Reason for a gaming keyboard?

[JediSamReye]

Hello all! I have been a light PC gamer, I have been trying to stick with controller based games, I really like using the xbox one controller with my computer. Back when I was maining gaming on my laptop it was more of a must then a choice. But I recently started wanting to really use the mouse and keyboard more. I have the logitch G602 mouse and its perfect for breaking me into this world of higher quality inputs. However the trouble I am running into here is in the few games I have been playing COD and GTA V. I havent really seen a need to upgrade my keyboard. I am just using a basic HP wireless keyboard from an old computer I had, the extra buttons on the mouse made perfect sense to me, and have made the games much nicer to play. But considering my keyboard so far seems to be a WASD and shift key. 

 

Can you please help me and explain the best reason to upgrade the keyboard? Thank you so much 

 

ps, with wireless would be much better for me if possible. 

[rn8686]

I used to use a cheap dell wireless keyboard for years and I was fine, "Gaming" keyboards aren't necessary. That said, mech does feel much better to type with, I don't know if I could go back. Would be worth if you do much other work on there besides gaming. 

[JediSamReye]

Just now, rn8686 said:

I used to use a cheap dell wireless keyboard for years I was fine, "Gaming" keyboards aren't necessary. That said, mech does feel much better to type with, I don't know if I could go back. Would be worth if you do much other work on there besides gaming. 

I work from home, and I type constantly through the day. I have been using to a wireless Logitech for work, and that is a separate computer. Maybe I will eventually look at a mechanical for the work setup more lol 

[ARikozuM]

It has the word "gaming" on it making it inherently better in every way when gaming especially when coupled with RGB. 

 

Disregard the above [as "gaming" is a marketing term]...

 

If you play games that have complicated button arrangements, macros can make setting those closer much better. In the case of some KB's, you can actually set multiple sets of macros for any single game. For example, you're playing an RPG and will use a sword and shield. Set your weapon skills to one set for fast access after using 1-5. Then do the same on another set for magic or archery. I play a lot of strategy and RPG's and having those easily accessed keys near WASD makes things much easier rather than having to press "I" for inventory (seriously, couldn't make it Tab?) or, for AoE2, go to Town Center and make 5 villagers with only one button press.

 

The 2nd reason could be better switches. This is purely subjective and only you can determine which switch is right for you. Some like membrane and others use mechanical. For mechanical keys, some people like MX Blues and others Reds. I prefer Romer-G after using Blues, Reds, Browns, and membrane. You should walk into an electronics store and test out the keyboards as you like. I have a paragraph that I like to type out a few times to get a first impression of the switch and keycaps. 

 

Third reason from me would be elevating your game. If you've ever felt like a KB or component has held you back or that you've outgrown it, you need an upgrade to advance yourself. Having keys that take less force to actuate or that you can more accurately depress without bottoming out will make your follow-up strokes faster as you're wasting less time to do so. 

[Zodiark1593]

3 hours ago, JediSamReye said:

Hello all! I have been a light PC gamer, I have been trying to stick with controller based games, I really like using the xbox one controller with my computer. Back when I was maining gaming on my laptop it was more of a must then a choice. But I recently started wanting to really use the mouse and keyboard more. I have the logitch G602 mouse and its perfect for breaking me into this world of higher quality inputs. However the trouble I am running into here is in the few games I have been playing COD and GTA V. I havent really seen a need to upgrade my keyboard. I am just using a basic HP wireless keyboard from an old computer I had, the extra buttons on the mouse made perfect sense to me, and have made the games much nicer to play. But considering my keyboard so far seems to be a WASD and shift key. 

 

Can you please help me and explain the best reason to upgrade the keyboard? Thank you so much 

 

ps, with wireless would be much better for me if possible. 

For gaming alone, I would find it difficult to justify the expense of a mechanical keyboard. If you type a lot too however, That expense quickly becomes no brainer. Going back and forth between my G710+ to the mush boards at work, I am definitely grateful to have this thing for typing.

 

For gaming, I suppose if you really need Macros, or are playing e-sports titles, then maybe a mech keyboard can be justified.

[ShoshinUK]

I certainly felt an improvement in FPS when I went from membrane to mechanical keyboard - albeit a small one.

For me the switch action was much more definite, and gave me tactile and audible feedback. I am not so sure the switches actually work 'quicker' but feel they do. I use the cherry mx speed switches on a Corsair K65 Rapidfire board . 

The RGB is nice, as i have a very creative red/black build. But most importantly the key's illuminate, which does help me in certain situations as I game mostly at night with all other lights off.

The way I look at it is this, all these things give me a slight 'edge' and help me play better. The question is am I happy spending the money for it, personally I am as I love the performance tech side and am competitive. I am also not naturally very good so every little helps right?

 

 

[Bouzoo]

The queation that you should be asking if do I need a mech, not a gaming keyboard. You will find out that all best keyboards out there are not named as gaming keyboards.

The biggest pros would be:

1. Huge variety of switches which suit you as an individual, linear, tactile, clicky, loud, quiet, actuation force, etc. 

2. Much more durable than membrane, many even up to 50M clicks

3. If a switch breaks, you can swap only that switch, not the whole keyboard

4. You can customize many keyboards. Be it a DYI kit, mutliple switches, cases, artisan keycaps, keycap sets, etc. Don't like something on your keyboard? It might be possible to swap it. 

5. No ghosting and N key rollover

6. Closely to no. 1, many people do get better at typing in general when using a switch that suits them. Speed, precision, you name it. Gaming, not usually such an improvement. 

7. Some membranes can last a lifetime, but mechs do have better durability (better build quality), and lifetime in general.

8. Customizing different layouts and programming many of them how you need them. Nees multiple layouts? It's possible, as long as your keyboars supports it

9. Community. You have a problem? /r/MechanicalKeyboards has 200k members, a great community.

 

 

 

[Aleks NE]

15 hours ago, JediSamReye said:

Hello all! I have been a light PC gamer, I have been trying to stick with controller based games, I really like using the xbox one controller with my computer. Back when I was maining gaming on my laptop it was more of a must then a choice. But I recently started wanting to really use the mouse and keyboard more. I have the logitch G602 mouse and its perfect for breaking me into this world of higher quality inputs. However the trouble I am running into here is in the few games I have been playing COD and GTA V. I havent really seen a need to upgrade my keyboard. I am just using a basic HP wireless keyboard from an old computer I had, the extra buttons on the mouse made perfect sense to me, and have made the games much nicer to play. But considering my keyboard so far seems to be a WASD and shift key. 

 

Can you please help me and explain the best reason to upgrade the keyboard? Thank you so much 

 

ps, with wireless would be much better for me if possible. 

TBH the is no reason at all to upgrade the keyboard. The only upside of my gaming keyboard I've noticed is that typing is more comfortable and faster. 

[Asa]

Don't buy a gaming keyboard. They often cost ~3.5 times the price they should have.