If you are building your laptop or PC for gaming, then you already know that you are in need of a good processor. There are many out there on the market to shift through, and it can be a hassle to have to research every single brand option. But the main thing to look for in a processor that will give you the best quality for the best possible price.

If you don’t have the money, or just don’t want to spend a fortune on an eight-core Intel Core i7 6900K CPU, which costs well over 600 dollars – at the absolute lowest – then, an AMD processor that costs less than half as much for the same speed will be the best fit for you.

Here is our list of the best AMD processors for gaming.

Ryzen 3 3200G

This latest third generation of Ryzen AMD processors have a few options to choose from. This 3200 AMD processor is a great little chip that has the latest Vega graphics, that is much better than Intel’s HD graphics, and the Zen+ CPU core works with 1080p, which is great for anyone entry-level.

Coming in at around 100 bucks apiece, for someone just starting up or those who just want to keep the cost reasonable, the price really can’t be beaten. This AMD processor has 4 CPU cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 3.6GHz and a max boost clock of 4GHz.

If you don’t have the system chassis for a graphics card, or you don’t want to spend an arm and leg buying one, then this is a great option.

If you’re looking for something more mid-high range, then this one might not be for you. This is best used for entry-level gaming and you will want to look into getting one of the other, higher-level, AMD processors on this list if that’s not you.

Ryzen 5 3600

This mid-range processor is a competitively priced option that is sure to not disappoint. This AMD processor is made for those above entry-level and has six cores and twelve threads with a 7nm process node. It also has a 4.2GHz max boost clock and base clock of 3.6GHz.

There are alternatives for those who would like multithreaded performance that has more core and supports more threads, but when it comes to games, the 3600X is a bit faster.

For around 200 dollars this processor is a steal in comparison to other brands at the same level, and the performance is head-to-head with the more expensive alternatives. This is definitely one of the best cost-effective AMD processors of its kind, and it works great for those who are trying to be a bit more budget-conscious but still want a great high-quality product.

Ryzen 7 3700X

If you are an avid gamer that plays often, or you just want to make sure you have the capabilities you may need in the future, then this processor just may be the right one for you. This powerful little guy supports sixteen threads due to simultaneous multithreading capabilities, and it blows away the competition in price to price comparison.

The 3700X has a base clock of 3.6GHz with a max boost clock of 4.4GHz. This 8-core chip goes toe to toe with the other brands in the same categories, but the competition takes a hit with the 3700X’s price point being a lot less expensive. With this processor, you are getting the highest possible quality for the lowest price. It’s safe to say that this processor is the champion.

The 3600 is still a great value and will work for most gamers, but for those wanting to have a more powerful eight-core CPU, this is your best option. But at just over 300 bucks, this processor performs best in all categories and is the best bang for your buck.

Ryzen 9 3900X

This heavy-duty third-generation processor is a beast of a chip. It is super powerful with the highest rated boost clock of all the Ryzen CPUs clocking in at 4.6GHz. It is also the first mainstream 12 core CPU ever and is incredibly powerful for the price. With the only other options that come close to this costing upwards of a grand, the 500-dollar price tag makes you feel like your stealing it.

Ryzen came out swinging with this incredible processor. Its only Intel counterpart is falling behind in multithreaded workloads with the 3900X having eight more threads – at a total of twenty-four – and four more cores. It is clear to see why the 3900X is hailed as the best CPU AMD processor ever made, and with the specifications being so much higher than the rest, it is hard to argue otherwise.

Advanced gamers who are looking for great quality and fast speeds will love this processor. It’s the best for a reason, and if you have the cash for such a purchase, the 3900X will be exactly what you need.

Final Thoughts

No matter what processor you end up getting, just make sure that its one that will work for what you want. Sticking with any of these Ryzen AMD processors will give you the processing power you want with a price tag that won’t leave you gasping for breath.

Whether you are an entry-level gamer who wants something budget-friendly, or you are an advanced gamer who wants the biggest, baddest AMD processor on the market, one of the options on our list will certainly work for you.

The post Best AMD Processor For Gaming appeared first on Gearbroz.

This kind of wear and tear adds up and can make your keys stick and make gaming more difficult, and annoying. Keeping your mechanical keyboard clean is a must. But accidents happen, and if this happens to you and you find yourself in need of cleaning your keyboard, then you’ll need to know a few things.

The best way to keep your keyboard clean is to prevent any damage, being careful around your keyboard and making sure not to bring food and drinks around it can make a big difference. However, the oils on your hands can do some damage too, and other than continually washing and drying your hands, there is really no way around that.

So, if you need to give your mechanical keyboard a good washing, then here is how to do it.

Prevent Any Build Up First

If your keyboard is not too far gone and only has some light cleaning, then keep up with this to ensure that it doesn’t get worse. This is the absolute best way to keep your keyboard in prime condition for as long as possible. Light cleaning here and there will keep your keyboard working properly.

What To Do:

What you want to start with is simply getting any small pieces of debris out from between the keys. To do this, just simply unplug your keyboard, turn it upside down, and shake it out. This will get any larger pieces of dirt and dust.

Use compressed air to blow out any debris that is left in the crevices. You can also use a vacuum for this portion, as some keyboards ask that you don’t use compressed air.

Then, using a soft microfiber cloth with a bit of alcohol, gently rub the cloth over the keys and surrounding areas to disinfect and get rid of built-up oil residue.

