5 interesting gaming keyboards
Hello, Habre! Dasha Volkova from MTS Digital is in touch. The more comfortable the keyboard is, the more comfortable the gamer is. Today we will talk about keyboards – of course, gaming keyboards. For the article, I chose five different models that I liked. If you have your favorites, tell us about them in the comments.
Contents
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard is a good solution for both gamers and those who work a lot with text or code. Among its competitors, it is distinguished by its three-mode connection (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and USB-C) and autonomy of 1,500 hours.
Features:
-
Format: 96% (with digital unit).
-
Dimensions: 377 x 131 x 40 mm.
-
Weight: 1012
-
Connection: three modes (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C).
-
Battery life: up to 1500 hours (in 2.4 GHz mode without backlight).
-
Body material: aluminum top panel and plastic base.
-
Buttons: double PBT caps.
-
Switches: mechanical ROG NX Snow (linear) or Storm (tactile).
-
Switch support: yes (compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches).
-
Additional elements: a multi-function key and a roller for media and backlight control.
The keyboard format is 96%, with a full set of keys. At the same time, it takes up a little less space than standard full-size models. The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless has all the necessary keys, including a number pad. Modern manufacturers often “forget” to add it – either to a regular keyboard or to a laptop keyboard.
The device looks good. The aluminum top and PBT caps are reliable and pleasant to the touch. There are no backlashes or gaps in the assembly. By the way, in addition to the main set, you can purchase wrist rests – they are attached to the keyboard with magnets.
ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless weighs a little more than a kilogram – it is stable, and you can take it with you on the road. In the upper right corner of the keyboard there is a multifunction key and a rotary control. With its help, you can change the volume, control media and backlight.
The model comes with ROG NX Snow (linear) or Storm (tactile) mechanical switches. If anything, they can be changed on the fly.
The price of the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard varies by region and store. On average – around $200-$250.
Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series
Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is a gaming keyboard in TKL format (without numeric keypad), created for e-sportsmen and just gamers. One of the key features is the Tournament Switch. It allows you to quickly disable all macros and return the keyboard to factory settings. The polling frequency of the device is up to 8,000 Hz, so lags are minimal. The device comes with Cherry MX Red linear switches.
Features:
-
Switches: Cherry MX Red, Speed Silver MX, MX Silent Red (linear).
-
Key material: PBT double casting.
-
Backlight: RGB with customization of each key.
-
Polling frequency: 8000 Hz Hyperpolling.
-
Connection: USB Type-C.
-
Cable: 1.8 m, braided, detachable.
-
Weight: 930 g.
-
Features: Tournament Switch to disable macros.
Lighting is customizable: iCue allows you to add and change lighting effects for each key. The caps are made of high-quality PBT plastic, which makes them more durable and resistant to abrasion.
The keyboard is quite strong. The body is aluminum, and a specialized USB-C cable resistant to physical impact is used to connect to the PC. There is no digital unit, so it takes up less space on the table. At the same time, it does not sacrifice important functions for the gamer – separate media keys and customized macros – for compactness.
The cost of the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is close US$149.99.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
This model is the flagship leading gaming keyboard from Razer with “full meat” for gamers. In addition to the standard keys, it is equipped with eight dedicated macro keys and a tactile multifunctional Command Dial – its capabilities are configured in the Razer Synapse application. The keyboard also has bright RGB lighting both on each key and around the perimeter, including a wrist rest. Almost a Christmas tree, only the keyboard.
Features:
-
Format 100%.
-
Dimensions: 464 x 152 x 25 mm (excluding wrist rest).
-
Connection: wired (USB).
-
Lighting: RGB for each key and 18 programmable lighting zones.
-
Wrist rest: magnetic with 20 additional lighting zones.
-
Switches: mechanical Razer Green (clicky) or Razer Yellow (linear).
-
Macros: 8 dedicated macro keys (5 keys and 3 side buttons).
-
Additional features: Programmable Command Dial with up to 100 customizable modes.
-
Full support for N-key rollover, polling frequency up to 8000 Hz.
-
Additional features: USB passthrough.
The device takes up a lot of space on the desktop, especially if you use it with a soft wrist rest. The build materials are high-quality: the aluminum top panel and ABS caps ensure durability, and the artificial leather wrist rest makes work more comfortable.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro offers two switch options to choose from: Razer Green or linear Razer Yellow. Razer Green switches are famous for their tactile feedback, so if you like it, feel free to take it.
The device supports macros, including custom ones. You can change modes using the Command Dial. The software provides up to 100 possible settings, as well as up to five profiles that can be stored in the device’s memory. The model has a polling frequency of up to 8,000 Hz, so there are no lags in games.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro standing about 230 dollars.
Lemokey L3
Lemokey L3 is the first gaming keyboard from sister brand Keychron. Moreover, the first pancake was not a lump at all, the device turned out to be very good. There is a keyboard video on YouTube.
The size of the keyboard is 80% of the standard one. This model belongs to TKL, which means the presence of all buttons except the number pad. If you need it, it is better to choose the previous model. However, the L3 is larger than many other TKL keyboards. This is explained by the fact that it has an encoder and additional function buttons.
Features:
-
Format: TKL (no numeric pad) with an additional row of macro keys.
-
Dimensions: 401 x 137 x 43 mm.
-
Weight: 1976
-
Body material: CNC machined 6063 aluminum.
-
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C.
-
Battery life: up to 200 hours (in 2.4 GHz mode without backlight).
-
Switches: Gateron Jupiter Red (linear), Jupiter Brown and Jupiter Banana (tactile).
-
Hot swappable switches: Yes.
-
Key programming: QMK/VIA support.
The set includes low-profile Cherry keys made of double-molded PBT plastic. Lemokey L3 supports three connection options: wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C, with a polling frequency of 1000 Hz in 2.4 GHz mode and up to 200 hours of operation without backlight. Overall a great keyboard. Here is a detailed review.
Lemokey L3 stands about 214 dollars USA for the fully assembled version. And 194 – for the barebones option (without switches and caps).
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a gaming keyboard with the possibility of fine-tuning the keys. It is equipped with OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow you to adjust the sensitivity of each button in 0.1 mm increments. That is, you can jail the device for specific game tasks. This function is especially useful for dynamic games where speed and accuracy of clicks are important.
Features:
-
Switches: OmniPoint 2.0 with adjustable sensitivity (0.2-3.8 mm).
-
Cap material: PBT double casting.
-
Backlight: Personalized RGB for each button.
-
Polling frequency: 1000 Hz.
-
Connection: Wired USB-C.
-
Display: OLED screen for displaying settings and profiles.
-
Dimensions: 355 x 139 x 40 mm.
-
Weight: 747 g.
-
Features: the possibility of dual assignment of keys and customization of each of them through SteelSeries GG.
The keyboard has an OLED display. It’s small, but makes it easy to manage profiles and change settings on the fly without having to use PC software. Aluminum body, durable PBT keys. The kit includes a magnetic wrist rest that improves ergonomics during long-term use. There is no digital block here.
Price SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL around $149.99 USA for the wired version and up to 209.99 for the wireless version.
That’s all. If you have any interesting gaming keyboards in mind – write in the comments, expand the selection.