
It's a little pricey with an MSRP of $219, but it's still cheaper than custom-built enthusiast boards - which it rivals in quality. The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate has just about anything y ou could want from an affordable, pre-built gaming keyboard. Read: HyperX Alloy Origins review (opens in new tab) Note that HyperX has two smaller, cheaper versions of this keyboard: The tenkeyless (no numpad) HyperX Alloy Origins Core (opens in new tab) and 60% HyperX Alloy Origins 60. We've also tested the clickier version with HyperX aqua switches, which are available on Amazon (opens in new tab)and HyperX's store (opens in new tab).įor over $100, you can find gaming keyboards with more luxuries, such as media control buttons, a USB pass-through port (for easily plugging in another accessory, like your best gaming mouse (opens in new tab)), and more advanced software. But what the Alloy Origins does offer, it executes excellently. If you're familiar with linear switches, which are quick but offer little feedback, you'll feel right at home with this keyboard's red switches. It’s comfortable, with a premium look and feel from its keys to its frame and vibrant RGB lighting.

The HyperX Alloy Origins' compact and quality build makes it the best gaming keyboard for mainstream gamers who just want to get down to gaming.
CLICKY VS LINEAR FOR GAMING SOFTWARE
NGenuity software could be more intuitive Here are some of the most common switches: The type of switch you choose depends on your personal preferences for typing and gaming. There are even new ones coming out all the time, such as the Cherry Viola switch.

Full-size, tenkeyless, or smaller? Tenkeyless boards drop the numpad, 65 percent boards eliminate navigation keys, and 60 percent boards also cut the arrow keys.If you opt for something with no backlight at all, make sure you'll be gaming in a well-lit area or are a touch typist. You can save a little money by getting a keyboard with a single-color backlight, but you’ll miss out on a spectacular light show. Per-key RGB lets you program each key's color individually, while zone lighting limits your customization to just a few areas o the board.

RGB or not? All RGB lighting is not equal.Only mechanical keyboard switches offer the tactile feedback, precision, and accuracy most gamers need, and membrane switches feel gummy and unresponsive by comparison. Mechanical or bust: Most gamers probably aren't even considering a non-mechanical keyboard - for good reason.
