For fixed gamer PC enthusiasts, having a responsive and ergonomic gamer keyboard is a definite advantage during video game sessions. Whether mechanical or membrane-based, gamer keyboards, with or without RGB lighting, can withstand intensive and repeated use. To make the right choice, find the keyboard that suits you among our selection of the best gamer keyboards of the moment.
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Our selection
"The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the G910 Orion Spark, while reducing the size. This translates into a more…"
"We could have proposed you the Logitech G213 Prodigy, sold for less than 60 euros. But the KLIM is sold at half the price. It…"
"The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a gamer keyboard with rare versatility and extreme gaming performance. This mechanical keyboard is well built and offers a…"
"This is probably the best membrane gamer keyboard on the market. This wired, full-size model has good ergonomics thanks to its removable wrist rest and…"
"The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a computer keyboard that impresses in several ways: its mechanical-style typing action is precise. It is designed for multimedia playback…"
The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the G910 Orion Spark, while reducing the size. This translates into a more powerful gaming keyboard that's easier on the eyes and easier to hold.
69,51 £ on AmazonThe Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum is a mechanical gamer keyboard that is almost visually identical to the Orion Spark. It features the same full-size keyboard layout, with a 10-key numeric keypad, an Arx smartphone dock, dedicated media controls, nine macro keys, and three interchangeable profile keys. It also retains Logitech's Romer-G mechanical switches and 113-key toggle.
Compared to the Spark, however, the Spectrum returns to your typical slightly concave keycap design. The second design change involves the Spectrum's removable wrist rest. The Romer-G switches on this Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum are tactile, responsive and relatively quiet. This translates into a smooth typing experience. Finally, the myriad of lighting options allow for different preferences. But overall, the G910 is best suited for hardcore gamers.
We could have proposed you the Logitech G213 Prodigy, sold for less than 60 euros. But the KLIM is sold at half the price. It has membrane keys with a very good reactivity, an excellent typing quality, little noise and an effective anti-ghosting.
23,98 £ on AmazonThe KLIM Chroma is a wired membrane keyboard that surprises with its performance. With a response time of 2 ms, it is as responsive as a mechanical keyboard. What's more, you can turn off the backlighting of the keys at your convenience. Waterproof, the KLIM Chroma is splash-proof and has a life expectancy of 10,000,000 keystrokes.
As for compatibility, this keyboard is detectable on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Switch, Apple, etc. Apart from that, the French brand offers a robust product made of very resistant ABS plastic. Basically, this is a well-made equipment that will allow gamers with a limited budget to improve their performance in video games without breaking the bank.
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a gamer keyboard with rare versatility and extreme gaming performance. This mechanical keyboard is well built and offers a ton of features that accentuate typing comfort.
147 £ on AmazonThe Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is nearly identical to the less expensive Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2. Like the Strafe, the K70 is a full-size keyboard. There's very little wasted space on its attractive black chassis. What really sets the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 apart from the Strafe MK.2 is that the chassis has an aluminum surface rather than plastic. This definitely makes the K70 RGB MK.2 both durable and refined.
On games like Overwatch, StarCraft: Remastered, Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition and World of Warcraft, this model simply stands out. The keyboard's responsive, elastic switches and comfortable keycaps provide more precise timing. Latency remains very low and you shouldn't feel any lag when you play. Corsair iCUE software offers exceptional customization features. You can set macros on any key and customize the RGB lighting key by key. The keyboard has built-in memory for up to three profiles.
This is probably the best membrane gamer keyboard on the market. This wired, full-size model has good ergonomics thanks to its removable wrist rest and 2 tilt settings. It also comes with an RGB backlight.
63,99 £ on AmazonThe build quality of the Razer Ornata V2 is decent and there aren't many improvements over its predecessor. The frame remains plastic and has a lot of flex. The ABS keycaps are decent at best. The first thing that changes in the manufacturing is the detachable wrist rest, which is quite soft and comfortable. And, there are now 2 tilt settings. Also, note the incredible RGB backlighting, easily customizable by key and with different effects.
Just like its predecessor, the Razer Ornata V2 features Razer Clicky membrane keys. Overall, this gamer keyboard responds well and remains easy to use, with the keys located a comfortable distance apart. This is especially useful on FPS's such as Call of Duty: Warzonewhere it will be much easier to crouch, fall or sprint.
