Computer games are pain and excitement, parental anxiety and an integral part of the life of gamers. The gaming industry keeps abreast of demand and regularly launches various gadgets on the market. The number of computer game fans in Russia exceeds 14 million people and is constantly increasing.
Keypad
The gaming device as an independent gadget for the player is of decisive importance.
The characteristics of the keypad provide a level of comfort and speed of play.
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 the possibilities of macros.
Specialists use, as a rule, 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 provide the desired response speed and quickly tires the hand. Ergonomics can't compete with the keypad.
Criterias of choice
Professionals recommend paying attention to models that have been tested by the market and from famous manufacturers.
Keys
Variations of key sets from 9-10 to 50 buttons. A well-deserved gamer will advise you to stop at the average size of a device with 20-25 keys. Abundance will distract attention, which will negatively affect the game.
Profile
When changing the game, it is not very convenient to rewrite macros every time. Remapping the keys is annoying and ruins the fun of the game. Automatic profile greatly simplifies the process of switching to another format.
Ergonomics
The duration of gamers' sessions is quite impressive. Hour-long battles make special demands on the comfort of the working hand. The more settings for the individual parameters of the 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;
- equipment with sticks with analog control;
- replacement panel.
Backlight
Every second player prefers night sessions. Unobtrusive, multi-colored backlighting is one of the necessary requirements for a keypad.
Layout
ANSI has two extended Shift bars, Enter has one extended Backspace.
In Russia, ISO can also be found, where Shift is short, in two “floors” Enter. You should stop the choice, focusing on the convenience of work.
It is important that the imprints 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 place.
Price
The mechanics are more expensive, but pleasant to work with and made of quality materials.
The price is significantly affected by the backlight and advanced equipment.
Material and Assembly
Since the gadget is subjected to many hours of and merciless use at keystrokes, it must have a reliable assembly and be made of durable, pleasant to the touch materials.
Errors when choosing
A potential buyer is at risk of extra costs for the functions of a peripheral device that are not in demand as a result.
The wireless type of keypads can be designated as a priority parameter.
It should be remembered that for additional convenience of the gamer, a trackpad can be built into the keyboard that controls the functioning of the mouse.
At the same level of convenience are the navigation buttons to simplify operation.
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 distinguished by high quality and beautiful design.
An analogue of a miniature keyboard, in which the keys act as analog mini-joysticks.
Razer Tartarus Black USB
Advantages:
- RGB backlight;
- fine tuning;
- Razer Optical Black switches without physical circuit, with optical actuation and light pressure;
- switches can be set up for 2 operations - a point from 1.5 mm to a certain action, and when focusing on another;
- volume control according to pressing;
- unique design;
- stand with adjustment for the hand;
- with scroll wheel and click;
- made of high quality materials;
- with an anatomical shape;
- can be used as a navigation center.
Flaws:
- when hammering macros into keys, it becomes necessary to memorize the assigned functions.
Jet. A PANTEON T7 Black USB
A wired gaming keyboard with 38 primary and 4 secondary buttons delivers decent performance.
Jet. A PANTEON T7 Black USB
Advantages:
- a pressing resource of 20,000,000 is guaranteed by OUTEMU Blue Switches;
- simultaneous pressing of several keys with no limit on the number of processing each action in a separate format due to Anti-Ghosting technology;
- double molding technology used in the manufacture of keycaps guarantees a clear readability 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, planners;
- the platform can be removed and moves with adjustment for both hands;
- cable length 170 cm;
- anti-slip protection with rubber feet under the case and stand.
Flaws:
Aula Excalibur
Combining a traditional QWERTY layout with programming shortcuts 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 mechanical key switches;
- detachable wrist rest.
Flaws:
- the size is larger than usual;
- some users note the volume when pressing the gadget keys.
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;
- switch variations Red, Brown, Blue, Cherry MX Black;
- the presence of gold illumination;
- easy transportation due to compactness.
Flaws:
Mechanical type models | | | | |
Model | Options | Combination | Joysticks | Type of action zone, 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 | without RGB | PC | - | cable 2 |
Membrane type
One of the most common types of keypads is membrane. The scissor view has a special plastic mechanism under the switch. The difference is lower keys and faster response.
Silicone membrane keypads can be rolled into a tube and poured with liquid, it is not dangerous for them.
Type benefits:
- ease of maintenance;
- quiet, inaudible operation, due to the silicone layer, shock-absorbing keystrokes;
- unpretentiousness.
Ritmix RKB 209 BL Gaming Black USB
Wired type USB keyboard has a sliding design.
