Tactile keyboards are more popular than ever since the increase in players switching over to PC setups. While having a powerful graphics card and a screen with a high refresh rate can provide the edge while gaming, a tactile keyboard can also provide a competitive edge. While a standard keyboard will do, once you have used a tactile keyboard for some time, you will never want to go back.
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The idea of having an elegant, color-coordinated setup where each piece shares a similar theme and color palette is also another reason for the rise of tactile keyboards. We have all seen numerous videos of people who spent way too much on equipment and LED lights to make their setup look like a futuristic spaceship.
Luckily, if you are looking to get a keyboard that could help you when gaming, there are countless options out there, all providing different features and benefits that tend to certain gamers.
If you are looking to get a gaming keyboard with the best tactile feedback, here are five great options.
Best Tactile Feedback Gaming Keyboards
Best Tactile Feedback Keyboards | Watt-hours | Connection Type | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|
Razer Pro Type Ultra | Razer Yellow switches | Wireless | |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT | MX Blue, Brown, Speed Silver | Wired | |
Asus ROG Claymore II Wireless Keyboard | ROG RX Optical Mechanical Switches | Wireless | |
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard 310 | Cherry MX Keys | Wired | |
NZXT Function Mini TKL | MX Keys | Wired |
Best Tactile Feedback Keyboards | Watt-hours | Connection Type | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|
Razer Pro Type Ultra | Razer Yellow switches | Wireless | |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT | MX Blue, Brown, Speed Silver | Wired | |
Asus ROG Claymore II Wireless Keyboard | ROG RX Optical Mechanical Switches | Wireless | |
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard 310 | Cherry MX Keys | Wired | |
NZXT Function Mini TKL | MX Keys | Wired |
When looking at this list the variety you have when choosing it obvious. There are large keyboards with additional media control, smaller, 60% keyboards for those looking to save some space, and even an ergonomic option for those who don’t want to put too much strain on their wrists. Even with the numerous options, each option on the list is also customizable, so finding one that suits your tastes and setup will be easy.
However, what most lean to when choosing a tactile keyboard is the switches. There are numerous types, all feeling slightly different to ensure you get the feel you want out of your keyboard. Even if you enjoy a keyboard that doesn’t have switching you like, you can always purchase switches on the side and swap them out.
So without further ado, here are our top five choices for the best tactile keyboards.
Top Pick: Razer Pro Type Ultra
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is our top pick for the best tactile keyboard. It has numerous additional functions and the great build quality you have come to expect from Razer. It also comes with soft-touch keys and yellow switches, the fastest and quietest switches created by the company.
On top of the great design, there are hinged feet so you can adjust accordingly and wrist rest to provide some additional comfort while gaming for a long period.
The Razer Pro Type Ultra keyboard will suit just about any gamer. Thanks to the numerous added features, it can fit just about any use case, as it can easily be used as a working keyboard and a gaming keyboard. However, some may take issue with the keyboard only coming in white.
Pros
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Very quiet
- Customizable, bright backlight
- Cushioned wrist rest
Cons
- Pretty expensive
- Need to use Synapse 3 software
- Does not work on macOS
Runner-up: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT allows you to choose between multiple switches: MX Blue, Brown, Speed Silver. The Speed Silver keys, the default choice when purchasing the keyboard, provide ultra-fast 1 2mm actuation. The keys are the precision-molded 1 5mm thick 104/105-key PBT double-shot keycap set, which is incredibly well built and resists wear, fading, and shine that occurs over long periods of use.
The keyboard comes with a detachable wrist rest for added comfort, all wrapped up in a sleek and well-built design. There is also a large amount of customization with per-key RGB backlighting and a 19-zone LightEdge which goes across the top of the keyboard to create dynamic and vibrant lighting effects.
The keyboard comes in all black, which may have some choose this option over our top choice as many setups are more geared towards a black colour scheme rather than a white.
Pros
- Speed Silver keys
- Detachable wrist rest
- Precision-moulded double-shot keycap set
Cons
- Not much of an upgrade compared to previous model
- Bulky design
Premium Option: Asus ROG Claymore II Wireless Keyboard
The Asus ROG Claymore II Wireless Keyboard comes with their ROG RX optical mechanical switches and a wireless, sharp design and RGB lighting. The keyboard is also wireless and can be used for 144 hours before needing to charge it.
One of the unique features of this keyboard is the detachable number pad which can be attached to the left or right side of the keyboard, providing a high degree of customization. However, the number pad can feel a little loose when connected. On top of that additional customization, there are also numerous macro keys, like just about every other option on this list, so you can dial in your perfect setup.
With the added feature of being able to switch the side of the number pad makes this perfect for left-handed people. However, the freedom to customize even further will more than likely appeal to more than left-handers.
Pros
- 144 hours on single charge
- Detachable number pad that can be attracted on either side of the keyboard
- Detachable wrist rest
Cons
- Number pad can feel a little loose
- USB passthrough only works in wired mode
- Very expensive
Ergonomic Choice: Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split is our ergonomic choice. Though it does provide ergonomic features, it still has a premium tactile feel thanks to the Cherry MX switches it comes with.
What makes the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split so ergonomic is that splits down the middle so you can angle both sides to ensure you aren’t putting strain on your wrists. The new angle will certainly take some getting used to, but once you have done so, you won’t want to go back. There is also a plush wrist rest to provide even more comfort when gaming or typing.
Due to its design, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split is useful for both working and gaming, as it provides much-needed support and ergonomics when working and gaming.
Pros
- Cherry MX switches
- Ergonomic design
- Split design
- Exceptional plush wrist rest.
Cons
- Takes some getting used to
- Doesn’t provide a lot of extra features
- Expensive
Budget Option: NZXT Function Mini TKL
The NZXT Function Mini TKL is the only 60% keyboard on the list. A 60% keyboard has the necessary QWERTY keys, but removes numerous sections like the number pad and function keys to make a small, compact design. This is perfect for those short on space but may not be the most optimal for those in need of macro keys or if you like the added media keys that come with most other options on the list.
While it comes in a much smaller package, the NZXT Function Mini TKL gives you access to NZXT’s customization service. NZXT provides numerous key switches, colours, and colour accents so the customization at the aesthetic level is unmatched.
However, not only does the keyboard have a compact design and numerous customization options, but it also performs exceptionally well, especially for the price.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Numerous customization options
Cons
- No wrist rest
- No many RGB options
Conclusion
When it comes to picking a tactile keyboard for your setup, you have a lot of options. However, when it comes to the overall best performance, build quality, and tactile feedback, we choose the Razer Pro Type Ultra as it has exceptional keys, a great design, and numerous other features.
However, each selection on this list has great features that will tend to a specific need while still providing good tactile feedback, so it’s hard to go wrong. These are five great options that will cover just about every user, whether you are looking for something compact, ergonomic, premium, or just all-around great performance.
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