Examining and describing different types of games and gaming accessories is one of my hobbies. I love to make these things easier for people and especially for gamers. Let’s talk about the best gaming keypads.
Why Gaming Keypad?
Now, this is an important question. When it’s about regular keyboards, you can use them for playing games. Sometimes it is uncomfortable and painful. On the other hand, if you use gaming keypads, you admire that it is a majestic tool. Because it gives your hand comfort, full relaxation, and ease of taps.
Considerable Point Before Choosing Gaming Keypad
Most of the time gamers become confused about which one is perfect for them. Here, we describe the most effective and important information: how to choose a gaming keypad? Though there are no boundaries in your preferences. Here, we suggest the most flexible, feature-rich, and smooth gaming keypads. The following guidelines can help you to identify which gaming keypad is perfect for you or what you should look for in a gaming keypad.
What is the Necessity of Gaming Keypad?
You’re buying a gaming keypad because your hand needs rest and comfort while you’re playing the games. Your hand should be placed comfortably to get tired even if you play games all night long. The model should fit your physical features and it would make it unique.
Also, it would be adjusted and it would be more perfect for you. The more axes settings, the more comfortable you’ll feel when you’ll be busy playing games. Let the gaming keypad take care of your wrist and hand.
Number of Buttons or Keys That’s Optimal For Gaming
The parameters of the key range in gaming keypads are quite wide. Here, you can explore a set around 8-9 keys and a set around 60-70 keys.
The proportion of keys is very important and relative. In my opinion, a set of 60-70 keysets are the best option to buy. Here, the question arises why do you buy these keysets and not others?
The answer is simple, as a gamer, you need detailed options for enjoying the game. Let’s move the keypads button range. Here, you can choose 20-25 buttons but why?
More keys mean a bit of confusion, they will distract you as they resemble the regular keyboards. The fewer buttons are sufficient unless you’re using them properly.
The Desirable Option Profiling
Most of the popular games have multiple characters. You have to play as the game requires. So the gaming keypads provide an amazing feature named, Profiling. With this feature, you don’t need to change the layout and create new binds every time you log into the game.
Once you set up every function, you can switch up between the characters easily with a strike of a key. This feature is desirable to everyone. You don’t have to set everything from scratch when you re-log into the game. The one-time setting will make your playing easier and hassle-free.
Handy Extra Functions
Removable panels, analogue control sticks, modular buttons, and many more options can contribute to gaining maximum pleasure and ultimate comfort.
Yes, extra functions are handy and give maximum pleasure with more comfort during playtime. But it’s not with buying a keypad that is over-tuned. You’re going to buy a gaming keypad – not a scanner, printer, or game turner machine.
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Why Do You Need Such a Device?
There is something we should figure out. A gaming keypad is an excellent gadget. But why will you need it?
Well, it suits everyone, but the question is about necessity. Here is the explanation,
- The potential of the gaming keypad reveals in the best way in MOBA and MMORPG games, arcades among single-player games, and in RPG’s. In this game stands, hits, strategies, characters, a huge range of spells, magic etc, are used in a row with a countdown and with the right binding.
- With a gaming keypad, you don’t need to set up any combinations of keys and everything will be at your fingertips. Since everything is set, all you have to do is just click.
- If you’re playing LOL, WoW, or Dota, I strongly suggest buying a gaming keypad. Because the game is transformed and insight changes gradually.
Other genres of games don’t need this device strongly. Such as, in racing games a gaming keypad simply won’t reveal its potential. Buying a separate keypad for only 6/7 keys isn’t a great deal. Buying a racing wheel will be a greater and more money-saving deal for you.
Let’s apply our newly acquired knowledge to choose the perfect keypad for you and move on to the model range.
Keys of Gaming Keypad
The keys of a gaming keypad are different from the regular one. There are 3 types of keys:
- Membrane Keys: Membrane keys are more straightforward than being detailed. It contains only three simple parts and they are,
- Holes Layer.
- Top Membrane Layer.
- Bottom membrane Layer.
When the top membrane key is pressed it moves to the holes layer. Then it connects to the conductive traces that are connected with the pressured bottom membrane layer.