How To Deep Clean Your Keyboard

To deep clean your keyboard, you will have to get it a little more attention to get in there and get all the gunk out. You should take a picture or have a list of the order to place all the keys for when you put them back together and then you will begin by removing the keycaps.

You will want to get a bucket and fill it with warm water and soap. You will use this in a minute., then you can begin the process.

Removing The Keycaps

There are key pullers to remove the caps, and this will save a lot of time and effort. They are worth it, and they are relatively cheap. Most are around 3 or 4 bucks, and they will make this process painless.

Then, take the removed keycaps and place them in the warm water and soap. You can leave them in for as long as you need, but it is usually recommended to leave them overnight. Just remember, the better you clean them now, the longer they will stay clean. So, keep that in mind.

Give The Keyboard a Once Over

While the keycaps are soaking is the perfect time to clean the rest of the keyboard, so you can start by using a cloth or cotton swabs with a bit of alcohol to clean in between the key switches. You want to get rid of any dust and dirt that has accumulated and disinfect it

Then, you will probably want to go over it with compressed air, or a vacuum, just like for preventative cleaning. Blow the air in the same direction the whole time to make sure that you aren’t just moving it around, but getting it out.

Once you are done, you won’t be able to put the keycaps on yet because they will still need to soak and dry. So, place your keyboard face down on your table or desk to keep any dirt or dust in the air from collecting while you’re waiting for the keycaps to dry.

Spilled Beverages

With all this being done, we want to talk about spilled drinks, which are a whole other mountain to climb. If you have spilled some water, this may not mean the death of your keyboard, unless it was completely drowned.

However, drinks that contain sugar or alcohol, like soda, beer, wine, and energy drinks may mean that you have to put your keyboard down for good. And, even if you do get it cleaned up right away, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can be saved.

But, in the event of a spill, you should keep yourself from moving your keyboard. You want to keep the liquid from spreading and getting into key switches, so moving it will just exacerbate the issue.

You should remove the keycaps and see if the liquid is spreading like a wildfire, or if it only in a small area. If it can be salvaged, and the switches are intact, you will want to immediately start the deep cleaning process we went through to keep anything further from damaging the keyboard.

If there is any chance that your keyboard might still work, you will want to do everything you can to help that chance. After cleaning it, you will need to hold your breath, plug it back in, and test it to see how bad the damage was. If you’re lucky, and the spill was very small, then you could go back to gaming. If you’re not so lucky, you may have to fork over some cash for a new keyboard.

Just remember to avoid spills at all costs, place your drinks away from your system, and don’t take a swig over the keyboard. It is worth it to go out of your way to make sure you don’t have to replace a good keyboard.

Follow these cleaning tips and procedures to keep your mechanical keyboard working it’s best, and to ensure that the life of your keyboard will be as long as possible.

The post How To Clean A Mechanical Keyboard appeared first on Gearbroz.

Today, we’re going to be looking at keycaps for mechanical keyboards. But why would you care what keycaps you use?

Keycaps are where you interface with your PC – literally. If they don’t feel right, or have the wrong weight, your badass gaming keyboard won’t perform as well as it could. But no worries. We’re about to show you the best keycaps on the market.

Before we start, let’s look at what makes one set of keycaps better than another.

Different Materials

The most obvious difference between keycaps is the material used in their construction.

Most keycaps on the market today are manufactured from ABS, which is a durable, lightweight plastic that’s used in all kinds of products, from cell phone cases to pistol grips. Keys manufactured from ABS tend to have a light touch, and have the higher-pitched click you’d expect from an office keyboard.

A lot of higher-end keyboards utilize PBT keys. These have a heavier feel, and make a deeper, chunkier sound when you strike them. They also don’t absorb skin oil, so they won’t develop the smooth shine you may have noticed on ABS keyboards after a few months of use.

Some gaming keyboards have aluminum keys. While this is overkill in the durability department, there’s nothing wrong with using the toughest material possible.

Other keycap materials include PVC, PC plastic, POM plastic, and resin. But these options are either too cheap or expensive for gaming use, or, like resin keys, are predominantly used for novelty key sets.

Lettering Type

There are three types of lettering commonly used on keys.

• Printed keys. These are the most basic type, where the letters and numbers are printed on top of the key. This process is cheap, but it means that the lettering wears off under extended use.
• Etched keys. This is most common with aluminum keys, where the lettering is etched into the material.
• Doubleshot keys. In these keys, the lettering goes all the way through the material. Not only does this make it impossible for the letters to wear off, but it allows for the use of other materials. For example, a clear acrylic can be used to allow for backlighting. All of the keycaps we reviewed are doubleshot.

Other Things to Look For

Beyond the basics, there are some advanced features you may want to look at if you’re looking to seriously geek out over your keycaps. We’re not going to get into that here, but this Reddit FAQ has enough information to satisfy even the most obsessed keycap nut.

Now, let’s check out some keycaps!

Best ABS Set: Redragon A101 Replacement Keycaps

Redragon A101 Replacement Keycaps are a full, 104-key replacement set that ships with a key puller for easy installation. These keys are made from lightweight ABS plastic, and feature doubleshot keys that are compatible with RGB backlights.

We liked this set because it fits non-standard keyboards like Corsair, which has different sized Ctrl, Alt, Win, and spacebar keys.  It’s also inexpensive, so you can buy it with the money you save by skipping coffee for a few days. That said, these are ABS keys, so they’re going to develop some shine with continued use.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• Fits non-standard keyboard layouts
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not as durable as other sets

Best PBT Set: Huo Ji E-Element PBT Double Shot Keycap Set

The Huo Ji E-Element PBT Double Shot Keycap Set is another complete keycap set, so you can give your whole keyboard a facelift. These keys are constructed from durable PBT, which will maintain its touch and texture for years if you need them to. They’re also compatible with RGB backlights.

