TOP 10 gaming keyboards - rating of the best wired keyboards for games

Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

A true gamer will always repeat one simple truth - a mechanical keyboard is better than a membrane keyboard in terms of accuracy and tactile feedback. In “mechanics”, each key contains a switch inside, combined with a metal spring and contacts. When the user presses a key, the circuit is closed and the function assigned to the button is activated. This ensures optimal tactile feedback and incredible precision. Adding to this the high reliability and “clickability” of the keys, it turns out that mechanical keyboards are not in vain recognized as the best in the world.

The cost of “mechanics” is much higher than that of membrane and rubber-film keyboards, and the ability to select switches allows you to customize any device for yourself. Thus, mechanical switches differ from each other in the force of pressing the keys, measured in grams (45-75 g), linearity of travel, presence of a click when activated and tactile response. The most popular switches are Cherry MX and Razer's own designs.

The best membrane keyboards

Razer DeathStalker Essential

The manufacturing company is generally famous for its mechanical products, but it was decided to develop membrane products as well. This keyboard has low-profile Chiclet keys that support up to ten simultaneous keystrokes. All keys can be programmed if necessary using the Synapse software. Despite the fact that this product is not too expensive, it supports frequencies up to 1000 Hz. This was achieved largely due to the use of the same technology as in gaming mice. To make the keyboard more comfortable even during prolonged use, it was decided to equip it with a fixed wrist rest.

The product has a Game Mode: when it is active, the Windows key is blocked, so games will not be minimized due to accidental pressing of it. The keyboard has several integrated media keys, which can only be used in combination with the Fn button. There is no braided cable for connecting to a computer, like more expensive products from this company; the most common simple rubberized wire is used, the length of which is 2 meters. The device weighs just over one kilogram and works reliably with all modern operating systems. The case is made of durable matte plastic, on which grease stains or fingerprints will be practically invisible. The keys have a very low profile - just like on laptops.

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Advantages:

• Programmable keys;
• Attractive appearance;
• Convenient and intuitive software.

Flaws:

• Setting up macros can be very problematic.

Razer DeathStalker Essential

2. Logitech G213 Prodigy

We have before us a full-fledged membrane keyboard with 104 keys. In addition to the main buttons, there are four more designed to control various multimedia capabilities - three of them are aimed at adjusting the volume and one that turns the backlight on and off. In addition, there is another additional button responsible for activating the game mode. The overall dimensions of this device are 452x218x33 mm with a weight of 1 kg. The keyboard has five-zone RGB LED backlighting, which can be customized using Logitech Gaming Software.

Depending on the keys pressed, the keyboard can support from seven to fifteen simultaneous keystrokes. The design is reliably protected from moisture, but users, based on their experience, recommend not to overfill it, since it does not have holes through which liquid could escape. The form factor is traditional - in general, the model is made without any additional frills. There is a palm rest, which is not removable, but this does not cause the slightest discomfort, since this element significantly increases the functionality of the device. The keyboard is made of matte plastic, the end areas are glossy, but it is on them that various kinds of scratches begin to appear, and the gloss can noticeably fade over time. Otherwise the product is quite practical.

Advantages:

• There is a wrist rest;
• High-quality and stylish LED lighting;
• Good degree of protection against moisture;
• Responds to pressure almost instantly.

Flaws:

• You won't be able to adjust the backlight brightness without software;
• The wrist rest is not removable.

HELLO STREAMER, THIS IS FOR YOU! ✔ Review of the Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard!

Logitech G213 Prodigy

1. A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB

This is a fairly light model - its weight is no more than 600 grams with overall dimensions of 458x180x37 mm. The keyboard has 106 keys, all but two of which are standard. The location of the buttons and their size are made in such a way as to make it as convenient for the user as possible. The power cable has a fabric braid and is quite long – 180 cm. When connected, a stylish blood-red backlight turns on, and the manufacturer’s logo lights up at the bottom. The backlight is very neat and of high quality, it doesn’t tire your eyes at all, and its intensity can be adjusted. There is a button that activates Game Mode, multimedia keys are also present - they can be used in combination with the Fn button.

