Tech Guides

Choosing the right gaming keyboard can dramatically improve your gaming performance and overall experience. Whether you're a casual gamer enjoying weekend sessions or a competitive player striving for every advantage, your keyboard serves as the crucial interface between your intentions and in-game actions. This comprehensive guide helps UK gamers understand what separates exceptional gaming keyboards from ordinary ones, and how to select the perfect keyboard for your gaming setup.

What Makes a Gaming Keyboard Different from a Regular Keyboard?

The distinction between gaming keyboards and standard office keyboards goes far beyond flashy RGB lighting, though aesthetics certainly play a role. Understanding these fundamental differences helps justify the investment in a proper keyboard for gaming PC setups.

Response Time and Anti-Ghosting

Gaming keyboards feature significantly faster response times than generic keyboards. When you press a key during intense gameplay, every millisecond matters. Gaming keyboards typically offer 1ms response times, ensuring your commands register instantly without perceptible lag. This becomes crucial in fast-paced competitive games where split-second reactions determine victory or defeat.

Anti-ghosting technology allows gaming keyboards to register multiple simultaneous key presses accurately. Standard keyboards often struggle when you press three or more keys simultaneously, causing some inputs to fail or register incorrectly. Gaming keyboards support N-key rollover (NKRO), meaning they can detect every key press regardless of how many keys you press at once. This proves essential for complex gaming manoeuvres requiring multiple simultaneous inputs.

Build Quality and Durability

Gaming keyboards undergo rigorous use during extended gaming sessions, so manufacturers construct them to withstand millions of keystrokes. Quality gaming keyboards feature robust construction with reinforced frames, typically using aluminium or high-grade plastics. Keycaps use durable materials like double-shot PBT plastic that resists wear and shine, ensuring legends remain visible after years of intensive use.

Standard office keyboards prioritise cost efficiency over longevity, often using cheaper materials that wear quickly under heavy use. Gaming keyboards represent a long-term investment designed to endure countless hours of gameplay without degrading performance or appearance.

Customisation and Programmable Keys

Modern gaming keyboards offer extensive customisation options unavailable on generic keyboards. Dedicated software allows you to reprogram keys, create complex macros, adjust lighting effects, and save multiple profiles for different games. This flexibility lets you optimise your keyboard layout for each game you play, giving you personalised shortcuts and commands that enhance your gameplay efficiency.

Many gaming keyboards include additional macro keys positioned conveniently for quick access to frequently used commands or ability combinations. These programmable keys can execute complex sequences with a single press, providing competitive advantages in strategy games, MMORPGs, and other genres requiring numerous keyboard commands.

Mechanical Switches

The most significant difference between gaming keyboards and standard keyboards lies in the switch technology. Gaming keyboards predominantly use mechanical switches rather than the membrane switches found in typical office keyboards. This distinction affects typing feel, durability, response time, and overall gaming experience so profoundly that it deserves deeper exploration.

Understanding Mechanical Switch Keyboards

Mechanical switch keyboards have become the gold standard for serious gamers, and understanding why requires examining how these switches function and what benefits they provide.

How Mechanical Switches Work

Unlike membrane keyboards, where keys press down on a rubber dome to complete a circuit, mechanical switches contain individual spring-loaded mechanisms beneath each key. When you press a key, the switch registers the input at a specific actuation point before the key travels to the bottom. This design creates several important advantages for gaming.

The actuation point occurs partway through the keystroke, meaning you don't need to press keys fully down to register inputs. This reduces finger fatigue during extended gaming sessions and enables faster key presses since you can release and press again without completing the full travel distance. Experienced gamers develop the ability to actuate keys precisely at this point, maximising their input speed.

Types of Mechanical Switches

Mechanical switches come in several varieties, each offering distinct characteristics that suit different gaming preferences and play styles. Understanding these differences helps you select switches matching your gaming needs.

