Many keyboards labeled "Gaming" are sold. It's a keyboard that's good for gameplay, but many people don't know what's right for the game and how. In this article, we will introduce the unique features of gaming keyboards and how to choose them.
You need criteria to choose a product. Here, we will explain it separately into "feel", "function for the game", and "function other than the game". In the second half, let's look at the product based on that.
Touch Feeling of Gaming Keyboard
The feeling is the feeling of touch when the key is touched, and the weight of the key (the strength of the repulsion). Since the keyboard is a device that you touch for a long time, it is important that the feel suits your taste. Since everyone's taste is different, it cannot be said that this is good. If you can't imagine it, you may want to compare it at the store. If you touch the weight of the keys and the texture of the keycaps carefully, you will be able to tell the difference.
Key switches are often emphasized in keyboard specifications. Depending on the type of key switch, the pressing pressure (the force required to press the key), the feeling of clicking, the sound when pressed, etc. are different. The membrane method, the mechanical method, and the capacitive contactless method are typical methods, and there are many mechanical methods for gaming keyboards.
The mechanical system is characterized by a built-in mechanical switch in each key. There are many types depending on the structure of the switch, and one of the reasons for its popularity is that there are many choices. The Cherry-branded MX Key series is the most famous. The color of the parts used differs depending on the type, and "MX Red" using red parts is called "red axis", "MX Blue" is called "blue axis", etc. If the keyboard uses the same axis, the characteristics are similar, so it is easy to refer to it.
The shape and texture of the key top also affect the comfort of use. For this reason, many gaming keyboards come with replacement keycaps for keys that are often used in games.
Gaming Keyboard Features for Games
In competitive games, the difference of less than one second can make the difference between winning and losing. Therefore, being able to type accurately is the most basic of the basics for a gaming keyboard. Game features are divided into those that improve accuracy and those that aid in input.
N-key rollover
This is an indicator of how many keys can be recognized at the same time. For example, in the case of "6-key rollover", up to 6 combinations are recognized. "All key rollover" means that all keys can be entered at the same time. "N-key rollover" is often used as a name for a function on the premise of putting a number in "N", but it is sometimes used with the same meaning as "all-key rollover".
This feature is important because games often use simultaneous pressing, which is not used for text input. If N key rollover is not supported, simultaneous input of certain combinations may not be recognized. For example, in FPS games, simultaneous input is often used for operations such as switching weapons while moving or opening the menu screen. At this time, if any one of the keys does not respond, the gameplay will be hindered. With "all key rollovers", you don't have to worry about that.
Anti-ghosting
Ghosting is a phenomenon in which a key other than the one entered is mistakenly identified as having been entered. This may also occur when multiple keys are entered at the same time. If there is a notation such as "anti-ghosting 100%", there is no worry about mis-input by ghosting.
"N key rollover" is a measure against the phenomenon that input is not entered, but anti-ghosting is a function to prevent unintentional erroneous input. These features allow you to accurately reflect your keystrokes in the game.
Macro Keys
A macro is a function that allows simultaneous input of multiple keys or a series of inputs to be entered with a single key. Multiple inputs can be entered accurately and quickly. However, depending on the game title, it may be prohibited, so it is necessary to check before using it.
Gaming Keyboard Features for Non-Game
It doesn't directly affect the game, but it also has some useful features. These are not essential, but many models are adopted as one of added value.
Multimedia Keys
A dedicated key for controlling the volume, music software play/stop, song feeding, etc. It is convenient when you want to adjust the volume during the game. Many gaming keyboards are installed, but which functions are supported varies depending on the model.
Illumination function
Many gaming keyboards glow with LEDs. The PC environment can be lit up together with the decoration of the PC itself. Of course, it doesn't affect gameplay, but these LED illumination features permeate not only keyboards, but also PC cases, case fans, mice, and all sorts of other devices.
If you have equipment equipped with LEDs from the same manufacturer, you may be able to set a common light emission pattern with software, so if you want to produce a sense of unity, it is a good idea to consider.
USB Hub
In the gaming environment, there are devices that connect to a PC in addition to keyboards such as mice, headsets, and in the case of distribution, webcams. The USB hub function attached to the keyboard is convenient.
Even though it is called a hub, it is often not strictly a hub function. Since a slight delay occurs when passing through the control chip, the USB terminal provided by the keyboard and the USB terminal of the cable are directly connected to make it like an extension cable. These terminals are referred to as "pass-through terminals" and the like.