You've also got dedicated media keys (including a volume wheel), and a genuinely cushiony wrist rest, which is a pain to install but won't need to be swapped out for something custom. On the outside, the keyboard features double-shot PBT keycaps and an aluminum plate for durability. Throw in sound dampening foam and a hot swap PCB, and it pretty much covers all the bases. This keyboard comes with either Cherry's or Asus' own ROG NX red (linear), brown (tactile), or blue (clicky) switches. It's also got a flashy dot matrix LED display (the "AniMe Matrix") - a unique piece of bling you won't find on other boards. 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.
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.
Mechanical or bust: Most gamers probably aren't even considering a non-mechanical keyboard - for good reason.