Linear Switches provide smooth, consistent keypresses from top to bottom without tactile bumps or audible clicks. Popular linear switches like Cherry MX Red and Speed Silver offer quiet operation and rapid actuation, making them ideal for fast-paced competitive gaming in first-person shooters, battle royale games, and fighting games. The smooth action allows for quick double-taps and rapid key presses without distraction.

Tactile Switches feature a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing physical feedback when the keypress registers. Cherry MX Brown switches exemplify this category, offering a middle ground between gaming performance and typing comfort. The tactile feedback helps prevent accidental key presses and provides satisfying confirmation of each input. Gamers who also use their keyboards for typing often prefer tactile switches for their versatility.

Clicky Switches combine tactile feedback with an audible click sound at actuation. Cherry MX Blue switches represent the classic clicky experience, delivering pronounced feedback that some gamers find satisfying. However, the noise level makes them less suitable for shared spaces or late-night gaming sessions. Clicky switches work well for games requiring deliberate key presses rather than rapid-fire inputs.

Speed Switches feature shortened actuation distances and travel, registering inputs faster than standard switches. These specialised gaming switches prioritise raw speed over typing comfort, appealing to competitive players seeking every possible advantage. The reduced travel distance allows for incredibly rapid successive key presses, though the sensitive actuation requires adjustment to avoid accidental inputs.

Benefits of Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming

Mechanical switch keyboards offer numerous advantages that justify their premium pricing for serious gamers. The tactile feedback and audible confirmation help you develop muscle memory faster, improving your reaction times and accuracy. The consistent actuation force across all keys ensures reliable performance regardless of which finger presses which key.

Durability represents another major advantage. Quality mechanical switches endure 50 to 100 million keystrokes before failing, compared to 5 to 10 million for membrane keyboards. This longevity means your gaming keyboard investment lasts for years of intensive daily use. When switches eventually wear out, many mechanical keyboards allow individual switch replacement rather than requiring complete keyboard replacement.

The gaming experience feels more responsive and satisfying on mechanical keyboards. The precise actuation, immediate feedback, and premium construction create a connection between player and game that membrane keyboards cannot replicate. Many gamers report improved performance after switching to mechanical keyboards, attributing gains to the superior responsiveness and consistency.

RGB Keyboards: Function Meets Style

RGB lighting has become synonymous with gaming peripherals, and RGB keyboards represent one of the most visually striking components of modern gaming setups. However, RGB illumination offers more than aesthetic appeal, providing practical benefits that enhance your gaming experience.

Customisable Lighting Effects

Modern RGB keyboards feature individually addressable LEDs beneath each key, allowing you to assign any colour to any key. This granular control enables creative lighting effects and functional configurations that improve gameplay. You can highlight important keys in specific colours, making frequently used abilities or commands instantly recognisable in your peripheral vision during intense gaming moments.

Popular lighting effects include reactive lighting that responds to your keypresses, wave patterns that ripple across the keyboard, and breathing effects that pulse gently. Advanced software allows you to synchronise keyboard lighting with other RGB peripherals, creating cohesive lighting themes across your entire gaming setup. Some keyboards even integrate with games, changing colours based on in-game events like health status, ammunition levels, or ability cooldowns.

Practical Benefits of RGB Lighting

Beyond visual appeal, RGB lighting serves practical purposes that justify its prominence in gaming keyboards. Customisable backlighting proves invaluable for gaming in low-light environments, ensuring you can see keys clearly without eye strain. You can adjust brightness levels to suit ambient lighting conditions, from subtle illumination for dark rooms to bright visibility in well-lit spaces.

Colour-coding keys by function helps you learn complex control schemes faster. Assign one colour to movement keys, another to abilities, and a third to communication commands. This visual organisation accelerates muscle memory development and reduces the cognitive load of remembering dozens of keybinds across multiple games. When switching between games with different control schemes, simply load the appropriate lighting profile to instantly see which keys perform which functions.

