Computer games are pain and excitement, anxiety of parents and an integral part of the life of gambling addicts. The gaming industry keeps its finger on the pulse of demand and regularly releases various gadgets on the market. The number of computer game fans in Russia exceeds 14 million and is constantly growing.
Keypad
The gaming device as an independent gadget for the player is of decisive importance.
The keypad features provide a level of comfort and play speed.
Keypad and gaming keyboard
In fact, these are equivalent concepts, only with different ergonomics.
Consumers:
- gamers;
- specialists working in special programs.
Comfort is the priority of choice, followed by macro capabilities.
As a rule, experts use both gadgets and a keyboard for work and a keypad for games.
When working and playing games on a laptop, a keypad is necessary, since the keyboard of a portable gadget does not give the required response speed and quickly tires the hand. The ergonomics cannot withstand the competition of the keypad.
Criterias of choice
Professionals recommend paying attention to models tested by the market and from renowned manufacturers.
Keys
Variations of key sets from 9-10 to 50 buttons. The honored gamer will advise you to stay at the average size of the device with 20-25 keys. Abundance will be distracting, which will negatively affect the game.
Profile
When changing games, it is not very convenient to rewrite macros every time. Reconfiguring the keys is annoying and ruins the fun of the game. The automatic profile greatly simplifies the process of switching to another format.
Ergonomics
The duration of the gamers' sessions is quite impressive. Many hours of battles make special demands on the comfort of the working hand. The more settings for the individual parameters of a person, the freer the player will feel for a long period of time.
Functional
Additional functionality is always a welcome bonus when choosing.
These items include:
- the presence of modular keys;
- equipping with sticks with analog control;
- replaceable panel.
Backlight
Every second player prefers night sessions. Unobtrusive, multi-colored backlighting is one of the essential requirements for a keypad.
Layout
ANSI has two lengthened Shift panels, Enter - one panel lengthened Backspase.
In Russia, you can also meet ISO, where Shift is short, in two "floors" Enter. The choice should be stopped, focusing on the convenience of work.
It is important that the prints on the buttons are clear and legible, preferably deeply embossed.
Interface
For remote work, the first place is the duration of independent battery life.The length of the wire, however, should always be taken into account, focusing on the organization of the playing area.
Price
The mechanics are more expensive, but pleasant to work with and made of high quality materials.
The price is noticeably influenced by the backlighting and advanced equipment.
Material and assembly
Since the gadget is subjected to many hours of merciless keystroke use, it must have a reliable assembly and be made of durable materials that are pleasant to the touch.
Selection errors
The potential buyer is at risk of unnecessary costs for the functions of the peripheral device that are not required as a result.
The priority parameter can be designated the wireless type of keypads.
It should be remembered that for additional convenience of the gamer, a trackpad may be built into the keyboard, which controls the operation of the mouse.
Navigation buttons are also at the same level of convenience to simplify work.
Rating of the best keypads
Mechanical type models
The mechanical class is distinguished by the principle of pressing and operating the keys. The main difference of this type: the presence of mechanisms under the buttons - switches, which have a large resource of clicks and a quick response to them. The main advantage of the mechanical type is speed, which is a very important indicator in the game.
Razer Tartarus Black USB
All Razer products are of high quality and beautiful design.
Analogue of a miniature keyboard, in which the keys function as analogue mini-joysticks.
Razer Tartarus Black USB
Advantages:
- RGB backlight;
- fine tuning;
- Razer Optical Black switches without physical circuit, with optical actuation and light pressing;
- switches can be adjusted for 2 operations - a point from 1.5 mm to a certain action, and when focusing on another;
- volume control in accordance with pressing;
- unique design;
- stand with adjustment for the hand;
- with scroll and click wheel;
- made of high quality materials;
- with anatomical shape;
- can be used as a navigation center.
Disadvantages:
- when hammering macros onto keys, it becomes necessary to learn the assigned functions.
Jet. A PANTEON T7 Black USB
A wired gaming keyboard with 38 primary and 4 secondary buttons provides decent performance.
