Ranking the best gaming keyboards for 2022

It is very difficult for the average user to understand why gamers give decent money for special gaming keyboards. At first glance, there seems to be no difference, except that the design of gaming devices is a little more aggressive. In fact, the differences between a simple and a gaming keyboard are significant.

Gaming keyboard - what is the difference from the usual

The main feature of gaming devices is the speed of response to commands and the smooth operation of the switches.

The second is programmable keys or their combinations. They are set and saved in the settings.This solution saves time and significantly increases the chances of winning.

The third is strength. Switches must withstand decent loads (even in the middle price segment, the switch resource is at least 30-50 million clicks).

The fourth is the backlight, and customizable. The user can set up individual zones or keys so that during the game there are no problems finding them. In conventional devices, the backlight usually performs only a decorative function and only slightly simplifies the workflow.

Fifth - dedicated keys for programming macros, for example. They are usually highlighted in a different color, and the manufacturer indicates their number in the specification.

The last one is the price. Gaming keyboards are more expensive than regular keyboards. The most simple Chinese-made model will cost, on average, 2.5-3 times more than a simple one - about 800-900 rubles (against 250 rubles for a regular one).

Mechanical or membrane

Comparing these 2 types is probably not entirely correct. Membrane keyboards do not have a mechanical switch as such. But there is an elastic membrane made of ordinary or electrically conductive. The latter is often used in household appliances. And if for such devices this option is quite justified (no one presses the on/off buttons of the washing machine 5 times per second), then keyboards based on conductive rubber are the most unreliable and quickly failing option.

Pros:

• compactness;
• simple design and moisture resistance;
• low noise level;
• low price.

Minuses:

• small resource - the membrane wears out quickly;
• no tactile feedback - the likelihood of accidental keystrokes is higher, although this problem has been solved on mid-range devices.

In mechanical devices, the switches are equipped with a stem (when pressed, the plastic button moves down and closes the contact) and springs, due to which the button returns to its original position.

Allegations of strength and a large resource are only partly true. In most cases, the lifespan of a keyboard depends on the type of switches.

• The leaders are German, Cherry brand, with gold-plated contacts that are not afraid of either coffee or water - they can be washed, dried and safely used further. In general, it is these switches that are a kind of standard. The line has several variations that differ from each other in the color of the stock.
• The second, excellent quality option is the Japanese TOPRE, which would be more correctly called hybrid. In addition to the steel spring, such switches are additionally equipped with a rubber gasket.
• KAILH - inexpensive clones of Cherry, originally from China. They differ in low smoothness, and the workmanship is lame. On the other hand, their price is an order of magnitude lower than the original.
• ZEALIO - for those who appreciate a bright tactile response, but who are not satisfied with the pressing force of the same Cherry. It turned out almost perfect, and even with gold-plated contacts.
• OUTEMU switches are the most budget option that inexpensive keyboards are equipped with. Their assembly is so-so, plus even models with the same stock color (even on the same keyboard) can vary greatly in pressing force and tactile sensations.

Pros of a mechanical keyboard:

• durability;
• convenience;
• a broken switch changes in a couple of seconds.

The only negative that can be noted as significant is the price.

If we talk about other differences, such as macro settings buttons, backlight, dimensions, and height and tilt adjustment functions, then everything is individual here. When choosing, it is worth reading reviews, you can look at the website of the manufacturer itself (descriptions in online stores often do not match real ones), and also monitor the price for the same model.

Ranking the best gaming keyboards for 2022

The best membrane keyboards

Bloody B314

From the game line of the same name by the Taiwanese company A-FOUR TECH CO., LTD. Wired, with backlight and 109 keys, and Light Strike technology using optical switches (in fact, this is a mechanical-membrane model). Almost lightning-fast response (0.2ms according to the manufacturer) and durability.

Peculiarities:

• key illumination;
• reduced switch travel time (30% faster than metal switches);
• 4 built-in LK switches;
• excellent software (you can download it on the official website of the manufacturer, and it’s completely free) with the ability to reprogram for yourself;
• moisture and dust protection for extended service life.