These keys are a bit slow, that’s why they’re not that much popular among gamers.
- Mechanical Keys: Mechanical keys are the physical key of the gaming keypads. When you press them a triggered switch will tell the computer that a key has been pressed. These switches bear different personalities for each gamer’s preferences. The user can customize the key’s responsibility according to its preference.
- Mecha-membrane Keys: Mecha-membrane keys are the combination of both the keys that are mentioned above. It provides swift and accurate keystrokes.
Top Best Gaming Keypads
Best Gaming Keypad Reviews
Here is the list of the best gaming keypads that you’re looking for.
- Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma: Best and premium gaming keypad
- Razer Orbweaver Keypad: Best for responsive keys
- XFUNY Gaming Keypad: Comfortable Keypad
- Redragon K585 DITI: Best affordable device
- Razer Tartarus Pro: Attractive gaming keypad
- Aula Excalibur: Best for PC gaming keypad
- Logitech G13 Gameboard: LED screen attached keypad
- RedThunder One-Handed Gaming Keyboard: Professional Gaming Keyboard
- Cakce RGB Mechanical One-Handed Gaming Keyboard: Mechanical Gaming Keypad
Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma
Image Courtesy: Amazon
The Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma keypad has 16.8 million customizable backlighting effects and 32 programmable keys. This device has gained a lot of fame due to its amazing features.
Exterior and Ergonomics
The Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma keypad is specially designed for your hand so that your hand doesn’t face any kind of discomfort though you use it for a long time. Also, the wrist rests are adjustable. Moreover, the lower part of the keypad is adjusted with retractable legs that stick well to the surface of your table.
It will be a great pleasure for you to play MOBA games or shooting games with one of the best gaming keypads. This amazing keypad is also equipped with RGB backlighting and this function is customizable. So you can set it on your personal preference or you can also use the pre-set options. In addition, the RGB backlighting made this gadget look extra cool.
In this gadget, the main touch membrane keys are 15. The thumb can be placed on the programmable D-pad in more than 5 positions. Moreover, two buttons can be hit by the same finger. This amazing gaming keypad is made of regular matte plastic.
Besides, it has eight different profiles which can only get changed by the buttons that are assigned to change the profile. The ergonomic design of this device is excellent. The credit goes to the Razer engineers to come up with this kind of extraordinary idea.
Softwares
This device has Synapse 2.0 software. This software manages the RGB backlighting and programs of the keypad. It saves the settings and uploads them to cloud storage. Moreover, this device will get its access from anywhere in the world. So you don’t have to set the settings every time you log into a new PC. But after all the perfection of this gadget, sometimes it lags.
We hope that Razor will fix this issue soon. Apart from this mini falling function, the Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma keypad provides vast opportunities to set the keypad settings as you want to. This gadget can be used in a wide range. The ergonomics and the exterior with amazing software have made this gadget an asset to gamers. So don’t hesitate to buy it.
Pros
- Affordable Price.
- Great RGB key backlighting.
- Best ergonomic design.
- Best keypad for MMO games.
Cons
- The software lags sometimes.
Final Review
Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma keypad is a perfect gadget for those who want a quality device at an affordable price. It doesn’t have any annoying tapping sound or expensive mechanism. So this can be a perfect device for you.
Razer Orbweaver Chroma – Elite
Image Courtesy: Amazon
The Razer Orbweaver Chroma – Elite has autonomous backlighting with 20 programmable buttons and an excellent D-pad with 8 different positions. Moreover, it has a functional button that is the main logical purpose of changing profiles in the game.
Exterior and Ergonomics
What makes this device a real hand extension is its 10 buttons that are available for multitouch at once. These responsive and touch-sensitive keys are made with 50-gram pressure. So when you press them they will give consistent feedback and audible sound. Moreover, the different key size ensures different functions. It won’t be any problem to get used to the buttons.
However, your preference matters the most. In general, some think that switching to a keypad is going to be a hassle. But it’s not true. A gaming keypad ensures the comfort of your hand with a specific design to perform the best protracted night raids, mostly LOL, Dota, and of course WoW. The highest-rated and lowest-rated MMORPG is also included.
