Although most casual gamers are content withstandard gaming keyboards, any avid gamer who uses gaming keypads will tell you how essential these accessories are on the digital battlefield, especially for those who are into MOBAs or MMOs. A good keypad offers a seamless combination of functionality and style with tactile switches, durable builds, and programmable macros that can handle anything thrown at it. These handy devices allow users to customize them for rapid counters, selecting weapons, and casting spells.
Cakce RGB One Handed Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Redragon K585 PRO Wireless One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard
Ready to streamline those marathon gaming sessions? Read on as we take a look at the best gaming keypads making waves in the gaming world.
The Best Gaming Keypads in 2024
Razer Tartarus V2 Gaming Keypad
Thanks to the soft-cushioned, comfortable, gaming-ready, rubber-dome membrane switch, this keypad provides some of the best tactile feedback for gaming keypads. The keypad features more hotkey actions for programming actions depending on user preferences. It is suitable for both PC and console users. The 16.8-million-color RGB lighting is great for immersive gaming.
Gamers looking for aRazer keyboardkeypad with enhanced tactile feedback when pressing vital keys should get the Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma. It features a soft-cushioned, comfortable, gaming-ready rubber dome membrane switch. Moreover, the mecha-membrane technology makes it stand out, offering a special feel that blends the bestmembrane featuresand mechanical keypads. It features 32 mecha-membrane keys, six more than similar keypads, with more hotkey actions for easy programming for rapid vital gaming actions. This is essential for high-stakes gaming, where every millisecond counts.
Thanks to its fully programmable macros and proprietary Razer Hyper-Shift technology, the keypad enables users to remap all keys and keypress combinations to execute complex commands and ease gameplay. This makes it ideal for avid players and MMO enthusiasts who can take advantage of the ergonomic design and programmable keys for an enjoyable gaming experience. Console players who love prolonged gaming sessions will find great comfort in this gaming keypad’s eight-way directional thumbpad with more natural controls. But that does not necessarily mean the keypad is uncomfortable for PC gamers, especially considering how easily they can press the keys.
It features the Razer Chroma RGB lighting with more than 16.8 colors for personalized backlighting, making every gaming session deeply immersive. The personalization syncs perfectly with other Razer hardware and is suitable for the most popular games on Philips Hue and other gaming partners. The only issue is that it might be ideal for all hand sizes. Also, some gamers may initially find the customization options and a wide array of keys overwhelming.
Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Redragon K585 DITI is a slim tactical gaming keypad that removes all unnecessary keys, enabling users to stay focused on the game. It utilizes Redragon’s iconic blue switches for clear tactile feedback and audible clicks. Users can program the keypad and give the keys multiple functionalities.
Redragon’s decision to create an affordable, slim, tactical keypad and eliminate all the extra keys ensured that gamers have all the keyboard action keys for gaming in one place, removing worries about clicking the wrong keys or having to reach out all the time. The one-handed gaming keypad also features an upgraded socket, offering more ways to mod and helping users have more fun. With the iconic Redragon Blue Switches, gamers can enjoy clear tactile feedback with audible clicks and an original mechanical feel.
It is one of the best gaming keypads with seven programmable macro keys that can bind multiple commands, depending on the type of game. Still, users can activate the macro keys instantly, reducing the time wasted during gaming sessions. A pass-through port also connects USB devices like headset adapters and mice for uninterrupted gameplay. This keypad has five RGB modes that provide backlight in over 16.8 million colors, providing an immersive gaming experience with lighting effects that synchronize perfectly with in-game sound. Its ergonomic design features a detachable wristrest, offering excellent support and ensuring comfortable gaming. Looking for something more general on a budget? Check out theseaffordable gaming keyboards.
RedThunder One Handed Gaming Keyboard
The RedThunder gaming keypad has a built-in game chip that provides three times the response time of standard keypads. It is small-sized and ergonomically designed to enable easy portability and extra comfort during gaming sessions. Users can program and connect the keys to macOS, Linux, or Windows devices without software installation.
