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The 3 best keyboards for hardcore PC gamers
Building a gaming PC is an art. It’s a fine balance between power, cost and aesthetics, and if done correctly, it’s more rewarding than any console on the market. Certain online directories give builders the tools to design, customise and order any gaming rig imaginable, and countless blogs give counsel on the hottest hardware and best deals around. From CPUs to GPUs, no detail is too small when assembling a thousand-dollar or more machine.
And then there’s the accessories: mice, keyboards and speakers. They’re an afterthought. And it’s a shame, because when it comes to gaming, hardware as seemingly simple as a keyboard can actually make or break the whole experience.
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate (US$140)
They keys are mechanical blues to a nice tactile response, and it has a 10-key rollover, meaning you can press 10 keys at once and the keyboard will response to each of them (this is handy for two-player games on one board). The green backlight is bright and vibrant, with a smooth matte-black finish that gives this board a simple yet refined look. The BlackWidow has the standard USB, microphone and headphone pass-throughs you expect from a gaming keyboard. This is hands-down the best for a bigger budget.
Microsoft Sidewinder X4 (US$55)
But the keyboard isn’t US$55 for nothing — the drawback to this board is its membrane keys, similar to those on a MacBook keyboard. Gamers love that clicky, tactile response of mechanical keys. Still, for the price, it’s a solid option.
Logitech G510s (US$85)
If you’re looking for clean and simple, this isn’t it. The G510s is bright, loud and certainly stands out when it sits on a desk. It is, however, the most feature-rich of the boards in this list, and it’s perfect for customise-freaks who want endless options.
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