RGB lighting also serves as visual feedback for system status and notifications. Many keyboards can display alerts through lighting changes, such as flashing when you receive messages or changing colours when your PC enters recording mode. This ambient information keeps you informed without requiring you to look away from your game.

Choosing RGB Intensity

Not every gamer wants their keyboard to resemble a disco. Quality RGB keyboards offer complete control over lighting intensity and effects, from subtle single-colour backlighting to vibrant multicolour displays. You can disable RGB effects entirely if you prefer minimalist aesthetics, or create subdued lighting schemes that enhance visibility without distraction.

Consider your gaming environment when evaluating RGB features. If you stream or create content, RGB keyboards provide visual interest for your setup. If you share space with others or game late at night, choose keyboards with granular brightness control to avoid disturbing those around you.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Gaming Keyboard

Selecting the ideal keyboard for gaming PC setups requires evaluating several important features beyond switch type and RGB lighting. Understanding these characteristics helps you prioritise what matters most for your gaming style and budget.

Full-Size, Tenkeyless, or Compact Layouts

Gaming keyboards come in various sizes, each offering different advantages. Full-size keyboards include the complete number pad, function keys, and navigation cluster. This traditional layout suits gamers who use the number pad for MMORPGs or simulation games requiring numerous keybinds. The familiar arrangement requires no adjustment period if you're upgrading from a standard keyboard.

Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards omit the number pad, reducing overall width by approximately 10 centimetres. This compact footprint provides more mouse space, particularly valuable for low-sensitivity gamers who use large mouse movements. The ergonomic benefit of bringing your mouse closer to your body's centreline reduces shoulder strain during extended gaming sessions. TKL keyboards have become extremely popular among competitive FPS players for these practical advantages. Pair your keyboard with a quality gaming mouse and mouse pad to complete your competitive gaming setup.

Compact 60% and 65% keyboards eliminate the function row and navigation cluster as well, creating ultra-compact designs perfect for minimalist setups or LAN events. These tiny keyboards require learning new key combinations for missing functions, but their portability and desk space efficiency appeal to many gamers. Consider whether you regularly use keys found only on larger layouts before committing to compact designs.

Wired vs Wireless Gaming Keyboards

Wireless technology has improved dramatically, making wireless gaming keyboards viable options where they once suffered from latency issues. Modern wireless gaming keyboards using 2.4GHz connections offer response times indistinguishable from wired keyboards, typically maintaining the same 1ms polling rate. Battery life often exceeds 40 hours with RGB lighting active, and considerably longer with lighting disabled.

Wireless keyboards eliminate cable clutter and provide flexibility to adjust your keyboard position easily. They're excellent for living room gaming setups or situations where cable management proves challenging. However, wireless keyboards cost more than equivalent wired models, and you must manage charging to avoid mid-game battery depletion.

Wired keyboards offer absolute reliability without battery concerns and typically cost less than wireless alternatives. The permanently connected cable ensures consistent power and eliminates any possibility of wireless interference. For stationary desktop gaming setups, wired connections remain perfectly adequate and often represent better value.

Some premium keyboards offer dual-mode connectivity, supporting both wired and wireless operation. These versatile keyboards let you use wireless mode most of the time while maintaining the option to connect via cable when necessary.

Media Controls and Additional Features

Dedicated media controls enhance convenience during gaming and general use. Volume wheels or buttons let you adjust audio quickly without tabbing out of games or using awkward keyboard shortcuts. Play/pause controls prove useful for managing music during gaming sessions. These features might seem minor, but they improve daily usability significantly.

USB pass-through ports on your keyboard allow you to connect peripherals like gaming mice or USB headsets directly to your keyboard. This convenience reduces cable runs to your PC and keeps connections within easy reach. Some keyboards include multiple USB ports, essentially functioning as USB hubs alongside their primary keyboard function.

Detachable cables make keyboards easier to transport and allow cable replacement if damage occurs. Look for keyboards using standard connections like USB-C rather than proprietary connectors, ensuring you can easily find replacement cables if needed. Braided cable sleeving provides additional durability and premium aesthetics compared to standard rubber cables.

