Before you review the backlit mechanical gaming keyboards, you need to understand their functioning. Input devices can be divided not only by price segment or by purpose, but also by the technology used.
Tactile feedback, stroke, durability and cost depend on the type and structure of the buttons. Manufacturers try to combine several technologies to save costs.
Technology
What is a backlit mechanical gaming keyboard? Each button of the device has an analog switch, which is equipped with a metal spring and contacts. The switch can also be of several types. For example, it can be linear or “gaming”, or maybe “failing” for people who work with text.
Most often, mechanical models are expensive. In America, their price exceeds $ 45 (2,500 rubles). On the one hand, this cost is low, on the other hand, there are keyboard options for only 10-20 dollars (600-1200 rubles).
The main advantage of a mechanical keyboard is that it is more durable, has high quality materials and different types of switches.
A mechanical device also works somewhat faster than its membrane counterparts. The response of this model is quick, the key is triggered earlier than it reaches the limiter. Therefore, it is not necessary to press the mechanical buttons with all their might.
Such technology is sure to be appreciated by players who need a quick response, as well as those users who print a lot.
Kind of switches
A backlit mechanical gaming keyboard can have different types of keys. Now there are a huge number of them, so listing everything is almost impossible. Many manufacturers are trying to develop their own technologies that would distinguish them from competitors.
There is a series of switches called Cherry MX. Depending on the type of mechanism, a distinguished name is added to this name. For example, Cherry MX Black presents mechanical keys that have a 60-keystroke force. These buttons have a linear stroke that does not produce a click or tactile response. A very similar type of switch is Cherry MX Red. It is practically no different from the previous one. The difference is only in the force of pressing - 45 g.
Own developments
Razer keyboards, which can be classified as mechanical, also have their own type of keys. There are three technologies in total: Razer Orange Switch, Green Switch and Yellow Switch. They differ in the force of pressing, the indicator of the reverse stroke to the reset point, the type of stroke and the sound of the click.
Advantages and disadvantages
The choice of a gaming mechanical keyboard with backlight can push the buyer to the membrane device. Therefore, a huge number of questions arise about which input device is better. To understand this, it is worth considering both types of keyboards in several ways.
First, response speed is important. In this case, the advantage of a gaming mechanical keyboard with backlight is that the button is already triggered in the middle of pressing. In fact, the user can only click halfway. Although this is inconvenient, the very fact of accelerated key response is very important.
The mechanical keyboard is also distinguished by its reliability. Of course, this does not mean that the membrane device, purchased 5 years ago and still working, is worse. The difference is different. The fact is that the mechanical keyboard retains the original feel of pressing buttons. Therefore, even after 2-3 years it will seem that you just bought a device.
You can check it in the store. Suppose you have a mechanical keyboard that you have been working with for more than three years. You remember the feel of the buttons. Try to go to the store and take a new mechanical keyboard. It’s not necessary to buy it, just click on the keys. Only in this way can you understand that there is no difference in the typing.
Most membrane keyboards that are used for games or printed texts lose their properties after a year. Many users know that frequently used buttons start to play and creak, and in some cases even drop out.
There are also disadvantages to gaming backlit mechanical keyboards. The first is the cost. As mentioned earlier, a membrane keyboard can cost 600-1200 rubles. (now we will give Russian prices). Moreover, she is able to serve more than 5 years. But the mechanical device costs more than 2500 rubles. This is caused by the fact that each button is a separate mechanism, which is important to work out clearly.
The second drawback was the noise. Of course, if you look closely at the design of the membrane and mechanical keyboard, you can guess which one will be noisy. Of course, you can choose a less or more noisy mechanical keyboard, but they will still work louder than membrane counterparts.
Backlight
Well, and finally, it’s important to talk about the backlighting of the mechanical gaming keyboard. Such a bonus can be used not only in mechanical, but also in membrane devices. Therefore, the disadvantages in this case will be common.
Firstly, the eyes are very tired from the bright luminous keyboard. Especially if you use such a device for work. On the other hand, everything will depend on the cost of the keyboard. In expensive gaming devices, soft and diffuse lighting is used, so her eyes get tired much less.
There are also advantages to backlit keyboards. They are in the additional functions that such a device receives. For example, the keyboard will receive a built-in memory that allows you to configure the game modes of the keys, create specific modules that will be stored in memory.
The backlit device is also often equipped with rubberized buttons that make use comfortable. Some devices receive additional connectors for microphone and USB. In addition, the keyboard can have a game mode, an additional screen and programmable buttons.
Rating
Understanding in general terms the principles of operation of such a device, you can try to make a rating of gaming mechanical keyboards with backlight. It is immediately worth noting that this is not easy to do, since almost monthly new models appear that overshadow the recently released ones.
If you rummage through the Internet, you can find hundreds of good and high-quality mechanical keyboards. The same model can cause indignation and admiration at the same time. Therefore, it would be more correct to compile a list that does not rely on superiority. After all, if one keyboard is convenient for one gamer, it does not mean at all that the second will be satisfied with it.
- Logitech G910 Orion Spark Black USB.
- Razer BlackWidow Chroma Black USB.
- MARVO K945.
- HyperX Alloy Elite RGB.
- SteelSeries Apex M750.
This five backlit mechanical gaming keyboards is considered the best in the last few years. Which of them will fall on the first, and which on the last place is up to you.
Logitech G910 Orion Spark Black USB
This is a pretty old model that appeared back in 2015. Nevertheless, it is made so well that many still prefer to use it. The model was equipped with mechanical switches technology Romer-G. Such keys have increased wear resistance, high speed and beautiful backlight.
