important features to consider.
1. Keyboard Backlighting
A must for gamers looking for an edge in the dark. Not only can your keyboard be seen better, but it will also make up a distinctive part of your setup.
There are many different types of key backlighting on the market today, including multicolored backlighting, ability to light up individual keys, and glow effects that move as you type or change colors. If you want to make your keyboard as unique as possible, then backlighting is the way to go.
2. Macros
Macros are essential for any gamer looking to customize their keyboard to fit their needs. You can also get a keyboard that has macro keys but no other special gaming features. Macro keys allow you to record a series of keystrokes or mouse clicks and play them back with the touch of just one key.
They are essential if you want to minimize the time spent between keystrokes and mouse clicks, which will help you improve your gameplay skills in the long run.
This is just one of the many features that you can use to customize your keyboard in a way that makes it unique to your needs.
Even if you don’t need macro keys for gaming, they are still great for many other activities such as typing and media creation. In any case, there is usually a good reason why someone would want this feature in their keyboard.
3. Key Rollover
Every gamer wants to play their games in the highest possible resolution. If you have ever tried to type a paragraph on multiple row of keys, you can understand why this is appealing.
To minimize any inconvenience that is caused by waiting for a key to register, most gaming keyboards have a “key rollover” feature.
This allows for multiple keys to be pressed simultaneously and responds immediately when multiple keys are pressed. If you have a keyboard without this, then you will likely not get the true gaming experience that you are looking for.
4. Integrated Audio/USB Hubs
This is a very common feature in many gaming keyboards but it is still worth mentioning because it is often overlooked.
Having the ability to plug in your headphones without having to buy a separate audio controller can be very useful if you are limited on USB ports, and don’t want to spend money on another device.
It is also helpful having the USB ports on your keyboard, as they allow the use of many USB devices without taking up any more space on your desk. This is especially useful if you are limited on space or planning to build a multi-monitor setup.
5. Extra Function Keys
This is a feature that many keyboards have and often times ignored by buyers. No matter what features you go for in your gaming keyboard, always make sure to test out the extra function keys.
These keys are great for things such as disabling the Windows key to avoid accidentally minimizing your gameplay and locking the keyboard when you need to step away. There are all kinds of other functions that these keys can provide that can make your keyboard more suited to your needs.
This feature is often overlooked by buyers but it is well worth considering if you are in the market for a new gaming keyboard.
6. Response Time
The amount of time it takes for a key to register is one of the most important features to consider when shopping for your next keyboard. This can vary from a very fast response time that is instantaneous through to a more subtle response time that seems almost laggy.
Although faster reaction times don’t always make for better gaming, they may make your work environment more comfortable. In any case, response times are nice for people who spend long hours on their computers and hate waiting for their computer to respond.
7. Longevity
It is always important to remember that keyboards are something that are expected to last for many years. If you go through a keyboard at a rapid rate, then you can anticipate your whole setup to degrade over time, causing inconvenience and headaches.
To minimize this, make sure your new keyboard is made of an impressive material that will hold up under any circumstance. Similarly, look out for keyboards with built-in technology that allows you to type more comfortably such as “zero gravity” design or customizable keys.
Do Gaming Keyboards Make a Difference? Final Thoughts
To summarize, “Do gaming keyboards make a difference?”
Yes, gaming keyboards can make a difference. They have the advantage of extra features and optimized controls that can make your work environment more enjoyable, especially if you are playing a game for long periods of time.
Gaming keyboards also offer extra comfort and multiple USB ports that allow for many different devices to connect to your keyboard without having to buy one separately. On top of all this, there are even gaming keyboards with lights that illuminate in real time for added entertainment value.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our “How Long do Gaming Keyboards Last?” article here!