Wrist rests improve ergonomics during extended gaming sessions by supporting your wrists in a more natural position. Some keyboards include integrated or attachable wrist rests with memory foam or gel padding. Proper wrist support reduces strain and fatigue, particularly important for gamers spending many hours at their keyboards. Consider pairing your keyboard with an ergonomic gaming chair to create a comfortable gaming environment that supports proper posture during marathon gaming sessions.

Software and Customisation Options

Comprehensive software separates good gaming keyboards from exceptional ones. Quality keyboard software allows you to program macros, remap keys, create lighting effects, and save multiple profiles. The best software features intuitive interfaces that make customisation straightforward rather than frustrating.

Cloud sync functionality lets you access your keyboard profiles and settings from any PC, perfect for gamers who play on multiple computers or attend LAN events. On-board memory stores profiles directly on the keyboard itself, allowing your custom configurations to work even on computers without the manufacturer's software installed.

Look for keyboards from manufacturers with established software ecosystems that receive regular updates. Well-maintained software gains new features over time and maintains compatibility with new games and operating systems. Poor software can severely limit an otherwise excellent keyboard's potential.

Keycap Quality and Replacements

Keycaps significantly affect typing feel and durability. ABS plastic keycaps are common and affordable but develop an unpleasant shine with heavy use. PBT plastic keycaps resist wear better, maintaining their texture and appearance for years. Double-shot or dye-sublimated legends won't fade even after millions of keystrokes, whereas printed legends on cheap keycaps wear off relatively quickly.

Some gaming keyboards use standard keycap sizes compatible with aftermarket replacement sets. This compatibility lets you customise your keyboard's appearance or replace worn keycaps individually. Keyboards with non-standard layouts or proprietary keycap sizes limit your upgrade options, potentially becoming problems if specific keycaps wear out or break.

How to Choose the Right Gaming Keyboard for Your Needs

With hundreds of gaming keyboards available at various price points, selecting the right one requires matching features to your specific requirements and preferences.

Consider Your Primary Game Genres

Different game types benefit from different keyboard characteristics. First-person shooter and battle royale players prioritise speed and precision, making linear switches and tenkeyless layouts ideal choices. The reduced travel distance of speed switches helps competitive FPS players achieve faster reaction times, while TKL designs provide ample mouse space for low-sensitivity aim.

MMORPG and MOBA players need numerous keybinds readily accessible, making full-size keyboards with programmable macro keys valuable. Tactile switches help prevent accidental ability triggers during complex rotations. Consider keyboards with dedicated macro columns positioned for easy thumb or pinkie access.

Strategy and simulation gamers often require the number pad and extensive keybind options. Full-size keyboards serve these genres well, and tactile or clicky switches provide satisfying feedback during deliberate command inputs. Software with robust macro programming capabilities enhances your efficiency in games requiring numerous keyboard commands.

Fighting game enthusiasts benefit from keyboards with particularly rapid actuation, though many competitive fighting game players prefer arcade sticks or fight pads over keyboards. If you do play fighting games on keyboard, speed switches or linear switches with short actuation distances offer the fastest possible inputs.

Set a Realistic Budget

Gaming keyboards span an enormous price range from budget options under £50 to premium models exceeding £200. Understanding what features justify higher prices helps you budget appropriately.

Entry-level gaming keyboards (£40-70) typically offer basic mechanical switches, simple RGB lighting, and essential gaming features. These keyboards deliver substantial improvements over membrane keyboards without breaking the bank. They're excellent choices for gamers new to mechanical keyboards or those on tight budgets. Build quality and customisation options will be more limited than premium alternatives.

Mid-range gaming keyboards (£70-130) represent the sweet spot for most gamers, offering excellent switches, comprehensive RGB customisation, solid build quality, and feature-rich software. You'll find keyboards from reputable manufacturers with proven reliability in this price range. These keyboards include most features serious gamers need without paying premium prices for marginal improvements.