You don’t have to customize your keyboard because there are 8 programmable keypad modes to lessen your work. Once you set all the parameters, you don’t have to worry at all. It allows profile customization after a small registration. Now comes the ergonomics. The distance from the key to your palm can be fixed in a required position and adjusted with a frame. So you’d be able to reach any row with ease. The stand is made of rubberized plastic that reduces slipping your hand due to sweat. Moreover, installing the D-pad block is easy. You have to input the parameters depending on your flexibility.
Softwares
The Razer Orbweaver Chroma – Elite has the Synapse 2.0 software that manages the customized setting of this gadget. So you don’t have to spend a lot of time setting each game on the keypad. You can customize each profile after quick registration. However, some users faced frequent issues accessing the system. Though it has this issue, it’s an easy and quickly compatible device with the most operational systems.
Pros
- Well built device.
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Responsive keys.
- Nice RGB backlighting.
- Gives a comfortable feeling.
Cons
- It’s software issues badly.
Final Review
At a glance, Razer Orbweaver Chroma – Elite may seem expensive but the features are worthy of the price. The response of the keys and tactile perception leads to the best feature.
But we will be really glad if the Razer team works on Synapse 2.0 software issues on this gadget. Otherwise, it’s an amazing device.
XFUNY Gaming Keypad One-handed Keypad
Image Courtesy: Amazon
XFUNY Gaming Keypad is an excellent gadget with Kalih back switches and RGB-backlit. Moreover, with an actual keypad, you’ll get the software and driver CD. Though using a DVD is kind of backdated.
Exterior and Ergonomics
The device looks stylish and the by default spacebar is distinguished. The keys of this gadget seem to be a cut version of regular keyboards. It has the Ctrl, Shift, Tab, Alt, F1-F6, as well as Esc the general buttons installed. They can be reassigned with the help of the Special software they provide. There are 30 keys to this gadget. Each key can be assigned to do different tasks. The background colour of this keypad is Kalih Blue that is near Cherry MX Blue. The keys of this device are very responsive. It looks good with blue backlighting.
Also, it has an RGB backlighting system too. Moreover, the colourful keys have made a great impression. But there is a bit of an issue. Users can’t install the brown and Kalih red backlighting effects. We hope that the authorities will fix this issue soon. But most gamers are used to blue backlighting. The case of the keyboard is robust. If you turn the keyboard, you’ll see a metallic base. The plastic of the keypad is matte. It feels premium when you use the device. Besides, the hand rest is convenient. The cable length is covered with fabric so nothing gets trapped or comes in the way of the device.
Softwares
This device works out of the box, but you have to install the software for the macros and the amazing backlighting. You won’t face any kind of issues installing the software. Because it is simple software and it gets installed without any annoying advertisement. Setting the keypad backlighting is simple. The colour profiles are really interesting. But if you love a monochrome theme on your keypad, then probably this one is not for you. But give a thought about the perfect and simply installed software.
Pros
- Key Design is similar to the cut version of regular keyboards.
- It feels premium to touch the keys.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- No other backlighting version.
- The loud sound of the keys.
Final Review
As there is a saying, a cheap thing doesn’t always provide great performance, the same thing you can say about this XFUNY Gaming Keypad. The keys are too much noise that can wake up your neighbours at night while you’re playing your game. But it has a great appearance. So if you like the appearance, you can surely go ahead to buy this gadget.
Redragon K585 DITI
Image Courtesy: Amazon
Redragon K585 DITI is an amazing and comfortable gaming keypad option with great RGB fascination. The type of switch in this gadget is OUTEMU Blue Switch.
Exterior and Ergonomics
The Redragon DITI K585 has 42 keys with customizable RGB backlighting. It features premium keys at an affordable price to the user. This is why it’s one of the best gaming keypads on our list. This gadget has an appealing design. Because it doesn’t have those extra keys that will make you irritated. It has the slimmest and portable package of keys. Check out some exciting and outstanding Bluetooth Speakers.
However, you don’t have to worry about the misclicked keys, because all of the action keys of the keypad are in one perfect place. The audible tapping sound and the iconic mechanical keyboard will make you the most valuable player. Moreover, the amazing ergonomic shape of this gadget provides great comfort during your playtime.
