Today, we’re going to help you pick the best gaming keyboard which will make an ideal companion for your rig. Just having a high performance PC with the latest components isn’t enough, especially if you’re a serious gamer. Now while having the finest peripheral won’t make you a pro, it will surely help you earn that title by offering precision input, comfortable typing and various features to make gameplay convenient. For different genres, the needs vary, so we’ve got a diverse roster lined up for you.
1. Corsair Vengeance K90:
The first contender on the list is the Vengeance K90 from Corsair that’s designed specifically for MMO and RTS titles. This peripheral looks amazing with its industrial form factor that’s made from brushed aluminum to deliver a rugged design for enhanced durability. There’s also a soft-touch palm rest for better comfort during long gaming sessions.
The keys fitted here are laser etched with backlighting and they feature anti-ghosting technology along with a 20-key rollover for snappy input. This mechanical keyboard also sports 18 dedicated G-keys on the left side which are fully customizable and can record up to 54 programmable functions, while the upper right corner delivers quick access to main multimedia controls.
2. Razer Black Widow Ultimate 2013:
At $139.99, the Black Widow Ultimate 2013 from Razer is one of the finest sellers on the market and its clean as well as minimalistic appearance makes it an alluring pick. Along with a mechanical key infrastructure, the accessory sports enhanced anti-ghosting technology and a 10 key rollover when in gaming mode.
Each key has individual illumination for better visuals and you’ll be able to record unlimited macros as well as program specific keys for quick access to frequently used functions. You’ll also be treated to multimedia controls and a braided fiber cable for better durability. To top it off, Razer has also thrown in pass-through USB and audio jacks for hooking up a pair of cans and other peripherals directly to the keyboard.
3. Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard:
If it’s something truly unique that you desire, then Logitech’s G13 Advanced Gameboard is worth taking a look at. This $59.99 peripheral isn’t your typical keyboard. In fact, it isn’t considered as one. So why is it on this list? Well for starters, it makes one great alternative to a keyboard. Everything that’s needed for different types of titles including FPS, RTS and others, are available within a finger’s reach. The G13 is designed with 25 fully programmable keys and there are 3 different modes available, which means you can assign up to 75 functions in total.
And so that you know which mode you’re in, you can add custom colors to the backlit keys. Speaking of which, the accessory comes with multi-key input and a mini joystick which is conveniently placed under your thumb. Profiles created here can be save on the device itself and you’ll be able to access real-time stats, system information and other details via the GamePanel LCD. The peripheral has a contoured design to deliver a comfortable experience for long gaming sessions.
4. Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7:
The Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 is one crazy looking keyboard and it’s also the most expensive choice on this list. At $299.99, it’s one of the most customizable peripherals you can get and is an ideal pick for almost any genre. Where design is concerned, it features a full metal chassis and a modular form factor where you can conveniently detach components and arrange them to your liking.
Most of the customizations and functions can be accessed through the V.E.N.O.M. TFT-LCD touch display, while a removable function strip sits on the right providing access to 4 programmable macro buttons. The numpad is also detachable, while the WASD and cursor keys can be easily interchanged. The S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 also sports dual USB ports which are located behind the display and full RGB backlighting for the laser-etched keys.
5. SteelSeries Merc Stealth:
Next we have is the SteelSeries Merc Stealth which is another universal gaming keyboard. Setting up this piece of hardware is pretty simple. Once you’ve got the SteelSeries Z-Engine software installed, you can conveniently customize the accessory and load macros through a simple drag and drop menu. The device is a bit on the larger side since it’s got a separate 34 dedicated programmable key area for gaming.
Keys situated here are slightly titled to match your hand position and there’s a palm rest to keep your wrist strain-free. The device can be lit up in 3 different colors, namely blue, red and purple and you’ll also have 2 USB ports as well as audio input and out jacks.
6. CM Storm Quickfire TK:
If you like keeping it simple with a compact keyboard, then the CM Storm Quickfire TK has what you need. This accessory may not look as fancy as other additions on this roster, but it’s a pretty good performer. The company is offering it in 3 different models, allowing you to choose between red, blue and brown switches.
Additionally, the backlit illumination can be customized in 3 different colors, namely white, blue and red. To deliver a compact form factor, the navigation keys have been integrated into the numpad, while multimedia controls can be found clubbed together with the F keys. The company has UV coated each keycap and also offers n-key rollover so that every keystroke is registered.
Conclusion:
Just having the best gaming keyboard isn’t enough to really make full use of your potential. We’d recommend getting a good pair of cans and a high performance mouse to get the most out of your rig, that’s if you haven’t already.