If you're a gamer, you carefully consider all of your arsenals in gaming. Once you've finally set up your gaming PC, getting some peripherals is the next thing to do.
Getting a keyboard sounds like a piece of cake but it can be quite tricky, too, if you don't know the factors that you should consider in buying the right keyboard.
Here's are some factors that you should keep in mind about picking up a gaming keyboard.
This photograph taken on October 27, 2011 shows a member of staff testing computer equipment at the research and development centre of computer accessory company Razor in Singapore. Razer is a cult brand among hardcore gamers worldwide who lust after high-performance devices such as mice, keyboards, headsets and joysticks.
Know the Differences Between a Mechanical, Membrane and Optical Keyboard
The first consideration is the guts of the keyboard. Guts mean the "way that the keys register that they've been pressed, and how they feel and sound when they're pressed," according to Lenovo.
As the name suggests, membrane keyboards have a rubber membrane underneath their keycaps. Compared to a mechanical keyboard, this one is considerably quieter. This one has more spongy or squishy feel which might not be accurate enough for gamers' needs.
With sturdy switches underneath each keycap, mechanical is the standard keyboard style. You will find a dedicated mechanical switch underneath each key. Depending on how much "click" you want, mechanical key switches come in three different varieties.
When it comes to gaming, a new type of keyboard has been making its mark over the years. An optical switch "registers keystrokes through an infrared signal," according to Gizmodo. This is much faster than a mechanical one.
If you are a serious gamer, you might be opted to get a mechanical keyboard since they're more durable and responsive to your keystroke.
Read Also: Keychron K8 Mechanical Keyboard Gets Positive Early Reviews-Perfect for Both Mac and Windows!
Decide on Your Preferred Keyboard Size
The second factor to consider is keyboard size. Probably, you have already noticed that some keyboards have more keys than others.
According to Lenovo, a "full size" keyboard has 104 (or 105) keys. This keyboard include the full QWERTY alphanumeric section, a dedicated number pad, dedicated function keys, and a set of four directional cursor keys.
A full size keyboard is the widest style. If the number pad is important to you, a full size keyboard is something that you should get.
However, if you can live without the number pad, a "tenkeyless" size is a good choice. It occupies a much smaller space by dropping the entire number pad section.
Pick your Preferred Customization and Macro Buttons
According to Lenovo, the third factor is all about "how the right gaming keyboard can give you an edge when it comes to speed and your personal preferences."
There are gaming keyboards that come with a dedicated set of buttons. These buttons can be programmed to execute in-game macros, a pre-defined combination of actions.
While engage in a game, it's a great convenience if you will be assigning a macro to a keyboard macro button because a single keystroke is all you need instead of typing a command. You will find this feature in some gaming laptops, too.
According to Lenovo, "swapping out the mechanical switches under each key can further customize mechanical gaming keyboards."
Related Article: The 3 Best Mechanical Keyboards For Gaming In 2020