Jet. A PANTEON T7 Black USB
Advantages:
- resource of pressing 20 000 000 guaranteed by OUTEMU Blue Switches;
- simultaneous pressing of several keys without limitation on the number with processing of each action in a separate format due to Anti-Ghosting technology;
- the double molding technology used in the manufacture of the keycaps guarantees a clear legibility of the character in a long service life;
- 10 backlight modes with adjustable brightness and tempo;
- simplified recording of individual macros;
- Recommended for use by designers, retouchers, photographers, designers;
- the platform can be removed and moves with adjustment for both hands;
- cable length 170 cm;
- anti-slip protection with rubber feet under the body and stand.
Disadvantages:
Aula excalibur
The combination of the traditional QWERTY layout with shortcut keys for programming and a function block is a "space option".
Aula excalibur
Advantages:
- LED backlight for 5 presets;
- original cosmo design;
- alternative to the standard keyboard;
- blue switches for mechanical keys;
- removable wrist rest.
Disadvantages:
- the size is larger than usual;
- individual users note the volume when pressing the keys of the gadget.
Koolerton Gaming Keypad
The simplicity and uncomplicated appearance of the device, coupled with mechanical keys, have their admirers.
Koolerton Gaming Keypad
Advantages:
- 43 keys;
- built-in memory allows you to store profiles;
- full programmability of keys;
- variations of switches Red, Brown, Blue, Cherry MX Black;
- the presence of gold backlight;
- easy transportation due to compactness.
Disadvantages:
Mechanical type models | | | | |
Model | Parameters | Combination | Joysticks | Ison type of action, meter |
Gamesir g4s | battery for 30 hours | PS3, Android, PC | mini / 2 pcs. | 8 |
Razer Tartarus Black USB | 15 keys | PC | eight-position stick, automatic profiles | cable 2.1 |
Jet. A PANTEON T7 Black USB | 38 keys | PC | - | cable 1.7 |
Aula excalibur | no RGB | PC | - | cable 2 |
Membrane type
One of the most common types of keypads is the membrane one. The scissor look has a special plastic mechanism under the switch. The difference is the lower keys and faster response.
Silicone membrane keypads can be rolled up into a tube and poured over with liquid, it is not dangerous for them.
Advantages of the type:
- ease of maintenance;
- quiet, inaudible operation, due to a silicone layer that absorbs keystrokes;
- unpretentiousness.
Ritmix RKB 209 BL Gaming Black USB
The USB wired type keyboard has a sliding design.
Ritmix RKB 209 BL Gaming Black USB
Advantages:
- classic button layout;
- 5 keys control multimedia options;
- with multi-colored backlight;
- stylish design;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
HAPPER Gaming GKB 95 Black USB
The budget-class keypad has an enviable build quality.
HAPPER Gaming GKB 95 Black USB
Advantages:
- the ability to customize the keys;
- with unobtrusive illumination of seven colors;
- is easy to program;
- cloth braid with a sticky base;
- easy customization by software;
- excellent ergonomics;
- pad with a rubberized base, with anti-slip hand.
Disadvantages:
- short-lived dusting of keys.
Belkin Nostromo n52te Black
The wired model with anatomical button layout is ideal for beginner and experienced gamers.
Belkin Nostromo n52te Black
Advantages:
- backlight;
- three configurations are available for customization;
- the convenience of the keys lies in the fact that you do not need to look at their location, they themselves "lie" under the fingers;
- excellent response speed;
- with digital crosspiece, functioning in 8 directions;
- with ultra functional controller;
- successful design;
- intuitive quick setup;
- brush stand with two levels of adjustment;
- with RAZER Synapse software;
- thoughtful ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
- 15 key involuntarily touches when using the joystick.
HORI T.A.C. FOUR TYPE K2 Black USB
The game kit consists of a keyboard and mouse.
HORI T.A.C. FOUR TYPE K2 Black USB
Advantages:
- adjustable sensitivity to guarantee fast response;
- separate key for quick adjustment of the sensor resolution on the mouse;
- the presence of a sniper button;
- with walking key for precise movement;
- optimal location of the cross;
- optical sensor 3200 dpi;
- Officially licensed by Sony, Scee;
- the design is made for the right hand;
- with scroll wheel;
- LED backlight.
Disadvantages:
- some moments of the complexity of programming.
A4 Tech X7 G100 Black USB
The device with an extended line of functionality has a silent mode of operation.
