Table of Contents
Introduction
Keyboards with an RGB design are versatile backlit keyboards that have rendered the conventional kind obsolete. These keyboards do much more than simply lighting up in the dark; they can be programmed to light up sections of the board, with specific colors per-key. You can program colors for certain sets that may come in handy while working or video-gaming. They add an aesthetic touch to the conventional keyboard but also possess several functional features. Red, green, and blue are the three primary colors that give rise to an endless array of shades; using these basic colors, you may pick your favorite colors for certain keys.
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A set of keys, programmed to light up a certain way, will be easily highlighted when they have to be used. The customization goes much beyond this. You can manipulate the keyboard to display several color patterns depending on what you need; for instance, you would highlight the WASD keys while video-gaming, especially if it is FPS. For office work, let’s say on MS Word or Excel, you’d highlight all the useful shortcut keys. In this article, we will offer a rundown on our picks for the 5 best keyboards with RGB keyboard designs.
What are the Uses of RGB Keyboard Designs?
RGB keyboards serve several functions depending on the context of use, which include:
Video Gaming Made Easy
Video gaming is fun but competitive gaming is very challenging. Gamers yearn to gain an edge on their competitors – this is where RGB keyboards kick in. Not only do they highlight all the useful gaming keys to help you, but you can also use shades to remember the functions of each highlighted set.
Helps You Work Better at Office or Home
The combination of membrane-based light key press and LED backlights makes the keyboard very useful, even for non-gamers. These uses include:
- Enhanced visibility in low lighting
- Keystrokes generate color response, so you know that you are using the right key
Aesthetically Pleasant
These keyboards are aesthetically pleasing and hence keep you hooked. You’ll get more work done and will play longer with such keyboards.
Comparison between RGB Design Keyboards and Normal Keyboards
RGB design keyboards differ from conventional keyboards in many ways; some of these are highlighted below:
- They have an LED-backlit key array
- Membrane press system makes keystrokes smooth and easy
- RGB keyboards are programmable while conventional ones are not
- They will warn you if the system overheats while a conventional one doesn’t
- They are comparatively pricier
Advantages of Using Keyboards with rgb Design
Here is a detailed discussion of the advantages of using keyboards with RGB design:
They Have RGB Backlit Keys
RGB keyboards differ from conventional backlit keyboards as there is no limit to the choice of colors. As mentioned earlier, red, green, and blue are the three primary shades that can be used to form all the other colors. You can pick from an expansive spectrum of colors with all the shades available and map these colors on various keys.
Allow You to Highlight Certain Key Sets
Video games recognize WASD keys as the character navigation keys. These keys allow the in-game character to move north, west, south, and east respectively; however, you might want to change these settings depending on the game. Maybe the game you’re playing uses another set for this, or any other function, but does not allow you to customize. Here, backlit keys will help you memorize these sets and you’ll never go wrong again.
You Can Assign Colors to Keys Based on Their Functions
Whether its work or video games, you can easily confuse the function of various keys. Let’s say you’re traversing through a dungeon in Final Fantasy and you suddenly come across a monster; what if you accidentally press the attack button when you were supposed to use a potion instead? Game over. Well fret no more, because if you have an RGB keyboard, you can assign separate colors to each key based on its function; this way, you’ll never be confused while gaming or while working.
Provides Notifications via Colors
Let’s say you’re hooked on to the latest Total War game. You’ve raided the Byzantine Empire with the Hun armies and are laying waste to Imperial grounds. You’ve been at it for hours, non-stop. Your computer needs some rest to cool down as it is overheating. The keyboard will let you know when it’s time to take a break.
Similarly, in-game notifications are also important. You can’t keep your eyes peeled for the spell cool-down bar in RPG games. You don’t have to. The keyboard will alert you when you can use the spell again.
