For FPS fans, tilting one’s keyboard is pretty much the norm. However, for those who are new to FPS esports or those who are coming from other Esports genres such as MOBA, then seeing gamers tilt their keyboards will surely come as a big surprise. Some may even wonder if these tilts are necessary to play these games and if it’s comfortable and safe for the players to use such extreme keyboard angles.

Tilting keyboards began as a necessity in the early days of esports. It then became the norm and was adopted by future generations of gamers who worshipped the pros before them. The act of tilting keyboards is meant to maximize desk space and position your keyboard more naturally. 

As surprising as it is, tilting your keyboard does have many health benefits as long as done correctly. And while not exactly necessary, it has helped hone the playstyle of many successful FPS players, easily making it their trademark. 

In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into the concept of tilting keyboards for gaming. We will look at its roots in the competitive scene and discuss why professional gamers still do it. And by the end of this article, we will be giving our take on whether or not you should tilt your keyboard while playing games.

The History of Tilting Keyboards

 

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Despite its massive popularity in today’s gaming culture, the roots of keyboard tilting are very hard to pinpoint. After all, gamers in the early 2000s did not have access to tools to document themselves, and gaming wasn’t exactly popular, nor did it have a good reputation with the general public. But based on the accounts of gamers, gaming news outlets, and esports personalities, tilting keyboards most likely began with the competitive Counter-Strike scene. 

Counter-Strike is one of the oldest Esports titles. The first CS tournament could be traced back as early as 2000. Back then, many peripherals and gaming products we now take for granted did not exist. There were no specialized gaming keyboards and gaming mice. 

There were also no gaming desks or extra-large mousepads made specifically for FPS. And most of all, the tournaments that held these competitions did not have any equipment to cater to the Counter-Strike players at the time. Given these limitations, CS players at the time had to make do with what they had. 

The biggest problem that they had was space. Most keyboards in the 90s and 2000s were large full-sized keyboards that were meant for office work. For other esports titles, such as Starcraft, Dota, and League of Legends, these large keyboards were perfectly usable. However, for Counter-Strike, large keyboards were a big problem since they limited mouse movement. 

Unlike many Esports titles, CS and other tactical shooters require precise mouse movement. And to achieve the highest level of precision, most tactical FPS players prefer using a low sensitivity, which means that they would be making larger mouse movements. Given how large their keyboards were and how limited desk space they had, most CS players resorted to tilting their keyboards to make room for more mouse space. 

Tilting Keyboards in Modern Gaming and Esports

Over the course of the next 20 years. Esports greatly evolved. It is now recognized as a real sport, and professional gamers are now legitimate athletes. Given how much attention Esports has received, gaming equipment has also evolved to accommodate the needs of professional gamers. 

The gaming peripheral that has significantly evolved is the keyboard. Most keyboards used by professional gamers, including gaming keyboards and custom keyboards, have largely shrunken in size. Unlike the 104 full-size standard layout keyboards used in the past, modern keyboards are now available in smaller form factor options.

Some of the most popular small form factor keyboards include a 60%/65% keyboard which contains 61 to 68 keys, as well as TKL and 75% keyboards which usually have 87 keys. In addition, there are now plenty of desk manufacturers that create specialized products for gamers and other professionals who rely on their computer setups. 

Given how optimized today’s equipment and tournament conditions are, the most logical assumption would be that tilting keyboards are no longer necessary. However, that is not the case. Tilting keyboards is still alive and well in the gaming community. And in the next section, we will explain why this is the case. 

Benefits of Tilting Keyboards

 

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Better Ergonomics

The main reason why many gamers still tilt their keyboards is better ergonomics. As we have mentioned earlier, the primary goal of gamers tilting their keyboards was to maximize available desk space for their mice. However, without them realizing it, they have also made their keyboards more comfortable and better suited for their playstyle. 

The conventional keyboard design and layout, invented in the late 80s and still used by today’s keyboards, is not exactly designed for gaming. It was designed to cater to typists and professionals. IBM’s Model M keyboard design, which most companies later adapted, was based on a typewriter and was meant to help typewriter users transition to computers. 

The traditional keyboard design still worked well for most computer games. But when it came to high-level competitive shooters, the conventional computer keyboard layout had its limitations, especially when it came to comfort. 

But by tilting the keyboard to a certain angle, gamers place their keyboards in a more natural and comfortable position. And over time, this kind of position can help alleviate the problems that can happen when playing in a non-ergonomic position. 

Ergonomic professionals aren’t the only ones claiming the benefits of a tilted/slanted keyboard. Even keyboard designers primarily catering to professionals and typists agree that the standard keyboard layout can be further improved. 

Large companies such as Microsoft have released ergonomic keyboards that feature slanted keys that allow users to position their hands in a more natural position without having to tilt their keyboards. The ergonomic keyboard design has also made its way to the custom keyboard world in the form of Arisu/Alice layout keyboards.

And lastly, there are also split keyboards that separate the left and right sides of the keyboard into two individual pieces. This keyboard design allows users to angle and position their keyboard to cater to their needs and typing position. They can even get rid of the other half to maximize desk space for their mouse hand. All these newer keyboard designs and advancements prove that tilting keyboards have legitimate ergonomic benefits for FPS players. 

Accommodates to the Preference of Gamers 

Another benefit of tilting keyboards while gaming is that it caters specifically to the player’s unique playstyle. There are many accomplished FPS players such as Shaiiko and Tarikwho made their full vertically tilted keyboards their trademark. Even well-known players outside of tactical FPS, such as Tfue and Slappie, who primarily play Fortnite, fully tilt their keyboards vertically. 

When asked why they position their keyboards in such a way, it mostly comes down to personal preference. Players like Tfue prefer fully tilting their keyboards to maximize their mouse space, especially for LAN events. Other players fully tilt their keyboards to reach certain keys and develop unique keybindings that would typically be very hard or impossible to do with a traditional horizontally oriented keyboard. 

Another possible benefit of these extreme keyboard tilts is that they can place you into a specific posture which can increase concentration or immersion. While there is no scientific study regarding this matter, it is pretty much similar to the concept of having a battle stance or having a correct posture to maximize your efficiency while studying.

Downsides of Tilting Keyboards When Gaming

The downsides of tilting keyboards will only truly start showing when players start doing extreme tilts that ultimately affect their posture. Gamers with extreme tilts on their keyboards tend to assume a hunchback sitting position. And over time, poor posture will cause long-term damage to your back and possibly other body parts. 

Studies regarding the posture and sitting position of professional gamers and amateur competitive gamers have only started taking off in the last couple of years. But regardless, it is best to be mindful of your posture and sitting position when experimenting with different levels of keyboard tilt. 

Different Keyboard Tilt Positions

Speaking of different levels of keyboard tilts, let us quickly go over some of the commonly used keyboard positions in gaming. These keyboard tilt angles/levels do not have official names, so we will just describe them based on how tilted they are. 

5-degree Keyboard Tilt

The 5-Degree keyboard tilt is arguably the most commonly used keyboard tilt by FPS players. It features a slight tilt and does not deviate too much from the standard fully horizontal keyboard position. Most of the staff here at Keyboardsexpert who play Valorant use this type of tilt. 

In our experience, this keyboard position allows our hands to sit in a more natural position. It also allows us to maximize the available room for wider mouse movements. Most of us use 65% keyboards which can still be inadequate when using a very low mouse sensitivity. 

To avoid hitting the edge of our keyboards, we move our keyboards farther to the left side of our desks. In doing so, our keyboards are moving further from our natural typing position. But when slightly tilting our keyboards, our left hand assumes a more natural position which is more comfortable for longer gaming sessions. 

This type of keyboard tilt naturally came to most of us without even realizing it. We started slightly tiling our keyboards to accommodate our playstyle. We imagine that most players started doing the same thing and are unlikely to be influenced by other gamers. 

45-Degree Keyboard Tilt

The 45-degree keyboard tilt is a more pronounced variation of the 5-degree keyboard tilt. It pretty much has the same benefits as the 5-degree keyboard tilt but allows users to reach certain keys easier. It also allows them to anchor their entire arm to their desk.

Some gamers most likely adopted this position due to having a certain type of chair or desk. Regardless, choosing this type of tilt over the more subtle 5-degree keyboard tilt will come down to personal preference and the type of desk and chair you have. 

Full Vertical Tilt

Lastly, we have the full vertical tilt. This is the type of keyboard tilt that has been adopted by many professional FPS players. As we have mentioned earlier, it has many benefits, such as easily reaching hard-to-reach keys and maximizing desk space. 

However, this type of keyboard tilt will put you into an unconventional sitting position. Feel free to experiment with how well this type of keyboard position works for your playstyle.

Tilting Keyboards in Other Games

The act of tilting keyboards is pretty much exclusive to FPS games. And as we mentioned earlier, the concept of tilting keyboards can be completely foreign to those coming from other Esports titles. So at this point, some may start to wonder, should players of other game genres try tilting their keyboards?

The short answer is, not really. Unlike FPS, other game genres do not need absurd desk space for wide mouse movements. Faker, League of Legends’ most popular and decorated player, is using a very high 3500 DPI. What that tells us is that low DPI is not necessarily needed for these kinds of games, so there is no reason to modify your keyboard position to accommodate more mouse space. 

Sure, you can try to experiment with slight keyboard tilts for a more natural position. But in our experience, our hands do not deviate from our typing position in most competitive titles that aren’t shooters. 

Conclusion – Should you Tilt Your Keyboard for Gaming?

 

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Now that we know why professional gamers tilt their keyboards, the question is if you should also start tilting your keyboard while gaming. The answer to that is it depends on your personal preference. 

Each player has a unique playstyle and will approach the game differently. Thus, there should be no rules that will dictate how they hold their keyboards. Of course, there will still be conventions to help gamers maintain a healthy playstyle. But ultimately, the exact tilt and position you choose should be catered to how you play the game. 

If you came from Dota 2 and League and are already used to a regular horizontal keyboard position, there’s nothing wrong with that. And likewise, if you find that tilting your keyboard makes reaching keys such as the CTRL, C, and V keys easier, then feel free to go with it. 

Just keep in mind that the keyboard position you choose should not cause any strain on your arms, fingers, or back. If it does, try to correct them immediately to avoid long-term damage. 

And lastly, feel free to experiment with different keyboard tilts and angles. You may be surprised at how much your playstyle can change or even improve by changing your keyboard’s positioning. 

Aubrey Aragon

The post Why Do Gamers Tilt Their Keyboards -Keyboard FAQs appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

Keyboard enthusiasts love taking apart and tinkering with their keyboards. In recent years, the ability to disassemble your keyboard has almost become a necessity with the number of mods that can vastly improve the sound and feel of your keyboard. However, not all mechanical keyboards can be taken apart easily. 

Gaming mechanical keyboards usually restrict access to their internals. The warranty may even be voided if the user attempts to open up their keyboard. In contrast, pre-built custom and custom mechanical keyboards give the user more liberty in accessing their internals. While there are some risks involved, disassembling custom keyboards are usually safe and risk-free. 

But with that said, there are some risks that keyboard enthusiasts have to take note of if they are planning to disassemble their keyboards. These include wear and tear or damage to sensitive components such as ribbon cables. These risks are small but are still very important to take note of.

In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of a keyboard that can be dismantled, which kinds of keyboards can be disassembled, and the risks involved with dismantling your keyboard. Keep on scrolling to learn more about mechanical keyboard disassembly. 

Can You Disassemble Any Mechanical Keyboard?

Before we get started, let us first make one thing clear. Not all mechanical keyboards are meant to be dismantled by the user. Some are designed to be easily accessed, while others can take a lot of effort to open. 

Generally speaking, custom keyboards are meant to be taken apart, while gaming keyboards restrict how much you can customize them. Most mechanical gaming keyboards do not have any exposed screws or any obvious way to access the internals. Opening up and modifying these kinds of keyboards is mostly not worth it, especially since most companies void the warranty as soon as you attempt to open the keyboard case. 