The distinguishing factor for the RedThunder one-handed keypad is the built-in game chip, which gives it three times the response speed of its counterparts, so gamers can expect efficient and enjoyable gameplay. Thanks to the anti-ghosting feature in all 35 keys, this keypad can be very beneficial for gamers who play fast-paced and competitive games where several key presses are common.
It is also a small, portable keypad that users can easily carry around and use in the least possible space. Plus, it has an ample wrist rest and an ergonomic design, giving users a more relaxed, comfortable gaming experience regardless of the length of the sessions.
The RedThunder one-handed gaming keypad has two sets of macro recording keys, FN+F1 and FN+F2, which users can use to pre-program any responses they wish to achieve. Users need to toggle the keys to get the desired output. Finally, this driver-free, plug-and-play device does not require users to install drivers on macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Its seven-color RGB backlight offers cool lighting effects to infuse fun into what would otherwise be flat gaming sessions.
MageGee One Handed Professional Gaming Keyboard
This MageGee keypad features 32 keys, which are about all a user needs to play their favorite games. With the included RGB lighting, users can change the backlight to their preferred rhythms and colors. It has six macro recording keys that allow users to change commands in the middle of a game without losing the advantage over their opponents. Its ergonomic design with a wrist rest makes it suitable for prolonged gaming sessions.
The MageGee is a 35-key gaming keypad with wired connectivity that delivers a strong mechanical feeling, precise tactile feedback, and a long service life. It has blue switches that make a loud clicking noise with every stroke a user makes for a crisp paragraph feeling, making it the ideal pick for users who value speed and precision.
It features cool RGB backlight modes that users can customize by pressing FN+3 for brightness up, FN+3 for brightness down, FN+5 for color switch, and FN+TAB for lighting effects. Thus, users can easily get a more colorful and fun experience from every gaming session.
Six of the 35 keys enable macro recording to customize keystrokes in the middle of a game to gain an advantage over other players in online settings. For instance, a user can press FN+G1 in several steps to record the actions a given key should perform and to bring the keys into action.
It features an ergonomic design with a big palm rest that supports the wrist, enabling users to play their favorite games for prolonged hours without suffering fatigue and discomfort. Finally, the keypad is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, allowing gamers to play games on various platforms. Also, the full anti-ghosting feature ensures that users can press all the keys simultaneously without any problem, which is important for fast-paced titles. Want more options? Check out our picks for thebest overallwired gaming keyboards!
The Gacke RGB gaming keypad has a comfortable ergonomic design with a one-hand palm rest that ensures players are as comfortable as possible. It comes in five-mode, seven-color RGB lighting for varied key backlights. Since its keys are non-fading, they retain their letter inscriptions forever. The versatile gaming keypad works with different gaming devices, including PCs and consoles.
This RGBMechanical Keyboardis a solid pick for gamers looking to blend aesthetics and performance in their setups. It has a nice backlit design that not only provides clear visibility in low-light conditions but also enhances the aesthetics of a gaming station. The seven-color, five-mode RGB lighting offers blue, green, purple, orange, red, white, and yellow colors.
Another nice feature is its ergonomic design, which includes one-hand palm rest support for a more comfortable gaming experience. Plus, gamers can program the W, S, A, and D keys for the up, down, left, and right movements during gameplay.
Additionally, all 35 keys are non-fading and provide non-conflicting functionality that lets users press them at once without interfering with their gaming. Users can freely decide how to use each key using the macro recording function. Later, they can change the programmed keystroke using the macro deleting function.
Thanks to its compatibility with all Windows, Linux, and macOS computers, it is one of the most versatile gaming keypads. The keypad also works with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, andother gaming consoles. It is also a plug-and-play keypad that requires no software installation.
The Redragon K585 PRO features hassle-free and space-saving wireless connectivity. Its battery lasts 15 to 20 hours on full charge while RGB lighting is on. The keypad has soft switches that provide minimum-bump RGB tactile feedback for quick in-game response. It has seven programmable macro keys that bind multiple commands, saving precious time.
