Gaming keyboards are a popular option for gamers who want more control and performance while playing.
But have you ever wondered how many keys are on a gaming keyboard?
With some advice and interesting facts about choosing the best gaming keyboard for your needs, let’s explore a variety of gaming keyboards and their key counts.
What Are Keys on a Keyboard?
The buttons you press on a keyboard to type or carry out specific duties are called keys. Typically, an average keyboard has 104 or 105 keys.
These include function keys, letters, numbers, and symbols. However, the amount of keys on gaming keyboards might vary based on their size, design, and intended use.
Gaming keyboards improve the gaming experience. They frequently include extra keys, faster reaction times, and adjustable settings to give players an edge in competitive games.
Selecting a keyboard that fits your gaming style requires understanding the number and kind of keys.
How Many Keys Are on a Gaming Keyboard?
The size and quantity of keys on gaming keyboards might vary. The most common types of gaming keyboards and how many buttons they have are as follows:
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1. Full-Size Gaming Keyboards
- Key Count: 104 to 108 keys.
- These keyboards come with a number pad, all the regular keys, and sometimes additional keys for playing games.
- They are ideal for players who require various keys, especially for strategy or MMORPG games.
- Why Choose Full-Size? A full-size keyboard’s flexibility is crucial if you play games that require many shortcuts or macros.
2. Tenkeyless (TKL) Gaming Keyboards
- Key Count: 87 to 88 keys.
- “Tenkeyless” means these keyboards do not have a number pad, making them more compact.
- Perfect for gamers who want more desk space and prefer a lighter keyboard.
- Best For: FPS (First-Person Shooter) players who need quick access to essential keys without extra clutter.
3. Compact Gaming Keyboards
- Key Count: 60 to 68 keys.
- These keyboards are smaller and portable, focusing on the essential keys.
- Popular among gamers who prioritize minimalism and portability.
- Advantages: Compact keyboards are easy to carry and fit into smaller gaming setups, making them a favorite for gamers on the go.
4. Specialty Gaming Keyboards
- Key Count: Varies (40 keys or more).
- These unique keyboards, like macro pads or one-handed gaming keyboards, are designed for specific gaming needs.
- Examples: Macro-heavy keyboards for MMORPG players or single-handed keyboards for MOBA games.
Why Do Gaming Keyboards Have Different Key Counts?
The number of keys on a gaming keyboard depends on:
- Gaming Preferences: Some gamers prefer fewer keys for simplicity, while others need more keys for complex games.
- Extra Features: Many gaming keyboards include additional keys for macros, media controls, or custom shortcuts.
- Gaming Keyboard Sizes: Compact keyboards are designed for portability, while full-size keyboards provide maximum functionality.
- Game-Specific Needs: For example, strategy games may require more keys for commands. In contrast, FPS games focus on movement and aiming.
Ergonomics is also considered when designing gaming keyboards. The keyboard’s layout and key position can affect its effectiveness and comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Also Read: Does Keyboard Matter for League of Legends?
Choosing the Right Gaming Keyboard
When selecting a gaming keyboard, consider these factors:
Your Desk Space
Why It Matters: The size of your desk determines whether a full-size or tiny keyboard works better for your setup. While a full-size keyboard has the entire key set, it takes up more room and may not be the best option for smaller computers.
Tips: Before you buy a keyboard, measure the amount of desk space you have available. If you’re short on space, tiny or ten-keyless keyboards can make more room for your mouse and other gaming equipment.
Your Gaming Needs
Game-Specific Choices: Different games have varying demands. FPS games often prioritize quick, precise movements, which don’t require many keys. In contrast, MMORPGs and strategy games benefit from more keys for macros and shortcuts.
Customization Options: Choose a keyboard that aligns with the type of games you play. For example, a keyboard with dedicated macro keys can be a game-changer for MMORPG players.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Why It’s Important: Comfort is important since gaming sessions might last hours. A poorly designed keyboard could cause fatigue or even chronic strain.
Features to Look For: Ergonomic designs, including low-profile keys, wrist rests, and adjustable angles, can improve comfort. In addition, haptic feedback keyboards lessen the effort needed for each press.
Pro Tip: Test the keyboard’s feel in person to ensure it suits your hands and typing style.
Customization Options
Why It Matters: Thanks to customization, you can customize the keyboard to suit your preferences. Features like RGB lights and individual keys can improve your gaming experience.
Examples: Set up lighting profiles for different games, program keys for in-game actions, or turn off unneeded keys to prevent accidental key presses.
Advanced Customization: Certain keyboards have software that allows you to adjust settings like key sensitivity and response velocity to give you an edge in competitive gaming.
Build Quality
Durability: Invest in a gaming keyboard with premium components because they are expensive. Mechanical keyboards, for instance, are known for their reliability and strength.
Switch Types: Mechanical keyboards offer many switch types, including clicky (audible feedback), tactile (bumpy), and linear (smooth). Every group caters to different gaming styles.
Pro Tip: Use water-resistant and durable keycaps to withstand intense gaming sessions.
Fun Facts About Gaming Keyboards
- You may alter the key function and even eliminate superfluous keys on specific gaming keyboards to fit your demands.
- A typical component that lets gamers personalize their setup with vibrant effects is RGB lighting.
- Programmable keys and efficient layouts allow compact keyboards with fewer keys to offer great gaming performance.
- Several switch kinds, such as linear, tactile, and click, are available for mechanical keyboards, offering a range of gaming experiences.
Conclusion
The number of keys on a gaming keyboard depends on its size, design, and intended purpose. You can choose between a full-size keyboard with 108 keys and a smaller keyboard with 60 keys, according to your tastes and preferred gaming style.
Knowing the many types and their advantages can help you decide on a gaming keyboard to improve your gaming experience.
Explore different options and find the keyboard that works best for you!
Common Questions About Gaming Keyboard Keys
How Many Keys Are in a Gaming Keyboard?
Depending on the type and size, most gaming keyboards have between 60 and 108 keys.
Are There 106 Keys in the Keyboard?
Yes, some keyboards, especially international layouts, may have 106 keys. These keyboards often include extra keys for language-specific functions.
Are There 114 Keys in the Keyboard?
Some speciality keyboards or extended layouts may include 114 keys, but this is rare. These keyboards are typically designed for specific use cases.
Are There 108 Keys in the Keyboard?
Many full-size gaming keyboards include 108 keys, especially those with extra gaming-specific features like media controls or macro buttons.
