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We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.Customize Your Gaming Setup With the Best Key Switches for Gaming
Have you been thinking about customizing your gaming setup with key switches, but are lost when it comes to all the different kinds available on the market? Don’t worry, because this kind of confusion is common when looking for key switches — they come in so many different types that it can be tough to find the right ones for your needs. When it comes to key switches, there are tons of things to consider, such as size, color, and type. This can make things difficult for someone who has little to no experience with key switches, but it doesn’t have to be this way — with our list of the top key switches for gaming, you can feel more confident about the purchasing process and find key switches that complement your gaming style.Buying Guide: Key Switch for Gaming
When it comes to deciding which keyboard to purchase, there are many things you’ll need to consider. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing key switches for gaming in 2022:
Types of Key Switches
Linear switches
These are key switches for gaming that, when pressed, feel the same until you release them. There’s no sound when hitting the actuation point, and this soundproof property makes linear switches quite convenient to work with, not only for yourself but for others around you.
Tactile switches
Tactile key switches for gaming provide tangible feedback — when you press them, you’ll feel a bump that lets you know your keystroke has been successfully registered. This ensures that you won’t have to worry about a keystroke or two being left unregistered while rapidly typing or gaming.
Clicky switches
Clicky key switches for gaming make a distinctive noise when they hit their actuation point, hence their name. An advantage of these switches is that you don’t need to press the key all the way down to make sure it successfully registers, offering you faster, more efficient typing.
Cherry MX Switches
Cherry MX is by far the most popular mechanical keyboard switch manufacturer nowadays. Their products are classified into different colors, such as blue and red, with each color representing the different properties of their switches. This helps you choose which ones would complement your style since all of them are top-notch key switches for gaming.
How to Choose Key Switches for Gaming
There are many factors to consider before you purchase a gaming keyboard. While they can be pretty confusing, don’t worry — we’ve put together a short list to help you make a great decision.
Keyboard type
There are two main types of keyboards — mechanical and membrane. The fundamental difference between the two is that membrane keyboards don’t register every key if you press many keys at once, while mechanical keyboards do. If you’re a gamer, you should definitely opt for a mechanical keyboard.
Switch type
Key switches for gaming come in many colors, and different keyboards offer different switches. Although some switches can be customized on certain keyboards, you’ll have to look them up beforehand. Our advice would be to try out some switches and figure out which ones suit you, then get a keyboard that contains those switches, or customize your keyboard with those switches if possible.
Size
Mechanical keyboards come in various sizes. Some are classified as 110%, others are 60%, but for gaming, it’s a good idea to get a keyboard that falls in the 60% to 80% size range. While this is what’s generally recommended, feel free to deviate from it if something else catches your eye.
Wired or wireless
Both types of keyboards are ideal for gaming, so choosing between the two is really a matter of preference. If you’ve always been a wired keyboard user, you might want to take advantage of that and invest in wired key switches, as these are cheaper than wireless ones. Wireless key switches for gaming are always a good option, though, since they’ll provide you with more desk space and less cable management to worry about.
Top Key Switches for Gaming Worth Considering in 2022
Razer Huntsman Elite Key Keyboard – Best Overall
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First up on our list is the Razer Huntsman keyboard. This gaming keyboard uses optical switches to register key presses at the speed of light (that’s not an exaggeration), making them extremely responsive. This keyboard with key switches for gaming features backlit keys that support a spectrum of colors, providing gamers with a vivid, unique experience that can also help out in late-night or low-light gaming sessions.
This keyboard with key switches for gaming is made from aluminum to ensure a lightweight, sturdy build, and features a wrist wrest to keep you comfortable as you game or surf the web. What makes this keyboard stand out from the competition is the fact that it boasts twice the lifespan of other top keyboards, along with a two-year warranty. Thanks to its high-quality, state-of-the-art design, this keyboard with key switches for gaming ranks as the top choice on our list.
Pros
- Backlit keys for low-light use
- Ergonomic design offers a better gaming experience
- Two-year warranty included
Cons
- Requires two USB ports to power
Razer Tartarus Gaming Keypad – Most Compact
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Next on our list is the Razer Tartarus Keypad. This keypad with key switches for gaming features special switches that are designed to give tangible feedback when pressed. These key switches are highly ergonomic and provide a comfortable, smooth user experience thanks to their compactness. The keypad also features a thumbpad that can improve movement thanks to its integrated directional controls, helping you out as you game.
This keypad with key switches for gaming comes with fully programmable macros that can be completely remapped to let you easily perform complex key sequences. On top of being compatible with many popular titles, this keypad also has customizable backlit keys that offer convenient use in dark and low-light areas.
Pros
- High-quality compact design
- Customizable backlit keys
- Features a comfortable wrist rest
Cons
- Some keys can be hard to reach
Logitech Gaming Keyboard – Most Features
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Up next is the Logitech G815 Mechanical Keyboard which features clicky key switches for gaming. These switches provide users tactile feedback, which can make each key push just a bit more satisfying. This keyboard’s state-of-the-art lighting technology lets you use your keyboard in the dark, and its interactive software can generate cool RGB effects for a more immersive experience.
This keyboard with key switches for gaming also contains five keys that can be customized with macros and commands of your choosing. Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes it durable and light, and it comes with a plethora of quality-of-life features that help it outclass other top-notch products on the market.
Pros
- RGB lighting for convenient, immersive experience
- Extra features offer you more control
- Customizable G-key configuration
Cons
- Clicky switches make a lot of noise
RK ROYAL Mechanical Keyboard – Most Portable
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Next up is the RK Royal Kludge, a wireless keyboard with key switches for gaming. This keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android, and what makes it stand out is that it’s significantly more compact than similar keyboards, helping you save space on your desk. Not only that, but the keyboard features several backlight modes that can help make gaming at night even more fun.
This keyboard with key switches for gaming features an ergonomic design that can help relieve hand strain, which is important if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer, either gaming or working. You can connect up to three different devices to this keyboard when it’s in Bluetooth mode, and in addition to having smooth and response key switches for gaming, you can even swap these out for your own custom switches.
Pros
- Compact, wireless design
- RGB backlighting for late-night use
- Swappable switches for keyboard customization
Cons
- Battery will need to be recharged
CHONCHOW Gaming Keyboard – Most Compatible
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The CHONCHOW Mechanical Keyboard is compatible with a wide variety of devices and is backed by a high level of durability. On top of having extremely responsive switches that produce satisfying clicks, this keyboard with key switches for gaming packs all this together in a compact design, letting you save desk space for other important items.
Not only are you able to connect this keyboard with key switches for gaming to your PC or laptop, but it’s also compatible with various consoles, including the PS3, PS4, PS5, and Xbox consoles. With high-quality, fade-resistant keycaps, this keyboard can last you a long time, even after extended use on multiple devices and consoles.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design
- Compatible with many devices — computers and consoles
- Lifespan of 50 million keystrokes
Cons
- Blue switches produce a lot of noise
