The world of professional gaming is highly competitive, with gamers constantly seeking ways to gain an edge over their opponents. One crucial aspect of a gamer’s arsenal is their keyboard, as it can significantly impact their performance and overall gaming experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of gaming keyboards and explore what keyboards pro gamers use.
Understanding the Importance of a Good Gaming Keyboard
A good gaming keyboard can make all the difference in a gamer’s performance. Here are some key reasons why:
- Faster Actuation: Gaming keyboards often feature switches with faster actuation points, allowing for quicker and more precise keystrokes.
- Customizable: Many gaming keyboards offer customizable backlighting, macro keys, and other features that can enhance a gamer’s experience.
- Durability: Gaming keyboards are built to withstand heavy use, with durable switches and construction that can withstand millions of keystrokes.
Popular Keyboard Switches Among Pro Gamers
When it comes to gaming keyboards, the type of switch used can greatly impact a gamer’s performance. Here are some popular keyboard switches among pro gamers:
- Cherry MX Red: Known for their fast actuation and linear feel, Cherry MX Red switches are a popular choice among gamers.
- Cherry MX Black: Similar to Cherry MX Red switches, but with a slightly higher actuation force, making them suitable for gamers who prefer a more tactile feedback.
- Kailh Blue: Kailh Blue switches are known for their tactile bump and audible click, making them a popular choice among gamers who prefer a more responsive feedback.
Top Gaming Keyboards Used by Pro Gamers
Here are some of the top gaming keyboards used by pro gamers:
- Logitech G Pro X: A popular choice among professional gamers, the Logitech G Pro X features Romer-G switches and a compact tenkeyless design.
- Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2: A high-end gaming keyboard featuring Razer’s proprietary switches and customizable backlighting.
- SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL: A compact tenkeyless keyboard featuring SteelSeries’ proprietary switches and a sleek design.
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard
When shopping for a gaming keyboard, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key things to look for:
- Switch Type: As mentioned earlier, the type of switch used can greatly impact a gamer’s performance. Look for switches that offer fast actuation and a tactile feedback.
- Customizable: A customizable keyboard can enhance a gamer’s experience, with features such as macro keys and customizable backlighting.
- Durability: A gaming keyboard should be built to withstand heavy use, with durable switches and construction that can withstand millions of keystrokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the type of keyboard used by pro gamers can greatly impact their performance and overall gaming experience. By understanding the importance of a good gaming keyboard and what features to look for, gamers can make an informed decision when shopping for a new keyboard. Whether you’re a professional gamer or just starting out, a good gaming keyboard can make all the difference in your gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
In the world of professional gaming, every advantage counts. A good gaming keyboard can provide a competitive edge, with features such as fast actuation, customizable backlighting, and durable construction. By choosing the right keyboard, gamers can enhance their performance and take their gaming experience to the next level.
Recommendations for Different Gaming Styles
Different gaming styles require different types of keyboards. Here are some recommendations for different gaming styles:
- FPS Gamers: For FPS gamers, a keyboard with fast actuation and a tactile feedback is essential. Look for keyboards with Cherry MX Red or Kailh Blue switches.
- MOBA Gamers: For MOBA gamers, a keyboard with customizable macro keys and a compact tenkeyless design is ideal. Look for keyboards with Razer’s proprietary switches and a compact design.
- MMO Gamers: For MMO gamers, a keyboard with customizable backlighting and a durable construction is essential. Look for keyboards with SteelSeries’ proprietary switches and a sleek design.
By choosing the right keyboard for your gaming style, you can enhance your performance and take your gaming experience to the next level.
What features do pro gamers look for in a gaming keyboard?
Professional gamers require a keyboard that can keep up with their fast-paced and competitive gaming environment. When it comes to choosing a gaming keyboard, pro gamers look for features such as customizable backlighting, macro keys, and N-key rollover. Customizable backlighting allows them to personalize their keyboard’s appearance and create a unique gaming atmosphere. Macro keys enable them to assign complex commands to a single key, streamlining their gameplay and increasing their reaction time.
N-key rollover is another essential feature for pro gamers, as it ensures that each key press is registered accurately and simultaneously, even when multiple keys are pressed at the same time. This feature is particularly important for games that require rapid key presses, such as first-person shooters and fighting games. By having a keyboard with N-key rollover, pro gamers can focus on their gameplay without worrying about missed key presses or delayed inputs.
What type of switches do pro gamers prefer in their keyboards?
