Our recommendations for 2022 keyboards. Leave a comment

Earlier in the articles, we looked at mice, which represent a device for entering commands, controlling games, and navigating the system. This time we will look at a less critical input device, the keyboard. Your keyboard is the main link between you and your PC. In fact, this device is the most used of all computer components because you even touch it more than others. And therefore, the purchase of a good keyboard can have the most significant impact than updating other devices or even updating the processor. And choosing a keyboard for a gamer is an even more critical aspect because such qualities as response speed and tactile sensations (which due to muscle memory will have a significant impact on your gaming performance) are essential, as well as the comfort of use in general, for example in время высокой печати, as well as long gaming sessions. Pleasant design can also be a plus for aesthetes.

Whether you’re playing a shooter, exploring an open world, or just wanting to enjoy typing, it all depends on the keyboard, and in our list, you will find excellent options that suit various aspects.

But before moving on to the list itself, as in previous articles, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics. You should know and understand their importance in choosing a keyboard.

Mechanical or membrane? At the moment, most gamers will probably not even pay attention to membrane / other non-mechanical keyboards – and there are reasons for that. Only mechanical switches can offer the tactile feedback, consistency, and click precision most gamers require. At the same time, compared to mechanical switches, membrane switches do not provide such a range of pressure control and can sometimes seem “sticky”.

Backlight. Many gamers like the different ways of customization that most modern RGB devices provide. In the context of keyboards, it can be the widest, the ability to create custom programs that respond to clicks, constant lighting modes, animation modes, etc.. All this makes it possible to completely customize the device for yourself to be precisely suitable for your needs. But nevertheless, some have enough constant single-color backlighting or prefer not to have it. As a rule, most modern keyboards, even with RGB backlighting on board, allow you to turn it off or configure it to use one color in constant mode. The backlighting also differs by device. It can be presented as the backlighting of entire zones or the backlighting of individual keys, providing the most control for individual adjustment.

Full size, tenkeyless (no Numpad), or even smaller? Keyboards currently come in various variations of form factors, full-sized, which come with the entire set of keys, tenkeyless (hereinafter, for convenience, we will abbreviate them as TKL. They come without a number pad – Numpad), or 60% options, in which there are no separately rendered function keys (such as Pause, Delete, etc.), and access to them is carried out through the use of the Fn key in combinations with other keys, which are labeled with function keys. If you haven’t used the 60% options before, it can be very unusual at first, but they save a lot of space on the table and, if desired, can be used as a portable keyboard that can be carried and used with other devices.

Choice of switches. At the moment, a large number of different types of mechanical switches are used on the mechanical keyboard market, which differs in the pressing force required for activation, in the presence of a tactile click, which determines the type of “bounce” after the key is pressed all the way, and also in what type the switch itself belongs to – linear or non-linear. As a rule, switches have a certain standard tied to color and follow the general trend among different manufacturers.

1. Clicky tactile – Blue, Green, White.
2. Quiet tactile – Brown, Clear.
3. Linear (easy to press without any “click”) – Red, Silver.

In our article, we will build on these basic parameters while highlighting the main pros and the unique features of certain representatives of the list, which will allow you to make an overall impression and choose the most suitable option for yourself.

• HyperX Alloy Origins

Specifications
Switches: Hyper X(Red/Blue/Aqua).
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form factor: Full size.
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 44.25 x 13.5 x 3.63 cm.
Weight: 1075 grams.

Main advantages
Attractive compact design.
Great RGB lighting.
Three levels of height adjustment.

HyperX Alloy Origins is a surprisingly compact (being full size) and high-quality keyboard. It is incredibly comfortable, thanks to high-quality plastics and the rigid structure, which will allow you to enjoy it even during long sessions. It is produced in three versions depending on the type of switches of its production – Red, Blue, and Aqua (analogous to Cherry Brown – quiet tactile). Compactness is achieved through the use of a standard form factor without separate media keys, as well as separate keys for macros, all buttons for media control (volume, pause, etc.) are moved to F6-F12, and they are controlled by holding down the Fn key and the corresponding F key of the top row. It also allows you to adjust the height in three levels.

In addition, it has versions in other form factors: TKL – HyperX Alloy Origins Core, as well as a 60% version – HyperX Alloy Origins 60.

• Corsair K70 RGB MK.2

Specifications
Switches: Cherry MX(Speed/Red/Brown/Blue/Silent).
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form factor: Full size.
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 16.6 x 43.8 x 3.9 cm.
Weight: 1250 grams.

