A Guide to Buying a Gaming Keyboard

So you’ve purchased your first gaming computer, and now you need to get hold of some accessories to get it running. A mouse and screen are generally quite easy to get hold of, but one mistake that many new gamers make is buying a keyboard that isn’t right for them. Maybe it’s uncomfortable to use, or maybe it ends up breaking after a few months of use; whatever the case, learning how to buy a new gaming keyboard is simple and quick.

Most people see a keyboard with RGB lights everywhere and believe that the keyboard is worth buying, where in actual fact there are a number of different factors to consider, such as usage. Will you be using the keyboard exclusively for gaming? Would you maybe be also using it for typing and office work, or playing online pokies NZ? Whatever the case may be, this is how to buy a keyboard that’s best for you.

1. Price

The aspect to first consider is the price of the keyboard. Keyboards, especially the high-quality professional boards can sometimes cost thousands of dollars, and while these may be perfect for pro gamers looking for the edge, they’re often more than the average user could ever need.

It also depends on the kinds of features you want from the keyboard. Keyboards that come with RGB lighting, added function keys, and mechanical buttons tend to be on the more expensive side.

2. Membrane vs. Mechanical

While searching online, you will most likely come across these two words used often. Membrane keyboards are the more typical office-like keyboards that are cheaper to purchase and easier to get a hold of. They also tend to be less reliable, and long-term usage can put strain on your hands. But their price often negates the disadvantages.

Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, make use of mechanical switches beneath the keys themselves, much like you’d find on an old typewriter. These tend to be the more popular choice among gamers by far for a variety of reasons. While realistically there aren’t many reasons to choose one over the other, mechanical keyboards, due to their widespread usage, tend to come in a larger variety.

3. Backlighting

Backlighting is something that is very much dependent on the gamer and what they want. The purpose of lighting up the keys is to allow the gamer to find their desired keys that much faster, especially in a darker environment, such as when playing at night. They are practical, but are aimed at those who tend to forget where keys are, and backlit keyboards also tend to be on the more expensive side.

Any RGB features on a computer tend to make the price increase quite a bit, often due to the high-quality nature of the LEDs used, and because RGB accessories are often more sough-after by gamers, in general.

Gaming keyboards should last you years, and finding the right make and model can make all the difference.