If you're an avid gamer, you know the importance of having the right gaming gear. The best graphics card, the most powerful processor, and, of course, the perfect keyboard.
As technology advances, so do gaming keyboards. But what about something with a little more of a classic design - like a typewriter keyboard or what is often called a mechanical keyboard?
Are they good for gaming? Let’s explore what are some of the benefits as well as the downsides of using typewriter keyboards for gaming and the differences from a traditional computer keyboard.
Are Typewriter Keyboards Good For Gaming?
Typewriter keyboards, also known as mechanical keyboards, can be good for gaming because they offer a tactile feel and a satisfying "click" sound when the keys are pressed.
This can make them more enjoyable to use and can also help with typing speed and accuracy.
However, there are some downsides to using a typewriter keyboard for gaming. One disadvantage is that they are generally larger and heavier than other types of keyboards, so they may not be as portable.
Another is the shapes of the keys being rounded and often more spaced apart. It may take longer to get used to their shape, and your response times for key presses may be effected. On the other hand, this may be a nonissue after long periods of use as you get used to them.
Additionally, some people may find the loud noise that the keys make to be a distraction.
However, overall, whether a typewriter keyboard is good for gaming depends on the individual's personal preferences and needs.
What Are The Differences Between Typewriter Keyboards And Traditional Keyboards?
There are several differences between typewriter keyboards and traditional keyboards. Some of the main differences include:
Size And Weight:
Typewriter keyboards are generally larger and heavier than traditional computer keyboards. This can make them less portable and more difficult to move around.
Keys:
Typewriter keyboards have keys that are physically separate from each other and are mounted on a mechanical switch. Traditional keyboards often have keys that are more closely spaced together and are mounted on a membrane or dome switch.
Noise:
Typewriter keyboards make a loud "click" noise when the keys are pressed, while gaming keyboards tend to be quieter.
Customizability:
Typewriter keyboards, for the most part, are not as customizable as traditional keyboards and especially when compared to gaming-specific keyboards. They usually lack features like RGB lighting, programmable buttons, and media keys.
Button Spacing:
Typewriter keyboards usually come with rounded keys that are more spaced out than traditional keyboards. While this can be aesthetically pleasing, we often found ourselves missing the mark on certain key presses and having our fingers hit between keys. With time this might not be an issue, but for us, it was something we were not fond of.
Overall, the main differences between typewriter keyboards and traditional keyboards are in their size, keys, noise, and customization options.
Conclusion:
So to answer the question, are typewriter keyboards good for gaming, we would have to say they can be ok, but we would much rather have a dedicated gaming keyboard for gaming.
The deal breaker for us was the rounded keys and the spacing between them. With time this may be a nonissue, but for competitive gaming, consistency and speed are key.
And for that, gaming mechanical keyboards are still king.
