As technology and the gaming industry have matured, various innovations and meta-changes to the perfect gaming setup have emerged. Whether its monstrous processing power made accessible via Intel’s i9 series or the incredible graphical capabilities of modern GPUs, PC Gaming has become home to endless possibilities for customization and optimality. Keyboards, while often at the very bottom of most people’s shopping lists, provide another avenue for optimizing your gaming experience.
While most avid gamers know mechanical keyboards, their low-profile variants elude recognition. However, as we shall see in this article, low-profile keyboards may offer some significant improvements to your gaming experience, especially if you’re competitive about that sort of thing!
Quick Facts
| Quick Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A low-profile keyboard is characterized by a shorter body, more compact keys with shorter actuation time, and a more portable profile. |
| Pros | Short keystroke length, similar feel to laptop keyboards, ergonomic design, portability, and affordability. |
| Examples of Pros | The keys don’t need to travel very far to be registered as a keystroke, making inputs faster. They are comfortable for laptop users, fit snugly on your desk which is beneficial for wrist health, and they are easily transportable. |
| Cons | The feel of a low-profile keyboard may not match up to traditional mechanical keyboards, size might be a disadvantage for people with larger hands, and there are keyboards with better performance specifications. |
| Examples of Cons | The tactile satisfaction may be less than heftier keyboards. The smaller keys might increase the likelihood of hitting multiple keys at once. For competitive gaming, higher-end models often outperform low-profile keyboards. |
| Verdict | Low-profile mechanical keyboards are excellent for long hours of typing, gaming, seeking portability, and an ergonomic design. They’re a solid option for those on a tighter budget. However, for high-level competitive gaming, users with larger hands, or users who value the tactile feedback of traditional keyboards, a low-profile keyboard may not be the optimal choice. |
What Are Low-Profile Keyboards?
Before we begin expounding upon the benefits and drawbacks of a low-profile keyboard, some explanation is warranted. As the name suggests, a low-profile keyboard is characterized by having a shorter body, more compact keys with shorter actuation time, and a more portable profile.
The lower profile even extends to the height of the keyboard, as these hug your desk far more snugly than their bulkier counterparts. Low-profile keyboards generally aim to provide the same utility as a larger keyboard but maintain portability and convenience.
The Pros and Cons of Using A Low-Profile Keyboard For Gaming
In this section of the article, we’ll answer the most important question of all: are low-profile keyboards good for gaming? We’ll review why a low-profile gaming keyboard may be a good option, but we’ll also cover reasons you may want to spend your money elsewhere. Let’s dive right in!
The Pros
- Short Keystroke Length: Low-profile keyboards have a very short keystroke length. This means the keys don’t need to travel very far to be registered as a keystroke. As a result, your inputs are registered with lower latency. This is particularly beneficial in gaming, as it can mean the difference between a kill or a death in a competitive environment. Additionally, using a mechanical keyboard can also offset the chance of a stray keystroke.
- Feel and Functionality: Low-profile keyboards have a similar feel to laptop keyboards, making them a comfortable transition for laptop users. If you use your PC for both gaming and work, a low-profile keyboard performs both functions well. These keyboards are generally more affordable than their traditional counterparts, making them a solid all-purpose option.
- Ergonomic Design: The design of low-profile keyboards is such that they fit snugly on your desk. This is beneficial for maintaining wrist health, especially for frequent users. Many professional gamers suffer from Carpal Tunnel syndrome, which can be mitigated with the use of a low-profile keyboard due to its more ergonomic design.
- Portability: One of the main advantages of low-profile keyboards is their portability. If you travel frequently and want a superior keyboard to your laptop’s, a low-profile keyboard is an excellent choice. Its small footprint and lightweight design make it easy to pack and carry, allowing you to game or work comfortably wherever you go.
The Cons
- Feel and Satisfaction: Low-profile mechanical keyboards provide a similar level of satisfaction as their larger counterparts, but some may argue that the heftier gaming keyboards just feel better. This is largely subjective, but it’s been noted that the feel of a low-profile keyboard, no matter how refined, doesn’t quite match up to its more substantial counterparts.
- Size Considerations: For those with larger hands or fingers, the size of a low-profile keyboard might be a disadvantage. Smaller keys can increase the likelihood of hitting multiple keys at once, often referred to as “fat-fingering.”
- Performance Specs: While low-profile keyboards have their merits, there are keyboards out there with better performance specifications. Whether it’s actuation time or responsiveness, higher-end models often outperform low-profile keyboards. Therefore, for someone looking to maximize their gaming setup for competitive purposes, a low-profile keyboard may not be the optimal choice. They might need to consider investing more in a keyboard with superior performance.
The Verdict: Should You Get A Low Profile Keyboard?
Yes, a low-profile mechanical keyboard is an excellent choice if your use case involves long hours of typing, gaming, or if you’re seeking portability and an ergonomic design that is easier on the wrists. This type of keyboard also offers a shorter keystroke length and generally lower latency, which can improve your overall typing or gaming experience. Furthermore, they’re a solid option if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a quality mechanical keyboard.
However, it’s a big no if your use case involves needing superior performance specifications for high-level competitive gaming or if you have larger hands and require a bigger keyboard to prevent accidental keystrokes. Additionally, if the tactile feedback and heft of traditional, larger mechanical keyboards are crucial to your typing or gaming experience, a low-profile mechanical keyboard may fall short.
Low Profile Keyboard FAQS
Is a low-profile keyboard good for gaming?
Yes, low-profile keyboards can be good for gaming. They have a shorter keystroke length, which can lead to faster inputs and lower latency, improving the gaming experience, especially in a competitive environment. They’re also more portable, making them great for traveling gamers. However, they might not offer the superior performance specs of some larger, traditional keyboards, which could be a consideration for high-level competitive gamers.
What are low-profile gaming keyboards?
Low-profile gaming keyboards are characterized by a more compact design with a shorter body and keys that have a shorter actuation time. They aim to provide the same functionality as larger keyboards while offering greater portability and convenience. They are often compared to laptop keyboards in terms of feel and functionality.
Are low-profile keyboards better?
Low-profile keyboards offer certain advantages like lower latency due to shorter keystrokes, a similar feel to laptop keyboards, an ergonomic design that’s easier on the wrists, and enhanced portability. They can be a great choice for laptop users transitioning to a desktop setup, frequent travelers, or those who value wrist comfort during prolonged use.
Is TenKeyLess (TKL) better for gaming?
TenKeyLess (TKL) keyboards, which lack the traditional number pad, can be beneficial for gaming. They offer more desk space for mouse movement, which is often needed in gaming scenarios, and can help maintain a more ergonomic positioning of your arms. However, if you frequently use the number pad in your gaming or work, a TKL keyboard might not be the best choice.
Do pros use low-profile keyboards?
Some professional gamers do use low-profile keyboards, particularly those who value portability, ergonomic design, and faster keystrokes due to the shorter actuation time. However, preferences can vary greatly among pros, with many still opting for traditional or specialized gaming keyboards with advanced features and performance specs.
Is a 60% keyboard better for gaming?
A 60% keyboard, which lacks a number pad, function row, and navigation cluster, can be good for gaming due to its compact size and greater desk space for mouse movement. It also promotes a more ergonomic posture. However, it may not be ideal if you frequently use keys that are omitted in this layout. The “better” choice will ultimately depend on your specific gaming needs and habits.