So, in summary, if you are dealing with a gaming mechanical keyboard manufactured by mainstream gaming peripheral brands, you will most likely not be able to open them easily. But if your keyboard is specifically marketed as a custom keyboard or has customizable features such as hot-swappable switches and compatibility with third-party stabilizers, you can most likely easily access the internals. 

Why Take Apart Your Custom Keyboard?

Now that we know which kinds of mechanical keyboards we can safely disassemble, let us now talk about why keyboard enthusiasts even want to disassemble their keyboards in the first place. One of the main reasons for dismantling keyboards is to apply mods. 

Out of the box, most pre-built mechanical keyboards need some work to get them to sound and feel better. Some common mods that can be done include adding a case foam/dampener, doing the tape mod, and adding PE foam. Additional steps can be done, such as lubing and modding the stabilizers and replacing parts such as the plate. 

Another reason why enthusiasts might want to open up their keyboards is to diagnose and fix issues. Sometimes, the PCB can become faulty and may need to be replaced by the user. Most pre-built custom keyboards supply extra parts, including PCBs, to address these issues. The bottom line is that having the ability to open up and access the keyboard’s internals allows users to fine-tune the performance of their keyboards and address issues down the line. 

What Can Go Wrong During Keyboard Disassembly?

Despite the fact that many custom keyboards are meant to be taken apart and tinkered with, there are some risks involved when opening up your mechanical keyboard. Of course, this isn’t surprising as disassembling any electronic equipment has some risks. 

The first thing that can go wrong is stripping the screws. This issue can occur for older mechanical keyboards that have been disassembled several times. It can also happen if you try to use the wrong type of screwdriver forcefully. As long as you are careful, you can avoid this issue. And if it happens, you can always replace the screws. 

Another issue that can happen is loose hot-swap sockets. When fully taking apart a custom keyboard for maintenance and cleaning, the switches also have to be removed. Unfortunately, the hot-swap sockets can become loose over time. And when this happens, the switches may no longer reliably connect to the PCB. 

When this happens, the user can opt to replace the hot-swap sockets or outright replace the PCB. But to be on the safe side, make sure to only fully disassemble your keyboard when needed. There is no need to often dismantle your keyboard. 

Lastly, when dealing with more complex mechanical keyboards that have daughterboards, there is a chance that the user can damage the ribbon cables. This is a small risk, especially if you already know how to reliably disconnect the ribbon cables on your keyboard. For those who have never dismantled a keyboard before, we highly recommend looking up a guide or a disassembly video and to familiarize yourself with all the components and cables that have to be removed. 

General Precautions When Dismantling Your Mechanical Keyboard

As we have mentioned earlier, always learn about the internals of your keyboard. Check out assembly/disassembly videos to help you get acquainted with any sensitive components such as ribbon cables and batteries. These videos will also let you know about any other risks, such as weak components in plastic cases that can break when too much force is applied. 

Another general precaution is to always use the right tools for the job. We highly recommend multibit screwdriver sets to ensure that you always have the correct screw bit. 

And lastly, when attempting to replace parts such as the PCB and plate or when applying mods, make sure to check for compatibility thoroughly. This is especially true when using third-party parts that have not been confirmed to work with your mechanical keyboard. When in doubt, you can always ask various forums first before dismantling and installing the mods and aftermarket parts. 

Aubrey Aragon

The post Disassembling Mechanical Keyboards – FAQs appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

Keycaps are easily one of the most customizable parts of the mechanical keyboard. Functionally, they are covers placed over the keyboard switches, usually marked by symbols representing the keys’ functions or the characters they correspond to. Meanwhile, they can also be a great canvas for creative self-expression. However, you may get distracted by the pretty designs that you forget to consider if these keycaps actually fit on your keyboard.

Keycap size is an important factor to consider in choosing keycaps for your mechanical keyboard. The size of a keycap varies depending on the model, layout (commonly ISO or ANSI), and form factor (full-sized, tenkeyless, 60%, 40%). Before buying your keycaps, familiarize yourself with these details about your keyboard first.

Quick Introduction to Custom Keycap Sets

Keycaps can be regarded as the artistic highlight of the mechanical keyboard. The keycaps define the keyboard’s overall look from their profile, material, colorways, and design. Custom keycap sets have become all the rage as enthusiasts search for the perfect caps to make their mechanical keyboards visually stunning and unique. Some even obtain custom keycap sets with no legends or dots as legends.

However, keycaps should not be taken solely at face value. A particular custom set may look good, but is it the best for your keyboard? Other than design, there are many different factors to consider when buying custom keycap sets. One such factor is the material, which determines the durability and even the feel of your keycaps. Keycaps are typically made from two types of plastic: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). To weigh the pros and cons of both materials, read more about ABS and PBT keycaps in our article.

Other factors to consider when buying keycaps include profile (the shape and slope of the keycaps), switch compatibility (the stem of the keycaps should match the stem of the switches), interference, and size. 

Keycap sizes should be carefully measured and noted to ensure that every keycap fits right on the board.

Keycap Sizing Guide: A Quick Overview

Keycap size is measured in units or u. Before diving into a comprehensive discussion of keycap sizes, let us first have a quick overview of the different sections of a keyboard:

Alphanumeric Keys

Also called the alpha keys, these are the letters, symbols, punctuation, and symbol keys that can be typically found on a typewriter. This section also includes the number keys on top of the board. These are typically sized as 1u.

Function Keys

Function keys are the ones labeled F1 up to F12, found on the highest row of a full-sized keyboard. These keys execute shortcuts and perform specific tasks depending on how they are programmed and are also 1u. 

Modifier Keys

These keys work in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. For example, the Ctrl key, when pressed with the C key, copies a selected text; when pressed with the V key, pastes it. Other than the Ctrl key, modifiers include the Tab, Enter, Alt, and Shift keys. Their typical sizes range from 1.25u to 2.25 u, but some compact keyboards can size the bottom row (Ctrl, Alt, Tab) as 1u.

Navigational Keys

These keys include the arrow cluster, as well as the Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Insert, and Delete keys. These are typically 1u as well.

Numeric Keys

These are the number keys grouped together as if on a calculator. The keys are used for quick input of numbers, handy for people working with calculations and equations. Most of the numerical keys are 1u with 2u plus, enter, and 0.

It is best to remember that keycaps are not one-size-fits-all. The size of the keycaps you need depends on the form factor and layout of the mechanical keyboard you are building. Hitherto, you might need to obtain different kittings. For higher-priced custom keycaps, the divisions include a spacebar kit, a novelty kit, and a numeric pad kit.

In order to quickly visualize the different keycap sizes, you must remember the following: 1u is the size of one alphanumeric key; correspondingly, 2.25u would be the size of two and a quarter alphanumeric keys put together. 

Standard Keycap Sizes

Alpha Keys

The standard size of alpha keys is 1u. They are the same size as the function keys and navigational keys, but it should be noted that just because they are the same size does not mean they are interchangeable, especially if you select a keycap set that has sculpted profiles. Keycaps with sculpted profiles have different shapes and heights depending on which row the key sits on the board. 

Modifier Keys

On standard mechanical keyboards, the bottom row modifier keys, which include Ctrl and Alt, are sized at 1.25u. The sizes of bigger modifiers are as follows: the left shift key is typically 2.25u, while the backspace key is 2u, and the right shift key is 2.75u. Keycaps that are at least 2u in size require 2u stabilizers. However, for 65%, 75%, and 96% form factors, the right shift key is smaller at 1.75u and therefore does not need stabilizing. Also, in an ISO layout, the left shift key is 1.25u and does not require any stabilizer.

As for the Enter key, the ANSI layout’s version is long and horizontal, sized at 2.25u. The ISO layout has an Enter key that is L-shaped, spanning two rows, with a horizontal width of roughly 1.25u. Both layouts’ enter keys require stabilizers; the ISO one just needs to be put in vertically. 

Space Bar Key

The standard size for a straight single-spacebar keycap is 6.25u and requires stabilizers of the same length. What one should keep an eye out for is the number of stems the keycap has– remember that the keycap stems have to be compatible with the keyswitch stems. 

Non-standard keyboard layouts may have a 6u or 7u space bar with correspondingly sized stabilizers. Note that 6.25u stabilizers will not work for a 7u spacebar keycap because the latter is almost a unit longer, and the wire will certainly fall short.

Ergonomic keyboards (and choice custom keyboards) may offer a split spacebar option. The pair of spacebars are often sized at 2.25u and 2.75u. Non-standard pairs may be a pair of 2.25u keycaps or a pair of 2u keycaps.  

Ortholinear Keyboards

Ortholinear keyboards have their keys in straight rows, making typing more efficient because of less travel time, unlike traditional keyboards with the keys in staggered rows. If you have an ortholinear keyboard, the keycap sizing is pretty straightforward: all keycaps are 1u in size, except for the space bar, which is 2u.

Split and ALICE Keyboards

Split and ALICE keyboards fall under ergonomic keyboards, designed for comfort and health. It is somewhat difficult to buy keycaps for split and ALICE keyboards since they have different sizes for their modifiers, and most have specialized key designs, such as split spacebar keys. The best bet would be to look into group buys that have ergo or ortholinear keycap kits. You can also obtain spacebar kits for most on-hand custom keycaps at an additional cost.

If you need a further visual reference for keycap sizing, Keyboard University has a helpful keycap ruler that you can print at 100% and use to measure your keyboard’s keycap sizes. 

Aubrey Aragon

The post Keycap Sizing Guide – Keyboard FAQs appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

The rise of compact keyboards revitalized the acquisition of keyboards. More and more users continue to opt for smaller form factors that take up less desk space. Consequently, the market for full-sized keyboards seems to grow smaller as time passes. But what about users who prefer the feel and function of full-sized keyboards? To answer this question and to make ends meet, 96% keyboards (also known as 1800-compact keyboards) were produced by manufacturers. 

The 96% keyboard is the most compact keyboard you can go for if you need the functionality of a full-sized keyboard but want a smaller footprint on your desk. If you play games that require the number pad, then the 96% keyboard’s the perfect fit for your gaming experience.

We encourage you to read further if you’re interested in buying a 96% keyboard for your gaming needs. In this article, we will be taking you through the experience of using a 96% keyboard for gaming. We will also be giving you our list of 96% keyboard favorites.

What is a 96% Keyboard?

A 96% keyboard is a more compact take on the full-sized keyboard. This keyboard form factor is usually considered as an alternative full-size keyboard. This keyboard includes 100-104 keys, depending on the brand and manufacturer. (Usually, it’s the special navigation keys that may be done away with in some models.)

By acquiring a 96% keyboard, you’d get a minimal change in the typing experience with an extra inch or two of desk space. To make the keyboard more compact and reduce the white space, the arrow keys are placed below the enter key, while special navigation keys such as home, insert, and delete is placed above the number pad.

Of course, the change in positions of these keys might take some getting used to, but it may not even affect your gaming experience. The keys that the 96% keyboard repositions (other than the arrow cluster) are not typically used in gaming.

Perks of Using a 96% Keyboard

 

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Getting a 96% keyboard allows you to win access to a compact form factor without sacrificing any important keys. If you’re already used to typing with a numeric pad, this is an excellent alternative to buying a bulky full-sized keyboard.

This form factor is more portable and lightweight than a full-sized keyboard. It can save you up to 35% desk space compared to a full-sized keyboard since it does away with the pesky white space that can limit your mouse movements.

There is also a minimal learning curve when using a 96% keyboard since only the special navigation keys or home cluster is repositioned at a substantial distance.

Speaking of distance, the elimination of white space can also cause you to gain typing speed. The arrow keys, the numeric pad, and the navigation or home cluster are now integrated with the alphanumeric keys and the function row. Finger strain can likewise be lessened due to the shorter travel distance between keys.