The seven keys of the keypad are macros programmable. These keys have made the Redragon DITI K585 worth buying. The magnetic wrist rest of this keypad is detachable. The ergonomic shape offers a great level of comfort and the wrist rest is amazingly nice. This affordable keypad has 5 customizable modes of RGB backlighting. The background colour has 16.8 million options to select from.
Software
The software of this device made the keys extra sensitive and fast. Moreover, it has USB pass-through ports. So you can have undisturbed gameplay with a wireless headset adapter, mouse and other USB devices.
Pros
- Affordable Gaming Keypad.
- Magnetic wrist rest system (detachable).
- Ergonomic design.
- USB pass-through ports.
Cons
- The keys have a huge space.
Final Review
Honestly, The Redragon DITI K585 is an amazingly built keypad. It has high-profiled ergonomics with lots of RGB backlighting options. In addition, these premium features are affordable for everyone.
Razer Tartarus Pro
Image Courtesy: Amazon
Razer Tartarus Pro gaming keypad is another amazing gadget from the Razer team. It’s another blissful gaming keypad from Razer. Moreover, It is the most beautiful gadget in RPG games. You can play your favourite RPG games on your PC easily switching the roles and functions.
Exterior and Ergonomics
Razer Tartarus Pro is a customizable keypad with some amazing features and ergonomics. It offers the most comfortable gameplay experience as it has a detachable wrist rest. However, it has 32 programmable keys in it. These keys are pressure-sensitive, built with an analogue optical key, and fully programmable.
The analogue optical key switches of the Razer Tartarus Pro offers a great level of precision, speed, and customization. The Tartarus Pro also offers programmable macros and these will improve your gaming skill in your gameplays. In addition, the users set the programmable macros according to their requirements.
It has a detachable wrist rest pad similar to Tartarus V2, as it’s another smashing gaming keypad from Razer. As a result, if the user plays for hours and hours he/she won’t feel tired of a bit or even wrist pain. The fully programmable keys are perfect for creating workflows and for gaming. The 8-way directional thumb-pad provides a natural control over gameplay. Moreover, it provides the most amazing ergonomic experience with great wrist comfort.
Software
The Razer Chroma software of this gaming keypad allows gaming immersion and ultimate personalization. It syncs with the popular games. Moreover, Razer hyper shift allows the keypress combinations remapped to perform complex and detailed commands.
Pros
- Customizable 16.8 million RGB backlighting.
- Comfortable ergonomic design.
- 32 great programmable keys.
- Razer chroma provides personalization and gaming immersion.
Cons
- It’s not affordable for everyone.
Final Review
The RGB backlighting of the Razer’s gaming keypad addition is pretty popular. Though it’s a bit costly still it offers a customizable RGB backlighting system with great comfortable wrist rest and joystick-like experience on a Gaming Keypad. This amazing keypad is worth your money and expenses as it has great and unique features.
Aula Excalibur
Image Courtesy: Amazon
Aula Excalibur is one of the best gaming keypads as it has maximum customization options. Also, this keypad has a unique and amazing shape.
Exterior and Ergonomics
The Aula Excalibur has 30 programmable keys. It’s the best medium-sized keypad with a different structure. The keypad is covered with matte black colour and shrouded in a circular shape. This multipurpose keypad gloats an LED backlight and programmable macro keys. Moreover, it’s one of the combo keypads where you can do other work besides gaming too. You can also check out awesome Gaming Wrist Rest.
The 8-way thumbpad lets you customize your game with precision. Customizing the games on this keypad is a piece of cake. So if you’re a newbie, your productivity doesn’t have to think about any setting issues. Because the process of customizing the hotkeys and macros is easy. However, you won’t get tired or feel uncomfortable if you use this gadget for long hours. The interesting LED backlighting has 5 amazing presets. So you can set them as per your mood and gameplay. Moreover, the shape of this device is comfortable in use.
Software
The Aula Excalibur is a blue switch mechanical keypad. As a result, you will get greater precision, durability, and a great gaming experience. This gadget has an auto-sleep mode like a computer. If you don’t use the keyboard for 10 minutes it will go to sleep mode and you can press any key to reactivate the keypad.