Alerts You about Enemies
Are you a videogame aficionado or merely a casual player? If the former is true, then you must be playing at least one FPS game. Be it Call of Duty or Battlefield, it is hard to keep an eye out for everything. While in hot pursuit of your target, you may miss out on some enemy locations. If you’re being tailed, it’s good to know whether you ought to expect company. Sadly, characters don’t normally have eyes in the back of their heads but your RGB keyboard does; it will inform you via directional flashes about enemies you flashed by but didn’t notice. No one will be sneaking up behind you anymore.
5 Keyboards with Cool RGB Keyboard Designs
After testing various models and products, we’ve narrowed our choice down to these top 5 RGB keyboards:
SteelSeries Apex Pro
SteelSeries Apex Pro is by far the best full-sized RGB keyboard available in the market. It comes with a host of features like adjustable automation, per-key RGB lighting, and so on. Adjustable automation allows you to change the pace of automation, which may be set to faster while gaming and slower when using the computer for work; this means that your character will be more responsive in-game while you’ll avoid any unnecessary keystrokes if you’re working.
The body is sturdily built from durable aluminum and its keys will not fade over time. It also comes with attachable wrist rests that will be much appreciated in prolonged gaming sessions. A USB port, gentle keystrokes (though lacking any tactile response), and enhanced customizability make this keyboard worth buying. Although it lacks dedicated macro-keys for MMO keys, this feature can be customized via software available on both Windows and macOS. It also stores several gamer profiles so that you don’t have to reconfigure it for different devices.
Pros
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Customizable automation
- Gentle keystrokes so you won’t get tired while using it
- USB port available
- Wrist rests attachable
Cons
- There is no tactile response for keystrokes
- There are no macro-keys for MMO games, although this feature is programmable
- Costs a bit more than other models but offers great quality
Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a must buy model if you are willing to kick in a few bucks. It offers everything you’d expect from a top tier RGB keyboard.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT mechanical gaming keyboard distinguishes itself with its dedicated macro-keys for MMO games. Although the keyboard does not have customizable actuation, you can switch between various modes through a group of Cherry MX switches. Like all RGB keyboards, it has fully customizable per-key RGB backlighting. It also offers tactile response to keystrokes that are audible, i.e. you’ll hear your keystrokes; this is great while gaming but may become a drag in an office where it may cause unnecessary noise. Its keys are double-shot PBT kind, which means that they won’t fade over time. You can also program any key for macro function via its iCUE software.
Pros
- Contains dedicated macro-keys for MMO games
- A variety of Cherry MX switches
- Tactile feedback to keystrokes and audible clicks
- Double-shot PBT keycaps, which means that the keys won’t fade
Cons
- It can produce some noise, so avoid using it in an office
- Lacks actuation customizability
Verdict
If you need dedicated macro-keys for your MMO games, then the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT mechanical gaming keyboard is a decent choice.
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL keyboard is a decent affordable version of the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Although it does lag in some options, mostly it stays true to the original. It offers most of the same features at a lower price. It has a per-key RGB lighting, scroll-wheels, media keys, and an OLED screen.
It can store five different settings in different profiles. It also comes with high quality and durable ABS constructed keycaps. It lacks customizability in linear optical switches and its wrist rests can become dusty quickly, but it makes up for it with its pros. The keyboard is a decent option in an affordable price range.
Pros
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Almost all features from the SteelSeries Apex Pro, but at a lower price
- Five profile slots
- High-quality ABS keycaps
- Dedicated media keys, scroll wheel, and OLED screen
Cons
- Lacks customizable linear optical switches
- Wrist rest gets dusty easily but can be cleaned without any hassle
Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a decent midrange priced model that serves most of your RGB keyboard needs.
Redragon K552-RGB
Redragon K552-RGB is the most affordable option in a decent RGB keyboards list. It may lack some high-end features but makes up for it with its low price. It has a strong frame with durable keycaps and customizable RGB lighting. The keyboard also comes with tactile switches but these are not suitable for an office setting because they can get noisy.