This set has an electroplated surface that makes the keys look like heavier aluminum keys, so all of your friends will be impressed with your upgrade. The downside? They’re only compatible with standard keyboards, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you have a non-standard design.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• Durable PBT construction
• Beautiful metallic-looking design

Cons:

• Only compatible with standard keyboards

Best Aluminum Set: Quartet Trade Generic Backlit Keycaps

If you want the toughest, most durable keys on the market, you’re going to want to use aluminum. There are plenty of complete aluminum keycap sets on boutique sites, but we decided to look at something that’s more reasonably priced. In the case of this set, you’re getting WASD and arrow keys, so you can upgrade your most frequently-used keys without breaking the bank.

These keys are backlight compatible, have a textured surface, and feel nice and heavy when you’re running around a Call of Duty map.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• Sturdy aluminum construction
• Heavy, chunky feel

Cons:

• WASD and arrow keys only

Best Partial Set: Runstar 9 PBT Key Set

The Runstar 9 PBT Key Set is another partial set, but unlike the Quartet Trade set it also includes an Esc key and a keycap puller. These keys are backlight compatible, and work with almost any standard-sized keyboard. All in all, they’re a great value at a low price.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• PBT construction
• Good value

Cons:

• WASD, arrow, and Esc keys only

Verdict

If we had to pick a single keycap set as the best on the market, we’d choose the Huo Ji E-Element PBT Double Shot Keycap Set. They’re tough, they’re durable, and they’re a complete matching set.

That said, all of these choices are good. If you prefer an ABS set, the Redragon A101 is a solid choice that will perform better than most on the market. And if you just want more durability from your WASD and arrow keys, the Quartet Trade set will get the job done. Alternatively, the Runstar set is a more affordable option, and utilizes sturdy PBT that will keep you gaming for years.

The post Best Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps appeared first on Gearbroz.

At first, this may sound silly. Who cares what the keys are made from? As long as they’re not carved out of wood like George Washington’s teeth, they should all be the same, right?

As it turns out, the different types of plastic used in your keyboard can make a huge difference. So we’re going to take a closer look.

What Are Your Keys Made of?

Many different materials are used to make keyboard keycaps. The lowest quality is PVC, the same material used to make plastic pipes and cheap plastic sheets. These keys tend to be very flimsy, and you’ll only see them on cheap, discount keyboards. If you’re using even a low-end gaming keyboard, you won’t have to worry about PVC.

On the very high end, you have POM, which is some of the toughest plastic on the market. This is uncommon because it’s very expensive. It’s basically a luxury item for people who can drop ridiculous amounts of money on their keyboard. But if you own a keyboard with POM keycaps, congratulations! You’ve got the best keys on the market.

Another choice is PC plastic, which is a tough, clear plastic used specifically for translucent keys.

You can learn more about all these materials in this article. But for our purposes, we’ll be talking about the two most common materials used on mechanical keyboard keycaps: ABS and PBT.

What is ABS?

ABS is short for “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene”, which is a polymer that’s commonly used in all kinds of consumer products. It’s cheap to produce, it’s lightweight, and it’s durable enough to be used in wilderness survival equipment.

You’d think that if it’s good enough for real-world marines, it’s good enough for playing Call of Duty. And it is. But you’re not taking your keyboard into combat, and you’re probably not planning on hitting it with a hammer any time soon. As for being lightweight, there’s There are other factors that are more important than durability, like the weight, feel, and sound of your keys.

What is PBT?

PBT stands for “Polybutylene Terephthalate”, and we hope that’s the last time we ever have to subject our readers to an unpronounceable chemical name. It costs more to produce than ABS, but it’s heavier, and has better dimensional stability. Dimensional stability is what engineers call the ability of an object to hold its shape. This is an obvious advantage when you’re hammering on your WASD keys day in and day out.

How do They Perform?

Now that we’ve gotten a big picture look at ABS and PBT, let’s talk about what really matters: how they perform while you’re four hours into a five-hour PUBG session.

Noise

The first thing you’ll notice about a PBT keyboard is that it makes a deeper, chunkier sound than ABS when you hit the keys. For a good example, check out this video by YouTube user Richardlizhu:

As you can see, the PBT keys sound sturdier, while the ABS keys have a lighter, more hollow sound. This doesn’t make PBT better. Some people prefer a lighter-sounding key. But it does speak to a tougher design. Higher-pitched sounds also carry further, meaning that even though PBT keys are louder, they won’t sound as loud on the other end of a chat channel.

Weight

PBT keys weigh almost twice as much as ABS keys. Now, we’re not suggesting you use your keyboard as a weightlifting accessory. But we are saying that a heavier key will tend to have a smoother response, which makes for a better feel while you’re playing your game.

That said, like a lot of differences between these two materials, this is a matter of opinion. If you prefer a lighter touch, you’ll probably prefer ABS keys. But at least now you know what you’re getting.

Key Shine

Key shine is what happens when you use an ABS keyboard for a long period of time. You’ve probably noticed this on your own keyboard if you’ve used the same one for a year or more.

The reason for this shine is that oil from your fingers collects in the tiny indents in the keys’ texture. Over time, this makes the surface of the keys completely smooth, and they reflect more light than they did when they were new.