The 96% keyboard is also great for those who use their keyboard for both work and play. Since the numeric pad is not done away with, data entry can be a breeze for 96% keyboard users.

Using a 96% Keyboard for Gaming

In essence, using a 96% keyboard for gaming is very similar to using a full-sized keyboard. If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup and are satisfied with the feel of a 100% form factor keyboard, then the 96% form factor will be a great fit.

The 96% form factor offers the option of using the numeric pad, which is recommended by many pro gamers. Playing Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs (MMORPGs), in particular, can benefit from having a numeric pad since you can remap their various game controls to the Numpad for easier memorization and shorter travel distance between different commands.

Moreover, some older mainstream games, such as Final Fantasy VII, DOTA 1, and Arma 3, use the number pad for their main controls. Enthusiasts of these games may not be ready to commit to smaller form factors.

More compact form factors can be the way to go for other gamers. But, for those already used to the feel of a full-sized keyboard, the 96% keyboard is their best bet. The integration of a compressed layout without sacrificing the versatile numeric pad is great for those who want to have more desk space.

96% Keyboards In MOBAs

 

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Some examples of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are Heroes of the Storm, League of Legends (LoL), and the multiple iterations of DOTA. MOBA games are strategy video games with rival groups playing against each other on a predetermined battleground.

The most commonly used keys in this game genre include the letters Q, W, E, R, D, and F, and/or the numbers 1 through 6. Other game control keys may be used depending on the character you’re currently playing. 

Using a 96% keyboard to play MOBA games does not need key remapping unless you prefer using the ortholinear layout for game controls. In which case, you can use the numeric pad for game controls by using the in-game control settings.

96% Keyboards In FPS/Shooting Games

 

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Player’s Unknown Battleground (PUBG), Call of Duty (COD), Overwatch, and Valorant are among the most played shooting games in the market. The game controls of shooting games customarily use the arrow cluster or W, A, S, and D keys. Other actions are performed by mouse movement and mouse clicks.

Because of the maximized use of one’s mouse, the large form factor of the 96% keyboard may be a detriment while playing shooting games. To remedy such, you may also remap some mouse actions to other keys in-game.

96% Keyboards In MMORPGs & RPGs 

 

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Famous examples of RPGs (Role Playing Games) include Fallout, The Witcher, and Dark Souls. Some well-known examples of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs) include World of Warcraft (WoW), Phantasy Star, and Final Fantasy. 

These game genres make the most use of your keyboard. Typical game controls include keys 1 through the equals sign (‘=’) and all the function keys for the Hotbar. Alpha keys I, M, J, and Q are also routinely used. Arrow keys and/or the letters W, A, S, and D might be used for movement depending on the game. 

Because of the MMORPGs and RPGs’ tendency to use many keys, some gamers prefer remapping the game controls to the numeric pad for easier access and rote memory.

96% Keyboards In Other Game Genres

Game genres not specified in this list, such as puzzles and other casual games, typically use the same kinds of keys (function keys, specific alphanumeric keys, and the arrow cluster or letter keys W, A, S, and D for movement).

Some older games may also use the number pad for game controls.

Recommended 96% Keyboards for Gaming

Royal Kludge RK100 Tri-Mode Keyboard

RK100 Highlights

• Pre-built Mechanical Keyboard with 100 Keys
• Hot-Swap PCB
• Wired and Wireless Connectivity
• Oil-Resistant PBT Keycaps
• Two Style Options: Carbon and Classic

The Royal Kludge RK100 Tri-Mode Keyboard is a great entry-level budget keyboard for gamers. You may use it in Windows or Mac interfaces with three modes of connection: 2.4GHz wireless with dongle, Type-C-USB 2.0 wired, and wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. The board is made of durable oil-resistant PBT keycaps that prevent shining even as your daily driver. Moreover, this keyboard is easy to disassemble and modify with its hot-swappable switch seats (that support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches) to get your desired distinct sound profile.

YUNZII AKKO 3098 LA 

YUNZII AKKO 3098 LA Highlights

• Pre-built mechanical keyboard with 98 keys
• Hot-swap PCB
• Akko switches: Rose Red, Ocean Blue, Matcha Green
• ASA Keycap Profile
• Unique design with LA Lakers as inspiration

If you’re looking to add a unique 96% keyboard to your collection, Akko has the board for you! The YUNZII AKKO 3098 LA Keyboard is meticulously designed to adopt the theme of the LA Lakers basketball team. This keyboard doesn’t shy away from function either, as it uses a type-c cable connection with adjustable two-stage feet with three different angles for typing comfortably. This board also integrates N-key Rollover, which supports simultaneous key presses without conflict and optimizes your gaming experience.

IDOBAO96

ID96 Highlights

• 96% Custom Mechanical Keyboard Kit with 96 Keys
• Solder-Only PCB
• QMK Compatible
• Anodized Aluminum Case with Top Mounting
• Sound Insulation Foam

You can also enter the custom keyboard kit scene with Idobao’s 96% kit, the IDOBAO96. Despite having a solder-only PCB, this board has the best build quality of all the aforementioned options. The combination of an anodized aluminum case with sound insulation foam results in a holistic sound quality and premium typing feel. You can also venture into more enthusiast-grade switches and keycaps in building this keyboard since it doesn’t come pre-built.

Conclusion

The 96% form factor is quite unconventional in the sense that it is nearly near to a full-size keyboard in terms of the number of keys but is significantly smaller in size – which is essentially the deciding factor in a dilemma between a full-size keyboard and a 96% one. Since the latter basically has all the keys you need, your decision will ultimately be based on what can fit on your desk. 

The removal of the so-called “white space” in a full-size keyboard gave birth to its 96% version. It does seem cramped at first sight but considers that a number of people are used and are more comfortable in this setup wherein the Numpad is relatively closer to the base keys of the keyboard. 

All things considered, a 96% keyboard is good for gaming, given that you do not need to look for keys any longer, and its “airless” design will be beneficial if the game you are playing uses keys from the Numpad. This form factor is best for those who are used to using a full-size keyboard for their gaming and productivity tasks. 

Aubrey Aragon

The post Are 96% Keyboards Good for Gaming? appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

The mechanical gaming keyboard industry has been evolving throughout the years. Many brands that previously relied on Cherry MX switches have since employed other keyboard switches or have manufactured their own designs. HyperX is the latest brand to join the custom gaming keyboard switch party. 

At present, HyperX offers three in-house developed gaming keyboard switches. They have the Red linear switch, Aqua tactile switch, and Blue clicky switch. These keyboard switches are most notably based on the Cherry MX switches the brand previously used. However, they have been modified to have better gaming performance.

Hyperx’s gaming keyboard switch lineup is still fairly basic. However, they seem to satisfy the needs of their customers pretty well and will likely look to expand their options in the future. In this article, we will be taking a look at Hyperx’s gaming keyboard switch options in more detail.

We will talk about the various specifications of their switches and how they compare to the Cherry MX switches they were based on. This guide aims to help users choose the best HyperX switch for their HyperX gaming keyboard.

Introduction to HyperX Mechanical Switches

HyperX initially offered gaming mechanical keyboards equipped with Kaihl and Cherry MX switches. However, HyperX later explored the idea of manufacturing their own keyboard switch. Many of their competitors, including Razer and Logitech G, have gone this route.  

In 2021, HyperX finally revealed their in-house developed switches to the public. The brand provided three variations: HyperX Red linear switches, HyperX Aqua tactile switches, and HyperX Blue clicky switches. All of which will be discussed in the latter part of this article.

The three current HyperX gaming switches are very similar to the Cherry MX and Kailh switches that they previously used. The new Reds, Aquas, and Blues are direct counterparts of the Cherry MX Red/Kailh Speed Silver linear switches, Blue clicky switches, and Brown tactile switches. However, HyperX has made some improvements to make their in-house switches more appealing to gamers.

HyperX switches are designed to have a longer lifespan compared to the older switches they used. The Cherry MX and Kaihl switches are rated for 50 Million clicks, while the HyperX switches are rated for 80 Million clicks. Another key difference is the total travel distance of these new HyperX switches. For example, the Cherry MX Red has a 45g operating force, 2mm actuation point, and 4mm total travel distance. The HyperX Red switch, on the other hand, has a 45g operating force, 1.8mm actuation point, and 3.8mm total travel distance.

One thing to take note of about HyperX switches is that they are proprietary to HyperX keyboards. Furthermore, HyperX keyboards are not hot-swappable, meaning users will not be able to try these different switches without purchasing an entirely new keyboard.

HyperX Switch Models

HyperX Red

Specifications:

• Operation Style: Linear
• Operating Force: 45g
• Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
• Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
• Life Span: 80 Million clicks

The HyperX Red is the brand’s take on linear switches. In terms of its specs, it has the same actuation force as the Cherry MX red switch that the brand previously used. However, what’s different is that HyperX reduced both the actuation distance and total travel distance by 0.2mm. What this entails is that the HyperX red switches mimic the feel of traditional Cherry MX Reds but have a faster response time.

HyperX’s implementation of the red switches is perfect for gamers who are looking for the fastest performing switch in HyperX’s gaming keyboard switch lineup. And while they can still be used for typing, gaming is truly their forte. 

HyperX Aqua

Specifications:

• Operation Style: Tactile
• Operating Force: 45g
• Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
• Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
• Life Span: 80 Million clicks

The HyperX Aqua switches are very similar to the Cherry MX Brown switches. Unlike with the HyperX Red switches, HyperX did some modifications to the Aqua switches. The actuation force has been reduced from 55g (Cherry MX Brown) to 45g making the HyperX Aqua a lighter feeling switch. Also, the actuation distance and total travel distance have also been reduced to make the Aquas activate faster. 

The Aqua switches sit in between the HyperX Blue and Red switches. Like the Blues, they still have a tactile bump which allows the user to identify if the switches are being activated. However, unlike the Blues, there is no clicky sound making the Aquas sound closer to the Reds. Given the characteristic of Aqua switches, they are perfect for both gaming and typing.

HyperX Blue

Specifications:

• Operation Style: Clicky
• Operating Force: 50g
• Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
• Total Travel Distance: 3.8mm
• Life Span: 80 Million clicks

Lastly, we have the HyperX Blue switches. As its name implies, the HyperX Blue is based on the Cherry MX Blue clicky switch. But just like the two other HyperX switches, the HyperX Blues have been modified to respond faster for gaming.

Actuation force has been reduced from 60g to 50g while actuation distance and total travel distance have been reduced. Overall, since they are based on the original Cherry MX Blue switches, they are primarily designed for typing. However, they can still appeal to gamers who love the loud and clicky sound that these switches provide. They will be heavier than both the Reds and the Aquas but they should not feel as fatiguing as the original Cherry MX Blues.

Which Hyperx Switch Do We Recommend?

Since HyperX gaming keyboards are primarily designed for gaming, recommending the HyperX Red linear switches is pretty much a no-brainer. They will respond the fastest and will allow gamers to input commands without any hindrance. Of course, this will still depend on personal preference since some may still prefer having the control that the HyperX Aquas provide. But overall, these two switches are the ones that we will be recommending.

Can You Mod HyperX Switches?

Like any other MX-style keyboard switch, HyperX gaming switches can be modified. Both the Red and Aqua switches should become smoother when lubed and filmed. However, since HyperX switches are soldered into the PCB, they will be harder to modify. Also, unlike most custom keyboard brands, HyperX does not encourage users to open up their keyboards and modify the various internal components.

Doing so may void the warranty. We recommend leaving these switches alone unless the user is truly unsatisfied with their performance. 

Where to Buy HyperX Switches?

Unfortunately, HyperX switches cannot be bought separately. They exclusively come with newer HyperX gaming keyboards. There are also no HyperX key switch testers available, meaning users cannot test these switches beforehand.

