Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
A gaming keypad is a type of keyboard, focuses on gaming purpose. A keypad is not a piece of the keyboard. The keypad and keyboard are completely independent. This device helps gamers feel extremely comfortable when experiencing games.
This article will help you choose a useful and suitable gaming keypad, define who needs to use this device, and choose the best gaming keypads.
Our reviews are based on the important criteria below:
1. The number of buttons
This is an important factor when picking a gaming keypad. It will be optimal for gaming.
You should buy a 20-25 button keypad. Fewer buttons are not enough and more buttons make you distracted.
2. Ergonomics
You should buy a gaming keypad which is a solid and powerful case. Because it will not make you tired when playing the game all day and night.
3. Profiling
You need to consider this criterion if you want to play multiple characters during a game. When logging in again, you will not have to change your layout and create new binds. Actually, you only need to set everything up once. And with a press of a button, you can switch between your characters conveniently.
4. Extra functions
Modular buttons, removable panels, analog control sticks or other functions will be extremely useful for you. They will make you comfortable and convenient when playing games.
Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma
Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma has headed our best gaming keypad list. This device has 32 programmable keys and 16.8 million adjustable backlighting effects.
This keypad is packed in a box that is labeled with an information brief about function and Synapse 2.0 software. Inside the box, there are some Razer stickers, the manual, and the keypad.
The key is made of regular matte plastic. To use this keypad, you need to download the newest version from the official website.
The shape of this keypad is designed like a human palm. The lower part of the keypad comes with retractable legs. You can adjust the wrist rest of the keypad by yourself.
This keypad has 32 keys. The main 15 keys in there are multi-touch membrane keys. The D-pad which you can put your thumb is easily established with 8 positions. Besides, it has 2 keys which can press with the same finger.
Especially, Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma has 8 varied profiles. You can switch different profiles easily with one of the keys which are assigned or with the use of the software.
You can use the settings which are available of RGB backlighting. You can also adjust your personal colors. It will make you amazed, surely.
About software, this keypad is based on Synapse 2.0 to set up the keypad and the backlighting. All setups of the keypad will be saved and uploaded to cloud storage. However, we see that this function does not run well. It is so low and failed. We hope it will be fixed by Razer soon.
XFUNY Gaming Keypad One – Handed Keyboard
XFUNY Gaming Keypad One – Handed Keyboard is the third choice on our list. Inside the box of this product has the keypad and a CD which contains the software for it.
This keypad case is pretty solid with the metal base and the matter plastic keys. This keypad does not allow you to adjust its legs and we think they are so inconvenient.
It has 30 mechanical keys. You can assign each key to any action. Like Cherry MX Blue, this keypad is equipped with Kailh Blue switches.
About exterior and ergonomics, we think this keypad looks stylish. Its design is the large triangular button. It also has regular keys such as Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Shift, Esc, and F1-F6.
You can use its keypad backlighting flexibly. It comes with a range of amazing and bright effects. You can choose a regular monochrome option or a colorful option.
Logitech G13 Programmable Gameboard with LCD Display
Logitech G13 Programmable Gameboard with LCD Display is the final product on our list.
It is designed like the natural shape of the human hand and fingers to ensure comfort for many hours.
This key has 25 adjustable keys and an LCD display. 25 programmable keys let you assign keyboard functions to accommodate you and create macros on the fly. With the high visibility LCD, you can see displays about the top gamer, system information, and communications from other players.
This keypad suits most people with five profiles and you can switch between them. Also, this keypad includes a number of pre-settings for the most popular games today.
The programmable backlighting with 16 million colors allows you to choose the color you love. You can choose different colors for different profiles and they will help you navigate easily.
Who will need a keypad?
In fact, the keypad is suitable for everyone. But we still figure out who can make full use of its functions.
The functions of the keypad will be discovered in the best way in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games and role-playing games (RPGs).
The magic games have a range of various spells, hits that have to be used with the buttons in a row. When using the keypad, you do not need to set up any key combination because everything is available.
If you are a gamer of WOW, DOTA or LOL, the keypad is extremely essential for you. When combining your keyboard with your keypad, you will realize the obvious differences.
Can I customize my keypad?
Of course. If your keypad is a mechanical one, it is possible to customize it. When your keypad is hot-swappable, it is easy to replace the old switches with new switches as you like by pull off and put on keycaps with a single press.
But if it doesn't feature hot-swap, it will be a little tricky desoldering and soldering switches to interchange between them. If you don't have any experience in soldering stuffs, you better hire someone to do it or you might break your keypad.
The best keypads we recommend are made by reputable companies. They are positively reviewed by experienced players all over the world. Although some of them still contain some limitations, we do believe they will be fixed soon. And among the top choice, we do think Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma deserves to be given a thumb up.
Please don’t hesitate to leave your comment about gaming keypads below. We are really looking forward to hearing from you.
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Best numeric gaming keypad: MOTOSPEED Mechanical Numeric RGB Backlight Gaming Keypad