
The two smaller boards have removable cables. The full-size keyboard has an attached braided USB cable with three-way routing under the board (it also has a keycap puller stored on the bottom). The same goes for the keycaps there are four to choose from or you can get none at all. Or you can get just the board and put in your switch of choice. But you can also customize the keyboard with one of 13 other Gateron or Kailh switches or the company's Glorious Panda switches that are smooth but with a tactile bump you'll definitely feel. It comes standard with ABS doubleshot keycaps on top of Gateron Brown tactile switches, which work well for both gaming and typing. Available in full, tenkeyless and 60% sizes and in black on black or white on silver colors, the keyboard is modular, letting you hot-swap its key switches.
#Play independence pro with keyboard full#
Yes, there are less expensive options, but the design and features of the Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard, to give it its full name, are unbeatable at its $110 price. The GMMK is the best deal in gaming keyboards. But for sims and other games that don't require speed but do benefit from the programmability, either is a good choice. And I wouldn't use them for any game that requires quick response, since they require more actuation force than clickys. They're a little better than typical membrane switches, but after a while begin to feel a little mushy.

If you're picky about feel, you may not be crazy about them. And best of all, for the chronic spillers among us, they're IP32 water-resistant. SteelSeries' entry-level gaming keyboards, the Apex 3 ($50) and its tenkeyless little buddy ($45) trade membrane for mechanical switches, which may put some people off.īut in exchange it's quiet - more suitable for day-to-day work from home - and includes features you usually don't find in a budget keyboard, like cable management, six macro keys, 10 lighting zones and media controls. But a lot of people would still prefer not to drop $100 or thereabouts on a keyboard, especially if they're klutzy. So, are you ready to find the best keyboard for your gaming needs? Read on for a closer look at 10 great options.īucking the trend, keyboard prices have dropped since the last time we updated this story. You can check out this glossary of keyboard terms to help narrow your preferences. If you have a chance to test out different keyboards to determine your favorite switch type before you buy (such as Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red and others), I highly recommend it. Linear switches, like Cherry MX Reds, don't have the tactile feedback that a Cherry MX Blue has, but because of their low force and smooth actuation they're preferred for gaming, especially where multiple taps of the same key are necessary. For example, those same Cherry MX Red switches that are great for gaming might be too light for some typists. You might also find some keyboards great for gaming but not like them for day-to-day typing.
#Play independence pro with keyboard manual#
Long years of stiff-action piano keys and having learned on a manual typewriter have turned her into a pounder. Lori likes clicky and tactile because she likes to feel the actuation point and likes the mechanical sound for gaming, but uses a hybrid membrane-mechanical Razer Cynosa v2 at work for the click and the bounciness of its membrane. As for the two authors of this list, Josh likes tactile switches - ones where you can feel the actuation point - but doesn't like clicky key switches that make a sound. Just like picking out a new gaming mouse, getting the right gaming keyboard has a lot to do with personal preference (and budget). Read more: Best gaming keyboard under $100 in 2022 And if you don't know what a membrane keyboard is or the difference between an optical switch and a mechanical switch, the buying advice section at the bottom will help. But if you can spend more, you'll get features such as higher-quality switches and general construction, discrete media keys and controls, a wrist rest and more. That choice will be different for every style and level of gamer, but our picks include the best we've tested that are widely available.įor models that'll have a little less impact on your wallet, check out our best gaming keyboards under $100. With countless options available at a wide range of prices, finding the best gaming keyboard for your needs often comes down to personal preference and budget.