This isn’t just a cosmetic problem, though. As you can imagine, smooth keys can lead to slippery fingers. That’s not a big deal on an office keyboard. But when a single missed keystroke can make the difference between getting a headshot and getting shot in the head, do you really want your own keyboard giving you butter fingers?

Durability

As we’ve already mentioned, PBT has better dimensional stability than ABS, so the keys won’t deform as quickly under repeated use. To be fair, we’ve never met anyone who needed to replace their keycaps because they literally got bent out of shape. But it’s still worth mentioning.

Our Verdict

At the end of the day, which type of keycaps you use is going to be a matter of personal preference. If you like a lighter, quieter keystroke, a set of ABS keycaps may be just fine for your purposes. If you prefer a heavier, louder keystroke, you’ll probably prefer PBT. That said, PBT won’t turn shiny, which means you won’t need to replace your keys as often, if ever. And that means you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Does this make PBT the best? Not necessarily. But it does make it the better value of the two options, even at a slightly higher price point.

The post ABS vs. PBT Keycaps appeared first on Gearbroz.

We don’t all have ginormous keyboard trays with enough clearance for a wrist rest. But just because your space is limited doesn’t mean you need to settle for a second-rate keyboard. In fact, there are a number of high-quality gaming keyboards available in small sizes.

These keyboards may not be 140-key monsters, but they do have some of the same benefits as their larger cousins. Let’s take a look at the most important features we’re looking for.

Mechanical Keys

Before gaming keyboards had custom macro keys, they were just tougher, more reliable keyboards. The reason people used them to begin with was that their keys are far more durable. A normal office keyboard’s keys are rated for about 10 million keystrokes.

That may sound like a lot, but think of how many times you use your WASD keys in a single PUBG match. Mechanical keys last up to 50 million keystrokes, so you can actually save money over replacing your standard keyboard multiple times.

Not only are mechanical keys durable, but they don’t lose springiness over time. They respond the same way whether you’re on your first keystroke or your fifteen millionth keystroke.

N-key Rollover

The other main advantage of a good gaming keyboard is the ability to use lots of keys at once. This can be helpful for executing quick, complex commands in Counter Strike, or for entering unit macros in strategy games.

Back in the bad old days, gaming keyboards used to advertise x-key rollover, with “x” being some small number between 3 and 9. Basically, they’d remember up to 9 consecutive keystrokes before losing data. Now, most quality gaming keyboards have N-key rollover, which means that you can theoretically hit every key on the keyboard without causing an error.

Other Features

There are other features you may be looking for, too. A backlit keyboard looks sharp, and makes it easy to find shortcut keys in the dark. Macro keys take up space, but they can execute common tasks with a single keystroke. And keys that click offer better responsiveness at the expense of noise.

These are all nice bells and whistles to have, but they don’t matter without the basics. Now let’s take a look at some mini keyboards.

Redragon K561

The Redragon K561 (see lowest price) is a dedicated gaming keyboard with a lot to recommend it. Let’s start by taking a look at the size. This is an 87-key keyboard, which means it’s laid out like a standard PC keyboard, with the num pad cut off. Including the frame, it measures 14.3 x 6.5 inches. So it’s not exactly hobbit-sized, but it’s fairly small.

The keys themselves are black aluminum, with acrylic lettering. All keys are backlit, and the Redragon software lets you choose between 18 different RGB lighting modes. The software also supports custom macros, so you can easily automate common gaming tasks.

This keyboard has N-key rollover. Hit the keys as fast as you like, and you’ll get instant responsiveness. However, you might have some trouble hitting the keys quickly. They travel a long distance on each stroke, which makes it hard to fire off lightning-fast combos.

That said, this is a budget keyboard, and it does what you need it to do without costing as much as a handful of new games. The keys are responsive, and are relatively quiet for a mechanical keyboard – which means they’re still louder than a standard keyboard, but they’re not going to wake the neighbors up.

These keys are rated for 50 million keystrokes, which is on the higher end of durability. The K561 connects to your computer with a braided, kink-resistant USB cable.

Pros:

• 87 keys
• Backlit keys
• N-key rollover
• Software for macros
• Relatively quiet
• Affordable

Cons:

• Long keystrokes

Ajazz AK33

The Ajazz AK33 (see lowest price) is a pint-sized wonder. At only 12.2 x 4.7 inches, it manages to pack in 82 keys by eliminating almost the entire plastic frame. The keys on this keyboard extend almost all the way to the edge, which is just fine by us.

The AK33’s keys are engineered from aircraft grade aluminum. They’re waterproof, and utilize Blue switches, which are rated for a truly insane 60 million keystrokes. All of the keys feature acrylic lettering, and the entire keyboard is backlit by LEDs.

The keystroke on the Ajazz is light but firm. You feel the keys pop into place when you strike them. There’s also an audible click that’s not absurdly loud, but the AK33 is still mechanical, so you’re going to hear it in the next room no matter what.

The only thing we didn’t like about this keyboard was the lack of ability to use macros. For 90 percent of players, that shouldn’t be a problem. But for the 10 percent of people who use macros, it’s probably going to be a deal-breaker. There’s also no way to change the color on the LED’s, but that’s just a cosmetic complaint.

Otherwise, the AK33 is a high-quality keyboard. It connects via USB, but uses a removable cable instead of a permanent one. If your dog decides the cord is his new chew toy, you won’t need to replace your entire gaming keyboard.