Aubrey Aragon

The post Complete Guide to HyperX Switches appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

In the keyboard switch community, most brands discussed are Cherry MX, Gateron, and Outemu. Even though the said brands are known for manufacturing their switches, they also specialize in producing commissioned keyboard switches for other popular switch brands. One of the most well-known quality switches manufactured by a famous brand, Outemu, is the Gazzew switches. 

Gazzew switches are mechanical keyboard switches manufactured by Outemu. Gazzew’s most sought-after keyboard switch is the Boba U4T, a tactile switch renowned for its thockiness. Because of Boba switches, Gazzew received attention and recognition from the community. Currently, they are part of the quality enthusiast-grade brands in the market.

You may have heard of the Boba U4T switches before, but Gazzew may be unknown territory for most keyboard hobbyists, especially newcomers. Aside from their Boba U4Ts, Gazzew offers different switches in their Boba lineup that may suit your preference, may you be a linear lover or a tactile enthusiast. 

As of now, even if they only have the Boba lineup in their brand, the keyboard community sees lots of potential from Gazzew. Thus, we’re here to help you become pioneers in discovering the potential-filled brand Gazzew switches through this article, as we will discuss the Gazzew brand and its Boba switches in detail.

Gazzew Mechanical Switches

The Gazzew brand started from an enthusiast who goes by the name u/hbheroinbob on Reddit. The owner is also known as Gazzew on his social media accounts including Twitter and Discord, hence the name of the mechanical switch brand. Due to his interest in mechanical keyboards, he crafted various mechanical switches under the Gazzew brand. The Gazzew switches were then widely accepted by the keyboard community due to their quality and adaptiveness to feedback.

As mentioned earlier, Outemu manufactures Gazzew switches. However, since Gazzew acknowledges the weaknesses of Outemu’s standard switches, Gazzew decided to create switches improving on the said weaknesses in pursuit of a better quality of switches beyond classic mechanical switch standards.  

Gazzew switches are known for their well-built bump in the field of tactile mechanical keyboard switches. Gazzew incorporates Korean-made stainless steel springs with a unique housing with structured material softer than the standard Nylon 66 in their mechanical switches. Due to their distinct switch housing, the plastic material causes reduced leaf and spring pings for the switch when pressed.

In contrast with Cherry MX Brown’s hollow switch housing, Gazzew Boba switches have tight tolerances in their switch housings, thus causing decreased stem wobble for a stable typing experience. Additionally, MX Browns have a significant resounding keypress, producing reverb to unnecessary noises and scratches from the housing. However, Gazzew switches do not bear the same struggle as it has a tight switch housing, making their sound profile clear and creamy to the ears of their users.

Up till now, Gazzew switches are extremely popular with the masses, especially for their Boba switch lineup. Most keyboard hobbyists commend the designer and Outemu for manufacturing enthusiast-grade switches that cater to what people find in a tactile, linear, or silent switch. Part of Gazzew switches’ success comes hand in hand with the improvement of Boba switches, according to feedback from the community. Indisputably, being on hand with the needs and wishes of the keyboard enthusiasts led Gazzew to design one of the highly well-received mechanical switches in the market today. 

Popular Choices

Gazzew Boba U4T

• Switch Feel: Tactile
• Bottom-Out Force: 62g / 68g
• Mount Type: PCB-Mount
• Sound: Moderate 

The Boba U4T switch is, according to the keyboard community, the king of tactile switches. With an absolute tactile switch bump and “thocky” sound profile, Boba U4T is the tactile switch for you. Currently, Boba U4T is the most popular switch of the Gazzew lineup. Moreover, it is also one of the most well-loved tactiles in the keyboard market. Keyboard enthusiasts often recommend U4Ts for those who want to join the tactile gang, as the switch makes it incredibly easy for the user to fall in love with the thocky tactiles.

Boba U4T switches feature the BOBA housing that makes the U4T switches have little to no wobble. Thus, filming these switches is not necessary at all. It also comes with factory lube on the switch’s leaf, making it sound creamy, even if stock. The selling point of the Boba U4Ts is its unique long stem pole that creates a rounded D-bump loved by many. The D-bump of Boba U4Ts allows the user to experience a prolonged bump until you bottom out instead of a short and sharp tactile bump. 

Additionally, it is also well-known for its deep thocky sound profile. It has 62g and 68g weight variants, fit for mid to heavy typists, even in extensive daily usage for your mechanical keyboard. Thus, if you like thock and tactiles, Boba U4T switches are your best pick.

Gazzew Boba U4

• Switch Feel: Tactile
• Bottom-Out Force: 62g / 68g
• Mount Type: PCB-Mount
• Sound: Low 

If the thocky sound profile of Boba U4T is not for you, may it be due to your environment or your preference, Boba U4 is a great alternative. Boba U4 provides the same satisfying tactility Boba U4T offers, however, with a muted sound profile. Even if your surroundings require you to be quiet, you can still experience the tactility loved by the tactile switch enthusiasts in the keyboard community. Because the U4s reduced the leaf and spring pings, the only present sound is the actual bottoming-out of the switch, which also sounds muted.

The structure of the U4 switch also features the same milky-colored BOBA housing, the pearl-white stem, and the pre-lubed leaf, which ultimately makes the typing experience better and tactile than other standard switches. Most hobbyists even say that the Boba U4 is a silent tactile switch done right, compared to other brands’ attempts at making an enthusiast-grade silent tactile switch. So, if you get the chance to get one of these bad boys, we suggest grabbing it to experience a true silent tactile mechanical switch.

Gazzew Boba LT (Linear Thock)

• Switch Feel: Linear
• Bottom-Out Force: 55g / 65g 
• Mount Type: PCB-Mount
• Sound: Moderate 

Are you looking for a switch with a Boba U4T sound profile? If you’re not a fan of the round bumps or the feel of tactile switches in general, then maybe, Boba LT is the switch for you. The switch offers a uniquely smooth experience due to its distinct BOBA housing and leaf design. With reduced pings in the leaf and spring, you will surely enjoy the deep and thockiness of the sound profile of Boba LT. 

Boba LT or Boba Linear Thock is also a fan-favorite linear switch by the keyboard community as it does not require much modding due to its high-quality performance out-of-the-box. As far as it goes, its housing highly reduces stem wobble, so there is no need for filming. Some enthusiasts even state that the lubed experience and the stock experience offer an identical premium typing experience for both the typing feel and the sound profile of the user. Thus, for enthusiasts looking for thock linear switches, we recommend adding Boba LTs to your mechanical switch wishlist.

Gazzew Bobagum Pink

• Switch Feel: Linear
• Bottom-Out Force: 52g / 62g / 68g
• Mount Type: PCB-Mount
• Sound: Low

Bobagum Pink is one of the most recent additions to the Gazzew Boba lineup. Just like the tactile switches of the Boba lineup, Bobagum Pink lives up to the legacy of Boba switches as it is also a premium-grade quality silent linear switch. The Bobagum Pink comes in three weight variants, the 52g, 62g, and the 68g, making it versatile for any use case and any sort of typist – light, mid, and heavy typists. Also, the Bobagum Pink offers its top housing in either clear-top or pink top with LED slots.

The Boba Pink’s housing is also made from the unique plastic mix, softer than Nylon 66 and melts in higher temperatures than polycarbonate plastic. The switch’s leaf also comes with pre-lube and is designed to deliver a smooth and silent typing experience for linear switches, excelling in both typing feel and sound profile. The unique switch rails and housing of the Bobagum Pink also eliminate the unnecessary pingy noises of the leaf and spring, thus creating a silent sound profile for the switch. So if you want to try Boba switches but are looking for silent linears instead of tactiles, Boba Pink is a noteworthy choice for your next build.

Gazzew Boba Silver

• Switch Feel: Linear
• Bottom-Out Force: 52g
• Mount Type: PCB-Mount
• Sound: Low

Boba Silver, also known as Boba Silver RGB, is another silent linear switch in Gazzew’s Boba lineup. As the name suggests, Boba Silver highlights the shine-through of the RGB LEDs of a mechanical keyboard. The switch features the BOBA-unique clear top housing, a milky bottom housing with an RGB cutout in the base, and a linear leaf design reducing its pings when in contact with the plastic housing. Due to its clear top, you don’t need to worry about the RGB and its light diffusion. 

The switch’s typing feel also provides a smooth keyboard experience for the typist, especially because of its light bottom-out force, 52g. However, the Boba Silver linear is not suitable for heavy typists because of its light spring weight. On the other hand, the Boba Silver is perfect for those light typists who wish for a smooth and silent switch that they can use for prolonged daily use.

Recommended Switches for Gaming

 

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One of the most important things to consider in gaming is the speed of registering a keypress, especially if it involves fast-paced gameplay. Therefore, for this kind of use case, we recommend checking out Boba’s lightweight switches. First up is the lightest of our three recommendations, the Boba Silver, a silent linear switch with a spring weight of 52g. You cannot go wrong with picking these switches if you wish for a speedy and smooth gaming experience using your mechanical keyboard. 

Secondly, we also recommend  Bobagum Pink for gaming. The Bobagum Pink delivers the same smooth and speedy experience given by Boba Silver, but it has a slightly heavier spring weight than the Silvers. Furthermore, it offers tons of options to choose from, whether they prefer a lightweight spring, a midweight spring, or a heavyweight spring to accompany them in gaming.

Recommended Switches for Typing

 

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For typists who want to add a satisfying bump in their typing experience, the 62g variant of Boba U4T may be the best pick for their use case. By picking the 62g variant, you can freely use the switch in typing for long hours while experiencing its tactility and thockiness praised by the keyboard community. 

Another choice you may want to consider if you have to turn the sound down a notch is the silent tactile switch, the Boba U4. This tactile switch is perfect for environments requiring you to do typing and be quiet simultaneously without reducing the satisfaction given by the tactile experience of the switch. 

Recommended Switches for General Use

For general use, one of the most versatile switches in the Gazzew Boba lineup is the Boba U4T switch. Due to its offered various spring weights, the enthusiast-grade tactile switch can be used whenever and for whatever the typists’ use case is. This especially applies to enthusiasts that are part of the tactile gang, sharing a fondness for true tactility in mechanical keyboard switches. 

However, if tactile switches are not to your taste, no worries, because Boba LT is also a versatile switch identical to the Boba U4T switch but in the form of a linear switch. The smooth typing feel and thocky sound profile provided by the Boba LT also make the Boba LT an enjoyable switch to have in your mechanical keyboard build.

Modding Gazzew Switches

The unique housing of the current lineup of Gazzew switches reduces the switch’s stem wobble significantly. Thus, there is no need for filming Gazzew switches because it would not make much of a difference. In regards to lubing, however, it mostly depends on the user’s preference, but we recommend it if you want a deeper sound profile for the thocky Gazzew switches, like the Boba U4T and the Boba LT.

Where to Buy Gazzew Switches?

You can find the websites and social media of the verified sellers and suppliers of the Gazzew switches on their official website. If you visit the page, you will automatically view their homepage listing the authorized vendors, the direct contact information of Gazzew himself, and the independent builders or modders recognized by Gazzew. 

Additionally, if you can’t find suitable sellers on the official website, there are also more easily accessible marketplaces on the internet selling legitimate Gazzew switches. In fact, even on some popular local E-commerce websites, Gazzew switches are available, especially the well-known Boba U4Ts and Boba U4s.

Aubrey Aragon

The post Complete Guide to Gazzew Switches appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

The layout of the keyboard determines what functions you will be using daily. Therefore in picking out a keyboard, the format is one of the most important things to consider. This is especially important for those who primarily use their keyboards for gaming, as specific keys are used in certain games.

The 60% keyboard layout has been gaining traction in the gaming community. This layout does not take up much space, allowing a more extensive area for bigger monitors and speakers. Its size allows it to be easily moved or angled however you want. This also results in a shorter distance between keyboard and mouse, possibly reducing strain on your mouse hand and wrist, making it more ergonomic than bigger keyboard layouts.