The keyboard has a water-repellent coating and is equipped with special holes for draining liquid. The response to pressing is only 1 ms. The keyboard is of fairly high quality, looks stylish, and will fit organically into the interior of a computer desk. The buttons are pleasant to the touch, look like they are made of plastic with a glossy finish, but they will not attract fingerprints. The keys are pressed softly, almost silently. Macros can be assigned to almost any key – something experienced players will appreciate. It is also quite convenient to type on, so it can also be used for work.

Advantages:

• Beautiful appearance;
• Ease of use;
• Adjustable backlight;
• Long service life.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

A4Tech Bloody B120 Black USB

ASUS ROG Claymore

The first feature of the device is its original appearance (multi-colored lighting and a base decorated with patterns). Next is the detachable number pad. Its buttons can be programmed to enter macros directly during a gaming battle.

The keypad also has the following advantages:

1. Backlight - 16,000,000 tones. You can customize any of the proposed shades, and also select effects: for example, wave, circles.
2. N-Key Poller technology. Fast and accurate processing of 2-3 or more simultaneous button presses.
3. Cherry MX RGB switches. Guaranteed response to key presses without brakes or freezes.
4. Flash storage. Ability to save up to 6 speed settings profiles.

There is a proprietary utility with which you can change the purpose of the buttons, the backlight level, its shade, as well as record and edit commands.

The downside of the device is that the Cyrillic font is smaller in size than the Latin alphabet (2.5 mm and 4 mm, respectively), so they are less distinguishable. Despite this token flaw, the device is one of the best backlit gaming keyboards for ease of use and functionality.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2014

The device is equipped with mechanical switches that ensure instant response of the buttons. Another advantage of these devices is their durability (up to 60,000,000 clicks).

In addition, the panel has the following advantages:

• high-speed operation of buttons - a force of 50 grams and a press with a depth of 1.9 mm are enough for the device to quickly respond to a command;
• individual backlighting of buttons - convenient to fight in low room lighting. There is also 100% backlighting of Russian letters;
• additional macro buttons - gamers can assign the desired combinations in the game without leaving the virtual battle;
• suppression of “ghost” clicks - correct recognition of pressed keys near the WASD block, even if several are pressed at the same time (up to 10 pcs).

The model has a matte finish, which is better at resisting fingerprints than, for example, gloss.

A feature of the device that can be attributed to both the pros and cons of the device is its weight of 1.5 kg. It’s a little heavy for transportation, but it stands firmly on the table, doesn’t fidget or move from its place even with intensive clicking on the buttons.

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HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

A super device for shooter fans. The keyboard is very compact, no unnecessary parts. There is plenty of room left for the mouse.

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The fabric-braided cable detaches from the device for convenient storage and transport of the panel. The frame of the device is metal, which is why the gadget became heavier and began to weigh 900 grams, but it acquired greater stability.

FPS Pro has the following set of advantages:

• minimalistic dimensions - length is only 359 mm;
• 87 keys - reliable and fairly quiet buttons;
• the presence of 4 rubber feet - the unit holds firmly on the surface and does not slip;
• backlight - represented by a scarlet hue, 5 levels of brightness adjustment and 6 effects.

The unit has everything for a comfortable battle: Windows button lock, game mode, anti-ghosting option. The switches in the Cherry MX Red device are a guarantee of soft button presses and the durability of the device itself.

Minus: the kit does not include a case for transporting the device.

Razer Ornata CHROMA

A universal gaming panel with know-how from the company - a hybrid button mechanism. The device is equipped with mechanical membrane switches. This ensures fast response of buttons and quiet pressing.

Among the advantages of the model it is also worth highlighting:

• the buttons are medium in height - these keys are easy for your fingers to move around and can be done very quickly;
• Varied lighting - 16.8 million color settings allow you to create a virtual battle in “colors” for an exciting experience;
• Comfortable wrist rest - designed for a comfortable time spent even during long and intense gameplay.

The device provides the ability for gamers to download a lighting effect template for various types of gameplay (available in the Chroma Workshop library).

The shell of the gadget is matte plastic, which does not leave unsightly fingerprints. The base of the panel is equipped with 4 rubberized inserts, due to which the unit is firmly located on the surface and does not slip.

The cost of such a gadget is above average and this is the only symbolic disadvantage of the device.