Pros:

• 82 keys
• Very small
• Removable USB cable
• Extreme durability
• Responsive
• Backlit keys
• N-key rollover

Cons:

• No macro support

Durgod Taurus

The Durgod Taurus is a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s tough enough to be worth considering anyway. This keyboard is a compact, 87-key design, but it’s one of the ugliest accessories we’ve seen. If you were choosing ugly office décor for a sequel to The Office, you might choose this keyboard.

At least, until you saw the price tag and decided not to use a high-end keyboard as a prop for your sitcom. The aluminum keys on the Taurus are built like little bricks. They’re rated for 50 million keystrokes, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they go twice that long without failure.

The Taurus doesn’t have any backlighting, but it does have macros. You can use Durgod’s Zeus Engine software to set up macros, or to rebind every key on the keyboard with the exception of the “Fn” key. If you’re a big fan of macros, you should consider giving this beast a try.

This keyboard features N-key rollover, like any respectable gaming keyboard. It also includes a key puller, in case you want to keep track of your changes when you switch to different key bindings. Like the AK33, the Taurus uses a replaceable USB cable for connections. It ships with two options: a USB C to USB C, and a USB C to USB A.

Pros:

• 87 keys
• Comes with 2 types of USB cable
• Includes key puller
• N-key rollover
• Software for macros and key binding
• Durable

Cons:

• Pricey
• Ugly
• No backlighting

SADES One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard

The SADES One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard is such a cool and unusual device that we couldn’t resist taking a better look at it. We really liked what we saw.

To begin with, let’s address the elephant – or the half elephant – in the room. This is just the QWERTY half of the keyboard, without anything as silly as “all the function keys” or a D-pad. That said, it’s a pretty sweet piece of equipment.

The SADES’ most obvious advantage is the fact that it’s so small. This is true, but it’s also well-engineered, with backlit aluminum keys that have a different color for each row. The keys themselves are very responsive. You know when you’re pressing them. Unfortunately, they’re exceptionally loud, and they sometimes feel like they’re offering too much resistance.

This is a budget keyboard, but it’s a reasonably good one. It even has a palm rest, which is something you won’t find on any other mini keyboard on the market. This makes it comfortable enough for even the longest gaming sessions.

If we had to choose a single mini gaming keyboard for Fortnite, it would be the SADES, based on the size alone. But we’re not choosing just for Fortnite, and a lot of games require you to use more than just the left half of your keyboard.

Pros:

• Very small
• N-key rollover
• Durable and responsive
• Backlit keys
• Built-in palm rest
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Loud
• Keys are very firm
• It’s only half of a keyboard

Verdict

At the end of the day, the Ajazz AK33 is our winner. It’s got N-key rollover, insane durability, gorgeous backlighting, WASD to arrow key switching, and most importantly of all for the purposes of this list, it’s small and lightweight.

That said, we think all these keyboards are all good choices.

The Durgod is an underrated workhorse, the Redragon is a solid budget choice, and the SADES is a great space-saver for most shooters. If one of them fits your needs better, you really can’t go wrong. Have you tried one of these keyboards? If you have, leave a comment to give us your take!

The post Best Mini Gaming Keyboard (Updated 2019) appeared first on Gearbroz.

Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB RapidFire

If you’re looking for one of the best keyboards on the market for gaming, the Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB RapidFire is one of our top picks. Corsair has a long history of making quality gaming peripherals – and their keyboards are particularly top-notch. They have keyboards at a variety of price points, and the Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB RapidFire is one of their top of the line models.

Also important to note is the support for macro shortcuts. While there may not be much to macro in Fortnite considering the relative simplicity of the user interface and controls, it’s always nice to be able to bind multiple commands to the same key. Just keep in mind that some competitive games have rules against this sort of feature, so make sure you don’t get yourself in trouble while using this awesome functionality on your favorite games.

Fortnite can be both a relaxing and exciting experience, and part of that enjoyment for many people comes from having the perfect tunes as a backdrop to your climb to the top. With this Corsair keyboard, you’ll be able to take advantage of dedicated media keys that allow you to control your music without ever leaving the game – leaving you focused entirely at the task at hand.

As a Fortnite player, you’ll be subjected to some situations where split-second reactions can make or break the game, and sometimes having top-notch equipment can make the difference between getting that kill and surviving or being eliminated and having to queue into another game. The Corsair Vengeance K70 features anti-ghosting technology that ensures that when you press a key it will register flawlessly each and every time. A 1000 Hz polling rate also ensures that the keyboard will pick up the command instantly with zero input lag.

In terms of the actual construction of the keyboard, you’ll enjoy a premium matte aluminum chassis and a rubber wrist rest that provides a combination of durability and comfort for those long nights trying to unlock that next tier reward.

Razer BlackWidow Chroma

Perhaps the biggest name in gaming peripherals these days is Razer, and while many feel some of their products are expensive for the quality you get, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma is absolutely worth the price. As the company’s high-end keyboard, you’ll enjoy comparable performance to the Corsair keyboard discussed above while enjoying the Razer ecosystem.

While Razer products are excellent on their own, the real advantage of owning Razer peripherals are the synergy that the devices have when connected through Razer’s software. You’ll enjoy the ultimate in customizability, allowing you to rebind keys at will and interface with your Razer mouse. If you already have Razer equipment, the BlackWidow Chroma is a no-brainer – and it’s a competitive choice even if you aren’t already invested in the ecosystem.

Just like the Corsair keyboard, it features anti-ghosting technology and a high polling rate, ensuring that your commands will register when it counts and you won’t miss out on any kills or die unexpectedly due to equipment malfunctions.

