Mechanical gaming keyboard: 10 reliable models

Mechanical keyboards
Mechanical gaming keyboard: keyboards for winners

Those who gamble a lot need a sturdy keyboard, because online battles are almost always high: Several hundred keystrokes per minute are not uncommon for professional gamers in games such as “Dota 2” or “League of Legends”. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right gaming keyboard.

There are two types of computer keyboards: membrane and mechanical keyboards. With membrane keyboards, manufacturers install small rubber switches under the individual buttons. After pressing the button, the membrane moves back to its original position. Because of their inexpensive manufacture, membrane keyboards are currently more common than mechanical keyboards.

In mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, small springs are used to bring the keys back to their original position. Compared to rubber switches, mechanical keyboards score with their longer service life. But they are usually chunkier and more expensive. In addition to gamers, people who type a lot at work rely on mechanical keyboards because the typing experience is more like that of a typewriter.

Mechanical gaming keyboard: What to consider before buying

The central and most important difference between the two types of mechanical keyboards are the switch types built into them. These are the types of switches on the mechanical keyboard, i.e. the spring and a connecting piece that holds the individual keys in place. Most manufacturers rely on switches from Cherry. The manufacturer offers four types at:

Still other manufacturers of mechanical gaming keyboards rely on their own switches.

1. Logitech G413

A popular representative of these loners is Logitech. The company developed the Romer-G-Switches especially for its mechanical gaming keyboards, which are also used in the Logitech G413 are used. Logitech promises its customers a quiet and fast response of the individual keys. The design of the G413 is rather simple for a gaming keyboard. Red LEDs illuminate the keyboard. A USB socket is located on the back of the keyboard. The manufacturer dispenses with additional switches. Nevertheless, it is possible to lock the Microsoft key or to regulate the volume via the keyboard. As with laptop keyboards, the Logitech G413 has an Fn button next to the AltGr key. If it is pressed, the volume can be regulated with the F keys above the row of numbers or the Windows key can be locked. This prevents you accidentally touching the Windows key and flying to the desktop during the gaming session.

2. Corsair K63

If you play and work at a particularly small desk, these are well worth a look Corsair K63. Corsair does without a numpad on the keyboard. Nice: On the upper side of the keyboard you will find various switches that regulate the volume on the computer, for example. There is also a kill button for the Windows key. The manufacturer relies on the MX Red switches from Cherry for the Corsair K63. The switches are particularly suitable for gamers because they trigger easily.

3. HP Pavilion Gaming 550

HP continues with its Pavilion Gaming 550 also on the red switches from Cherry. Otherwise, the manufacturer keeps it simple with its keyboard. HP does not use buttons that regulate the volume on the computer. Players also miss a kill button for the Windows key. You can still do both with the Fn and F key combination. To do this, click the Fn key next to AltGr and the corresponding F key. F12, for example, locks the Windows key and F2 and F3 regulate the volume. By the way: the keyboard is also available with other Cherry switches.

4. Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro

The Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro is unique in many ways: The most striking unique selling point are the flat buttons on Roccat’s in-house titanium switches. Players regulate the volume on the computer using a rotary knob at the top right. There is no num pad Roccat at TKL Pro. The manufacturer also sells the keyboard in a larger version with a numeric keypad.

5. HyperX alloy origins

Is the home office also the gaming altar? Then the one is suitable HyperX Alloy Origins for her. HyperX gives the keyboard the blue Cherry switches, which are especially popular with frequent writers. The LED lighting ensures the right gaming feeling. You can change them as required using the appropriate software. Connect the keyboard to your computer with a USB-C cable. Use the Fn key in conjunction with the F keys to regulate the volume on the computer or lock the Windows button.

6. MSI Vigor GK 50 Elite

Many gamers are familiar with MSI because the manufacturer is known for its graphics cards and mainboards. But he also manufactures keyboards. At his MSI Vigor GK 50 Elite the MSI does without switches from Cherry and instead relies on the Kahli Box White switches. Compared to the red Cherry switches, the Kahli Box White are flatter. This shortens the way of pressing a single button. According to the manufacturer, the switches react to an even lighter key press.

7. Corsair K60 RGB Pro

At the beginning of 2020, Cherry presented its new viola switches. According to the manufacturer The switches are aimed at price-conscious gamers who are looking for a mechanical keyboard. And that’s exactly what Corsair is betting on with his K60 RGB Pro. The manufacturer has given you a number pad, but it doesn’t use any other keys. You can still control the volume of the sound using the keyboard: There is an Fn key next to the right Alt key. Hold down the, for example, regulate the volume with the F7 and F8 keys.

8. HP Omen by Encoder Keyboard

Of the Omen by encoder HP donates red or brown cherry switches. You can regulate the volume using an Fn switch located to the right of the Alt key and the F keys. Red LEDs illuminate the keyboard. What is special is the WSAD buttons that stand out from the rest. Why are they different? With W, S, A and D, gamers mostly navigate their hero. If the hand slips while playing, it can effortlessly feel its way back to the important key pyramid without the player taking his eyes off the monitor.

9. Logitech Clicky GPro Mechanical

This small Logitech keyboard is suitable for gamers who often go to LAN parties. Thanks to the detachable USB-C cable that you use to connect the keyboard to the computer, the Clicky GPro better stowed away in the backpack. Logitech does not have a numeric keypad on the keyboard. Inside, the GX Blue Clicky Switches from Logitech are used. Their trademark: a particularly loud clacking sound. The manufacturer promises a familiar click feeling and delivers one on its website Audio sample of the switches equal to. Nice: A gaming mode key in the upper right corner blocks the Windows key.

10. Speedlink SL-670010-BK Orios RGB

the Speedlink SL-670010-BK Orios offers nine light modes. You can program individual keys individually using the software. Unfortunately, Speedlink does not use Cherry switches. Based on the popular MX Red, the manufacturer of Red Switches speaks.

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