Top 5 Best Gaming Keyboards Canada

Most Important Features the Best Gaming Keyboards

Compatibility – Despite the traditional split between mouse and keyboard vs gamepad, the latest consoles can support keyboards. Many players will buy a gaming keyboard which is also compatible with their PS4 or Xbox One, even if it’s just for typing. Fortunately, a USB connection is enough for this- but be wary that bundled software won’t always work on consoles.

Mechanical Keyboard – Most gaming keyboards are mechanical, because it’s such as worthwhile upgrade. Traditional keys press against a rubber dome, giving that springing feeling. Mechanical keys actually slot into a mechanism with a spring, giving a much more satisfying ‘click’. The feedback of these keyboards can improve reaction times and give a tactile response. This can reduce typing strain too, once you adapt.

Switch Type – Mechanical keys come in different varieties, some lounder than others, which may be a factor if you don’t game alone. There are three switch types- linear, tactile and ‘clicky’. The first is a straight, smooth downward press (and the quietest). The second has a slight bump as it goes down, while the third has a bump and definite clicking sound. This gives tactile feedback for each press, plus you can train yourself to only press the key to the clicking point- shaving precious moments off your time with each action.

Dynamic Backlighting – Some keyboards only have a single-colour backlight, while others show multiple colours, which you can match to your existing rig lights. The best gaming keyboards let you use software to customise the colours, picking any RGB combination. Even better, pick a keyboard where those WASD keys can be lit separately, so you can always pinpoint your presses.

Fully Programmable Keys – Advanced gaming keyboards allow for full key reassignment, meaning that every key on the board can be customised. This allows the number pad to perform media duties, or for the keys around WASD to be read as mouse clicks- anything you need to make new shortcuts and up your game.

Additional Gaming Keys – Some keyboards also provide extra keys, purely for gaming. These are typically situated in an easy-to-reach place and could be customised for key presses, or record macros. This allows one key press to be read by the computer as a series- for example opening an in-game menu, scrolling down three times and selecting the first item. All that in one press will make life easier.

Anti-Ghosting Keys – Ghosting is an issue with some keyboards, where multiple keypresses are not read properly. The keyboard fails to process several signals at once, so one or two get lost. This can lead to disaster in a game, so the best gaming keyboards have hardware measures to prevent it.

Dedicated Multimedia Controls – These simply allow you to open, play, skip and pause media with a button press. This is useful for any keyboard user, but gamers will get the most out of quick buttons for volume. Nobody wants to pause their game (or go AFK) to turn it up or down.

USB Port – Newer keyboards have their own USB ports. This very clever addition simply acts as a normal USB port on the machine, using the keyboard as a cable extender. This means that USB headsets and mice don’t have to reach your PC, just your keyboard. It’s also useful for charging your phone.

Audio-Out Connection – This is another useful addition for headset users. Having wires trailing around can be a pain when gaming, but if they just go to your desk instead of the back of your PC, they are less likely to get in the way.

Microphone-In Connection – If you do want to plug your non-USB headset or speakers straight into the keyboard, check that it also has a microphone port, or the convenience will be lost as you search for a mic port on the PC.

Wrist Rest – For gamers who play in long sessions, a wrist rest is pretty vital. Most advanced keyboards have one, even if it’s detachable. A rest will support your wrist and help to eliminate RSI, a serious health issue for gamers and typists.

Any Included Software – Sometimes the main difference between keyboards is the included software. Do some research to find out what it actually does. Most often, it’s used to set the programmable buttons or change the backlight. Some also lets you record macros. However, some brands produce cheap software that isn’t up to the standards of the hardware.