Want to buy the best Gaming Keyboard of 2024? Upgrade your Gaming Experience!

Mechanical switches are the individual keys on a mechanical keyboard that use physical switches to register keystrokes. Each key has its own switch, resulting in tactile feedback and a specific response when pressing a key. These switches are unlike the rubber dome technology often used in cheaper keyboards.

There are several types of mechanical switches available, each with unique properties that can affect the feel, sound, and speed of keystrokes. When choosing a switch, you should take into account your personal preferences, your typing usage (gaming, typing, programming, etc.) and your sensitivity to certain features. Here are some common types of mechanical switches:

1. Linear Switches: These switches have no tactile bump or click when pressed, and they offer a smooth and direct attack. They are popular among gamers for their fast and consistent keystrokes. Examples are Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Black.

2. Tactile Switches: Tactile switches have a tactile bump at the actuation point, indicating that the keystroke has been registered. This can help with accurate typing and reduce typos. Examples are Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Clear.

3. Clicky Switches: These switches provide both a tactile bump and an audible click sound when the key is pressed. They are loved by typists for their clear feedback. Examples are Cherry MX Blue and Razer Green.

4. Silent Switches: These are similar to linear or tactile switches, but with muted sound to reduce noise pollution. Examples are Cherry MX Silent Red and Cherry MX Silent Brown.

Choosing the best key layout for gaming depends on your personal preference and playing style. There are several keyboard layouts available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most common layouts are full-size, tenkeyless (TKL) and 60% keyboards. Here are the characteristics of each type:

1. Full-Size Keyboard:

   • This is the standard layout with a numeric keypad on the right.
   • Advantages: Useful for general computer use and if you often enter numbers. The number pad can also be useful for some games.
   • Cons: Takes up more desk space, which can leave less room for your mouse while gaming.

2. Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboard:

   • This keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, resulting in a more compact design.
   • Benefits: More room for your mouse, less strain on your arm, and a more portable design.
   • Cons: If you enter numbers often, you'll miss the numeric keypad.

3. 60% Keyboard:

   • This is the most compact type with only the essential keys.
   • Pros: Maximum desk space for your mouse, portability, and aesthetically pleasing for some.
   • Cons: The lack of many keys can be inconvenient for some games and tasks. For example, missing arrow keys and function keys.

Anti-ghosting and n-key rollover are terms related to a keyboard's ability to accurately register multiple simultaneous keystrokes. These features are especially important for gamers as they ensure that not a single keystroke is missed, even during intense gaming sessions.

Anti-Ghosting: Ghosting occurs when you press multiple keys at the same time and the keyboard is unable to correctly register all the keys pressed. This makes it appear as if some keys are not recognized, which can be problematic in games that require multiple key presses at the same time, such as moving and jumping simultaneously in a game.

Anti-ghosting is a technology that addresses this problem. An anti-ghosting keyboard is able to press multiple keys simultaneously and register them correctly, without the effect of ghosting. This allows gamers to perform complex combinations of keys without worrying about a keystroke not being detected.

N-Key Rollover (NKRO): N-Key Rollover (NKRO) is an advanced version of anti-ghosting. NKRO ensures that every individual keystroke is registered, regardless of the number of keys pressed simultaneously. This means that every keystroke is fully recorded, even if you press a large number of keys at the same time. With NKRO you can perform complex movements and combinations without having to worry about missing a keystroke.

Whether wireless or wired is better for gaming depends on several factors and personal preferences. Each has its own pros and cons:

Wired:

• Lower Latency: Wired keyboards generally have lower latency than wireless keyboards. This means that the reaction time between pressing a key and the action on the screen is usually faster.
• Stable Connection: Wired connections are generally more stable and less susceptible to interference. This is especially important for competitive games where every millisecond counts.
• No Batteries: Wired keyboards don't require batteries, which means you don't have to worry about charging or replacing batteries.

Wireless:

• Freedom of movement: Wireless keyboards offer more freedom of movement because you are not limited by a cable. This can be useful if you tend to move your keyboard often or if you want to play from a distance.
• Fewer Cables: Wireless keyboards avoid cluttered cables on your desk, which can give a neater look and improve organization.
• Portability: Wireless keyboards are generally more portable, making them useful for gaming on location or with friends.

A good gaming keyboard can significantly improve your entire gaming experience. If you use your laptop for gaming or work, a good laptop stand can upgrade your experience even more. This ensures that you always work or play in a good posture, so that you do not get neck or back problems. View R2B's full range of laptop stands here!