Ever since the era of arcades and vintage consoles, gaming has taken the world by storm. It has since evolved from Mario’s 8-bit legacy and now runs on a variety of platforms, catering to every aesthetic preference. At the forefront of the gaming industry is the PC sector, which is expected to bring in over $33 billion in 2020.
Among the charms of PC gaming is its customizability. You can personalize a gaming computer with parts that suit your power, graphics, and hardware requirements. When it comes to hardware, one of the most important elements is your keyboard. The preferred gaming keyboard contains mechanical switches and has just the right sound, click, and feedback to offer a comfortable experience.
With so many gaming keyboards on the market, picking one can be tough, so here is a quick guide to help you choose the best gaming keyboard based on your favourite RPG playstyle.
Differentiating Switches
Most mechanical keyboards come in four different switches: blue, red, brown, and black. Each differs in force, travel, actuation, and overall feel. Generally, blue switches are loud and clicky, while red switches are linear and rather quiet. Meanwhile, brown ones are tactile, while black ones are linear but require more force to use. The primary difference between linear and tactile switches is that you need to press linear switches down, while a half-press is enough for tactile switches.
Combo Classes
In the world of RPGs and MMOs, some of the hardest — but most fulfilling — classes to play are combo classes. They are challenging because you need to map out a gaming keyboard layout that allows you to comfortably press keys for each skill in a long string of combinations. You also need to know each combo by muscle memory to make the most out of cooldowns by the second. Hence, a responsive keyboard is essential.
Brown switches are fantastic to comfortably play combo classes as they are tactile, relatively quiet, and offer an excellent balance between clickiness and control. As going through multiple keys at high speed for hours can be tiring, a tactile switch allows you to exert less effort while moving between keys more quickly. That way, you can spam your favourite combos and gain burst bonuses without tiring your fingers.
DPS Classes
Classes that can shell out plenty of damage in a short time are also known as damage-per-second (DPS) classes. With high attack and low health stats, they are essential for defeating bosses with the help of a supporting character. While some DPS classes use combo mechanisms, most do not, and instead rely on a couple of essential skills to hold down or occasionally spam.
Red switches are a great option as they are linear and quiet, which means that you can comfortably hold down skills without making too much noise and exerting too much effort. It is easy to find a powerful gaming keyboard with red switches on the market, as they are a favourite among gamers.
Casual Classes
Not everyone who goes on adventures in an RPG world is a hardcore gamer. There are a good number of casual players who only log in for a couple of hours each week, after all. Most support classes are beginner-friendly as the skills are usually straightforward and not too challenging to use, making them great casual classes for people who love jumping into parties and enjoying games slowly. The best gaming keyboard for casual use is one with blue switches, which are clicky and have loud feedback, making them great for both playing and typing. But if you aren’t a fan of the noise, then opt for comfortable red switches.
Gaming is a highly preferential hobby, sport, and form of entertainment. Ultimately, when picking a gaming keyboard, try out different types of switches, and determine the most comfortable for you. That way, you are sure to have a genuinely enjoyable adventure!