This article will discuss the pros and cons of a 60% keyboard and whether or not this layout is suitable for gaming. And by the end of this article, our readers should be able to tell if 60% keyboards are a good fit for them. 

Some Aspects to Consider in Getting a Gaming Keyboard

For gaming, some aspects of a keyboard have a measurable impact on your gaming, albeit as a disclaimer, some of these aspects have such a tiny influence that most people disregard it entirely.

Keyboard Ergonomics

The first aspect is keyboard ergonomics, which refers to how ‘natural’ the keyboard feels to you. This could also refer to how natural it is to reach the keys when you want to, whether or not some essential keys are too far away for you to reach without doing finger acrobatics, how the switch feels when you push it, and so on.

This aspect is probably the most significant factor for gaming. You have to get your hands on a board to identify appropriately whether or not a board is a perfect fit since everybody is different.

Key Layout

The next aspect is the keyboard size which is also related to ergonomics, but it is worth mentioning as there is a difference between size and proper key layouts, both being essential factors that should be looked at on their own.

A giant board may require you to keep your mouse hand apart from your resting ‘W-A-S-D’ hand, thus forcing you into a “game stance” that isn’t conducive to flawlessly fluid play. More space is preferable in this sense, but you must also be careful not to sacrifice the keys you need.

Functionality

Last but not least, there is key functionality. As previously stated, if your board lacks any or every button required for the games you play, you have the wrong board. Sixty percent of boards can be great, but if it compromises keys you rely on or makes them difficult to press in-game, you chose a board that is too tiny.

Most often than not, FPS games usually don’t require more than 60% layouts. Such layouts also have programmable buttons for doing complex button press operations in a single click, which may or may not apply to the game you’re playing.

What is a 60% Keyboard?

A 60% keyboard means that its layout only contains 60% of the keys of a full-sized keyboard. It forgoes the Numpad and the Function key row at the top. It also does not include the navigational cluster on the right, only leaving you with the alphanumeric characters. After full-size and TKL, 60% is perhaps the most common layout. 

Perks of Using a 60% Keyboard

The main reason people prefer a 60% keyboard layout is its size. It is compact enough not to take up too much space when you have a limited workspace, making room for your mouse and other attachments. 

Increased desk space is a perk to this layout as the functioning of your keyboard plays a significant role in your overall performance. If you put in enough time getting accustomed to this style or learning certain functions to access specific keys, you would be able to reap the benefits of saving space.

One of the benefits of more space is that you are given more freedom to create a more personalized work configuration. It is easy to position at a comfortable angle, reducing wrist and forearm strain. Adjusting the keyboard posture to your comfort will relieve tension on your wrists and shoulders. This is critical since gaming sessions might extend for several hours.

With that, you’re still provided with the necessary keys without compromising your comfortability.

Using 60% Keyboards for Gaming

Some people prefer to use a 60% for gaming, and typically, it is enough for most games. However, since most 60% of keyboards have no arrow keys, you may not be able to play games that specifically use function keys, etc. 

FPS gamers benefit more from this layout as it features all the needed keys used for most FPS games. Using the 60% layout with games like Call of Duty, which utilizes the gaming mouse more, allows you to freely and comfortably move your mouse with the increased desk space.

Using 60% Keyboards in MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)

MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games often use an average of ten (10) keys – most of which belong to the alphanumeric group and some modifiers such as the Alt and Ctrl keys. However, in games such as Blizzard’s most popular game, Defense of the Ancients, now dubbed as DOTA 1, the 60% keyboard may not be enough if you are playing with the key bindings on default since it has some keys are assigned to the Numpad.

Nevertheless, an effective remedy to these problems is to remap the keys to what is included in your 60% keyboard. 

Using 60% Keyboards in FPS/Shooting Games

The most popular shooting games of all time, such as Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensivemostly use alphanumeric keys such as the W, A, S, D, and other keybindings for utilities and gun switching. Based on experience, it is pretty rare that some game developers require keys other than alphanumerics. Point in case, a 60% keyboard is enough if you play games in this genre.

Using 60% Keyboards in MMORPGs & RPGs

On the other hand, MMORPG and RPGs almost always require you a lot of keys to play with due to the number of skill commands that are binding to your keyboard. Still, most games only need alphanumeric keys and some modifiers for menu shortcuts. 

However, some games, such as the popular Genshin Impact, require keys such as Function keys, navigational arrow keys, and sometimes, the Numpad. This is crucial given that remapping the keys as a solution may be impossible since there are already many keys bound at default on the alphanumeric keys. This being the case, you may experience the 60% keyboard’s shortcomings regarding its limited number of keys if you play games such as MMORPGs or RPGs that require a lot of key bindings. 

Using 60% Keyboards in Other Genres

In terms of other genres, gamers prefer to do key binds instead for specific functions rather than getting a whole keyboard as reaching for keys is not as ergonomic, and there are tradeoffs like having less space for your mousepad.

Point in case, you will always have the option to remap the keys to those available in your 60% keyboard if the game you are playing, such as Gamehouse’s Tap a Jam, has key controls outside the 60% form factor at default. 

60% Keyboards Recommended for Gaming

Royal Kludge 61 (RK61)

• Hot-swappable switches
• Detachable Type-C cable
• RGB/Single Color Backlighting
• Wireless Bluetooth Capability
• Software for Key Remapping

Royal Kludge is quite popular for producing low-priced entry-level keyboards. It is jam-packed with premium features such as Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity and is hot-swappable. For its asking price, you will surely get your money’s worth if you are looking for an entry-level or budget 60% mechanical keyboard. 

Anne Pro 2

• Hot-swappable switches
• Detachable Type-C cable
• Custom RGB/Single Color Backlighting
• Wireless Bluetooth Capability
• Software for Key Remapping
• Tab/Double Magic FN key

The Anne Pro 2 is quite similar to the RK61 but is more expensive and has a better build quality. Its price is justified through the added software support wherein you can program up to sixteen (16) macros, customize its RGB backlighting, and remap its keys at ease. You are also given more switch options on purchase. The only thing worth noting about this keyboard is that it is not hot-swappable. But otherwise, the Anne Pro 2 is a great midrange pre-built 60% keyboard. 

Gamakay 61

• Full translucent glazed panel, PMMA plexiglass material, CNC cutting
• Ergonomically designed
• Hot-swappable switches
• Detachable Type-C cable
• Custom RGB/Single Color Backlighting
• Wireless Bluetooth Capability
• Software for Key Remapping

Talk about some RGB Goodness! If you are a fan of what other reviewers would call “rainbow barf,” this keyboard is probably the best for you. The Gamakay 61 features a full-translucent case that maximizes its RGB Backlighting. Aside from being a functional hot-swappable keyboard, the keyboard can be your light show on a budget if you are into that. 

Conclusion

In summary, yes, 60% keyboards are perfect for gaming. They have all the necessary keys for most game genres and have been the go-to for competitive and professional gamers. Their small size allows for more desk space and better portability. They are easy to take to LAN events, internet cafes, or different PC setups.

Of course, 60% keyboards will not be for everyone. Gamers who use their keyboards for other tasks will likely find the 60% keyboards to be too small.

For those kinds of users, we urge you to check out 65% keyboards and 75% keyboards. But for gamers who will strictly use their keyboards for gaming, 60% keyboards are highly recommended.

Aubrey Aragon

The post Are 60% Keyboards Good for Gaming? appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

Globally, different brands and companies manufacture various mechanical keyboard switches loved by the community today. Most of the well-known brands producing their mechanical keyboard switches in the current market are Gateron, Outemu, and Kailh – all of which are in China. With the boom of Chinese companies in the keyboard switch industry, there is yet another budget-quality switch-manufacturing company claiming the hearts of keyboard enthusiasts, Akko. 

Akko is a Chinese company that produces both budget and premium quality mechanical keyboard switches. Akko switches are known for their deep and thocky sound profile, even in their stock configuration. Aside from their high quality, they offer these enthusiast-grade switches at a low price. Every switch from Akko is a bang for the buck purchase.

Due to Akko’s several mechanical switch products, you may find it confusing where to start searching for the next switch for your build. However, look no further, as we will guide you through this article about the different mechanical keyboard switches Akko has to offer and an in-depth review on how they will fit your preference and use case.

Akko Mechanical Switches

Akko is a computer-peripheral manufacturing company based in China that debuted in 2016. Akko is known for its affordable products catering to the needs and desires of keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, they offer a diverse set of lineups in their custom keyboards, accessories, keycaps, and mechanical keyboard switches. Most of their offered pre-built keyboards, unlike other brands, incorporate their self-manufactured mechanical switches – showing how versatile Akko is as a company in the keyboard market. 

However, if the customer wishes to purchase individual mechanical keyboard switches, they may choose the product from the variety of mechanical switches Akko offers separately from their keyboards. Their mechanical switch line consists of various switch types, as they produce tactile, linear, and clicky key switches without sacrificing the quality for their budget price. 

Aside from their self-designed switches, Akko also sells mechanical keyboard switches that they do not manufacture. Some Akko-marketed mechanical switches include the brands Gateron and TTC, wherein they co-developed or incorporated these mechanical switches in their pre-built boards. But, the charm of Akko doesn’t end there because they also have limited mechanical switches marketed at an affordable price. To know more about Akko switches, read more about the well-known and premium choices of the keyboard community when it comes to the brand Akko. 

Popular Choices

Akko CS Linears

Akko CS Series is popularly known for the different and affordable variations of their linear keyboard switches. Akko CS Linears are smooth mechanical keyboard switches out-of-the-box with a hint of scratchiness. However, the affordable price makes it reasonable, and even worth it, for the quality of the switch– especially because lubing the switch can solve the scratchiness and enhance its typing feel and sound profile.

Akko Vintage White 

• Operating Force: 35g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.00mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Moderate

Starting from the lightest linear switch, we have the Akko Vintage White with a 35g operating force. Even though it has the lightest operating force when pressed, it has the longest spring out of most Akko CS Linears, with its spring being 22m long. Due to its spring’s length, the feedback is snappier and notable compared to normal linears. The Vintage White is perfect for those who want a light, smooth typing experience for prolonged hours of typing.

Akko CS Sakura

• Operating Force: 39g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.00mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Moderate

Next up is the Akko CS Sakura switch with 39g operating force, a recent addition to the Akko CS Linear lineup. According to keyboard enthusiasts, the CS Sakura is basically a recolor of Jelly Whites and Jelly Pinks, but with a different operating force. Aside from that, it is also constructed with dustproof housing and a POM-material bottom case. However, it does enhance itself on the sound profile with reduced pings and its typing experience with little to no scratchiness when actuated upon.

Akko Matcha Greens

• Operating Force: 50g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.00mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Moderate

Akko Rose Red Switches

• Operating Force: 43g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.00mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Moderate

Other linears from the series include the Matcha Green and Rose Red switches. These two linear mechanical switches are the most well-received Akko CS Linears by the keyboard community. Matcha Greens and Rose Reds mostly get compared as they are both similar in typing feel and sound profile but with different actuation points. Their sound profile is a deep acoustic, or in other words, “thock.” So, if you want thocky linear switches, get Matcha Greens for heavier operating force or Rose Reds for lighter operating force. 

Akko CS Tactiles

Akko CS Tactiles are keyboard enthusiasts’ best picks for budget tactile mechanical switches. Currently, the Akko CS lineup features two tactile keyboard switches, namely the Lavender Purple and the Ocean Blue. First off, we have the Lavender Purple with a 45g tactile force and an operating force of 36g. The tactile bump of the CS Lavender Purple comes before its actuation point; once you feel the tactile bump, the keypress is registered, unlike other tactiles where you still need to bottom out. 