Professional gamers often prefer keyboards with mechanical switches, which offer a tactile and responsive typing experience. Within the realm of mechanical switches, pro gamers tend to favor switches with a short actuation distance and a light actuation force. This allows them to press keys quickly and accurately, without having to exert too much force or travel too far. Some popular switch types among pro gamers include Cherry MX Red, Kailh Blue, and Outemu Blue.
The choice of switch ultimately depends on personal preference, as some pro gamers may prefer a heavier or more tactile switch. However, the majority of pro gamers opt for switches with a light and linear feel, as these switches enable fast and precise key presses. By choosing a keyboard with the right switches, pro gamers can improve their reaction time and overall gaming performance.
Do pro gamers use wireless keyboards for gaming?
While wireless keyboards have improved significantly in recent years, many pro gamers still prefer wired keyboards for competitive gaming. The main reason for this is that wired keyboards offer a more stable and reliable connection, which is critical for fast-paced and competitive games. Wireless keyboards, on the other hand, can be prone to lag, interference, and disconnections, which can be disastrous in a competitive gaming environment.
That being said, some pro gamers do use wireless keyboards, particularly those with advanced wireless technologies such as Logitech’s Lightspeed or Razer’s Adaptive Frequency Technology. These technologies offer a fast and reliable connection, making them suitable for competitive gaming. However, even with these advanced technologies, many pro gamers still prefer the stability and reliability of a wired connection.
What is the ideal keyboard layout for pro gamers?
The ideal keyboard layout for pro gamers is often a matter of personal preference, as different layouts can suit different gaming styles and genres. However, the majority of pro gamers prefer a standard QWERTY layout, as this layout allows for easy access to common gaming keys such as WASD and the arrow keys. Some pro gamers also prefer a tenkeyless (TKL) layout, which eliminates the numpad and provides a more compact design.
TKL keyboards are popular among pro gamers who play games that require rapid movement and camera control, such as first-person shooters and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs). The compact design of TKL keyboards allows for easier movement and placement, making them ideal for gamers who need to quickly switch between different keyboard positions. Ultimately, the ideal keyboard layout for pro gamers depends on their individual gaming needs and preferences.
Do pro gamers use custom keycaps on their keyboards?
Many pro gamers use custom keycaps on their keyboards, as these keycaps can provide a unique and personalized typing experience. Custom keycaps can be designed with specific gaming genres or styles in mind, featuring unique shapes, sizes, and textures that enhance gameplay. For example, some pro gamers use keycaps with a contoured shape, which allows for easier access to common gaming keys.
Custom keycaps can also be designed with aesthetics in mind, featuring unique designs, colors, and patterns that reflect a gamer’s personality or brand. Some pro gamers even use custom keycaps as a way to showcase their sponsorships or affiliations, featuring logos or branding on their keycaps. Overall, custom keycaps offer a way for pro gamers to personalize their keyboards and enhance their gaming experience.
What is the average cost of a gaming keyboard used by pro gamers?
The average cost of a gaming keyboard used by pro gamers can vary widely, depending on the brand, model, and features. However, high-end gaming keyboards used by pro gamers can range in price from $100 to over $300. These keyboards often feature advanced technologies such as customizable backlighting, macro keys, and N-key rollover, which can drive up the cost.
Some pro gamers may also opt for custom or bespoke keyboards, which can cost even more. These keyboards are often designed and built from scratch, featuring unique designs, materials, and components that cater to a gamer’s specific needs and preferences. While the cost of a gaming keyboard can be significant, many pro gamers believe that the investment is worth it, as a high-quality keyboard can improve their gaming performance and overall experience.
Do pro gamers use keyboard accessories, such as wrist rests or keyboard trays?
Many pro gamers use keyboard accessories, such as wrist rests or keyboard trays, to enhance their gaming experience and improve their comfort. Wrist rests, for example, can provide support and cushioning for the wrists, reducing fatigue and strain during long gaming sessions. Keyboard trays, on the other hand, can provide a stable and adjustable platform for the keyboard, allowing gamers to position their keyboard at the optimal height and angle.
Some pro gamers also use keyboard accessories such as keyboard stands or risers, which can elevate the keyboard to a comfortable typing height and improve airflow around the keyboard. These accessories can be particularly useful for gamers who use mechanical keyboards, as they can help to reduce noise and improve overall typing comfort. By using keyboard accessories, pro gamers can create a more comfortable and ergonomic gaming environment that enhances their performance and overall experience.