Pros
- It is a multipurpose gaming keypad.
- Impressive performance.
- This gadget has lots of programmable macros and hotkeys.
- Great gaming experience.
Cons
- Only LED lighting. (No RGB effects)
Final Review
In a word, it’s a dynamic keypad for both gameplays and works too. Moreover, customizing the settings of this keypad is simple, and the gaming pad’s shape is so comfortable that even newbies and the professional both of them find it very easy. In addition, the design is also unique and pleasant.
Logitech G13 Gameboard
Image Courtesy: Amazon
Logitech G13 Gameboard is one of the best gaming keypads that have an LED screen. This amazing programmable gadget is worth being on the list.
Exterior and Ergonomics
This amazing gaming keypad from Logitech has 25 customizable keys. The G13 from Logitech is a performance-based and premium quality keypad. Moreover, it is built for keeping a view of the hand and fingers position. So it will give you ultimate pleasure while you’re playing the game. The design of this device is based on the shape of your hand. Also, it contains an onboard memory on an LED Screen. Besides, the onboard memory allows the use of 5 customizable gaming profiles. Explore some exciting DisplayPort Cables in 2021.
The programmable keys are nicely built, and the gaming pad’s shape gives the natural feel of hand. Moreover, it doesn’t make any kind of annoying tapping sounds while you’re playing. However, as the keys are programmable you can create and save your macros easily. It will improve your gaming experience more. The backlighting is quite amazing with the dim lighting system. The variety of colour lighting is great for clicking and locating the keys. The Joystick of this device is surprising. This can be a great help for playing RPG games.
Software
The best thing about this game is the G13 from Logitech has a fascinating LED Onscreen Gameboard. You can see the game stats, chats with your folks, and system info so it will be really helpful for you.
Pros
- 5 gaming profiles using onboard memory.
- LCD to show you the gaming stats.
- Comfortable keys.
- The natural design of ergonomics.
- Great grip on the device.
Cons
- The LCD distracts you while playing.
Final Review
Finally, the Logitech G13 Gameboard is not only great for playing games but is for productive works also. So you can have an amazing gaming experience to say.
RedThunder One-Handed Gaming Keyboard
Image Courtesy: Amazon
RedThunder One-Handed Gaming Keyboard is a very cost-effective and designed gaming keyboard for the average gamer. This amazing gaming keyboard comes with all the required features.
Exterior and Ergonomics
This One-Handed Gaming Keyboard from RedThunder has a simple and portable design. Also, It saves places and is easy to carry. The RGB backlighting system has two modes, Static Mode and Breath mode. The users can set it up according to their choice easily. There are 7 background colours to choose and it brings more fun into your gameplay.
It has a membrane keyboard with a great feel. The 35 keys of this keyboard are anti-ghosting and suitable for every PC game. Among them, 2 keys are macro recording keys that provide more possibilities for gaming operation. FN+F1 and FN+F2 are the macro recording keys. The macro recording methods are given below,
- First, press FN and Esc to activate the recording function.
- Enter the function that you need to record.
- Lastly, press FN+F1 or FN+F2 to end the recording process.
Press FN+F1 or FN+F2 to get the output. If you want to clear the recording you can simply deactivate the function by pressing FN+Esc until the backlight flash and then press FN+F1 or FN+F2.
The ergonomics and the big wrist rest will make your gaming marathons relaxing like never before.
Software
This One-Handed Gaming Keyboard is compatible with every device. Moreover, it’s a driver-free gadget with plug and play system. Also as we mentioned before the keys are anti-ghosting and suitable for every gaming experience. Besides, this amazing gaming keypad has a built-in gaming chip.
Pros
- This device supports plug and plays system.
- The switches have a prolonged lifespan.
- Comfortable bug wrist rest system.
- It has 7 background colours.
Cons:
- It’s a bit hard to customize.
Final Review
The amazing ergonomic design has made the RedThunder One-Handed Gaming Keyboard perfect for gaming enthusiasts. Another amazing feature that has to be noted is that this keyboard uses high-quality ABS material that makes it more prolonged. This device is unique because it has membrane keys. So you must give it a try as it has some outstanding features.