Plus - ergonomic design and good build quality. The device also has disadvantages. For example, the ergonomic design was clearly developed at the expense of compactness, and the transparent letters on the keys can only be seen with backlighting. In the rest - a good device for gamers for their money.

Price - 2690 rubles.

• non-slip feet;
• wrist rest (located on the left side, but you get used to it quickly);
• keys withstand up to 50 million keystrokes;
• cable braid;
• moisture protection of electronics - does not mean that you can constantly spill coffee on the keyboard with impunity, but the device will survive a small amount of water that accidentally gets into it;
• backlight - pulsating mode when turned on can be changed in the settings;
• moderately noisy.

• transparent letters (you can't see anything without the backlight on);
• unusual layout;
• collects dust like any other, but this particular one is problematic to clean;
• the "space" button, when pressed repeatedly, gives out the ringing of a spring.

Defender Werewolf GK-120DL

From an international manufacturing company headquartered in Estonia and China. Werewolf GK-120DL - membrane model with backlight and wired connection.

The build quality is not bad, but the plastic is cheap (though the price is appropriate). The compact, ergonomic and slightly aggressive design will definitely appeal to gamers. There are only 2 backlight modes (normal and flashing), the 3 mode declared by the manufacturer is just adjusting the brightness on the normal one.

The buttons move smoothly, but several users noted that when pressed at an angle, the “shift” sinks. The rest is a budget option with good quality.

Yes, by the way, some gamers in the reviews noted that the paint on the letters is quickly rubbed off. So, on the official website of the company, they responded to user complaints that models with untreated protective compounds were released for sale - they can be replaced for free. You just need to leave a request on the Defender website.

Price - 1100 rubles.

• good sound quality;
• quiet (according to the majority of users);
• functional-quality ratio;
• compactness.

• not for that kind of money.

Defender Chimera GK-280DL

Another model from Defender with 7 colors and 9 backlight modes (including infused, each of 6 zones and sound active), metal base and moisture resistant protection.

Peculiarities:

• tilt adjustment with built-in legs;
• simultaneous recognition of 19 keys;
• blocking Windows system buttons;
• switching the cursor keys to WASD (used in games to control the movement of the character - right-left, forward-backward, up-down).

Plus a good build, soft keys and cable braid. There are few minuses - the selected backlight settings fly off after the computer is turned off, and the space bar produces an unpleasant metallic sound when pressed frequently. Well, the rubber on the legs can draw on the table (but again, if the tabletop is not made of mahogany, such a trifle can be forgiven).

Price - 1300 rubles.

• quiet;
• cleans well;
• customizable backlight modes;
• suitable for games, and just for typing.

• unexpectedly bright blue cable on a black keyboard (this, of course, does not affect the functionality, but still);
• the font on some keys is poorly printed;
• over time, the noise increases (but such a feature is a common thing for membrane devices).

Logitech G G213 Prodigy

From a Swiss manufacturer of peripherals for gamers. Wired, with 5 lighting zones that can be configured independently of each other. High-quality assembly and ultra-fast response of the keys.

Peculiarities:

• comfortable wrist rest (wide curved panel along the entire length);
• two-level height and tilt adjustment of the keyboard;
• multimedia keys;
• adjustable backlight brightness;
• disable Windows buttons when working in game mode;
• cord braid;
• moisture protection (only from splashes, a spilled glass of water will not withstand).

As well as comfortable key height, smooth button travel and tangible feedback when pressed. Of the minuses - flying mode settings when turning off the PC and, oddly enough, inconsistency in the quality of the assembly. Some users complained that after a couple of months the keys start to sink. To the credit of the manufacturer, there is a 2-year warranty on the device, so there are usually no problems with the return and replacement of defective goods.

Price - 4900 rubles.

• ergonomic design;
• adjustable backlight;
• good plastic;
• standard layout;
• quick response of buttons;
• Moderately noisy, no metallic ringing.

• quality - how lucky;
• macros - only on the F keys.

The best mechanical keyboards

HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

Compact, with a solid steel frame that prevents the device from moving during the game, without a digital block, it is suitable not only for amateurs, but also for professional gamers.

Of the features - Cherry MX Red key switches (linear, with high smoothness, reduce the load on the fingers), a removable USB cable.