The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a computer keyboard that impresses in several ways: its mechanical-style typing action is precise. It is designed for multimedia playback and everyday use.
47,96 £ on AmazonThe Logitech G213 Prodigy is one of the best value computer keyboards. It has an impressive collection of features. In the upper right corner, there are a series of multimedia buttons, a volume rocker, a game mode rocker and a button to turn the lights on or off. This model is splash-proof and includes a sturdy, braided cable for connection to the computer.
The Logitech G213 Prodigy features lighting made up of RGB LEDs that can be customized to five different zones, and it includes a wrist rest. The overall design is sober, without frills. In that sense, it's suitable for both gaming and work. The buttons on the Logitech G213 Prodigy are tall and heavy. In this respect, they are very similar to most mechanical keyboards, even though this is a membrane keyboard.
The Razer Cynosa Lite offers a good typing experience. For gaming, the typing comfort is smooth, fast and quiet.
39,95 £ on Amazon
The Corsair K100 RGB stands out for its precision and comfortable typing. In addition, this mechanical keyboard has a padded wrist rest, internal storage and a programmable control wheel.
200 £ on AmazonThe Corsair K100 RGB is perfect for gaming, but it also comes in handy for office work and programming thanks to its unmatched typing comfort. The base of this high-end mechanical keyboard looks very similar to the K95, with the same premium quality, overall design, the same macro keys on the left side, the same metal roll in the upper right corner, the same multimedia keys just below, and the same double-tap keycaps.
However, the Corsair K100 RGB has much better RGB lighting, integral to this version. In total, there are now 44 zones in which you can project light. As for the switches themselves, they are Corsair's new OPX optical-mechanical switches. These switches are perfect for grabbing, with a 1mm actuation point and 45g actuation force at a distance of 1.2mm.
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The best entry-level gamer keyboard
The best high-end gamer keyboard
The best membrane gamer keyboard
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | Top of the range | Very good | Excellent value for money | A very good mechanical model | ||
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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8/10 |
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8/10 |
9/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
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KLIM Chroma
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Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
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Razer Ornata V2
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Logitech G213 Prodigy
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Razer Cynosa Lite
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Corsair K100 RGB
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The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the G910 Orion Spark, while reducing the size. This translates into a more powerful gaming keyboard that's easier on the eyes and easier to hold.
|
We could have proposed you the Logitech G213 Prodigy, sold for less than 60 euros. But the KLIM is sold at half the price. It has membrane keys with a very good reactivity, an excellent typing quality, little noise and an effective anti-ghosting.
|
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a gamer keyboard with rare versatility and extreme gaming performance. This mechanical keyboard is well built and offers a ton of features that accentuate typing comfort.
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This is probably the best membrane gamer keyboard on the market. This wired, full-size model has good ergonomics thanks to its removable wrist rest and 2 tilt settings. It also comes with an RGB backlight.
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The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a computer keyboard that impresses in several ways: its mechanical-style typing action is precise. It is designed for multimedia playback and everyday use.
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The Razer Cynosa Lite offers a good typing experience. For gaming, the typing comfort is smooth, fast and quiet.
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The Corsair K100 RGB stands out for its precision and comfortable typing. In addition, this mechanical keyboard has a padded wrist rest, internal storage and a programmable control wheel.
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Type
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AZERTY
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AZERTY
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AZERTY
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AZERTY
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AZERTY
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AZERTY
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AZERTY
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Dimensions and weight
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50.5 x 21 x 3.4 cm / 1.5 kg
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44 x 14.4 x 2.9 / 0.6 kg
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47.5 x 21 x 6 cm / 1.25 kg
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49.4 x 20.2 x 7.6 cm / 1.58 kg
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45.2 x 21.8 x 3.3 cm / 1.1 kg
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48.3 x 48.3 x 4 cm / 0.904 kg
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47 x 16 x 3.8 cm / 1.35 kg
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Anti-ghosting keys
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Wireless
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Backlighting
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Wrist rest
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To be able to concentrate fully on your game and pass all the levels, being good is not enough. A good performing and ergonomic equipment is also important. Here are the parameters not to be neglected when choosing a gamer keyboard.
In the gaming world 2 types of keyboards are generally used, with the main difference being the keys which can be mechanical or membrane. Mechanical keyboards are the most popular among eSports pros, as they guarantee outstanding responsiveness and precision. Equipped with several switches, each with a specific function, they respond to commands in record time.