A4 Tech X7 G100 Black USB
Advantages:
- 55 buttons provide all genres of game from multiplayer to MOBA;
- stylish design;
- good ergonomics;
- waterproof keyboard;
- acceptable price;
- comfortable to the touch keys;
- there are sound control buttons;
- Includes case with 2 compartments for mouse and keypad;
- anti-slip rubber feet;
- excellent build quality without squeaks and crackles during operation;
- full-size keys;
- with high reliability;
- lack of drivers, instant launch into the game.
Disadvantages:
Logitech G G13 Advanced Gameboard
The Swiss made gaming keypad guarantees quality and durability.
Logitech G G13 Advanced Gameboard
Advantages:
- the set includes a software disc;
- high ergonomics;
- with wrist rest;
- bending of the keyboard unit;
- the presence of a joystick;
- adjustable backlight;
- with an auxiliary monochrome screen for 5 lines of graphic information or text;
- with soft key travel;
- buttons with grooves are tactilely more convenient to grope;
- seemingly ascetic ergonomics in comparison with Razer, in fact, turns out to be more convenient and comfortable;
- the buttons have recesses;
- stability is ensured by a metal pad on the top edge and rubberized pads;
- with programmable G buttons;
- it is possible to install three macros per button;
- the performance monitor displays the processor load and load by cores, when the game "sags", you can freely determine the reason;
- availability of software reinstallation from the manufacturer's website;
- a profile can have 70 command sequences.
Disadvantages:
- rubbing the rubberized palm rest;
- the joystick cannot be removed as in Razer and replaced with buttons.
Membrane type models | | | | |
Model | Keys, pcs. | Cable, length, m | Dimensions, mm | Weight, gram |
Ritmix RKB 209 BL Gaming Black USB | 35 | 1.5 | 170*30*220 | 322 |
HAPPER Gaming GKB 95 Black USB | 30 | - | 205*28*65 | 414 |
Logitech G G13 Advanced Gameboard | 31+8 | - | - | 520 |
Belkin Nostromo n52te Black | 15 | - | - | 250 |
Mechanical membrane models
The type of keypads has become a breakthrough in the gaming industry. He took the best of the two previous classes and eliminated a lot of flaws.
The class is characterized by an unusual design, RGB lighting and individual software. Gaming keyboards have additional features and come with a price tag.
Razer Tartarus V2 Black USB
The advanced novelty combines simplicity and functionality, dressed in enviable ergonomics.
Razer Tartarus V2 Black USB
Advantages:
- easily programmable buttons;
- hybrid model;
- with anatomical shape;
- the presence of a soft lining;
- large keys;
- clickable wheel;
- saves space;
- rainbow lighting;
- high speed of reaction of keys;
- control in the game with high quality and efficiency;
- availability of complex key macros;
- the presence of an eight-position joystick;
- with insert for wrist on two interchangeable position fixings;
- advanced functionality provided by the Hypershift mode;
- RGB backlighting with 16.8 million tones.
Disadvantages:
- users note that scrolling is not in demand.
ASUS TUF GAMING K5 Black USB
Hybrid type design with 4 additional keys belongs to a well-known brand.
ASUS TUF GAMING K5 Black USB
Advantages:
- the presence of a digital block;
- backlit;
- the ability to customize the lighting zone;
- with volume control;
- with key programming;
- Mech-Bran switch;
- quiet work;
- availability of synchronization with ASUS equipment;
- protected from moisture;
- with recording macros of various complexity levels;
- with a special insert for the wrist;
- structural strength;
- with the Aura glow system;
- with one-time processing of 24 clicks.
Disadvantages:
Mechanical-membrane type models | | | | |
Model | Keys, pcs. | Cable, length, m | Dimensions, mm | Weight, gram |
Razer Tartarus V2 Black USB | 25 | 2 | 203*153*60 | 348 |
ASUS TUF GAMING K5 Black USB | standard + 4 | 1.8 | 460*40*218 | 1050 |
Conclusion
Play, if it has not developed into an addiction, is of great importance in the development of spatial thinking, motor skills, speed of reaction, imagination. Keypads are also used by photographers, designers, and architects.
Only after getting familiar with the features of the gaming keyboard in practice, you can talk about the specific claims and expectations of the device.