One of the best things about a wireless gaming keypad, such as the Redragon K585 PRO, is its distraction-free wireless connectivity. This is a modification of the K485 DITI, which features wired connectivity. Now, with this version, users can place it anywhere on their desks, making it suitable for left and right-handed users, thanks to the reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection, providing flexibility to move as well as freedom from cables.
Its durable rechargeable battery can support 15 to 20 hours of continuous playtime if the RGB backlight is still on. The detachable USB-C cable can recharge the battery in ten hours, enabling users to resume gameplay as soon as possible. The gaming keypad has soft switches that enable minimum-bump tactile feedback with little or no noise. Users can quickly master the game’s rhythm and respond swiftly during critical moments to help them win more often.
It features seven programmable macro keys that can bind multiple commands for instant activation whenever users need them. By assigning numerous keystrokes, users can save precious time during intense gaming sessions. Also, the keypad has an ergonomic design with a detachable section for resting the wrist to provide support and comfort. The keypad’s form factor features a clenched fist shape that fits naturally in the hand, which minimizes strain during those marathon gaming sessions.
On the flip side, the software is not easy to use, especially when controlling RGB lighting. To get an idea of how to do it, users have to go to the Redragon website, as there is no information on this inside the included quick start pack. If that is not an issue, this is an excellent wireless gaming keypad with more handy features than most gaming keypads. Users can remap keys and change colors to what they prefer, making it the best for MOBA and MMO playerson gaming PCs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gaming Keypads
When it comes to choosing the right gaming keypad, users must know the things to look for. The following are the factors to consider when shopping for the best gaming keypads.
Gaming keypads can have two types of keys – membrane or mechanical keys. Whilemembrane keypadsare less sensitive, they are more durable than their mechanical counterparts. However, mechanical keys provide better tactile feedback and are easier to use due to their added sensitivity.
Programmable Keys
Before buying a gaming keypad, users should ensure it is easily programmable to make the gaming experience more accessible. While some keypads allow users to program all the keys, others only allow them to program a few. A programmable keyboard gives users total control over the functionality of each key and saves them time during gaming sessions.
Ergonomics
A gaming keypad should have an ergonomic design to ensure users have an easy gaming time. Ideally, the keypad’s keys should be close enough to each other. It should also have a wrist rest to prevent unnecessary fatigue during long gaming sessions. Finally, a good gaming keypad should be tiny enough to fit on either side of the gaming device and work for both left- and right-handed individuals.
The User’s Gameplay
Different gamers prefer different types of games, including first-person shooters (FPS), multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA), and massively multiplayer online (MMO) players. An FPS player should pick a more comfortable and accessible keypad. On the other hand, MMO and MOBA players need a keypad that allows easy setting of macros during gaming sessions. Thus, the ideal keypad for the latter should have programmable keys that can easily switch between multiple keystroke combinations.
Other Features
The more features a gaming keypad has, the better the gaming experience. In addition to programmability and ergonomics, users should consider RGB lighting for immersive gaming and visibility in darkness. Other must-have features include wireless connectivity to reduce clutter around the desk and anti-ghosting keys for improved sensitivity. Finally, the keypad should have the ability to work with diverse types of online games.
Affordability
Finally, users should consider whether they can afford the gaming keypad. While the more expensive mechanical gaming keypads have better functionality, users should pay attention to their budget. They should select an affordable but highly functional keypad that can deliver the expected results.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a gaming keypad with a console?
Yes, some gaming keypads are designed for PCs and consoles. They feature keys and game controllers to help you easily change from one device to another.
Q: What keypad type is best for gaming?
Most gamers prefer mechanical keypads to membrane ones. That is because mechanical keypads have more features, better build quality, and offer low latency connection. Users also tend to feel mechanical keypads better, enabling quick in-game responses.
Q: What is a gaming keypad?
A gaming keypad is an auxiliary keyboard that provides functionality for gaming and cannot serve other purposes, such as typing. It has fewer keys whose arrangement offers ergonomic support for the users.