Membrane keyboards are more affordable, quieter and offer greater flexibility with rubber keys. However, they are much less responsive than mechanical keyboards. Membrane keyboards are particularly suitable for beginner gamers. Your choice will therefore be guided by your level of expertise, the type of game you play, but also by your budget.
Depending on
your gaming position and the keys you use the most, you can choose a full keyboard or a full keyboard, also called TKL (Ten Keys Less). The former, more common and larger with a full numeric keypad, is mostly used in sedentary mode. This is the type of keyboard on which there are additional keys to create more shortcuts.
The TKL keyboard is smaller in size and does not have a numeric keypad, which makes it more portable, especially during competitions. Its incomplete design is usually not a problem for gaming, but can be a handicap when used as a regular keyboard. There are also hybrid models designed with detachable numeric keypads, allowing them to be adapted to different uses.
Generally
positioned on the left side of the keyboard, the programmable or additional keys allow additional functions or macros (sequences of several keys) to be assigned, using special configuration software
.
Their number varies greatly, ranging from 5 to 6 for most gaming keyboards, however, for models dedicated to MMORPG, it is possible to have up to 18 additional keys, allowing the player to take the freedom to do without the mouse.
Depending on your habits and the type of game you play, you will orient your choice towards a keyboard offering a suitable number of programmable keys.
The
simultaneous combination of several keys is very useful when you practice gaming. The phenomenon of ghosting
causes interpretation errors when different keys are pressed at the same time. This is a real handicap in terms of reactivity and precision. To avoid such a blockage, it is preferable to choose a keyboard with an anti-ghosting system.
The KRO (Key Roll Over)
is more about the number of keys that can be pressed at the same time. The greater the number, the better. Thus, it is recommended to opt for keyboards that can store up to fifteen keys simultaneously, rather than those that are more limited.
Very
popular in the gaming world, affecting all peripherals used by gamers, the RGB backlighting of gaming keyboards has been significantly modernized with nice bright lights, more user-friendly and fully customizable via configuration software
.
Mostly a matter of aesthetics, gaming keyboard backlighting also contributes to performance, with the ability to illuminate only the keys being used, or to vary the color of the lighting depending on the event. If the backlight is an essential criterion for you, check especially the customization possibilities available to you.
As
explained above, many of the gaming keyboard's settings, including the configuration of customizable keys and backlight customization, require an associated configuration software. This one should be easy to use but also quite comprehensive. Find out in advance what software comes with the gaming keyboard you're interested in.
Manufacturers are constantly adding more or less useful features to their models. For example, there are models with multimedia keys, an LCD screen, additional connectivity (USB, audio input/output), etc. Choose the options that can improve performance. But keep an eye on your budget!
Some gaming keyboards are equipped with Black or Red switches, both of which are linear and have no activation click. The difference between the two is in the amount of pressure needed to trigger a command: with the Cheery MX Black, it takes 60g of pressure, compared to less than 45g with a Red.
Advantages:
Disadvantage:
When to choose a Cherry MX Black or Red?
Keyboards with Cherry MX Black or Red switches are ideal models for players who appreciate quiet typing or who use double or triple taping a lot.
In the second category of switches are the Cherry MX Brown and Clear non-click touch switches. Unlike the previous ones, keyboards with this type of switches offer a more sensitive typing. The pressure of the keys progresses smoothly to the activation stage. Thus, for the Cherry MX Brown, the pressure starts from 45 g to end at 55 g, while for the Cherry MX Clear it goes from 55 g to 65 g.
Benefits:
Disadvantage:
When to choose a Cherry MX Brown and Clear?
Keyboards with Cherry MX Brown and Clear switches are best suited for players who value precision over speed. Each press is indeed confirmed by a slight resistance on the activation distance.
Cherry MX Blue switches offer both audible and tactile confirmation of each press. These switches are the only ones with a tactile design and an activation click. Switches in this category have a higher starting position and therefore require more activation pressure.
Benefits:
Disadvantage:
When to choose aCherry MX Blue?
Keyboards with Blue switches are popular models for gamers and editors who like to have audible and tactile keystroke confirmation, even if it reduces the responsiveness of the keys a bit.
A gamer keyboard is one of the essential pieces of equipment to be able to play efficiently on a computer. Chiclet, membrane or mechanical? It's up to you to decide which one suits you best.