Main advantages
Cherry MX switches.
Gorgeous RGB lighting, fully customizable and in sync with other Corsair devices.
Possibility of individual key programming, 8 MB memory, and three profiles for saving settings.
Aluminum case.
Windows key lock mode.
Additional USB port.
Separate convenient media keys.
Removable wrist pad.

Perhaps one of the best keyboards in the high price range. It has a durable aluminum body that will last a very long life and will not flex even with hard keystrokes. The backlight allows you to customize both individual keys and zones and also has various built-in modes, and do not forget about the ability to synchronize with other Corsair devices. There are also convenient media keys and keys to disable the Windows key and context menu, which will avoid unpleasant accidental clicks in games. And an additional USB port allows you to connect to any other device without having to reach for an external port on your PC case. And don’t forget about the wrist pad, which will allow you to use it for a long time without tiring your hands. It is available in five different variations depending on the type of switches. It uses the most familiar to all Cherry MX – Speed ​​\u200b\u200bRed – linear with a quick response, Brown – tactile, Blue – clicky, Silent – silent and smooth. In addition, she has a “skeleton” body, i.e., the keys are raised above the main body instead of sinking into it, which makes it easy to keep the keyboard clean.

It also comes in a low-profile variant, where the keys have a low form factor. That is, they are lower in height than usual, and it also uses low-profile switch options – Cherry MX Low Profile Red and Cherry MX Low Profile Speed.

• Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro

Specifications
Switches: Razer(Green/Yellow).
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form factor: Full size.
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 45.1 x 25 x 4.3 cm.
Weight: 1423 grams.

Main advantages
Double cast caps.
Bright RGB illumination due to the transparent body of the switches.
Aluminum case.
Three types of connection (wired/wireless Razer HyperSpeed/Bluetooth).
Removable wrist pad.

Already a classic among gamers, the Razer BlackWidow, in its new variation V3 Pro, is a full-sized keyboard with low-latency wireless technology using Razer HyperSpeed ​​technology. A USB-C cable will allow you to quickly charge the keyboard if necessary. Double-cast caps deserve special attention, which allows the marking never to wear off, and thick and durable walls make it possible to withstand long and repeated use, which, together with a durable aluminum frame of the upper case, will give a very durable keyboard design as a whole, which will serve you for a long time without any irregularities in its geometry. Also unique is the multifunctional game wheel that can be configured in any way that suits you, for example, to adjust the brightness or volume, which, together with four additional buttons, will allow you to have a media control corner. Equally important for comfort is the pleasantly padded leatherette wrist rest that relieves pressure and allows for long gaming sessions without hand fatigue. Fans of customizable backlighting will not be left out either, Razer Chroma software allows you to customize the backlighting in the way that suits you best, and the ability to sync with other Razer devices will allow you to enjoy a common lighting ensemble of various devices.

• Corsair K100

Specifications
Switches: Corsair OPX/Cherry MX(Speed).
Backlighting: RGB individual keys, optional 44-zone 3-sided LightEdge RGB panel.
Form factor: Full size.
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 47 x 16.6 x 3.8 cm.
Weight: 1310 grams.

Main advantages
Opto-mechanical switches with a range of 1 mm.
Unique in its customization capabilities RGB backlight.
Soft wrist rest.
Caps are made of high-quality PBT plastic.
Highest keystroke polling and scanning rate.
Additional USB port.

One of the most expensive yet truly unique keyboards on our list. This is perhaps one of those keyboards with so many unique features that one of their descriptions could be taken out in a separate long article, but we will still briefly go through them. First and foremost, two of the most unique features are the Corsair OPX Opto-Mechanical Switches, which have an incredibly short actuation distance of 1mm, and high polling and scanning rates of 8000Hz and 4000Hz, which allows you to achieve one of the fastest input speeds. Which outperforms competitors by almost 8 times, reaching a minimum latency of 0.25 ms. Don’t forget about a truly unique backlighting system, which in addition to separate customizable backlighting for each key, as well as an additional 44-zone three-sided RGB panel, creates the most smooth transitions of light in various configurations that will not be highlighted by individual lights that will be striking, but make up a complete picture of the entire backlight. Also, a very surprising and convenient solution is a fully programmable wheel button, which by default allows you to switch between backlight and brightness modes, control media (switch between tracks, as well as rewind them), record macros, and also, in case of self-configuration, allows you to assign such functions like scrolling, switching between applications and even the ability to adjust the zoom in various applications (for example, photo editors like Photoshop’a). In addition to the programmable wheel button on this keyboard, there is a separate block of multimedia keys equipped with a wheel for adjusting the volume and buttons for switching tracks. And don’t forget about the nice bonus of a removable wrist pad made of soft, velvety memory foam and an additional USB port that allows you to connect any device or device directly through the keyboard.

