Among many other tasks, a powerful enough desktop or laptop allows us to play games. Matching, and even surpassing, consoles. So much so, that today there is a real market for PCs and components focused exclusively on gaming . In fact, we have already seen some aspects to take into account when facing the purchase of a gaming PC.
But as with consoles, no matter how powerful the PC is, it is not enough for us to obtain a satisfactory gaming experience. In this sense, it is the peripherals that help us to interact with the computer itself and, of course, with video games. Reason why they become as important as this.
Monitors, mice, headphones, speakers, mats, joysticks, steering wheels, controls, keyboards … We have countless of them, and there are models for all tastes and uses . So when it comes to getting a gaming PC, the purchase of these accessories becomes essential.
But of course, there is so much to choose from that we may not know which one to choose. Well, next we are going to focus on keyboards, specifically gaming models . We will see the main aspects that we have to take into account so that our purchase is the most successful, and we will review some of the most interesting models on the market at the moment.
Mechanical or membrane keyboard? Which is better?
One of the main questions we ask ourselves when we go to buy a gaming keyboard and we see the specifications of the different models that we are finding is: which one do I choose? A mechanical one or a membrane one? And these are the two main ways in which we find them .
The best answer to this question is: it depends. It depends on the tastes of each one and which system makes us feel more comfortable. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages , although it is true that most of the purely gaming models on the market opt for the mechanical variant.
So we could say that mechanical keyboards, as a general rule, are more expensive than membrane keyboards (although there are exceptions, as is the case in all areas). But once we have seen how they differ , one of the most direct explanations would say that in membrane keys the recording of the keystrokes is done through a common membrane, while in mechanical keys each key is independent and has a switch of its own.
In this sense, the membrane ones show wear over time that causes them to harden over the years, causing us to have to apply more pressure with the fingers for each key. In addition, some models only allow a specific number of simultaneous keystrokes, so if we need to use more than that number at the same time, some of them will not be registered. In their favor, as we say, they usually have the price factor .
Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, having each separate key independently with its own switch, do not suffer from the problem that we discussed of the limited number of simultaneous keystrokes nor its hardening over the years. But in return, they are usually more expensive than membrane ones . So which of the two types is better? Well, like everything else, it’s a matter of taste. Although as a general rule, mechanical keyboards are more common in gaming setups.
The great asset of mechanical keyboards: switches
We have already seen that in mechanical keyboards each key is independent and communicates with the device itself and with the PC separately. And that is precisely where the switches come into play ; those mechanical pieces (hence the name) that go up and down with each press of our fingers.
These are of many types, and that is one of the great assets that mechanical keyboards play with respect to membrane keyboards: that we can choose different types of switches according to our tastes or needs : louder, quieter, with a greater or lesser feedback on pressing … And here the brands usually bet either on the manufacturer CherryMX or on their own models.
CherryMX is one of the benchmarks in terms of mechanical keyboard switches worldwide. In their catalog they have a series of switches of different ranges for a multitude of keyboard manufacturers. That is why in many cases, when we are faced with the purchase of one of these devices, we come across the CherryMX. But, as we say, there are other brands of switches, which vary depending on each keyboard firm: Razer, Logitech, Outemu …
In general lines, and without extending too much, with respect to the CherryMX (the most common), we can differentiate five types that are categorized by colors : red, black, brown, blue and green. In addition to some ‘silent’ or ‘speed’ variants. For example, the MX blue stand out for a more pronounced sound, the MX red for being softer than the MX black and MX green, whose pulsation requires more force, etc. Detailed information on each of them can be found on the CherryMX website itself. And even hear how they sound.
Other aspects to consider: RGB, full keyboards, multimedia controls, wireless models …
These that we have seen are the most important aspects to take into account when evaluating the purchase of a gaming keyboard. So once we are clear that we want our model to be membrane or mechanical, with the advantages and disadvantages that this entails , many other details come into play that differentiate some keyboards from another. And although they are not as decisive as the previous ones, they can be of great importance depending on which users.
One of these aspects is the presence or absence of RGB lighting. Most of the keyboards with the name ‘gaming’ have lighting, either single color or RGB; Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest hallmarks of everything that bears the ‘gaming’ label: lights, lights and more lights.
