Keyboards for PC Gaming
While gaming, a programmable keyboard can give you just the advantage you need over your competition. In this post we’ll review the best gaming keyboards and how to choose one for your particular needs. We’ll also compare the prices and specifications of today’s most popular programmable gaming keyboards.
Choosing a Gaming Keyboard
Mechanical
Many people use this term in the wrong way when speaking about keyboards. Being a Mechanical keyboard simply means that it includes a switch methodology that allows your keys to register before they are pushed all of the way down. This is different than keyboards that have rubber inserts under them as those generally require the user to press the key all the way down.
Programmable
For gamers, a programmable keyboard can be especially important as it can result in quicker actions and therefore better gaming. Some “gaming keyboards” come with many programmable buttons. This may be more important for MMORPG users than first person shooter games where precision shooting is involved. Programmable buttons are also available on some gaming mice, so take that into consideration when considering how many programmable buttons you want on your gaming keyboard.
Backlighting
Sometimes the best time to game is at night. Having a backlit keyboard, possibly with custom colors, can help to keep your senses tuned when playing at night.
GamePanel LCD or Display
If you’re willing to fork over a few extra bucks, then you can get a keyboard with a LCD display that provides states and the latest information while gaming. Professional gamers find that it helps them to tune their game as they are able to monitor their stats and really try out what works better. More casual gamers may find that it just gives them the stats that they want to know when they want to know it. More popular games are generally “stat-ready” and when you aren’t using it for stats you can use it for video playback.
Best Gaming Keyboards 2011
| Manufacturer/ Type | Price | Programmable Keys | Technical Details / Warranty | LCD Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (SGK-4000-GKCL1-US) | Includes Mechanical CHERRY MX switches, Extra key-caps bundled (with key puller), keys are laser marked, Anti Ghosting, NKRO in PS/2 mode, 1000Hz/1ms response time in USB mode, Removable braided USB cable with cable routing. | New High-end Mechanical Keyboard from Cooler Master. Tenkeyless. Detachable, gold-plated mini USB. | No | |
| Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Fully programmable keys + 5 additional gaming keys with on-the-fly macro recording | 5 levels of lighting for individually backlit keys, 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time/ 5 additional macro keys/ braided cable/ Includes a 1 year warranty. | No | |
| Corsair Vengeance K90 Performance MMO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (CH-9000003-NA) | Cherry MX Red Mechanical key switches, Ten (10) additional sculpted FPS keys (W,A,S,D and 1 to 6) for superior reaction and control - interchangeable with the standard keyboard keys, 20 Key Roll-over (20KRO), Professional grade brushed aluminum chassis with laser etched, keys | Full Key Matrix Anti-Ghosting - Enjoy flawless control even when you're pressing multiple keys at once. 100% ghost free without tradeoff or compromise, and Gaming Palm Rest with soft-touch surface for superior gaming comfort. | No | |
| Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad | Includes 16 fully-programmable and Hype response gaming buttons which are engineered for rapid key actuation and crisp response. | The Razer Nostromo's all-new configuration software is as easy to use, allowing you to conveniently customize all the buttons with any game command or key binding. Up to 20 unique profiles can be stored. A 1 year parts and labor warranty is included. | No | |
| Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110 | 12 Programmable G-keys with up to 36 unique functions per game (3 macros per key) | Game Mode switch allows you to turn off unecessary buttons like the windows key during game play. 1 High speed USB port. Backlit keys. A 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty is included. | No | |
| Logitech G19 Programmable Gaming Keyboard with Color Display | Twelve programmable G-keys / three macros per key provide space to program 36 single keypresses or complex macros | Includes 2 High Speed USB 2.0 Ports, and multiple key input for use of up to 5 keys at once. User selectable backlighting. 1 Year warranty. | Yes | |
| Logitech Gaming Keyboard G510 | 18 Programmable keys - up to 54 single key presses/macros | Customized Backlighting, Integrated Audio, Game mode disables Windows Menu Buttons. 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty | GamePanel LCD | |
| Razer Lycosa Programmable Backlit Gaming Keyboard | Fully programmable with macro capability. Anti-ghosting capability. Up to 10 customizable profiles to switch between. | 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time/ earphone in and out jacks/ USB extension port/ backlight illumination/ wired/ detachable wrist rest. 1 year parts and labor warranty. | No | |
| Das Keyboard Model S Professional | N-key rollover - Model S allows full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB. | German-engineered mechanical key switches | No | |
| Corsair Vengeance K60 Performance FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (CH-9000004-NA) | Cherry MX Red Mechanical key switches, Full Key Matrix Anti-Ghosting , Gaming Palm Rest with soft-touch surface, selectable report rate, and has a 2m non-tangle cable. | Ten additional sculpted FPS keys, 20 Key Roll-over (20KRO) on USB, | No | |
| Logitech G13 Programmable Gameboard with LCD Display | 25 programmable keys which allow you to assign keyboard functions to suit your style of play and create macros on the fly. Perfect for MMORPG or FPS. | Onboard memory with 5 profiles/ high-visibility GamePanel LCD displays game stats and in-game communication/ Customizable Backlights lightness and color. 1 year warranty. | Yes | |
| Microsoft Sidewinder X6 Gaming Keyboard with USB Port | Up to 30 programmable keys that allow you to assign up to 90 macros. This is a good inexpensive option for MMORPG gamers. Like the X4 it includes media keys. You can also use the cruise control options to hold down certain keys so you can focus elsewhere. | Two color dimmable backlighting, integrated palm rest, switchable key pad between gaming and standard, and includes a 3 year limited warranty. | No | |
| SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Mechanical no-click switches, | Extreme anti-ghosting/ gold mechanical switches and connectors/ 1 year parts. | No | |
| Cyborg Gaming Keyboard with Tri-Color Backlighting | 12 Programmable Cyborg keys | Tru Vu illumination through keys allows you to mix backlighting colors. Cyborg mode for disabling unecessary windows buttons during gameplay. 2 Years Parts and Labor warranty. | No, but it does include a touch sensitive dashboard control panel. | |
| Microsoft SideWinder X4 Keyboard | Includes advanced anti-ghosting system which allows you to press up to 26 keys at the same time without ghosting. Automatic profile switching - essential for multi-game compatibility. Six programmable macro keys. Automatic macro repetition is also included. | Wired keyboard with 3 illumination levels for backlighting, play, pause, volume keys. 3 year limited warranty from Microsoft. | No | |
| Razer Anansi MMO Gaming Keyboard | 7 thumb modifier keys, Easy Access Media Keys, On-The-Fly Profile Switching, 16 Million Color Backlight Illumination. | 100+ programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording and five additional gaming macro keys. | No |
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