• Razer Huntsman Mini

Specifications
Switches: Razer(Linear Optical Switch(Red)/Clicky Optical Switch(Purple)).
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form factor: 60%.
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 29.3 x 10.3 x 3.6 cm.
Weight: 523 grams.

Main advantages
Compact 60% form factor.
Double molded PBT caps.
N-Key rollover technology (NKRO) allows you to simultaneously press any number of keys.
Game Mode.
1000Hz polling rate with Ultrapolling technology.
Aluminum body surface.
Removable USB cable.

Razer Huntsman Mini can be called one of the best keyboards in 60% form factor. Compact and lightweight, it will fit into any workspace and will save you a lot of space. Also, incredibly light weight of only 523 grams will allow you to use it as a portable keyboard for various devices. And double molded PBT plastic caps with a superior textured finish that will never degrade to a slippery and shiny finish that will last you a long time. In addition, icons and indicators of individual keys are applied on their front, which, due to the form factor, are not available as separate keys (media keys, arrows, function buttons such as Pause, Delete, and others), which are accessed through the Fn + key combination. required key. Well, Razer did not deprive its fans of high-quality, fully customizable backlighting and the ability to synchronize with other Razer devices. A pleasant aluminum coating of the case will allow you to use the keyboard for a long time without any changes in the geometry of the case. Optical switches of Razer’s own production also deserve special attention. In this keyboard they come in two variations: linear – Linear Optical Switch (Red) and clicky – Linear Optical Switch (Purple). In the case of linear stroke before activation is 1 mm, and the pressing force is 40 grams, while the clickers have 1.5 mm, and the pressing force is 45 grams, but they present players with a precise and tactile click, which at the same time sound nice and quiet.

• SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

Specifications
Switches: OmniPoint Adjustable and Gateron Red.
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form factor: TKL.
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 35.5 x 14 x 4 cm.
Weight: 770 grams.

Main advantages
Keys are raised above the body.
Bright RGB backlight.
Aluminum case.
Additional USB port.
Adjustable actuation distance at the keys.
OLED display.

This keyboard can be called one of the most unique due to the unique OmniPoint Adjustable switches, which allow you to adjust the actuation distance from 0.4 mm to 3.6 mm individually for each key (except macro keys, Numpad and arrow keys, on they use Gateron Red switches). This is achieved through the use of an analog magnetic Hall effect sensor. If in conventional mechanical switches, when pressed, the registration of pressing occurs when two parts of pieces of metal come into contact, then in OmniPoint Adjustable switches, when we press a key, we lower the magnet down to the sensor. Thanks to the Hall effect or, in other words, magnetic fields, the controller can determine the distance between the sensor and a magnet, and thanks to this, it is possible to individually adjust the degree of pressing on each key at which it will work. In addition, such switches have more outstanding durability due to the fact that, due to the lack of direct contact, they are less susceptible to mechanical damage. Another amazing feature of this keyboard is the OLED display, which is used to display information when configuring the keys (in case this happens, not through the SteelSeries software). Displaying in-game information or any information from other applications can also be configured through the software display of static images and animated GIFs. And the keys are raised above the body and the pleasant dark aluminum body, together with bright backlighting, resulting in a pleasant and soft backlight that evenly spreads over the durable dark aluminum body. And the small size of the TKL form factor allows you to save space on your desk.

• Logitech G915 TKL

Specifications
Switches: Logitech GL (low-profile: Tactile/Clicky/Linear).
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form Factor: TKL
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 36.8 x 15 x 2.2 cm.
Weight: 810 grams.

Main advantages
Wireless connection using LightSpeed ​​technology.
Low profile keys.
Compact dimensions, including in terms of thickness.
Nice switches for typing and gaming.

In this keyboard, Logitech implemented one of the best low-profile switches of its own production – Logitech GL. This keyboard model comes in three variations of switches: Tactile (similar to Cherry MX Brown) – tactile, Clicky (identical to Cherry MX White) – clicky, and Linear (similar to Cherry MX Red) – linear. With the elevated design and low-profile keys, the gaming and typing experience is delightful experience and allows you to enjoy both aspects of using this keyboard. And Logitech LightSpeed ​​wireless connectivity with minimal latency allows you to enjoy using the keyboard not only when using a computer but also on any other device, both for typing and for games. Also, many will like the case in TKL form factor, which, together with low-profile keys, allows you to achieve incredibly small dimensions, especially in terms of thickness, which makes it possible to use such a keyboard as a portable one, because it also has a Bluetooth wireless connection, which will allow you to use it also with other portable devices without the need to carry a USB receiver.