Cakce RGB Mechanical One-Handed Gaming Keyboard
Image Courtesy: Amazon
The RGB Mechanical One-Handed Gaming Keyboard from Cakce has 35 keys has rainbow background light function. These keys are non-conflict keys, you can press them all at once. The amazing backlighting effects have made this device cool and stylish.
Exterior and Ergonomics
The keys of this gadget are mechanical keys with RGB rainbow backlit. The user can switch the colours with the function keys. The colour modes are given below,
Fn+3 = Brightness plus,
Fn+4 = Brightness Reduce,
Fn+5 = RGB, Red, Green, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Purple, White (7 colour mode switches)
Fn+Tab = Light Judgement mode (Running mode, raising mode, breathing mode, snowing mode)
The G keys perform the responsibility of macro recording and deletion. You can record the macros or delete them as you want.
Press Fn+G1 to enter into the recording state of the macros. If the G1 key is flashing, you can input the recording system. Press Fn+G1 again to stop the process.
The letters from the curvy keys never fade away and the ergonomic design ensures great comfort for your hand.
Software
This device doesn’t need any software to run it. The gadget is compatible with every device.
Pros
- Curvy stylish keys with nice ergonomics.
- Non-conflict mechanical keys.
- The palm support provides comfort.
Cons
- The wrist rest cannot be detached.
Final Review
The one-handed mechanical keypad from Cakce has great ergonomics, is pretty affordable, and nice background light function. The applicable systems are very appealing and easy.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gaming keypad?
A gaming keypad is another gadget that can be used for gaming purposes and other productive purposes. There are different types of gaming keypads out there. We have the best ones on our list. Some provide a one-handed gaming experience. Some keypads contain joysticks, some don’t.
How is a gaming keypad beneficial?
The benefit of the gaming keypad is based on the user’s needs. It has different features like a joystick, membrane keys, macros etc. There are lots of users of gaming Keypads because they found it beneficial for their gaming.
Moreover, a gaming keypad can be used for productive work also. Using a gaming keypad usually gives you the comfort of using this gadget. However, it’s hard to switch the two-hand gameplay in one. Still, there are so many users of this gadget and they found it very beneficial. You can see the customer reviews and the popularity graph chart that we have shown for each best gaming keypad.
Do I need to add a joystick to my gaming keypad?
The choice of adding a joystick to your gaming keypad completely depends on the game you play. If you play MOBA or open-world games like Skyrim, you’ll need a joystick to navigate the areas and the game world. However, some of the best gaming keypads of our listing come with an added joystick. So adding a joystick depends on your gameplay.
What is the difference between a keyboard and a gaming keypad?
A regular keyboard has 85 to 100 keys in it. Besides, some have more than that and they take up a big space on your table. But a gaming keypad has the highest 40 or 42 keys and they can be used for creative works also not only gaming. Also, both of these gadgets have different comfort, shapes, and ergonomics.
Does hand size matter for a keypad?
Well, it’s true for those who have small hands but large keypads. They can’t reach their desired keys easily. Customizing is another reason. If you can customize the keys according to your needs it will be easy for you. Some of the best gaming keypads come with this customizing feature.
How long does a gaming keypad last?
The build quality of the gadget, type of material, and switch play an important role in the lifetime of a gaming keypad. However, if you use the keypad with care, a decent keypad can last for 2-3 years. But it can’t last long, if you don’t use it with care but roughly.
Which gaming keypad is best for Xbox series X and PS5?
The gaming keypads which are USB gaming keypads and are part of our listing is used for Xbox series X and PS4. We’ll recommend the Razer Tartarus V2 and Pro for your Xbox series X and PS4. Because these two amazing gaming keypads are some of the best gaming keypads and have unique features and different specifications.
Conclusion
After researching, comparing many keypads we have listed the best gaming keypads for you. Moreover, the buyer guide about choosing the best one, the features and keys, ergonomics, and more things we included in this article will help you choose the right gaming keypad for you. Do let us know which you have liked the most and suggest to us if we have missed something.
Go ahead and choose the right one that fits you.