Gamers take their craft seriously, and for good reason. Whether you’re competing professionally or just enjoying a casual game with friends, the right tools can make all the difference. Gaming keyboards are specialized keyboards designed to meet the needs of avid gamers. These keyboards offer a level of precision and responsiveness that traditional keyboards simply can’t match, allowing players to react quickly and accurately in the heat of battle.
But what about gaming keyboards with additional features? Are they worth the investment? Today, we’ll take a closer look at some of the unique features of gaming keyboards and help you decide whether they’re worth the extra cost. From customizable lighting to dedicated macro keys, there’s no shortage of options available to gamers looking to take their setup to the next level. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
What Are Additional Features in Gaming Keyboards?
One of the most popular features of gaming keyboards is programmable keys alongside mechanical switches. These keys enable gamers to customize their keyboard layout according to their preference. Allowing them to assign different functions to different keys and quickly access them during gameplay.
For example, you can set a specific key to perform a particular action or function, making it easier for you to execute it during the game. This feature can significantly improve your gaming performance, allowing you to act faster and more accurately.
Another feature that has gained popularity among gamers is RGB lighting. RGB lighting allows gamers to customize the lighting on their keyboards to match their personal style or to create a more immersive gaming experience. RGB lighting can highlight specific keys, create unique lighting effects, and even sync with other RGB-enabled gaming peripherals. This feature may not necessarily improve your gameplay, but it certainly adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of your gaming setup.
Multimedia keys and macro recording are also pretty slick features in many gaming keyboards. These keys allow gamers to control media playback and adjust the volume without switching to another application or window. Additionally, gamers can use the macro recording to record a series of actions and assign them to a single key, which can help execute complex activities quickly and easily during gameplay.
Backlit keys are another common feature found in gaming keyboards. These keys are illuminated and can be adjusted to different brightness levels. Backlit keys can be handy when gaming in low-light conditions or when you want to highlight specific keys. However, these are mostly compensated with RGB lighting instead nowadays.
Media controls, anti-ghosting, USB ports, and wrist rests are other additional features that can enhance gaming performance. Media controls allow gamers to control music or video playback without leaving the game. Anti-ghosting technology prevents key presses from being missed when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.
USB ports allow gamers to connect additional devices, such as a mouse or headset, directly to the keyboard. Wrist rests provide support and comfort during extended gaming sessions, reducing fatigue and improving overall performance.
Finally, many gaming keyboards come with a dedicated gaming mode. This mode disables specific keys, like the Windows key, to prevent accidental activation during gameplay. This feature helps ensure you stay fully immersed in the game and avoid interruptions.
Now that we’ve discussed all these features, here’s a quick recap of whether we think they’re worth it on a gaming keyboard:
| Feature | Worth It? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| RGB Lighting | Yes | RGB Lighting acts as a backlight to your keys and presents you with a wide variety of aesthetic options. |
| Backlight | No | >Most gaming keyboards come with RGB lighting as standard. So, a uni-colour backlight doesn’t make sense as a better option exists. |
| Macro Controls | Depends | Games like WoW and DotA 2 can really take advantage of Macros while others can’t. So, it varies on a case-by-case basis. |
| USB Ports | Depends | If you have a ton of peripherals, a USB port acts as an incognito extension hub. If not, you won’t have any use for it. |
| Media Controls | Yes | You’ll be able to adjust your volume in-game and will also be able to play, pause and skip music at a whim. |
| Wrist Rest | No | While apparently helpful in ergonomics, wrist rests tire your hands out quite quickly compared to you just having better posture. |
| Anti Ghosting | Yes | Anti-ghosting helps ensure that your keys are sent in order with no chance of overlap, quite useful! |
| N-Key Rollover | Depends | N-Key rollover is primarily a gimmick created by brands. This is because almost all games don’t require you to press more than 5-6 keys simultaneously. |
| Gaming Mode | Yes | A Gaming Mode helps ensure that you don’t accidentally tab out of your game or press the Windows button. Plus, it also allows you to have different binds depending on what game you are playing. |
Are the Additional Features Worth the Investment in Gaming Keyboards?
Yes, additional features are worth the investment in gaming keyboards as they help increase your performance and also add a layer of longevity to the keyboard. When considering the cost of a gaming keyboard with additional features, weighing the benefits against the price is crucial. On average, gaming keyboards with additional features can range from $50 to $200, with some models even costing more.
This is significantly more expensive than a standard keyboard which can cost as low as $10. However, the cost of a standard gaming keyboard typically falls within the range of $20 to $60.
There are several factors to consider when evaluating the benefits of a gaming keyboard with additional features. One of the main benefits is improved gaming performance. Gaming keyboards with additional features such as mechanical switches, anti-ghosting technology, and customizable macros can provide faster response times and more accurate keystrokes, which can be especially advantageous for competitive gaming.
In addition to improved performance, gaming keyboards with additional features can provide a better overall user experience. Features like backlit keys, wrist rests, and programmable keys can make gaming more comfortable and enjoyable. These features may not necessarily improve performance but can enhance the overall gaming experience.
Considering the cost and benefits can help determine if a gaming keyboard with additional features is worth the investment. If you’re a serious gamer who spends a significant amount of time playing games and desires improved performance, functionality, and greater longevity, the benefits of a gaming keyboard with additional features may outweigh the cost.
However, if you’re a casual gamer who only plays occasionally, the price of a gaming keyboard with additional features may not be justified, and a standard keyboard may suffice. In conclusion, a gaming keyboard with additional features can be worth the investment for serious gamers who want to improve their gaming performance and overall user experience.
