Are gaming keyboards worth it?

[Stixx]

Hey guys i'm not sure if i should buy a "budget" gaming keyboard like the corsair k55 rgb or just use my money on something else.
I'm currently using a normal microsoft keyboard (not designed for gaming) so is there a big difference between a gaming keyboard and a normal keyboard?

[Omega]

Gaming keyboards are mainly for looks and to give you a slightly more pleasant gaming/typing experience. Some people like to use the extra features these keyboards offer such as macros or customizable lighting.

In my opinion the difference between a $10 and a $200 keyboard isn't noticeable, it's mainly looks.

[Kaihekoa]

Depends on the specific keyboard in question, your budget and your needs. Any mechanical keyboard will be better than a cheap membrane keyboard, some switches provide different benefits, some gaming keyboards have a higher polling rate which you may notice over a basic keyboard if you're into competitive games, some offer nifty features like macro keys or dedicated media keys, and some offer aesthetics that might appeal to you. But they all provide the same basic functionality, so it's up to you to determine if the upgrade cost is worth it.

Edit: Related video on keyboard lag for gamers:

https://youtu.be/eEswl6kZq5k

[Dr. Fronkensteen]

Aside from aesthetic, gaming keyboards will have anti ghosting, which i feel is necessary as a gamer.

I have been using the Steelseries Apex 100 for a couple years now. 30$ from Walmart. Aside from the crappy light, which you can turn off, it has decent looks. It is sort of a hybrid between mechanical and membrane, which gives a somewhat mechanical feel at a much lower price point, and it has got a solid, hefty feel too it.

[Kitsune]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M6CP1EQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Using this keyboard for 6 months love it. I paid 30 for it.

[PepuroniPeetsa]

Depends really. A gaming keyboard usually offers better looks, ergonomics, typing experience and an improved gaming experience (anti ghosting and rollover)

[yourking77]

No I had this old keyboard and the keys were like really thin and it was amazing, my new keyboard I got was a gaming keyboard and the only reason I got it was because it glows red like the rest of my build, needless to say I typed a lot better on the old cheap kb

[John Doe]

Personally, I'm more of a typing keyboard kind of guy. I have had some gaming keyboards with Cherry Blues / Greens, but I like my Topre the most. It's not the best keyboard for gaming, but it sure as hell is a great keyboard for typing. The CM Quickfire XT I had felt the best for spamming keys and stuff like that, but there are Cherry Speed switches for that now.

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

For the money of Corsair K55 RGB you can get Corsair K66, no lightshow but it's mechanical with CherryMX Red switches:

https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-K66-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B072LTTNVS/

[Revelene]

Gaming keyboards are more or less for looks.

However, there are exceptions. Many gaming keyboards come with feature sets that cater towards one that plays games. For example, reprogrammable keys, programmable dedicated sets of keys, macro support, N key roll over, etc.

The most important factor in a keyboard is the switch, IMO.

[[☥] - CJ -]

Mechanical keyboards generally do the job, for gaming or otherwise.
That corsair one is pretty much basic for a mechanical, mechanical and nothing extra

Unless you want color keys nothing more is really needed.

[Vince ✟]

i like low profile backlit chiclet keys. Razaer deathstriker or whatever its called is what Ive used for a while. I dont like clicks, so mechanicals are pointless for me.. esp considering I dont play games online like shooters

[mtono]

i would surely buy a mechanical keyboard, if i had the money. with keyboards it is the same as with mice: the more expensive, the better they are...mainly. imho.

[Revelene]

Originally posted by Vince:

i like low profile backlit chiclet keys. Razaer deathstriker or whatever its called is what Ive used for a while. I dont like clicks, so mechanicals are pointless for me.. esp considering I dont play games online like shooters

Well, you do know that you can get mechanical switches that have no click, right? Cherry MX Red switches are really popular for that reason. No tactile feedback or clicking.

[Arya]

Originally posted by professor pilz:

i would surely buy a mechanical keyboard, if i had the money. with keyboards it is the same as with mice: the more expensive, the better they are...mainly. imho.

Price has no direct relation to quality. Quality products are often expensive this is true, but it's not always true. RedDragon's K552 Kumara is one of the cheapest mechanical keyboards in the world, but it's a genuinely good gaming board. Ducky's Shine 6 is relatively cheap for an Enthusiast keyboard, but it's the best Typist/Enthusiast keyboard I've ever owned by a large margin.

[Arya]

Originally posted by Killua #99:

The paradox is the older the keyboard the better they get. 1994 mechanical feels so good to use

Ever tried an IBM? They feel glorious. And they're beautifully put together, with metal keycaps and a unique keyswitch. My university has a still-working '89 IBM on display, as inspiration for aspiring engineering students. As an example of something superbly designed.