The keyboard comes in a large box, which immediately has a photograph of the model. From here, the buyer learns about the Russian layout and mechanical buttons. No further keyboard specifications are listed here.
In a carton box is another box. It is made stylishly, concisely and beautifully. Most users believe that the manufacturer should sell this model without a top cover.
Inside the additional box is the keyboard itself, it has a removable palm rest, as well as supporting documentation. Many did not have an additional key to dismantle the buttons.
The appearance of such a keyboard is quite familiar. It is very massive, has many additional buttons, backlight and some features. There are many additional keys on the left side of the case. Macro buttons G1-G5 are vertically located, and G6-G9 is on top. The keyboard does not have internal memory, so you can record macros only when installing drivers. You may notice the buttons for switching profiles and recording macros.
Attention was also drawn to the surface of the buttons. They have a small indentation in the middle, and low sides appeared along the edges: the finger always occupies the same central position on the key.
Razer BlackWidow Chroma Black US
The Razer keyboard has tremendous support from its manufacturer, so the models that came out a couple of years ago got a second wind. The same thing happened with this keyboard, which received the second version in 2017.
The device is delivered in the company's original packaging, which has a black and green design and a glossy finish. He will notice some features in the design of the box is very difficult. But if you look closely, you can see a small window in the lower right corner. Here you can touch the button and try the tactile sensations and the response of pressing.
Inside the box looks no less pretty. At the top of the lid there is a special pocket for documentation. The device itself is recessed into the foam and protected by cardboard inserts and a transparent overlay.
After the user looks into the box, he will see that the test key is a keychain that you can use as you wish.
On the one hand, the appearance of this model is not particularly remarkable. At first glance, the keyboard is quite compact, does not have a large distance between the numeric, letter and arrow blocks, and additional keys are not visible. But this is only at first glance.
Pleased with the presence of a magnetic palm rest, which has a soft pad. In the previous version of this model, it was possible to use only 5 macro buttons, which were placed on the left, to record macro commands. The updated keyboard has the ability to record macros on any buttons. The only drawback is the lack of internal memory.
For this model, one of the types of switches that were mentioned earlier can be set. To determine which one you came across, you can remove one of the keys. The switch can be green, orange or yellow.
The keyboard glow is realized by RGB-illumination of all keys. There are a large number of lighting effects. Setting the backlight is done through software.
Marvo k945
This keyboard model is also long in the market. This model comes in large bright packaging, with high-quality printing. There is no information on the technical specifications on the facade, it can be found on the back of the package. Inside, in addition to the keyboard, there is a brief instruction.
The fact that the mechanical wired keyboard of the Marvo K945 is gaming, you can understand in a first glance at its appearance. It looks very massive, bright, reminiscent of knightly armor. The model weighs more than 1 kilogram. Despite such a rather impressive weight, this will only benefit gamers, since during the virtual battles the keyboard will not slide on the table.
The entire front part is coated with aluminum, which has a polished coating. This is a huge plus, as spilled tea and other contaminants will be easy to clean.
So that the backlight was uniform, and the Cyrillic did not look pale, the manufacturer put the characters on the same level. The buttons themselves are made of matte plastic.
It is difficult to say why this model does not have macro and media buttons. Most of the functions were transferred to the F1-F12 unit. To use it, you need to hold Fn. You can also adjust the backlight level on the keyboard. Unlike previous models, this one can only glow in bright blue.
HyperX Alloy Elite RGB
The company HyperX for many is associated with the gaming industry. Most eSports organizations often advertise this manufacturer and use their device themselves. HyperX backlit gaming mechanical keyboards for PCs are no less awesome than SteelSeries, Corsar or Razer models.
This model has a regular version, which is not equipped with RGB-backlight. The rest are identical models.
The appearance of the Alloy Elite RGB is memorable. Despite the fact that at first glance the keyboard seems compact, holding it in your hands, you feel the 1.5-pound device. A cable in a fabric braid also speaks of quality.
Such a gaming mechanical keyboard for a PC with backlight may also appeal to those who have long been looking for a device with additional ports. This model has a USB Hub, to which you can connect a phone for charging, or headphones and other peripherals.
The manufacturer used switches such as Cherry MX Red, but there are options - you can purchase a model with Cherry MX Brown or Blue keys. It all depends on the preferences of gamers.
At the top of the case there are multimedia keys and buttons that help control the backlight. An interesting solution is the volume control, which is implemented by the wheel.
Like many other backlit mechanical gaming keyboards, this one has interchangeable buttons that the player most often uses. They may be needed by those who want to highlight control keys and not lose them during the game. According to the developer, this model withstands up to 50 million clicks.
SteelSeries Apex M750
This model is very similar to the previous backlit mechanical gaming keyboard. It practically does not differ in characteristics. SteelSeries is a company that is known for its gaming and working devices. Therefore, from this model we should expect only the best quality device.
In appearance it resembles a HyperX keyboard. But the manufacturer also took care of its proprietary chips. Teardrop-shaped inserts can be seen on the sides, but a large gap was not enough.
The keyboard case is made of aluminum and plastic, so its weight is more than 1 kilogram. To make the backlight look beautiful, the bottom of the switches is made of transparent plastic that scatters the light.
To configure the buttons, you need to use a third-party utility. Engine 3 will help you adjust the functionality of any button and work with the backlight.
findings
The price of a gaming mechanical keyboard with backlight is high. Especially if we are talking about famous brands. Such models can cost 6000 rubles. But there are less elaborate mechanical devices. Usually they were released earlier, are devoid of RGB-backlight and have only one color glow.
In most cases, mechanical keyboards are more durable to use, so they are often purchased by cybersportsmen who spend 10-12 hours a day at the computer.