So most of the models that we will find in the market will offer us colored lights and even the possibility of customizing them to our liking. And although a priori it may seem like an unnecessary addition, when there is little light around us, it is greatly appreciated not having to strain your eyes so much when writing .
On the other hand, there is the issue of complete keyboards or those in which the numerical section is not present in the right area. Here it is based on tastes or needs: if we do not have to write numbers assiduously, it will not be a bad idea to opt for one of the latter since we gain space for the mouse. But if not, perhaps the most recommended thing is that we have those additional numeric keys at hand that will facilitate the task .
We also find wired and wireless keyboards. Here the criteria to choose one or the other is the same: tastes and needs: it depends on whether we are going to use the keyboard near the computer or if the cable can be a hindrance, among many other possibilities. Although generally wireless models are more expensive to add this feature.
Finally, the most complete models usually have quick access controls to the typical multimedia controls of volume up and down, mute, stop music playback … Although they are still some major aspects, it never hurts count on them .
Gaming keyboards to consider in the middle of 2021
And now yes, once the characteristics that are present (or not) in most of the gaming keyboards that we find in the market are clear, let’s see a varied selection of them .
PICTEK Switch Blue
The first of the models on the list (26.99 euros) is this one from PICTEK. For just over 25 euros we can access one of the cheapest mechanical keyboards that also include RGB lighting. Specifically, it incorporates blue switches (which give the pulsations a very characteristic ‘click’ sound) and up to 27 backlight modes. It does not have a numeric keypad in the right area and is connected by cable.
Mars Gaming MKREVOPRO
For a little more we find this other Mars Gaming keyboard (37 euros). This model introduces the numeric keypad in the right area in a rather peculiar way, thus being smaller than most of those that have this section . Available in different variants depending on the type of switch, this one in particular uses the brown ones. Therefore it is mechanical, and of course incorporates RGB lighting. Connects via cable.
Chrome CLUSTER
We go to one of the keyboards known to be 60% (49.90 euros). This format supposes very contained dimensions, by combining many of the keys that we usually find separately. It is ideal for setups where space can be an issue . You can connect wirelessly and via cable. It is also mechanical and has RGB backlighting.
Logitech G413
Approaching 100 euros is this keyboard from Logitech (68.98 euros). It is one of the preferred options of Amazon buyers, and it is not for less; It is mechanical (with the firm’s own switches), made of aluminum, has a USB port into which to plug in any other peripheral or storage units and is wired. It is full-format, with a numerical section on the right and it lights up in red.
Corsair K63
With a wired connection and no separate numeric keypad, this Corsair keyboard ($ 89.99) is highly rated by users. It is mechanical and introduces the CherryMX network switches , as the whole set is red; it is backlit only in this color. One of its strengths is the large number of multimedia controls that it presents at the top: play, pause, volume …
Logitech G513
This Logitech model, the G513 (135 euros), is one of the most balanced in terms of value for money . Mechanical, with the brand’s own switches, it includes a padded wrist rest that can be put on and taken off as desired. It features fully customizable RGB backlighting via Logitech software and connects via a hardened cable.
Razer Huntsman Tournament Ed.
For practically 150 euros (149 euros) is this Razer gaming keyboard. Connects via a removable and removable USB Type-C cable for easy portability. In addition, it is not excessively large as it does not have an independent numerical section . And of course, it includes RGB backlighting.
Razer Blackwidow Elite
Nearing 200 euros (179.99 euros) and reaching the end of the list, we see a new mechanical model from Razer: the Blackwidow Elite. It is a full keyboard, with multimedia controls in the upper right area and has RGB backlighting. And it connects to the computer via cable.
Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED TKL
We put an end to this mechanical keyboard from Logitech (229 euros). It is one of the most premium models that we find, which is obviously reflected in its price: more than 200 euros . Although it is mechanical, it has a low profile, so that the keys are more similar to those we see on laptop keyboards than those on desktops. It is wireless, includes a multitude of independent controls and, how could it be otherwise, incorporates RGB backlighting.
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