Akko Lavender Purples

• Operating Force: 36g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate 

Additionally, Lavender Purple’s structure is unique from other Akko CS tactiles because it uses an 18mm extension spring than a progressive spring. Due to this spring, the tactile feedback is more pronounced as it has more upward force after the keypress. Despite that, its tactility is on point for not making people feel underwhelmed by the mechanical switch’s feedback. Regarding its sound profile, Lavender Purple creates a clacky sound acoustic than a deep thock click.

Akko Ocean Blue

• Operating Force: 45g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate 

On the other hand, Akko Ocean Blue has a 50g tactile force with an operating force of 36g. According to most keyboard enthusiasts, the switch uses a progressive spring and has lesser tactility than the Lavender Purple. Ocean Blue’s typing feel is suitable for keyboard hobbyists who want average tactility but still maintain a similar typing feel with Lavender Purple switches. The main difference between Ocean Blue with Lavender Purple, aside from its heavier tactile force and lesser tactility, is that its sound profile is deeper and thockier than the clacky acoustic from Lavender Purples.

Akko CS Jelly 

One of Akko CS’s most popular distinct horizontal upgrades is the Akko CS Jelly switches. Akko CS Jelly switches are favored for the variety of the switch feels with different weight variants that they offer– all of the five standard switches in the lineup include tactile and linear mechanical switches. The key point of the switch structure of a general Akko CS Jelly is its box-type dustproof POM stem which enhances the mechanical switch’s stability overall. 

Akko Jelly Pink

• Switch Feel:  Linear 
• Operating Force: 45g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Loud

The first switches that we will discuss are the three Akko Jelly linears composed of the Jelly Pink, Jelly White, and the Jelly Black. The Jelly Pink and the Jelly White deliver a typing experience that highlights the smooth and satisfying keypress of the switch until you bottom out. It also has snappy feedback due to the conventional spring used for the switches. Regarding their specifics, the Jelly Pink has a heavier actuation force at 45g than the 35g of the Jelly Whites. 

Akko Jelly White

• Switch Feel:  Linear 
• Operating Force: 35g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Loud

The Jelly White is said to be a modded and upgraded version of the Akko CS Vintage White switch, so you can expect the two to provide a similar typing experience. However, as it is an upgraded edition, the Jelly White will give a more enhanced adaptation of the Vintage White’s typing feel. In general, for their sound profiles, both Jelly White and Jelly Pink have high-pitched clacky sound acoustics, but with lube, the pings of the switch will become subtle. 

Overall, if you wish to choose between the Jelly White and the Jelly Pink, especially if you are a light typist, you can opt for the Jelly White for a faster-actuated and lighter switch. Also, you can choose the Jelly Pink if you want a heavier mechanical switch than Jelly Whites that is still within the scope of lightweight switches.

Akko Jelly Black

• Switch Feel:  Linear 
• Operating Force: 45g 
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Low to Loud

Last up for the linears is the heaviest linear switch in the Akko CS Series, the Jelly Black. The Jelly Black is exceptionally smooth out of the box to the extent that some even say that the stock switches do not need any lube. Also, because of the switch’s spring, it has distinct upstroke feedback when actuated by the user. The sound acoustics of Jelly Blacks is crisp and creamy, rather than deep thocks or clacks, delivering a refreshing and, some say, “delicious” sound profile.

The tactiles of the Akko CS Jelly switches, on the other hand, include the Jelly Purple and the Jelly Blue. The Jelly Purple is one of the recent tactile switches that may be familiar to Akko enthusiasts as it has the same typing feel as the Akko CS Lavender Purple. However, the Jelly Purple is distinct from the Lavender Purple for it has a heavier actuation force of 40g and a deeper clacky sound profile. Some reviews regarding the Jelly Purple particularly mention how the heavier actuation force than Lavender Purple highlighted the switch’s tactility. Also, enthusiasts noted that the Jelly Purple switch might need lubing since some stock Jelly Purple switches are scratchy.

Last on the list is the second and last tactile of the Akko CS Jelly Switch, the Jelly Blue. The Jelly Blue switch features a dual tactile bump, wherein you will feel a tactile bump on the downstroke and the upstroke. Due to the dual tactile feature highlighting the bump, it may be overwhelming for average tactile users. Also, according to the reviews of enthusiasts, the Jelly Blue requires more effort to press than average switches, thus not suitable for long hours of typing in general. The sound profile of Jelly Blue is a high-pitched poppy-sounding clack– some say that these have more ping than linear Jelly switches but are resolvable through lubing the switches.

Special Options / Premium Choices

Akko x TTC

Unlike the TTC-only developed switches sold on Akko’s website, like the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold blue, TTC x Akko are mechanical keyboard switches co-developed by the brands Akko and TTC. Currently, the collaboration has two premium switches under its lineup– the Demon Switch and the Princess Switch. These premium switches are higher in cost due to the switch’s material that enhances the stem stability and smoothness. Additionally, the TTC x Akko switches feature the latest condenser technique of TTC that highlights the LEDs of your mechanical keyboard. 

Akko x TTC Demon

• Switch Feel: Linear 
• Operating Force: 50g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate

Demon Switch is a linear switch with an operating force of 50g, a rather heavy linear compared to other Akko CS linear switches. It has a purple-colored housing with a box-type dustproof stem. The sound profile of the Demon Switch is similar to the Akko CS switches’ sound profile as it also contains high-pitched clicks and poppiness of acoustics overall. However, unlike some of the Akko CS switches, even at stock, the Demon Switch does not have any spring pings and hollowness. Regarding the Demon Switch’s typing feel, it is mainly described by enthusiasts as an ultimately smooth typing experience, especially if it comes factory-lubed. 

Akko x TTC Princess

• Switch Feel: Linear 
• Operating Force: 45g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate

On the other hand, the second switch in the TTC x Akko is the Princess Switch. The Princess Switch is a linear switch lighter than the Demon Switch with an operating force of 45g. The color of the Princess Switch’s housing is a light shade of pink similar to the color of the Jelly Pink’s housing. Its sound profile is poppier and high-pitched clackier than the Demon Switch’s sound profile. However, both TTC x Akko switches feel smooth in typing feel and only differ in the actuation force. Thus, if you like a lighter and clackier mechanical switch than the Demon Switch, the Princess Switch is worth a shot.

Gaterons x Akko 

• Switch Feel: Tactile / Linear 
• Operating Force: 45g / 50g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate

On the official website of Akko, there are listings of Gateron-manufactured switches that Akko contributed to in development. The Akko x Gateron switches are the Gateron Pink, Gateron Yellow, and the Gateron Orange. The switch types of the Gateron x Akkos are linear and tactile; the Gateron Pink and the Gateron Yellow are linear switches, while the Gateron Orange is a tactile switch. 

According to their description on Akko’s website, Akko mainly focused on improving the switch’s typing feel by adjusting the structure of the mechanical switch and by providing factory lube to the mechanical switches. However, currently, all of the Gateron x Akko switches are discontinued. Thus, keyboard enthusiasts may not find these switches available to purchase anytime soon.

Akko CS Limited

The limited options of Akko CS currently have two switches under the lineup, wherein one is tactile, and the other is linear. These limited switches are the Akko CS Starfish and the Akko CS Sponge. However, don’t be intimidated because even though these switches are limited options, they are still affordable for most budget keyboard enthusiasts. In fact, the limited Akko CS switches’ prices are equal to the price rate of the Akko CS Jelly switches. 

Akko CS Limited Starfish

• Switch Feel:  Linear 
• Operating Force: 50g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate

Akko CS Starfish got its name from Patrick the Starfish due to the color scheme of the switch’s housing, which is an iconic pink and yellow-greenish hue of the cartoon character. The Starfish is a linear switch with a 50g operating force that delivers a unique typing experience for its user. The Starfish Switch uses a two-stage spring in its material; it causes the switch to have a snappier return and a slight tactile feel from the spring when you bottom out. However, even with the unique typing feel, it maintains its exceptional smoothness throughout the keypress at stock. Additionally, its sound profile is similar to other Akko CS Switches as it also has a high-pitched poppy and clacky acoustic.

Akko CS Limited Sponge

• Switch Feel:  Tactile 
• Operating Force: 45g
• Actuation Travel: 4.0mm
• Mount Type: Plate-Mount
• Sound: Moderate

Akko CS Sponge is a light tactile recolored switch of the Akko CS Jelly Blue switch with a 40g operating force. The Akko CS Sponge has a yellow and white housing with the standard box-type dustproof stem and polycarbonate bottom. The Sponge also features the same dual tactile bump of Jelly Blues, wherein the user will feel the switch’s bump and a snappier return both on keypress and release. Regarding its sound profile, again, the Akko CS Sponge also shares the same acoustics with the Akko CS Starfish, a poppy and clacky sound profile.

Akko Switches Recommended Switches for Gaming

 

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The Akko CS switch that you should opt to check out for gaming is the Akko Rose Red switch. With an operating force of only 43g, you can expect a fast gaming experience with these light linear switches. However, if you wish to purchase a lighter mechanical switch than Rose Reds, Akko Jelly White is also a viable switch option for gaming. 

Jelly White is perfect for gamers with light hands or those who game for more than 6 hours because the light actuation force of 35g will not fatigue your fingers. Another suitable choice for a mechanical switch for gaming is the Jelly Pink, a smooth linear but slightly heavier than Jelly White to increase your accuracy and speed in gaming.

Akko Switches Recommended Switches for Typing

 

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For typing, Akko Lavender Purples are number one in the recommendation list. The clacky sound profile and perfectly satisfying tactility of the Lavender Purple switch make it a highly loved switch for typing purposes. Aside from Lavender Purples, we recommend checking out Jelly Black, a smooth linear switch on the heavier side of linears with a creamy sound profile. 

Suppose you want a mechanical linear switch with a similar clacky sound profile as Lavender Purples. In that case, we suggest getting Matcha Greens, an affordable linear switch with an actuation force of 50g. As it is on the heavier side, it increases accuracy when typing, which is crucial when typing using a linear switch. Also, we recommend getting an Akko Starfish switch if you have a slightly higher budget. Because of its two-stage spring, it has a snappier return, increasing your typing speed.

Akko Switches Recommended Switches for General Use

We recommend the Lavender Purples for an Akko mechanical switch suitable for everyday use. As mentioned earlier, it has a poppy and clacky sound profile and an average but satisfying tactile bump fitting for new and early tactile enthusiasts. The Akko Sponge switch is also a capable mechanical keyboard switch for general use. It is a light tactile switch, but it also has a dual tactile bump and snappy spring that can cater to the tactile typing experience you are looking for.  

Other than those two, if you want to spice things up or if you’re on a higher budget, the TTC x Akko Demon Switch is a premium clacky switch fit for general use. It has a decent actuation force of 50g that can be more suitable for people with heavy hands to use during long periods. But, if you want to stick with the budget classics, we suggest buying Matcha Greens having the same actuation force and clacky sound profile as the Demon Switch.

However, keep in mind that all Akko switches have a moderate to loud sound profile. Thus, they may not be suitable for quiet and professional environments. For this reason, we recommend using Akko switches for personal use only.

Modding Akko Switches

Some Akko switches come factory lubed, and mostly, it does the job quite well. Since out-of-the-box Akko switches are smooth and have little to no pings, lubing Akko switches, in general, is optional. However, if you want to deepen the clacky sound profile, we suggest that you apply a moderate amount of lube. 

However, regarding filming, we recommend that Akko switches should not be filmed. There is no need for filming Akko switches because of their Kaihl Box-type housing, making it too tight to film. Additionally, it already has no stem nor housing wobble present.

Aubrey Aragon

The post Complete Guide to Akko Switches appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

Long hours of typing can make multiple areas of your body ache, such as your wrists, forearms, and shoulders. That’s why many enthusiasts are on the lookout for more ergonomic options that can help them comfortably type for extended periods of time. 