Recognized by its flat, spaced keys, the chiclet keyboard is found on most laptops. It is appreciated for its quietness, but its lack of reactivity when typing makes it an accessory that is not used much by gamers who need maximum precision and a very short reaction time. The chiclet keyboard is the ideal equipment for people who are looking for a keyboard that is silent in use. Its spaced keys offer a certain comfort of typing, especially for users with large fingers.
The
membrane keyboard is the most classic of the gaming keyboards, but also the most common. Unlike the chiclet keyboard, it has keys that are close together and the edges are usually beveled. Its water resistance is undoubtedly its greatest asset, as is its fairly affordable price, which varies between 10 and 30 €. On the other hand, it does not attract too many gamers because of its lack of reactivity. The membrane keyboard is a pretty good piece of equipment for beginner gamers. It can also make a good back-up keyboard, especially for travel, due to its flexibility and water resistance.
It
's the ultimate for many gamers because of its speed and comfort of use. Its switches guarantee a very fast execution of the commands. The mechanical keyboard is rather noisy to use, but it better meets the needs of gamers in terms of durability and responsiveness. The mechanical keyboard is the most reliable for professional gamers. It guarantees them a better speed of execution of the commands, in addition to an excellent durability.
To limit your visual fatigue and prolong your gaming sessions, get anti blue light gaming glasses. When you play, take 10-minute breaks every two hours to exercise. To do this, move your eyes, raise them and look at the distance or the ceiling. Leave your computer to look out a window or relax by walking down a hallway.
From a technical point of view, playing with a keyboard and mouse offers more precision. This equipment also guarantees easier and more intuitive handling compared to the joystick. In terms of comfort and ergonomics, today's gaming keyboards are equipped with wrist rests that allow players to play for long hours without tiring their hands, and some are perfectly waterproof to allow players to hydrate or refresh themselves between levels.
Whether wired or wireless, gamepads provide a comfortable gaming experience. Today, although more and more controllers are compatible with PCs, this is not always the case with certain games such as racing games or 3D flight simulations. For these types of games, a joystick is the most suitable gaming equipment. There are also steering wheels designed specifically for driving simulation games.
Between keyboard and PC gamepad, each gamer has his own preferences, habits and experiences because everyone can be comfortable with one or the other accessory or even with both. However, playing with a keyboard and mouse is mandatory for MMORPGs or strategy games, but for some games like adventure games for example, the controller is frankly more practical and enjoyable.
Moreover, it is important to underline that in general, playing video games with a keyboard and a mouse requires less time to adapt to a certain level compared to using a joystick.
Skill and responsiveness are imperative for any gamer, professional or beginner. Indeed, in some video games, the difference is in the speed of the actions performed and sometimes, a few microseconds can make you win or lose. Gaming keyboards are highly sophisticated with advanced features not found on conventional office keyboards, and have exceptional key feedback speed.
To avoid jamming, many manufacturers have integrated anti-ghosting systems that allow for quick registration of multiple keys pressed at the same time. This means that its extraordinary features have become a reliable ally, almost indispensable in online games where the level of play is high and where a player using a standard keyboard is easily penalised in terms of performance.
The speed of the gaming keyboards does not hinder their precision at all, on the contrary. Everything has been designed to offer an excellent compromise between these two requirements. Multi-backlighting, for example, is a more advanced function of the backlighting that makes it easier to detect the keys according to their functions and prevents them from being confused, even when playing in the dark.
Also, many models have programmable or additional keys that allow additional functions to be assigned using special configuration software. In addition, these devices allow you to create numerous macros, i.e. a sequence of several keys to trigger specific actions.
Gaming keyboards, especially mechanical ones, are known to be extremely durable. Thanks to their solid design, they often accompany professional gamers in high-level competitions and are particularly suitable for intensive use.
After all, when playing games, the player often has to press the keys of the keyboard longer, more frequently and with greater intensity. Gaming keyboards meet this need for robustness, so that gamers do not have to change tools frequently.
The robustness of gaming keyboards makes them reliable equipment with a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes depending on the model. Unlike traditional office keyboards, which often have a limited lifespan, gaming keyboards are remarkably durable. That's why even the most demanding users don't hesitate to invest in a gaming keyboard for classic office tasks.