While not necessarily crucial to Fortnite gameplay, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma actually has audio ports built into the keyboard which frees up some spots on your actual PC. Combine that with media keys and additional USB ports and the BlackWidow actually adds more ports than it takes up.

One thing to keep in mind with mechanical keyboards is that they are quite noisy, so don’t expect to play Fortnite stealthily with the Razer BlackWidow Chroma, but the quality of the keycaps and the technology behind them is more than worth some noisy clicks.

Logitech G810

The Logitech G810 is a capable keyboard that excels in certain areas with very few drawbacks. With that said, there are a few features that are not present on the peripheral that may be a deal-breaker for certain users.

One of the most notable features of the Logitech G810 is their proprietary keys. While the other two keyboards on this list feature some of the best keys on the market with the Cherry MX keycaps, Logitech has used their own technology which delivers comparable performance that is much quieter.

As mentioned above, mechanical keyboards can be incredibly noisy, so it’s nice to see a peripheral that can deliver that same premium performance without waking up the entire house. Just like the other two keyboards on the list, it delivers where it counts with 1000 Hz polling and anti-ghosting technology that ensures a razor-sharp response each and every time. Media keys are also present to allow control without minimizing the game.

There are a few things that are missing from the keyboard that may make a bit of a difference for some users, but that we feel aren’t important to the vast majority of Fortnite players.

While a lot of high-end keyboards have both audio and USB ports built in, you’ll find no such connection on the Logitech G810 which means that you’ll have to hook up any other peripherals directly to your PC. Also absent is the ability to include macro commands, but for most Fortnite users that won’t be a dealbreaker.

All in all, we feel that the Logitech G810 delivers simple, elegant, and premium performance without too many bells and whistles to distract from the game. If you’re looking for a keyboard that is often steeply discounted and will allow you to score wins without all the fluff, the G810 may be right up your alley.

Verdict

With that said, the other two keyboards on this list also serve as excellent substitutes and might be better for certain users – such as the Chroma for those who are invested in the Razer ecosystem and the Logitech for those looking to save money.

While skill and strategy trump all when it comes to getting better at Fortnite, investing in quality equipment should allow you to focus on improving without any worries of peripheral snafus. Any of these keyboards should give you the tools you need to succeed.

The post The Best Keyboard For Fortnite appeared first on Gearbroz.

Redragon has been around for years now, The company came a long way since its early days. And you are probably here trying to find out if the K552 is any good. Right? If you answered yes to that question then you are at the right place! I have used the Redragon K552 Kumara among many others for years now and can tell you all about it including how it preforms in comparison to other top keyboards.

I will also go over every little detail you have to know before making a purchase and I am sure you will be able to know for sure if the K552 is the right keyboard for you by the end of this article.

So without further ado lets dive right into the review!

Gaming Performance 

If you have read any of my other reviews you know Gaming performance is my top priority and I always start with it. I am happy to say the K552 is a great performer and its tenkeyless design is ideal for those of you playing with low sensitivity settings like myself. In addition to the compact design the K552 features custom mechanical switches which are supposed to mimic the iconic Cherry blue switches. I own several Cherry blue switch keyboards and I honestly can’t tell the difference between them.

That’s why I always recommend the K552 to gamers who are looking for Blue switches on a budget.

For those who don’t know anything about Blue Cherry switches they are very loud and I would only recommend the K552 to gamers who like that tactile bump and loud click sound.

Overall the K552 is a great performer and It works great in RTS, MOBA and shooter games, highly recommended to the budget conscious gamer who is looking for unbeatable price to performance ratio (See Lowest Price).

Design

Gaming keyboards these days are very over the top and companies such as HyperX and Razer are taking design to a whole new level. With that being said I am a fan of rather simplistic designs and I really like the simple Tenkeyless design of the K552 Kumara.

Its functional, Compact and allows for flawless gameplay. I have mentioned before the mouse bumping into the side of the keyboard problem the K552 eliminates but it also eliminates the “Distraction problem” you have many modern keyboards.

Some keyboards today took RGB lightning to a ridiculous place and I really can’t play when my keyboard keeps flashing and “dancing” in various colors.

Overall I really like the simple/compact design of the Redragon K552 Kumara and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great simple yet functional design.

Build Quality

The Keyboard is made out of various high quality materials and the base is made out of some very sturdy aluminum but as with any other budget friendly keyboard you can’t really escape the inevitable plastic! With all kidding aside you will always get some plastic in and goaming keyboard regardless of price, the question is what is the plastics quality and is it sturdy enough to endure long term abuse.

When I first got my K552 I was surprised by how sturdy the chassis was and the keycaps were also made out of high quality plastic which reminded me of the plastic the Razer Blackwidow ultimate is made out of.

With that being said the keycap’s plastic is a little flimsy and I wouldn’t recommend it for aggressive players. All in all the Redragon K552’s build quality pleasantly surprised me and its one of the best mechanical keyboards you can get in that price range.

Special Features and Specs

The K552 packs a lot of features for its relatively low price. The K552 comes with 87 keys which are all “anti-ghosted” and 12 multimedia keys it also features an aluminum base which will keep the keyboard in place even in the most hectic gaming situations! Hell the K552 even features my beloved “Gaming mode” which essentially means you can turn off the WIN key when gaming.

As you can probably tell the K552 packs a lot of features for its relatively low price (See Lowest Price) and I am sure you will love it if you choose it as your new feature rich keyboard!