Famous ergonomic options in the keyboard community include the Alice or “Arisu” keyboards and split keyboards. Alice keyboards use a wingspan layout in a single keyboard case to improve a typist’s experience. On the other hand, split keyboards usually utilize a cable connecting two modules to achieve better ergonomics.

Both keyboards cost relatively higher than your typical keyboard layout, but you may find that the steep costs are worth it after typing extensively using these boards. If you’re looking to improve the comfort of your computer setup, then look no further. In this article, we will be discussing both the Alice and Split keyboard layouts. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with vital information that will guide you on which ergonomic option you should acquire. 

What Are ALICE Keyboards?

The origin of the Alice or “Arisu” layout keyboard comes from Malaysian designer Yuk Tsi’s  TGR Alice mechanical keyboard back in April 2018. Only 40 units of this keyboard model were released, but other keyboard manufacturers have since then employed this ergonomic layout design through their own mechanical keyboard recreations.

Alice layout keyboards deviate from your typical rectangular keyboard. These boards apply a wingspan-inspired shape, separating the board into two halves in one case. The keys are tilted at a comfortable 10-degree angle that allows your fingertips to be positioned closer together while typing and aid a natural position of the wrist and arms. Likewise, the space bar is split into two halves for easier access for both hands.

Because of its unique layout, many users of this board report a steep learning curve to build your muscle memory compared to your regular keyboard. Yet, the healthy typing experience achieved after this hurdle is often seen as well worth it by Alice layout users.

These boards usually come in 60-65% form factors, employing the same style as the original layout by Tsi. However, some boards like the Adelheid that employs the 75% form factor can be in a smaller or bigger form factor, but they are more difficult to come by.

Pros of ALICE Keyboards

• Aesthetics
• Uniqueness and Collectibility
• Customizability

Cons of ALICE Keyboards

• High Cost
• Limited Form Factors
• Steep Learning Curve

Popular ALICE Keyboards

YMDK Wings

For a cheap and quick fix, the YMDK Wings keyboard can be your next typing companion. This 65% keyboard is a wired solder-only keyboard that can come with your choice of enthusiast-grade switches (Box Jade, Box Navy, Novelkeys Cream, Gateron Yellow, TTC Gold Pink). You can also opt for a barebones kit if you already have a soldering kit at the ready. 

The board is made of durable aluminum metal with eight colorways (Black, Dark Blue, Gray, Wine Red, Pink, Silver, Red, and Light Blue) to match your working setup aesthetic. The YMDK Wings keyboard kit also comes with a connecting cable, so you don’t have to worry about cable compatibility. 

This kit, however, does not come with keycaps, so you have to purchase those separately. Yet, this is already one of the cheapest options to go by if you’re looking to acquire an Alice board.

Switch Couture Alice

 

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Another budget-friendly option for an Alice layout keyboard is Switch Couture’s iteration of the Alice layout. This board is supported by both VIA and QMK, making it really easy to program and customize to your needs. In terms of aesthetics, this board is perhaps the most versatile, with a total of twenty-two color and material options for your case. 

The plate can come in acrylic, aluminum, brass, or copper. You can opt to have a different color base plate or top plate too.

Nonetheless, Switch Couture Alice’s best-selling feature is its option to have custom engravings on the case, making your very own personalized board without the trouble of going through multiple manufacturers.

Maja

If you’re ready to face some waiting time, then you can get the Vulcan x Kbdfans Maja V2 Mechanical Keyboard DIY Kit from other enthusiasts. This custom hot-swap keyboard is currently in production after its group buy acquisition. The case can be made in your choice of either aluminum or polycarbonate in six colorways (E-white, Pine Green, Black, Grey, Dark Blue, and Violet) with an accompanying brass or polycarbonate plate. 

The case of this board positions it at a comfortable typing angle of eight degrees through non-slip rubber feet. For a premium and bouncy typing experience, the keyboard uses a gasket-mount implementation using poron material and a bespoke walnut wrist rest. Other foams included in this kit (case and PCB foam) are also made from the same material.

Once assembled, this board provides a per-key RGB controllable with QMK firmware.

AVA

For enthusiasts looking for a board with a great deal for customization options, then Sneakbox’s AVA keyboard model cannot be outperformed. This 65% Alice keyboard prioritizes aesthetics with a greatly symmetrical layout. However, this board does not sacrifice functionality at all. You have your choice of hot-swap or solder-only PCB, multiple materials (Aluminum, POM, Polycarbonate, Brass, and FR4) for your switchplate, wooden or acrylic wrist rest, and a solderable rotary knob.

This premium keyboard also comes with a weighted case badge (translucent polycarbonate, sandblasted brass, electroplated brass, and stainless steel). You can also acquire pre-cut foams for this mechanical keyboard, making it really easy to mod.

OwLab Spring

Another 65% iteration of the Alice keyboard is the OwLab Spring. The custom keyboard’s unique aesthetic feature is its integration of a light strip (which is OwLab’s homage to their first keyboard, the Voice65). Functionality-wise, this keyboard is great for keycap collectors since most standard base kits are compatible with this keyboard because of its implementation of two regular shift sizes (2.25u and 1.75u).

Additional exclusive features include its novel leaf spring mounting support, beautiful logo emblazoned on the back weights, and PCB flex cuts. 

The accessories in this kit comprise everything you need for a full build, including foam mods. Other great accessories included in this kit are separate positioning plates, silicone foot pads, a screwdriver, and a keyboard carrying bag.

What are Split Keyboards?

Split keyboards have the same goal as Alice layout keyboards; that is, to improve ergonomics. The striking difference between Alice keyboards and split keyboards is the split keyboard’s use of a two halves layout, with or without the wingspan shape.

Most split keyboards are made with an adjustable split, meaning there are two modules connected by either a cable or Bluetooth connection. You can use an adjustable split keyboard in split positions (where there is a considerable distance in between the two modules) or splay positions (where the keyboard modules are rotated to a comfortable angled placement for typing).

There is also something known as the fixed split keyboard, where the arrangement of the two modules is fixed and is therefore not adjustable. In both of these types, though, tenting is employed; the keyboard modules sit diagonally (instead of laying flat) on the user’s desk via a tenting kit or the natural positioning of the pre-built board.

The split keyboard layout targets the user’s wrists and knuckles, aiding them to be positioned in a more natural way. This lets typists avoid cramped fingers and wrists and even more dangerous conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Because they have been in the keyboard market for longer than the Alice layout (with its origins untraceable), they are much more versatile and easy to look into—they come in a lot of form factors and can be seen in both mechanical and membrane keyboards.

Pros of Split Keyboards

• Availability (Form Factor & Type)
• More Ergonomic Options: Split, Splay, Tenting
• Cheaper

Cons of Split Keyboards

• Low Customizability
• Not Readily Keycap Compatible for Mechanical Keyboards
• Expensive Additional Kits

Popular Split Keyboards

Logitech Ergo K860 Wireles

If you’re looking for a membrane keyboard to acquire, then the Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Keyboard might just be your perfect pick! This full-sized keyboard is a fixed split keyboard that is reminiscent of the Alice-style layout found in many mechanical keyboards. It even has a number pad if you utilize that often for productivity.

This wireless keyboard can connect in two ways: fully Bluetooth or a Bluetooth dongle, perfect for both PC and laptop setups. Adding to its ease in use is it is battery-operated, meaning you don’t need to charge this when you’re busy using your board; you simply have to swap its two triple-A batteries. This board also has a limited one-year warranty if purchased directly from the Logitech website.

Kinesis Freestyle Pro

The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a capable mechanical keyboard all-rounder with low-force Cherry MX switches and a zero-degree slope to avoid bent wrists. Moreover, its familiar standard key layout allows its users to make an ergonomic switch without needing to relearn one’s muscle memory while typing, making it perfect for those who cannot afford to lose any productive time.

This keyboard comes with an adjustable linking cable that accommodates users of all shapes and sizes. Because of its adjustable cable, you can configure the separation until 20 inches.

You can also acquire additional accessories for this board, such as tenting accessory kits and palm supports.

Ultimate Hacking Keyboard UHK 60 V2

Another adjustable split mechanical keyboard is the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard UHK 60 V2. This hot-swappable 60% keyboard is known for accommodating both ANSI and ISO layouts (for both Europeans and Americans), with your choice of blank with small translucent dots or letter-engraved backlit double-shot PBT keycaps. Its case comes in a variety of colors too—black, dark red, mustard, navy blue, and white.

The UHK 60 V2 implements a functional per-key backlighting, meaning that colors have an associated function to them. Regular alphanumeric keys are white, modifiers are light blue, layer switcher keys are yellow, shortcuts are dark blue, mouse actions are green, macros are purple, keymap switch actions are red, and unused keys don’t light up.

Another unique feature of this keyboard is its use of a braided coiled cable in between the two modules.

Zergotech Freedom Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard

For those looking for a more unique take on the split keyboard, the Zergotech Freedom Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard can be your new typing companion. Its best-selling feature is its innovative and novel sliding palm rests to prevent any wrist and palm pain associated with typing for extended periods of time. However, this is a little hard to find as you have to acquire it aftermarket since the product is sold out on the website.

This adjustable split keyboard supports both Windows and macOS, though you do have to choose on the website which operating system you’re using. You also have a choice of Box Brown (tactile) and Box White (clicky) switches. Its symmetrical and familiar layout also provides for a short learning curve compared to other ergonomic keyboards.

ErgoDox EZ Glow Standalone

The last of our top five picks we’ll recommend is perhaps our most reliable one. The ErgoDox EZ Glow Standalone has a two-year warranty and a thirty-day money-back guarantee.

Aside from being an ergonomic split keyboard, this keyboard also implements an ortholinear layout, meaning the rows and columns of the keys are aligned in a straight manner. The users of ortholinear keyboards tend to have less distance traveled in between key presses and can significantly improve endurance while typing.

This keyboard also has the most options when it comes to switch types out of all our split keyboard picks. You can get Cherry MX Brown, Red, Blue, or Silent Red in their RGB-compatible housings, or you can opt for Kailh switches (Copper, Thick Gold, Gold, Silver, Box Brown, Box Red, Box White, or Box Black).

Which is the Better Keyboard Form Factor?

Factoring in the issue of cost, a split keyboard is definitely the more cost-efficient option and is leagues better for many keyboard enthusiasts. Costs may rake up, though, if you factor in additional kits such as tenting kits and other accessories such as wrist rests and palm supports.

Aside from its price, the split keyboard design can be more efficient for gamers, especially in the shooting genre. You can opt to use one module at a time for adjustable split keyboards, providing more mouse space and allowing mouse precision and accuracy. However, if you can afford the price point of an Alice keyboard, then it is a better buy for keycap set collectors and those looking for a more unique build. 

Aubrey Aragon

The post Alice vs. Split Keyboards (Pros & Cons) appeared first on Keyboards Expert.

The KBDFans Tofu65 was considered by many to be one of the best premium 65% keyboards in the past. The Tofu65, along with the Tofu60, became two of KBDFans’ most popular products. These two products have singlehandedly made KBDFans a very successful custom keyboard manufacturer. But with that said, times have changed, and many new premium 65% keyboards have come to dethrone the Tofu65. 

Many brands have tried their hand in the 65% custom keyboard market. Competitors such as Cannonkeys have created products that have arguably surpassed the Tofu keyboards. There are also newer players, such as Meletrix, that are trying to disrupt the market by offering features unheard of at its price point. And, of course, KBDFans themselves have developed newer keyboards that bring something completely new to the table. 

With that said, the fact that the Tofu65 is being dethroned by other keyboards is not a bad thing. It means that the keyboard hobby is continuously progressing and that companies are continuously innovating and pushing the boundaries of custom keyboards. And, of course, the benefactor of all this fierce competition is us, the consumers. 

In this article, we will be giving our readers the best alternatives to the KBDFans Tofu65. We will be going through keyboards produced by brands such as Akko, Cannonkeys, and Meletrix. We will also check out newer offerings from KBDFans. 