When it comes to ergonomics and user comfort, gaming keyboards offer the best of everything. These well-designed accessories have a range of features designed to provide maximum comfort during long gaming sessions.
This is the case with the backlighting, which not only makes it easy to recognize the keys, but also allows you to play in a fun environment and save energy, since the keyboard light allows you to play in the dark without worrying. In addition, the special layout of the keys, the integrated numeric keypad, and the palm rest reduce the fatigue felt after long hours of play.
Like almost all equipment used by PC gamers, the gaming keyboard is almost entirely customizable. Usually supplied with a configuration software with quite advanced features, the gamer can customize the colors and backlighting of the keys to his liking.
It can also assign functions to programmable keys, which is very useful for RPGs and MMOs. In fact, a gaming keyboard can have from 5 to 18 additional programmable keys that can also be used to set up macros, depending on the gamer's needs.
Another highlight of the gaming keyboard, and not the least, is the various additional functions that can accompany it, including additional connectivity that can include a headphone jack and one or more USB ports, but also multimedia keys that are used to control the volume, pause, etc. It can also assign functions to the keyboard's buttons.
Some models are even equipped with an LCD screen or a special game mode that allows you to deactivate certain keyboard shortcuts specific to classic PC use. This feature allows the player to avoid starting an external task and concentrate on the game.
In our opinion, the best brands of gamer keyboards in 2022 are :
Founded in 1994, Corsair began manufacturing RAM chipsets and has since expanded into high-performance computer peripherals and components on a global scale. The brand is best known for its performance in video games and e-sports.
Founded in 1992 in Taiwan, Cooler Master is known for its cases and cooling systems that ensure better computer performance. The company is especially known for its robust and responsive gamer keyboards, which are suitable for all tastes and budgets and which convince even the most demanding gamers.
It is a British company founded in 2014, which specializes in the world of video gaming and markets a whole range of accessories and peripherals that can boost the performance of a PC. Apart from that, Empire gaming is a hit with gamers all over the world thanks to its mechanical touch membrane keyboards that have nothing but rave reviews.
Logitech is one of the world's leading suppliers of gaming equipment and accessories, including gaming keyboards. Logitech has been in business since 1981, and is committed to satisfying all gamer profiles around the world. These efforts are quickly bearing fruit, as Logitech products are in most cases ranked among the best in tests and comparisons.
Founded in 2006 in Germany, Roccat wanted to offer gamers around the world high-performance accessories that would guarantee total immersion in their virtual world. Roccat has positioned itself as a reference in gaming accessories and equipment, notably thanks to its wireless keyboards which have not failed to please all gamer profiles.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Research possible software before purchasing.
Some, but not all, gamer keyboards require additional software to unlock all of their features. Take the time to study the different gamer keyboards available on the market, to see which ones require software installation. If you buy one, make sure in advance that the software will allow you to create the macros you are interested in.
If you want to switch to a mechanical keyboard, be aware that they make noise.
Mechanical keyboards are a bit of an acquired taste. Some aficionados like the precision they offer, but others find it too difficult to manipulate. Plus, they're pretty noisy, so they may disturb your viewers if you intend to stream.
Ignore the hype.
Just because it's trendy doesn't mean you should rush out and buy the new RGB keyboard that just came on the market. It's often best to wait a few months, to make sure that this specific model is durable enough.
Never put your keyboard under water.
It's a
good idea to clean your RGB keyboard regularly. But never put it under water. And keep it well away from your drinks.
Some keyboards claim to be USB 3.0 compatible. But you should know that a USB 2.0 gaming keyboard is still excellent for PC gaming.
Although
USB 3.0 can transfer more information at once than USB 2.0, the keyboard keys don't tax the USB 2.0 standard, so there's no advantage to using a USB 3.0 connection
.
The best gamer keyboard depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.
If your equipment does not show any signs of powering up, make sure it is connected to an appropriate port. If it still does not start, restart your PC.
Yes, your 8-year-old can play video games. However, be sure to limit the amount of time they can play them. It is recommended to limit the time of exposure to screens (television, video games, Internet) to a maximum of 2 hours per day for children aged 5 to 11.
Don't worry! First remove the screws on the back of the equipment. Then remove the panel before cleaning it with a slightly damp cloth. Blot it gently and then air dry it for a while. When you have seen that it is dry, reassemble it.
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