Premium gaming keyboards (£130-200+) feature exceptional build quality with aluminium frames, hot-swappable switches, advanced customisation, and premium materials throughout. You're paying for perfection in every detail, from keycap quality to software sophistication. These keyboards justify their cost for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the absolute best, but most gamers won't notice significant performance differences compared to quality mid-range options.

For UK customers building complete gaming setups, FixGenie offers curated collections of laptops and peripherals designed to work seamlessly together, helping you create cohesive gaming systems within your budget.

Test Before You Buy (When Possible)

Mechanical switch preferences are highly personal. What feels perfect to one gamer might feel wrong to another. If possible, test different switch types before committing to a keyboard purchase. Many electronics retailers maintain display models you can try, and gaming cafés or esports venues often feature various keyboards you can experience firsthand.

Pay attention to how switches feel during rapid gaming inputs, not just slow typing. Press keys repeatedly in quick succession to simulate gaming scenarios. Notice whether you bottom out keys or can actuate them partway through travel. Consider noise levels if you'll game in shared spaces or during hours when others sleep.

If testing isn't feasible, research thoroughly by reading reviews and watching video demonstrations. Many reviewers provide detailed sound tests and typing demonstrations that help you understand how keyboards perform in practice. Look for reviews from gamers who play similar genres to understand how keyboards perform in relevant scenarios.

Read Reviews from Real Users

Professional reviews provide valuable information, but user reviews from actual owners reveal long-term reliability and practical issues that might not emerge during short review periods. Look for patterns in user feedback rather than focusing on individual complaints. Consistent mentions of specific problems like chattering keys, software bugs, or build quality issues warrant serious consideration.

Pay attention to reviews from users in the UK specifically, as regional availability, pricing, and warranty support can vary by location. Check whether the manufacturer provides adequate UK customer support and whether replacement parts are readily available domestically.

Consider Future Upgradeability

Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to change mechanical switches without soldering, letting you experiment with different switch types or replace individual failed switches easily. This flexibility extends your keyboard's lifespan and lets you refine your preferences over time without buying entirely new keyboards.

Standard keycap compatibility enables affordable customisation with aftermarket keycap sets. This might seem like a minor consideration initially, but many keyboard enthusiasts enjoy personalising their setups, and compatible keycaps open numerous aesthetic options.

Gaming Keyboard Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance extends your gaming keyboard's lifespan and maintains optimal performance throughout years of intensive use.

Regular Cleaning

Keyboards accumulate dust, debris, and oils from your fingers over time, affecting appearance and potentially performance. Clean your keyboard regularly using compressed air to blow out debris from between keys. Remove keycaps periodically for deeper cleaning, wiping the keyboard surface and cleaning keycaps individually with mild soap and water.

Mechanical keyboards are generally easier to clean than membrane keyboards because you can remove keycaps to access the switches and plate beneath. Most keycaps pull straight up with moderate force, though keycap pullers make removal safer and easier. Take photos before removing all keycaps to remember proper placement.

Avoid eating or drinking directly over your keyboard to prevent spills and crumbs from entering the mechanism. Even minor liquid spills can damage electronic components, and sticky residues between keys can cause sticking or inconsistent actuation.

Software Updates

Manufacturers periodically release firmware and software updates that improve performance, add features, or fix bugs. Enable automatic updates if available, or check manually every few months. Updated software often improves compatibility with new games and operating systems, ensuring your keyboard continues working optimally.

Proper Storage and Transport

If you transport your keyboard to LAN events or between locations, use a protective case or bag to prevent damage during transit. Detachable cables reduce stress on connection points during transport. Avoid placing heavy items on top of your keyboard during storage, as excessive pressure can damage switches or keycaps.

Common Gaming Keyboard Questions

Do I Really Need a Gaming Keyboard?