HyperX Alloy Elite MX

A gadget with a stylish and laconic design. On a completely black background, buttons with red inscriptions are clearly visible. There is also a backlight here, in the same scarlet shade. It can be adjusted by changing the brightness from 1 to 5.

In addition, gamers will be pleased with the device from HyperX:

• heavy-duty buttons - according to the manufacturer, they can withstand more than 50 million clicks;
• anti-ghosting technology - all simultaneously pressed keys will be activated;
• gamer mode - in order not to accidentally leave the virtual battle, you can disable the Win key;
• Separate media keys are very convenient when you need to quickly adjust the volume.

The type of switch in the device is mechanical. The device operates very quietly, the clicking of the buttons is not audible even in silence, and the keys do not “stick”. The device is connected using a regular USB cable. And another plus of the device is the presence of support for the users’ wrists.

The downside is the lack of proprietary software, but... There are no macro buttons here, so the software, in fact, is not needed.

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Razer BlackWidow TE CHROMA

The device is equipped with proprietary mechanical switches that respond accurately and quickly to touches on the keys. The device is compact due to the absence of a number pad on the right, which is very convenient, because... There is a lot of free space on the table for the mouse.

The gadget has a few more advantages:

• reliable switches - quiet and durable mechanics are used, which ensures trouble-free use of the device up to 80,000,000 button presses;
• proprietary lighting - you can choose one of 16.8 million tones, effects are selected from the proposed templates or an individual palette is programmed;
• ergonomic hand rest - now you can immerse yourself in the gameplay, sitting comfortably behind the keypad;
• compatibility with popular operating systems - Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OS X (versions 10.8 - 10.11).

The device has suppression of “ghost” clicks on the keys (the number of presses is up to 10), a game mode and backlighting of Russian-language letters. The panel is quite massive (1.76 kg). Thanks to this, it stands steadily and firmly in its place, without moving even in the midst of a virtual battle.

HyperX Alloy FPS MX

The panel is full-size, but has very modest dimensions (36x129x442 mm). There is enough free space for the mouse to move around the table to comfortably play shooter type gameplay.

The device from Hyper X has several more advantages, such as:

1. Possibility of hassle-free transportation. The weight of the gadget is only 900 grams, and the fabric-braided cable can be easily disconnected from the keypad and folded into a special case.
2. Availability of mechanical switches. The device from Cherry MX is distinguished by its fast response and durability.
3. Replaceable WASD keys. The set includes red buttons with a textured surface, allowing you to press them accurately even in the dark.

The gadget is equipped with a single-color red backlight, which can be adjusted to 5 brightness levels, as well as set 6 dynamic effects. The device is connected via a USB port, which can be used to charge, for example, a smartphone.

The downside of the device is its fairly high cost. For a reliable, convenient device from HyperX, the price is justified.

Genius KMH-200

This is a full-fledged gaming set, consisting of a keypad, headphones and a mouse. All elements of the set are designed in the same style and are in perfect harmony with each other.

Pros of KMH-200:

• silent low-profile keys;
• housing protected from moisture penetration;
• full-size headphones with internal material that “breathes”;
• a rotating microphone that transmits voice without distortion;
• Backlit mouse, very sensitive.

The headphones in this set deliver great bass, and the keys on the keyboard are strong and durable.

The downside of the set is that the keyboard is not backlit, but the arrows and WASD buttons are contrastingly highlighted in red. In addition, the price of the set cannot but please.

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ASUS Cerberus Mech RGB

A device for gamers that can withstand intensive use and is equipped with mechanical switches. There are “hot” buttons for activating macros, and customizable lighting effects allow you to adapt the device to the specific gameplay or tastes of the player.

The panel has the following advantages:

• switches are completely mechanical, guaranteeing fast response and durability of use (up to 70,000,000 clicks);
• backlight + 7 effects - more than a million shades and various effects allow you to personalize the design of the device at your own discretion;
• recording macros - in one click you can program the desired command, all of them remain available even when using the device with different PCs;
• Windows key lock - prevents accidental exit from a virtual battle due to an accidental click on this button.

There are dedicated media keys on the panel. This is a convenient opportunity to adjust the sound intensity without leaving the gaming marathon. The only downside of the gadget is the lack of a Russian layout.