Functional:

• Game Mode;
• dynamic backlight;
• built-in feet with non-slip coating, plus folding supports for adjusting the keyboard in terms of tilt and height;
• backlight brightness and modes control - using the keys (arrows);
• laser engraving of letters on buttons;
• 100% Anti-Ghosting N-key Rollov for accurate recognition of multi-key rollover and auto-lock Win.

It works silently, the response is instant. Of the minuses - an incomprehensible (and not quite) pleasant sound of the space bar - but this, if you find fault.Otherwise, it is an excellent device both for players and just for typing.

Price - 7800 rubles

• metal frame;
• ergonomic shape of the keys (with a concave surface);
• braided cable;
• clear font;
• compactness;
• stylish design;
• durability - Cherry MX Red keys can withstand up to 50 million clicks;
• due to the smooth running, the hand gets tired less (actuating force is only 45 g).

• no RGB lighting;
• the price for all the advantages is still too high.

Bloody B975

With an aluminum alloy metal body, a nano-coated PCB and a wide wrist rest on the left side, which is typical of Bloody devices. Plus RGB lighting with 3 modes and 6 effects (just press Fn + F12 to change) and support for up to 16 million color options.
Thanks to the LK Libra technology using a transverse stabilizer, consistent keystrokes and instant response (0.2 s) are achieved, regardless of the style of play.
Of the minuses - software with bugs, paint peeling off the stand and a sonorous, rather loud sound of the keys. So it's better not to play at night.

Price - 5000 rubles

• ergonomic design;
• quality assembly;
• strong frame;
• instant response;
• setting the backlight with the keys;
• durability;
• moisture protection (a small amount of spilled water will withstand calmly).

• the stand dangles (you will either have to come up with something to fix it, or completely abandon the lining);
• loud sound during work (in itself it is not annoying, but it can interfere with homework).

Gembird KB-G530L

Wired, with non-removable USB cable and 104 keys. Feet for height adjustment.Sufficiently heavy (794 g) in order not to slide on the table during the game. The case is plastic, the Outemu switches are a Chinese clone of Cherry MX, not of the best quality, since even switches of the same color can differ in pressing force, sound, and even tactile sensations.

There is a backlight, but according to users, it is completely stupid. In the rest - good mechanics for little money.

Price - 1800 rubles

• good plastic (inexpensive, but does not give the impression of being fragile);
• fast response;
• tilt height adjustment;
• does not move around the table during the game;
• there is protection against phantom clicks (indicated on the manufacturer's website), but for some reason users did not note this feature in the reviews).

• not significant at this price.

Logitech G G915 TKL

Compact with a combined type of connection (Bluetooth / USB) and its own battery, designed for 40 hours of operation.

Peculiarities:

• without digital block;
• flat GL Clicky switches with a well-perceived tactile response to pressing;
• compartment for USB-cable on the base of the panel;
• ultra-thin body (reinforced body and aluminum alloy):
• intelligent RGB technology with per-key customization;
• volume control - built into the case with an aluminum wheel;
• multiple game modes.

Plus, an oleophobic coating on which there are practically no fingerprints and high wireless performance (users did not notice any differences from the wired one).
When buying, it is worth specifying the method of applying the font to the switches - on the keys with engraving, English and Russian letters are located almost right next to each other.It seems like a trifle, but it will not be very convenient to play or work on such a device.
It is also worth considering the fact that there is not a word about the moisture protection of this model on the site, so it is better to set aside a mug of coffee while playing or working.

Price - 17,000 rubles

• durable case;
• intelligent backlight technology;
• reliable wireless connection;
• low keys;
• ergonomic shape;
• convenient sound switch.

• overcharge.

So, in order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should study the reviews about the model on review sites or marketplaces in advance. In the latter case, it will be possible to find out the details about the seller (observance of delivery dates, for example), in addition, it often happens that the keyboard arrives at the buyer in a broken or bent form.
Another point concerns marriage. As it turned out, even Swiss manufacturers can forget to put a protective coating on the switches and put such a batch on sale. So you should find out about the return conditions and warranty periods (in case the device breaks down in a couple of weeks) in advance, on the official website of the manufacturer.