If you primarily use your computer for gaming, a gaming keyboard provides genuine performance advantages over generic keyboards. The faster response times, anti-ghosting, and superior build quality directly impact your gaming experience. Casual gamers on tight budgets can certainly use standard keyboards, but anyone spending significant time gaming will appreciate the improvements quality gaming keyboards deliver.

The investment becomes more justified the more seriously you take gaming. Competitive players seeking every possible advantage definitely benefit from gaming keyboard features. Even casual gamers who play frequently will enjoy the enhanced durability, customisation, and satisfying feel of proper gaming keyboards.

Are Wireless Gaming Keyboards Good Enough for Competitive Gaming?

Modern wireless gaming keyboards using 2.4GHz connections offer performance indistinguishable from wired keyboards for the vast majority of gamers. Professional esports players use wireless gaming keyboards without performance concerns. The 1ms polling rate matches wired keyboards, and battery life allows for extended gaming sessions between charges.

The only remaining advantage of wired keyboards is absolute consistency without any possibility of wireless interference or battery depletion. For most gamers, these concerns are theoretical rather than practical. Choose based on your preference for cable management and desk aesthetics rather than worrying about performance differences.

How Long Do Gaming Keyboards Last?

Quality gaming keyboards with mechanical switches typically last five to ten years of regular use, often longer with proper care. The mechanical switches themselves endure 50 to 100 million keystrokes before failing, representing many years of intensive gaming. Other components like LEDs, cables, and electronic controllers generally prove similarly durable in quality keyboards.

Budget gaming keyboards might last only two to four years, particularly if build quality is compromised. The initial savings become false economy when keyboards require replacement after relatively short periods. Investing in quality keyboards from established manufacturers provides better long-term value despite higher upfront costs.

Can I Use a Gaming Keyboard for Regular Work and Typing?

Absolutely. Many people use gaming keyboards as their primary keyboards for all computing tasks. The superior typing experience, durable construction, and customisation options benefit productivity work as much as gaming. Tactile or clicky switches provide particularly satisfying typing experiences favoured by writers and programmers.

The main consideration is noise level. Clicky switches might disturb coworkers in shared office environments, though quieter linear or tactile switches cause minimal disturbance. Some gaming keyboards look understated enough for professional settings when RGB lighting is disabled or set to subtle single colours.

What About Keyboard Size for Small Desks?

Tenkeyless and compact keyboards are specifically designed for space-constrained setups. TKL keyboards reduce width significantly while maintaining all keys most users need regularly. Compact 60% keyboards take minimalism further, perfect for tiny desks or portable gaming setups.

Vertical keyboard stands allow you to store full-size keyboards upright when not in use, freeing desk space for other activities. Consider your actual keyboard usage patterns rather than defaulting to full-size layouts. Many gamers rarely use the number pad and would benefit from the extra mouse space TKL keyboards provide.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing your ideal gaming keyboard involves balancing performance requirements, budget constraints, and personal preferences. Prioritise features that matter most for your primary games and gaming style. Don't overspend on features you won't use, but equally don't compromise on essentials that directly affect your gaming experience.

Quality gaming keyboards represent long-term investments that enhance every gaming session for years. The improvements to responsiveness, comfort, and customisation justify the cost for anyone who games regularly. Start by identifying your must-have features, then explore options within your budget that meet those requirements. Browse FixGenie's curated gaming keyboards collection to discover options across all price ranges and feature sets.

Remember that switching to a proper gaming keyboard requires a brief adjustment period, particularly if you're moving from membrane to mechanical switches. Your muscle memory will adapt within days, and the performance benefits will become immediately apparent once you've acclimated to the new typing feel.

For UK gamers building complete gaming systems or upgrading existing setups, exploring comprehensive collections helps ensure all components work together harmoniously. FixGenie's computer cables and adapters collection provides everything you need to connect your gaming peripherals reliably, while our monitors collection helps you complete your gaming setup with displays that complement your new keyboard.