Ritmix RKB 209 BL Gaming Black USB
Advantages:
- classic button layout;
- 5 keys control multimedia options;
- with multi-colored illumination;
- stylish design;
- democratic price.
Flaws:
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;
- fabric braid of a wire with a sticky basis;
- easy software setup;
- excellent ergonomics;
- pad with a rubberized base, with protection against slipping hands.
Flaws:
- short-lived sputtering of keys.
Belkin Nostromo n52te Black
Wired model with an anatomical layout of buttons is ideal for gamers novices and seasoned players.
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 down” under the fingers;
- excellent response speed;
- with a digital cross, functioning in 8 directions;
- with ultra functional controller;
- successful design;
- intuitive quick setup;
- brush rest with two levels of adjustment;
- with RAZER Synapse software;
- thoughtful ergonomics.
Flaws:
- 15 key involuntarily touches when working with a joystick.
HORI T.A.C. FOUR TYPE K2 Black USB
The game set consists of a keyboard and a mouse.
HORI T.A.C. FOUR TYPE K2 Black USB
Advantages:
- adjustable sensitivity as a guarantee of fast response;
- a separate key for quickly setting the resolution of the sensor on the mouse;
- the presence of a sniper button;
- with key walk precise movement;
- optimal location of the cross;
- optical sensor 3200 dpi;
- officially licensed by Sony, Scee;
- the design is made under the right hand;
- with scroll wheel;
- LED backlight.
Flaws:
- individual moments of programming complexity.
A4 Tech X7 G100 Black USB
A device with an extended line of functionality has a silent mode of operation.
A4 Tech X7 G100 Black USB
Advantages:
- the number of buttons 55 provides all game genres from multiplayer to MOBA;
- stylish design;
- good ergonomics;
- keyboard waterproof;
- acceptable price;
- comfortable to the touch keys;
- there are sound control buttons;
- the kit includes a case with 2 compartments for the mouse and keypad;
- anti-slip rubber feet;
- excellent build quality without squeaks and cod during operation;
- full size keys;
- with high reliability;
- lack of drivers, instant launch into the game.
Flaws:
Logitech G G13 Advanced Gameboard
This Swiss-made gaming keypad guarantees quality and durability.
Logitech G G13 Advanced Gameboard
Advantages:
- software disk included;
- high ergonomics;
- with a wrist rest;
- bending of the keyboard block;
- the presence of a joystick;
- adjustable backlight;
- with an auxiliary monochrome screen for 5 lines of graphic information or text;
- with soft keys;
- buttons with recesses are tactilely more convenient to grope;
- Ergonomics, ascetic at first glance, in comparison with Razer, in fact, turns out to be more convenient and comfortable;
- buttons have recesses;
- stability is provided by a metal overlay on the top edge and rubberized overlays;
- with programmable G buttons;
- it is possible to install three macros per button;
- the performance monitor displays the processor load and load by core, when the game “sags”, you can freely determine the cause;
- availability of software reinstallation from the manufacturer's website;
- a profile can have 70 command sequences.
Flaws:
- rubbing a rubberized palm rest;
- the joystick cannot be removed as in Razer and replaced with buttons.
Membrane models | | | | |
Model | Keys, pcs. | Cable, length, m | Dimensions, mm | Weight, grams |
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 shortcomings.
The class is characterized by an unusual design, RGB lighting and custom software. Gaming keyboards have additional features and differ in price.
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 an anatomical shape;
- the presence of a soft lining;
- large keys;
- clickable wheel;
- saves space;
- rainbow backlight;
- high speed of response of keys;
- management in the game with high quality and efficiency;
- availability of complex key macros;
- the presence of an eight-position joystick;
- with an insert for the wrist on two interchangeable position fixations;
- advanced functionality provided by Hypershift mode;
- RGB lighting shades with 16.8 million shades.
Flaws:
- users note the lack of demand for scrolling.
ASUS TUF GAMING K5 Black USB
The hybrid type design with 4 additional keys belongs to a famous brand.
ASUS TUF GAMING K5 Black USB
Advantages:
- the presence of a digital block;
- backlit;
- the possibility of zonal backlight adjustment;
- 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 levels of complexity;
- with a special insert for the wrist;
- structural strength;
- with Aura glow system;
- with simultaneous processing of 24 clicks.
Flaws:
Models of mechanical-membrane type | | | | |
Model | Keys, pcs. | Cable, length, m | Dimensions, mm | Weight, grams |
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
The game, if it has not developed into an addiction, is of great importance in the development of spatial thinking, motor skills, speed of reaction, and imagination. Keypads are also used by photographers, designers, and architects.
Only after getting acquainted in practice with the features of the gaming keyboard, we can talk about specific claims and expectations of the device.