Gaming Keyboard Guide – 2020

The gaming culture has set new standards for the industry, and all mainstream and small manufacturers are engaged in creating the very best, most affordable, and aesthetically pleasing peripherals and components. Just like gaming-grade, high-performance graphics cards are the best on the market, keyboards and other peripherals have the same story. Around a decade ago, when someone needed to buy a keyboard, all he had to decide was whether to get a USB keyboard, a PS/2 keyboard, or a wireless keyboard. But these days, priorities have changed, and you now have a ton of brands, models, technologies, and aesthetics from which to choose. Should you buy a flashy keyboard that lights up the room with multiple colors? Or should you buy one that is accurate and responsive, or even one that keeps it quiet and low-profile? Let’s find out.

Mechanical vs. Membrane keyboards

When buying a keyboard in 2020, the very first feature you might want to consider is whether it is a mechanical or a membrane-based keyboard. Membrane keyboards are the most common type of keyboard on the market. They work by electrical contact between the keyboard surface and the

underlying circuits and have been in use since the 80s. They are a more affordable option, and most low-profile keyboards are based on this technology.

Mechanical keyboards have separate, high-quality, spring-activated key switches that are normally very responsive. They provide a premium experience, as they are clickier, bulkier, and also very user-friendly in many ways. Their switches come in different “colors” depicting their technologies, usage, and brands, and most of them are replaceable. Most high-end gaming keyboards use this technology, as they provide the precision a hardcore gamer needs. Needless to say, almost all of them are on the more premium side of the price spectrum as well.

So what keyboard should you buy to meet your needs, and which are the best ones you can buy right now?

1. Razer Huntsman Elite – Overall best

Razer Huntsman Elite simply offers the best keyboard experience you can get right now. This beast packs optomechanical switches that use optical sensors to register clicks, and it is one of the fastest keyboards in the world, as well. The key actuation is pretty fast, and what makes it even better is that it’s supported by one of the finest RGB systems on the planet and you get an amazing wrist-

rest with it. It is a bit pricey, but it’s absolutely worth it, with its amazing, customizable, tactile key switches.

2. Logitech G513 – Best for gamers who type a lot

Logitech G513 is an absolute treat if you tend to type a lot and are also a hardcore gamer. Romer-G Linear switches feel responsive and clicky, but they aren’t that resistant or loud—they strike a perfect balance. Logitech RGB makes it look and feel even more premium. Also, it comes with a wrist-rest, so you can type and game for hours without complaining.

3. Razer Cynosa V2 – Best budget gaming keyboard

Razer isn’t exactly the greatest-value manufacturer in the industry, but Razer Cynosa V2 can’t go under anyone’s radar when you’re talking about cheap keyboards. Even though it lacks mechanical key switches, Razer Cynosa V2 has got you covered on the most essential gaming features like programmability and media shortcuts. It also comes with gorgeous Razer RGB support and is worth every penny you spend on it.