Water Resistant

The K552 is somewhat water resistant or as the company refers to it the keyboard is “Splash Proof” From my tests you can really spill anything on the K552 in moderation and it will keep working just like it used to.

I spilled coffee on it water and even coca cola and it is still working! With that being I have heard some stories where people submerged the keyboard and it didn’t work as well as it used to. That is to be expected and I believe most of us will not decide to give the K552 Kumara a bath.

Overall the K552’s “Splash proof” design is a great addition to the keyboard and a must have for the “Careless gamer”

My Gaming Experience

If you have read any of my other reviews you know I like to share more own gaming stories and this review is no exception. I have tested the K552 with dozens of games, however we don’t have time for all of them so I will focus on some of the most popular.

To start things off I played a lot of Fortnite Battle Royale with this keyboard and I can tell you it feels great to have a keyboard small enough so I don’t constantly bump my mouse into it! In addition the keys are super responsive and I can quickly swap between the building keys and quickly build to gain that essential high ground.

The Redragon K552 Kumara also performs in League Of Legends and the Q,W,E,R feel extra special to me, maybe its in my head   CS:GO is also great with this keyboard and I personally didn’t get any pinky fatigue from crouching for too long with this keyboard.

With all of that being said playing Starcraft 2 and other RTS games felt a little weird with the tenkeyless design. I really prefer traditional keyboards when playing these games.

Overall the K552 Kumara is a great performer and an insane Moba/Shooter keyboard!

How it compares to other keyboards

When it comes to its relative performance the K552 really is king! Sure its not a Razer or HyperX but it still gets the job done in style! From my experience this keyboard is the ultimate mechanical keyboard on a budget and absolutely nothing comes close if you are looking for a keyboard in this price range.

As you can probably tell I really love this keyboard and I honestly believe you won’t get anything better when it comes to this price range.

Conclusion 

From its waterproof design to its aluminum base and 87 key anti ghosting the K552 is one of the best keyboards I have ever tested in that price range. Playing games such as Fortnite, Lol and CS:GO is a joy and I couldn’t recommend it enough for any budget friendly conscious gamers out there. WIth that being said RTS games may not perform as well on Tenkeyless keyboards and I wouldn’t get this keyboard if you are looking for a quiet keyboard.

All in all the K552 is a must buy in my books and one of the finest pieces of hardware by Redragon!

And that’s it give yourself a pat on the back you have made it to the end of this article, As you can probably tell I am a big fan of this keyboard and I highly recommend it. With that being said I always suggest my readers to go to amazon, read more customer reviews and make the decision for themselves!

I hope you liked this review and that you now know what you need to do!

And as always good luck on everything that you do and have a great gaming day!

Cya in the next one!

The post Redragon K552 KUMARA Review appeared first on Gearbroz.

If you have landed on this article you are probably coming from amazon and wonder if you should purchase the velocifire Vm01. If that’s you then you have come to the right place! I have used this keyboard among many others in the last couple of years and I can tell you all about it including its strengths and weaknesses!

So without further ado lets dive right into the review!

Is it worth it?

The first question you might ask yourself is: Is it worth it? The short answer is a definite yes! The long answer is a little more complicated than that.

To start I would like to note that the Velocifire Vm01 is the cheapest keyboard which incorporates brown switches. If you don’t already know brown switches are made by the company Cherry and their MX switch series have become one of the staples of every premium mechanical keyboard in the world. In fact some of the best gaming keyboards in the world use MX Switches and even the Black widow ultimate stealth incorporates Brown MX Switches.

The Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their reliability and that iconic mechanical “clicky” feeling without the click sound.

I was very skeptic when I first saw this keyboard on the internet and I was sure something must be wrong with it. In my mind a keyboard this cheap can’t have the same features as some of the most premium keyboards in the market without any drawbacks. Any you know what I was right! The damn switches are not original cherry MX switches! 

with that being said they do preform just as good as other original Cherry MX switches and I personally couldn’t tell the difference even years after the first use.

That’s why I always recommend this keyboard to those of you who are looking for a budget friendly mechanical keyboard without paying for brand names.

Build Quality

As I have mentioned before I was a big skeptic when it came to the Velocifire Vm01. And the first thing I was paying attention to when first opening my brand new Vm01 was any imperfections in the build quality. To my surprise I didn’t find any and I was quite happy with the ABS keycaps and the overall build quality of the keyboard.

With that being said I was quite disappointed by the “plasticy” feeling of the chassis, However that is to be expected in keyboards at this price range (See lowest price) and I can’t really complain.

Gaming Performance

As you already know I am an avid Fortntie and Lol player and I always test my keyboards and other gaming peripherals playing these games among others for 100’s of hours!

I usually mention every imperfection no matter how small but I can’t really complain about everything with this keyboard. Playing Lol the keyboard is very responsive and remains in place no matter how hectic I become. The Q,W,E and R keys feel incredible and even though the brown switches aren’t original Cherry switches I can’t tell the difference.

When playing Fortntie I can easily navigate around the map with ease and evade death defying shots. The Velocifire Vm01 also excels when it comes to building and I find myself preforming just as well as I do with my Blackwidow ultimate.

With all of that being said the main selling point for me is the rather quiet sound which enables me to communicate without getting the occasional “dude please mute yourself” comment

Design

Coming from its biggest strength we are now going to go over its main weakness. Its design.