• Leopold FC660M PD

Specifications
Switches: Cherry MX(Brown/Blue/Red/Black/Silent Red/Clear/Silver)
Backlight: None.
Form factor: 66%
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 32.5 x 10.9 x 3.3 cm.
Weight: 700 grams.

Main advantages
Incredible quality.
Original Cherry MX switches.
Classic design and strict design.
Sound absorbing underlay.
Caps are made of high-quality PBT plastic with double molding.
Compact size.

Leopold is a unique Korean manufacturer that gamers don’t hear much about, but it is very popular with mechanical keyboard aesthetes, as they make incredibly high-quality keyboards from premium materials that are adequately priced. This keyboard is no exception. . Caps made using double molding technology from PBT plastic will serve you for a long time, and a high-quality coating will allow the engraving of characters not to be erased. And the original Cherry MX switches in various variations, along with the sound-absorbing backing, will give you an incredible experience of pleasant and quiet typing. A strict and minimalist design without backlighting will appeal to those who do not like excessive pretentiousness and prefer external lighting on the table rather than built-in devices.

• Ducky ONE 2 Mini

Specifications
Switches: Cherry MX(Brown/Blue/Red/Black/Silent Red/Speed ​​Silver)
Backlight: RGB customized keys.
Form factor: 60%
Size (Width x Depth x Height): 30.2 x 10.8 x 4 cm.
Weight: 590 grams.

Main advantages
Incredible quality.
Original Cherry MX switches.
Very compact size.
Caps are made of high-quality PBT plastic with double molding.
Flexible configuration of function keys and macros.
N-Key rollover technology (NKRO) allows you to press any number of keys at the same time.

Ducky is another popular mechanical keyboard brand, but this time from Taiwan. Unlike Leopold, the keyboards of this brand are aimed more at gamers, but aesthetes often like mechanical keyboards, primarily because of the high quality and the use of original Cherry MX switches in their various variations. This model is distinguished by a very compact design, which lacks the Numpad, function keys, and arrows. The last two are rendered as an FN layer on the existing keys and are accessed through the Fn key combination. Special software Ducky Macro 2.0 allows you to create multimedia and functional macros and assign them to the desired keys without restrictions. And NKRO technology will allow you not to experience any restrictions in games and press any number of keys at the same time, whether it be MMORPG, MOBA, shooter, or any rhythm game. And DIP switches allow you to change the location of the FN key if the standard position does not suit you.

Summing up our list, we recall the main characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a keyboard:

1. Form Factor Estimate how much free space you need on your desk. Consider whether the keyboard has a wrist rest and whether it is removable, as it can take up to a quarter of the total size of the keyboard. Also, do not forget that if you have only used a full-size keyboard before, then using TKL at the beginning, and even more so a 65-60% keyboard, can be very unusual. Also, do not forget that Numpad, unlike function keys, is not available via Fn; therefore, if you often use it at work, you should still look closely at full-sized keyboards.
2. Switches. Decide what you will use the keyboard for gaming/typing or balance. If you are an avid gamer, you should turn to linear switches (for example, Red and similar), as they have the shortest actuation distance and do not have additional tactile characteristics and clicks, which will allow you to press the keys most quickly. If you want to use it mainly for typing text, then you should look at the clicky switches (Blue and White and their analogs). They have a tactile click, which is very pleasant when typing, and typing from a simple typing routine flows into an enjoyable pastime. If you are going to combine printing and games, then it makes sense to look at the tactile switches (Brown and Clear, as well as their analogs). They are also easy to press but have a tactile motion without a click because they will be pleasant to use in games and print.
3. Backlight. For the most part, backlighting is a matter of personal preference, but here are some tips to consider if you’re touch typing in the first place, if so, backlighting will have more of an aesthetic value for you as part of the keyboard design, which can be customized, if you need to see the keyboard when typing, then you need to understand whether you are using third-party lighting at the table (table lamp / bright lighting above the table), if you have such lighting, then the backlight will also lose its meaning , and sometimes it can be unnecessarily distracting or, on the contrary, conspicuous and annoying due to brighter colors, but if there is no external light source at or above the table, then you should look at the brightness of the backlight and the ability to adjust colors, as well as the case material, the dark matte body reflects light better and illuminates the keyboard as a whole, and the ability to set a constant soft light is much more pleasant at constant om use, rather than constantly changing colors that will catch your eye.

Knowing these three main points, you can choose the most convenient and enjoyable keyboard for you to use.