Gaming Keyboard Tips
Gaming is about more than just skill and strategy. It’s about immersion, experience, and the gear that gets you there. At the heart of every gamer’s setup is a crucial component—the gaming keyboard.
You might think you know everything there is about keyboards, but there’s a world of difference between a standard keyboard and a gaming one. From key rollover to macro functions, gaming keyboards offer a plethora of features designed to give you the gaming edge.
In this article, you’ll uncover tips and tricks to get the most out of your gaming keyboard. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, there’s always something new to learn, and this guide will help you level up your game.
Choosing the Right Gaming Keyboard
Selecting an appropriate gaming keyboard is no trifling matter. It’s an integral part of the overall gaming setup, significantly impacts gaming proficiency. In making an informed choice, three main factors warrant consideration: the type of switches, the keyboard size and layout, and gamer-specific features.
Consider the Types of Switches
First on the agenda is switches, which establish both the feel and the sound of keypresses. Notably, there are three primary types of switches: membrane, mechanical, and optical. Membrane switches offer quiet and soft keystrokes, mostly found in budget-oriented keyboards. Conversely, mechanical switches provide tactile feedback, but produce comparatively louder keystrokes. Finally, optical switches, relatively newer, combine the advantages of silence and speed. For instance, the Razer Huntsman v2 has been lauded for its fast and quiet optical switches.
Evaluate Keyboard Sizes and Layouts
Next up is the size and layout of the keyboard. Size may range from full-size (104 keys), tenkeyless (87 keys), and compact (60 keys). The full-size keyboards are comprehensive but consume ample desk space. Tenkeyless keyboards, lacking the number pad, save space, while compact keyboards lose the function row and arrow keys for an even smaller footprint. For instance, the Logitech G Pro X is a popular tenkeyless choice among gamers.
Layouts too vary. US layout, also known as ANSI, and UK layout, known as ISO, are prevalent. However, regions may use varying layouts, such as AZERTY in France or QWERTZ in Germany. Make sure to select a layout that caters to your typing needs.
Key Features for Gamers
Lastly, zero in on features specifically geared towards gamers. Anti-ghosting, key rollover, macros, and customizable backlighting are some choices worth deliberating over. Anti-ghosting and key rollover, for instance, ensure all keypresses are registered, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. Macros allow assigning multiple actions to a single keypress, and customizable backlighting facilitates distinguishing between keys in dim light. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, for example, offers macros and extensive backlight customization options.
Remember, a suitable gaming keyboard is not just a peripheral; it’s an extension of a gamer’s toolset. Every bit of subtlety and precision it provides may be the difference between victory and defeat. Armed with these considerations, gamers can make an informed choice that enhances their gaming setup.
Maintenance Tips for Gaming Keyboards
Maintaining your gaming keyboard often gets overlooked. Yet, it remains crucial to optimize the performance and longevity of this vital piece of gaming equipment. Here’s how you can take proper care of your gaming keyboard:
Cleaning Your Keyboard Regularly
While gaming, typists often eat or drink, and particles can fall into the keyboard, causing damage. Regular cleaning prevents accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris. Every three to six months, unplug the keyboard, remove keycaps using a keycap puller, blow out dust with compressed air, gently wipe each keycap with a soft cloth and warm water, and allow them to dry completely before reassembling.
Remember, vinegar mixed with water can help clean sticky keys, but avoid using harsh cleaning agents, which can damage the materials.
Dealing with Wear and Tear
Long hours of intensive gaming can result in visible wear and tear. Checking for worn-out keycaps, faded letters, broken switches, and faulty wiring forms part of regular keyboard maintenance.
If keys feel less responsive, a switch might need replacing. You can replace most mechanical switches with tools available in a typical computer maintenance kit. Faded letters can be tackled by applying keycap stickers or swapping with replacement keycaps. When dealing with frayed wires or loose USB connections, consult with professionals.