MikeJenningstestseightofthebestkeyboards that can be bought
ona budget– perfectif youwanthigh-end gaming without the cost
The key
question
LABS TEST
Howwe test
H
aving the right keyboard can make or break your gaming setup,
so it’s worth taking some time to find out which is the best
model for your needs. Do you need features first and foremost
or is a high-quality typing experience more important? Whatever the
case, you don’t have to spend loads of cash in order to get a high-quality
device, as right now it’s easy to find fantastic keyboards for under £70.
Don’t assume that spending less will get you a basic model, either.
We’ve gone hands-on with eight different keyboards – with prices
that start at £40 – and we’ve discovered a huge range of quality levels,
designs, and features.
The group includes mechanical and membrane keyswitch types,
so it’s possible to choose between the firmer, faster-typing action
of the latter more expensive devices or the softer, quieter, and more
affordable membrane technology. You’ll get far fewer features – and
often fewer keys on these budget models – with mechanical keyboards
but a superior typing experience and a much longer-lasting keyboard.
Elsewhere, this collection of keyboards is littered with RGB LEDs, spill-
resistant designs, media buttons, and macro keys. We’ve also tested a
tenkeyless model that’s ideal if you need a more compact unit to travel to
LAN parties and gaming events, or you just have limited desk space.
We’ve tested all eight of these keyboards in a bevy of popular games,
from FPS and strategy titles to the most frantic esports environments so
we can find out which can cope with the broadest range of gaming tasks.
We haven’t just tested the keys themselves: we’ve evaluated build
quality, the range of extra keys, and the ease of programmability of RGB
LEDs and macro settings. Their fonts, finishes and extra features are all
taken into account too, ensuring we can be certain which budget typing
tool is the best overall.Contents
Asus TUF Gaming K5 / p43
Cooler Master MS110 / p44
Corsair Gaming K55 RGB / p45
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro / p46
Logitech G413 Carbon / p48
MSI Vigor GK30 / p49 Razer Cynosa Lite / p50
SteelSeries Apex 3 / p51LABS TEST / KEYBOARDS