The right gaming keyboard transforms your entire gaming experience, making every input feel precise, responsive, and satisfying. Take time to research thoroughly, understand your priorities, and choose a keyboard that will serve you well through countless gaming adventures ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a gaming keyboard and a normal keyboard?

Gaming keyboards offer faster response times (typically 1ms), anti-ghosting technology with N-key rollover, mechanical switches for better tactile feedback, superior build quality rated for 50-100 million keystrokes, programmable keys and macro support, and customisable RGB lighting. Normal keyboards use cheaper membrane switches, lack anti-ghosting features, have slower response times, and are built primarily for basic typing rather than intensive gaming use.

Are mechanical switches worth it for gaming?

Yes, mechanical switches provide significant advantages for gaming including faster actuation, better tactile feedback, improved durability, and more consistent performance. They register key presses at specific actuation points before bottoming out, enabling faster inputs and reduced finger fatigue. Quality mechanical switches last 50-100 million keystrokes compared to 5-10 million for membrane switches, making them worthwhile investments for regular gamers.

Do RGB keyboards improve gaming performance?

RGB lighting doesn't directly improve gaming performance, but it provides practical benefits beyond aesthetics. Customisable backlighting helps you see keys in low-light conditions, colour-coding keys by function accelerates learning complex control schemes, and visual feedback can indicate system status. The performance benefits come from the quality gaming features that RGB keyboards typically include rather than the lighting itself.

Which mechanical switch is best for gaming?

Linear switches like Cherry MX Red or Speed Silver are generally best for fast-paced competitive gaming due to their smooth, rapid actuation without tactile bumps. Tactile switches like Cherry MX Brown offer versatile performance for both gaming and typing. The "best" switch depends on personal preference and game genre - try different switches if possible before committing.

Should I buy a full-size or tenkeyless gaming keyboard?

Choose full-size if you regularly use the number pad for MMORPGs, simulation games, or productivity work. Choose tenkeyless (TKL) if you play FPS games or need more mouse space, as removing the number pad provides approximately 10cm of additional desk space and brings your mouse closer to your body's centreline for better ergonomics.

Are wireless gaming keyboards as good as wired?

Modern wireless gaming keyboards using 2.4GHz connections offer performance identical to wired keyboards with 1ms polling rates and no perceptible latency. Battery life typically exceeds 40 hours with RGB active. Wireless keyboards cost more but eliminate cable clutter. Wired keyboards remain perfectly viable and often offer better value, with the choice depending on preference rather than performance concerns.

How much should I spend on a gaming keyboard?

Budget £40-70 for entry-level gaming keyboards with basic mechanical switches and features. Mid-range keyboards at £70-130 offer the best value with excellent switches, full RGB customisation, and solid build quality suitable for most gamers. Premium keyboards at £130-200+ provide exceptional build quality and features but offer diminishing returns for most users. Match your budget to your gaming frequency and performance requirements.

Can I replace keycaps on gaming keyboards?

Many gaming keyboards use standard keycap sizes compatible with aftermarket replacement sets, allowing you to customise appearance or replace worn keycaps. Some keyboards feature proprietary layouts or non-standard sizes that limit replacement options. Check keycap compatibility before purchasing if customisation or long-term replacement availability matters to you.

How do I clean my gaming keyboard properly?

Use compressed air to remove debris between keys regularly. For deeper cleaning, remove keycaps by pulling straight up (use a keycap puller for safety), then clean the keyboard plate and individual keycaps with mild soap and water. Avoid liquid spills by not eating or drinking over your keyboard. Clean every few months to maintain appearance and performance.

Do professional gamers use gaming keyboards?

Yes, virtually all professional esports players use dedicated gaming keyboards, typically mechanical keyboards with features optimised for their specific games. Many pros use tenkeyless layouts for FPS games to maximise mouse space, while MOBA and MMO players often prefer full-size keyboards with macro keys. Professional use validates the performance benefits quality gaming keyboards provide.