This list aims to give users an idea of which keyboard to get rather than the older Tofu65. It also aims to give existing Tofu65 owners some options if they want to upgrade their keyboards. Without further ado, let’s head straight into our discussion.

What Makes the Tofu65 a Good Keyboard?

Back when the Tofu65 first launched, there weren’t any real alternatives. Most competitors were focusing on 60% keyboards which were more popular at the time. Also, the Tofu65 was one of the only 65% custom keyboard kits that were regularly in stock. Most alternatives that had similar specs could only be acquired by joining a lengthy limited keyboard group buy. 

Speaking of the specs, the Tofu65 is no slouch even by today’s standards. Like the Tofu60, the Tofu65 came with an aluminum case giving it its hefty and premium feel. In addition, the Tofu65 featured a brass weight, a design element that is pretty much mandatory with today’s high-end custom keyboards. 

Lastly, the Tofu65 is relatively affordable. Sure, it’s still pretty expensive, considering you’d need to spend at least $200 for a fully built kit. But compared to many newer custom keyboards, the price that the Tofu65 comes in is a steal for what it offers. 

Sure, it has many limitations, especially compared to newer options. However, it is still a fully functional keyboard that allows you to dip your toes in the custom keyboard world. The Tofu65 is compatible with hot-swap switches and is compatible with programs such as QMK and VIA. 

In addition, you can install mods such as the Gummy O-Ring mod to further improve the typing feel of your keyboard. Lastly, buyers who are on a tight budget do not have to purchase the entire Tofu65 kit. The aluminum case can be bought separately, meaning users can opt for a plastic case first and then later upgrade to the aluminum case.

Also, the fact that the case can be bought separately gives users the assurance that if anything goes wrong with their current case, they can simply swap it out with a new one. In summary, while it is no longer the king of 65% keyboards, the Tofu65 still offers a lot of value, especially for beginners. 

Why Look For Alternatives?

 

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Despite all the good points of the Tofu65, it has many shortcomings for its price point. It uses an outdated tray mount design that gives it a pretty stiff typing experience. Compared to many newer offerings in the same price range, the Tofu65 is a pretty basic offering by today’s standards. 

Most newer keyboards offer better customizability, a softer, more consistent, and bouncier typing experience through the use of a top mount or a gasket mount design, a better sound profile, and arguably better aesthetics. 

Again, the Tofu65 is still not a bad choice. But unlike when it first launched, there are plenty of other options in the 65% keyboard market. 

KBDFans Tofu65 Alternatives

KBDFans KBD67 Lite (With Optional KBD67 V3 Upgrade)

The first keyboard that we are taking a look at is nonother than KBDFans’ own KBD67 Lite. The KBD67 Lite is currently one of the brand’s most successful products. It singlehandedly revolutionized the budget mechanical keyboard market and forced other companies to step their game up. 

Compared to the Tofu65, the KBD67 Lite is less premium. It only offers a plastic case and does not feature any kind of weight. However, the real magic of the KBD67 Lite is found in its sound profile and satisfying typing feel. 

The KBD67 Lite uses a modified gasket mount structure, making it feel significantly softer than the Tofu65. And paired with its stock plastic case, the KBD67 Lite can produce some pretty deep thocks even with minimal keyboard mods. 

In addition to its sound profile and typing feel, the KBD67 Lite has many features that are desirable to keyboard enthusiasts. It has south-facing switches making it compatible with high-end keycaps such as GMK, QMK, and VIA compatibility, optional Bluetooth-ready PCB, and the ability to upgrade the case to an aluminum case (KBD67 V3 case).  

Overall, the KBD67 Lite manages to pack a lot of features in a very affordable package. In many ways, it does what the Tofu65 did back in the day. If you are a beginner who wants a competent custom keyboard that can be later modded and upgraded, the KBD67 Lite is the perfect starting point. 

KBD67 Lite Specifications

• Plastic Case
• Available in Black, White, Transparent (Orange, Ink Green, Dark Purple, Light Blue, Deep Blue) for R3
• Hot-Swap PCB
• Gasket Mount
• South Facing Switches
• QMK and VIA Compatible
• Wired and Wireless (Bluetooth) Versions

Cannonkeys Savage65

Cannonkeys is a well-respected keyboard manufacturer and keyboard store in the United States. They are the creators of the highly sought-after Satisfaction75, which kicked off the modern 75% keyboard revolution. But aside from their high-end keyboards, Cannonkeys is also well known for their Brutalist series of keyboards. 

These keyboards are very similar to the Tofu series. They come in different sizes and share similar design elements, such as their signature Burger Mount (Modified Top Mount design) and their aluminum cases based on Brutalist architecture. The best-known model in the Brutalist series is the 65% Savage65. 

What sets the Savage65 from its competitors is its sound profile. The Savage65 is able to produce both that signature thocky sound as well as a clackier signature. And when paired with different mods such as the PE Foam mod, users can truly tune the Savage65 to their liking.  

Upas, Cannonkeys’ designer, totally nailed both the sound profile and case design of the Savage65. Speaking of the case, the Savage65’s aluminum case is surprisingly heavy at 2.5 lbs, even without a built-in weight. Test builds from Cannonkeys’ website indicate that the Savage65 can go up to 3 lbs. 

Despite the good things that the Savage65 offer, there are some things that potential buyers have to take note of. The first one is that this keyboard only comes with a soldered PCB. The Savage65 is, however, compatible with Cannonkeys’ hot-swap PCB or third-party PCBs such as the KBD67 PCB. Users can also opt to install mill max sockets on the stock soldered PCB. 

Another thing to take note of is that the Savage65 only comes with an FR4 plate. Users will have to source alternative plate materials such as POM from third-party manufacturers. Lastly, the Savage65 is not always in stock. 

Yes, the Savage65 and all Brutalist keyboards are meant to be in stock offerings from Cannonkeys. However, the Savage65, in particular, is often sold out. Some colorways can be harder to find since they are made in limited batches. 

Cannonkeys always update their fans in regards to restocking so the Savage65 can still be acquired brand new, and the situation can possibly improve in the future. Overall, the Savage65 is a very good value custom keyboard. With its solid build quality and excellent sound profile, the Savage65 is easily a worthy upgrade to the Tofu65. 

Savage65 Specifications

• Aluminum Case
• Available in Black, Navy, Rose Gold, Aquamarine, and Lilac
• Soldered PCB
• Burger Mount
• QMK and VIA Compatible
• Wired

Meletrix Zoom65 (Olivia Colorway)

Meletrix is one of the newer companies on this list. They are the sister company of Wuque studios, which are well known for heavy hitters such as the Jelly Epoch and the Mr. Suit. With how much reputation their sister company has, many have been paying attention to what Meletrix can offer. 

And with the release of the Zoom65 family of keyboards, fans are not disappointed. The Zoom65 disrupts the custom keyboard market by offering one of the best deals in the custom keyboard world. 

The Zoom65 Olivia offers many high-end custom keyboard features such as an aluminum case, a gasket mounting structure, a built-in aluminum weight, internal sound dampening foam, a rotary encoder/knob,  and a PCB with lots of flex cuts. 

However, what makes the Zoom65 truly special is the fact that it already comes with switches, keycaps, and stabilizers. What this means is that for its asking price, you already have a complete custom keyboard. 

These accessories aren’t just throwaway accessories either. The Zoom65 comes with pre-lubed JWK switches and officially licensed PBT Olivia keycaps. For the uninitiated, the GMK Olivia was one of the most popular GMK keycaps. 

Their prices have gone through the roof in the aftermarket since the GMK Olivia did not have additional group buys. So having PBT keycaps officially color-matched and approved by Olivia as well as a color matching case further sweetens the deal. 

Meletrix has further expanded the Zoom65 lineup through the essential edition. They have expanded the available colorways and have added a stainless steel weight option. However, as its name implies, the essential edition no longer comes with switches or keycaps. 

The only catch with the Zoom65 series of keyboards is that they are not readily available. Buyers would have to pre-order them through Meletrix’s official dealers. They are released in batches which are periodically announced through the brand’s dealers. 

Overall, the Meletrix Zoom65 ushers in a new era for custom keyboards. With their premium design and value offering, they are a considerable step above the Tofu65. Of course, that is if you can get your hands on these keyboards. 

Zoom65 Specifications

• Aluminum Case
• Gasket Mount
• Rotary Encoder/Knob
• Hot-Swap PCB
• Available in Two (2) Colors: Light and Dark Version
• Support QMK and VIA

Akko MOD005

The next keyboard on this list is more of an alternative instead of a true upgrade to the Tofu65. The Akko MOD005 is the brand’s take on a full-blown 65% custom keyboard. The brand has mainly focused on pre-built mechanical keyboards in the past. But with the release of the MOD series, Akko has shifted their efforts towards enthusiast-grade custom keyboards and custom keyboard accessories. 

The Akko MOD005 is very similar to most of the keyboards on this list. It features an aluminum case and a gasket mounting structure. However, compared to most budget custom keyboards, it has some tricks up its sleeve. It comes with an aluminum plate as well as an optional FR4 plate. 

It also has a slimmer profile that is lighter than most aluminum cases in the market but still has some heft. Its lighter weight easily allows it to be a more portable keyboard. 

Also, since it has a gasket mount structure, it has the potential to be a flexy keyboard. However, unlike keyboards such as the KBD67 Lite, modding the Akko MOD005 is pretty much mandatory to achieve optimal bounce/flex and sound profile. 

Unfortunately, given its budget price point, the MOD005 has some shortcomings. The MOD005 PCB comes with north-facing switches, which limits its compatibility with certain keycaps. Also, the MOD005 is not currently compatible with QMK and VIA. 

The current Akko software is not bad, but it is nowhere near the performance and customization potential of VIA. Akko has stated that they are working on VIA support in the future. Overall, despite its limitations, the Akko MOD005 has the potential to perform better than the Tofu65. It is perfect for beginners who want a premium custom keyboard at a budget price point. 

Akko MOD005 Specifications

• Aluminum Case
• Aluminum Plate with An Additional FR4 Plate
• Available in Four (4) Colors: Dark Night, Space Gray, Sakura Pink, and Ocean Blue
• Gasket Mount
• Available Both in Screw-in and Plate Mount Stabilizers
• TTC 5-pin Hot-Swappable Socket
• Comes With a Coiled Cable

KBDFans Blade65

The final keyboard that we will be talking about is the KBDFans Blade65. The Blade series was originally an experimental concept by KBDFans. The main appeal here is the unconventional geometric case design that was unlike anything the keyboard community has seen. 

The first keyboard in the series, the Blade60, was a tray mount keyboard that was pretty similar to the Tofu60. It was sold via group buy and didn’t seem like a mainstay in KBDFans lineup. However, the design proved to be successful despite its limited tray mount configuration. 

KBDFans later released the updated Blade65, which featured the KBD67 Mark II V3 PCB, as well as an all-new gasket, mounted design. While it is priced considerably higher than most keyboards in this list, it is a true update to the Tofu65. 

In addition to its unique case design, the Blade65 also offers a skull-shaped brass weight on the bottom. It also comes with lots of different finishes as well as polycarbonate and brass plate options. 

In many ways, the Blade65 is very similar to the KBD67 V3. However, the case design of the Blade65 is like no other. Even group buy keyboards from other brands have not experimented with this kind of crazy case design. 

Overall, the Blade65 is a keyboard that manages to offer great aesthetics without compromising on its typing feel. And since this is an in-stock keyboard, it is pretty much an easy upgrade over the older Tofu65. 

Blade65 Specifications

• Aluminum Case
• Gasket Mount
• Compatible with Hot-Swap PCB
• Available in Top Gray & Bottom Black, Top E-white & Bottom Black, Top Black & Bottom E-White Colors

Aubrey Aragon

The post 5 Keyboard Alternatives to the Tofu65 appeared first on Keyboards Expert.