How To Purchase A Gaming Keyboard In 2020

The MK730 keyboard allows you to enable gaming mode and disable the Windows key, but unfortunately, it lacks customization options for disabling different keys or adjusting the lighting like the miniStreak or BlackWidow TE. If you're a gamer, we recommend choosing the MK730 with Cherry MX Reds, and if you do a lot of typing, MX Browns are a good choice.

Competiton mode on the MK730 is Fnatic's version of gaming mode. It comes with the default setting of disabling the Windows key and making all lights yellow, but you can use the software to customize the lighting and disable other keys as well. If you're looking for media controls or if the Cooler Master MK730 is unavailable, consider getting the Fnatic miniStreak. Its software is user-friendly, allowing you to adjust basic features like backlight brightness and RGB animations without any hassle. Additionally, the MK730 includes red PBT WASD keys, arrow keys, and an Esc key, which are a nice addition.

If you share a workspace, spend a lot of time in voice chat, or stream on Twitch, it's best to avoid the noisy Blue switches. On the other hand, SteelSeries, a Danish gaming equipment manufacturer, introduced their exclusive QX1 switch in 2015 and their OmniPoint switch shortly after. The QX1 switch requires 45g of actuation force and provides 3mm of travel distance, while the OmniPoint switch offers adaptability for advanced gaming. You can find these switches in Razer's Ornata Chroma keyboard and higher-end models.

Although the G513 keyboard lacks the magnet feature found in the palm rests of the BlackWidow TE and MK730, it is still heavy enough to stay in place. The G513 also includes specially molded keycaps for QWERASD and 12345, but some users may find the shape uncomfortable. However, if the palm rest and additional keycaps are not important to you, the Logitech G512 is essentially the same as the G513. It comes with Razer's Synapse software, which is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Synapse is required for macros and lighting features. Fortunately, Synapse now offers an anonymous guest mode that works offline, finally eliminating the need for an account.

While the G513 keyboard has a similar structure to the TE model, the plastic case feels cheaper on the full-size version. The lighting and switch options remain the same. Some may find the extra macro keys unnecessary, but if you're a fan of them and prefer a full-size keyboard, the G513 is an excellent choice. It boasts the most comfortable palm rest among all the keyboards we tested, thanks to its large memory-foam pad that provides ample cushioning.