It works well with Windows and Linux but some keys don’t seem to get along with macOS. It also lacks the option to create macros or to save profiles. Overall, the keyboard does what a basic RGB keyboard can and offers a good price too.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Decent build quality
- Works fine with Windows and Linux, and mostly good with macOS
- Sturdy frame and durable keycaps
Cons
- Can’t create macros or save profiles on this model
- It can be noisy, so it’s not suitable for an office setting
Verdict
The Redragon K552-RGB keyboard may lack several features but is one of the most affordable options in the market.
SteelSeries Apex 3
The SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard is another affordable option from SteelSeries. It offers all that you’d expect from a low-priced RGB keyboard. It has a per-key RGB lighting option with beautiful rainbow effects. It has a sturdy and durable construction and is highly customizable.
It is one of the best non-mechanical options available in the market. It operates via a membrane system, meaning that its keystrokes are gentler than most competitors and it is comfortable to use. It does fail in some areas like not having any on-board memory or several high-end features but in its price range, it provides an excellent plethora of features.
Pros
- It can create beautiful rainbow effects
- Solidly built and comfortable to use
- Lighting, key bindings, and macro-keys can be programmed
- A decent non-mechanical option
Cons
- There is no onboard memory
- Lacks several high-end features
Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard is an affordable model that may lack in some areas but delivers most of the features excellently.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Keyboard with RGB Design
Here are some factors to consider while buying a keyboard with RGB design:
Per-Key RGB Option
What good is a backlit keyboard without customizability? RGB keyboards contain a per-key RGB option which allows you to allot a separate color to each key. This option allows you to assign different colors to different keys and helps you remember their functions, based on the colors.
Options for Grouping Keys Under One Color
Keys often work in a combination, especially in gaming; this means that an ideal RGB keyboard should allow you to group keys under one color. For instance, a single color for all the movement keys, a separate color for inventory items keys, and so on.
You don’t need the lights all the time. When you don’t need a keyboard lit up like a Christmas tree, it should allow you to do that. A light toggle button will come in handy when you wish to use your RGB keyboard like a regular one.
Effects Designed for Video Games
Effects like color flashes and directional highlighting improve the gameplay significantly. These effects inform you about the in-game situation and allow you to prepare likewise. A directional highlight might show you if you’re being tailed. Similarly, a color flash may indicate an explosive going off or an airstrike (if you play Battlefield, you’ll know how important this heads up can be).
All RGB Colors
RGB is not just a fancy color-lit keyboard – it is far more than that. If you’re getting an RGB keyboard, get it right. Only pick models that offer the complete array of colors.
High-Quality Software
RGB keyboards come with software that allows you to customize them. A keyboard will be just as good as its software allows it to be. In other words, you need a keyboard with a simple yet highly customizable software. Certain software comes with two modes, one is pre-set and the other is freestyle; this means that it can be operated easily with one mode but a more experienced user can use the second advanced option as well.
Ability to Store Several Gamer Profiles
Gamers often switch between FPS, RPGs, strategy games, simulations, racing games, fighting games, open world, and so on. It is natural to forget the control schemes for different games. You don’t have to press your brain any harder than it can take. With multiple gamer profiles, your RGB keyboard will help you with this task. Most models have this feature but still be on the lookout.
USB Port/Hub
Extra USB ports for your computer allow you to hook up several devices at once. If your PC is out of space, you can always plug a USB device on your RGB keyboard.
Miscellaneous Features
There are also some general keyboard features like adjustable height, wired or wireless (most RGB keyboards are wired), mechanical or non-mechanical, and so on. Simply put, a keyboard should ideally be easy to use, be of the appropriate size, and have a wide functionality.
Recommendation
Having gone through several models, we have decided to endorse SteelSeries Apex Pro to be the best choice. This is because of the tons of attractive features that the model boasts, such as lower actuation times, gentle typing experience, and enhanced customizability. It may be a bit pricy but is worth every cent.
Final Words
RGB keyboards have gained popularity due to the myriad of features they bring to the table. These devices are not only aesthetically pleasing but also very functional. This combination makes them a desirable choice and a better option than conventional models. If you are a video gamer or a regular computer user, who remains stuck in front of the screen for hours, you need an RGB keyboard to help you out.
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