As you can tell by looking at it the Velocifire Vm01 isn’t a bombshell. Its chassis is simple the font isn’t very “gamer like” and I am not a big fan of this keyboard when it comes to the looks department.

Some of my friends even compared the Velocifire Vm01 to some of these old Logitech keyboards from the early 2000’s.

with that being said I can’t really complain and I admire Velocifire for compromising on design and focusing all of their budget on performance.

Special Features

I hate sounding like a broken record by I didn’t expect any special features from a keyboard this cheap. That’s why I was amazed when I heard the keyboard supports anti-ghosting! If brown switches were not enough you now also get anti-ghosting for a fraction of the price (See lowest price) of a “normally priced” mechanical keyboard.

For those of you who don’t know Anti-Ghosting means that your keyboard can be pressed simultaneously without any issues. Most keyboards are limited to 3 key anti ghosting and the extra keys on the Velocifire Vm01 means you will never fail a Ryze combo or a fast Fortntie build just because you accidentally pressed two many buttons.

Conclusion 

The Velocifire Vm01 is the ultimate weapon for those of you looking for the ultimate preformer and don’t really care about fancy designs and brand names.

I hope you enjoyed my review of the Velocifire Vm01 and that you can now make an informed decision! Good luck with everything that you do and Happy gaming!

The post Velocifire Vm01 Review appeared first on Gearbroz.

If you have landed on this article you are probably a UK gamer looking for a quality budget friendly keyboard and came out to find if the Tecknet Gryphon is any good.

The short answer to that question is an absoulte yes! With that being the long answer is a little more complicated and I do have some concerns when it comes to the Gryphon.

I highly recommend you to read the rest of this article to find out if the Tecknet Gryphon Review is the right keyboard for you!

Gaming Performance 

When I purchased the Tecknet Gryphon I honestly didn’t have any high expectations since its price is so low (See lowest price).

However when the keyboard arrived at my door a few days later I was amazed by how good it feels to touch and how responsive it is when gaming.

Personally I am an avid League of legends and Fortnite player and I am completely satisfied by the Q,W,E,R keys and just the overall quality when playing different games.

Sure the Tecknet Gryphon is not a fancy Razer keyboard but it does the job just fine!

With that being said the Keyboard does feel a little “plasticy” to touch and may not be up everyone’s alley, However that factor doesn’t affect gameplay and for the price I don’t think you will find anything better!

Special Features

As I have mentioned before the Tecknet Gryphon is a very cheap keyboard and I honestly didn’t expect any “special features” such as Anti-ghosting or any programmable keys. To my surprise the Gryphon actually features 19 key Anti-Ghosting and 10 programmable keys!

It also has some other quality of life features such as a dedicated “game mode” that will protect you from those annoying times at which you accidentally press the windows button and lose your important match.

The one feature I did expect was the 3 mode LED lightning which backlits the keyboard in 3 different colors: Red,Purple and Blue

All in all the Tecknet Gryphon was a pleasant surprise and I was shocked by its functionality despite the low price (See lowest price).

Design/Build Quality

The Build quality is actually the only department the Gryphon lacks at. However you cannot expect such a low priced keyboard to be built out of gold and when I compare it to other keyboards in the same price range the Tecknet Gryphon actually comes out on top. I am also happy the keyboard doesn’t move when playing and that if feels like the center of my setup.

Now that we got the negative stuff out of the way I can finally tell you about the Gryphon’s main strong point. That strong point is the Gryphon’s ergonomic design and just how comfortable it is for long gaming sessions.

Previously I played on a more expensive gaming keyboard which didn’t feature an ergonomic design and after a few months my wrists really started hurting. That’s why I switched to the Gryphon and suddenly all of these problems started going away! My wrists are better now and my “skill” is better thanks to the added comfort!

The Tecknet Gryphon is built with ergonomics in mind and you can tell just by looking at it that it has two little carved spots that were designed to support your wrists.

When it comes to visual design the Tecknet Gryphon is also going strong and I really love the way its chassis looks, the 3 LED Lightning modes and the the little “Gryphon” media control button.

A year after

Just like with any of my other reviews I like ending them with my personal experience with the product and what happens to it a year after I first start using it.

This post is no exception and it has been 11 months since I first got the Tecknet Gryphon.

My exprience has been an absolute pleasure! as you probably know most keyboards don’t have a very long life span and I honestly didn’t expect the Tecknet Gryphon to last more the 6-8 months, to my surprise the Gryphon’s simplicity and lightweight design actually makes for a very sturdy keyboard and except for some minor scratches the Gryphon is not damaged at all!

With that being said after using the Tecknet Gryphon for so long I did find its performance a little underwhelming when playing star craft 2. And i wouldn’t recommend it to all of you RTS players out there, from my experience the high amount of keystrokes can wear and tear cheaper keyboards and I would personally stay away from high ranked play in SC2 unless you own a very high end keyboard to begin with.

With that being said Star craft 2 was the only game that gave me problems and to be honest start craft 2 can be a very demanding game on almost any keyboard regardless of price.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase and I think the Tecknet Gryphon is a must have for any gamer on a tight budget!

Conclusion 

The Tecknet Gryphon is one of the most popular keyboards in the UK for a reason. Its extremely low price (See Lowest price) incredible gaming performance and beautiful design makes it a must have for the budget conscience gamer.

Thanks for reading this article, I hope I helped you come to an informed decision! Good luck in everything that you do and happy gaming

Cheers!

The post Tecknet Gryphon Review appeared first on Gearbroz.

If you have landed on this article you are probably a league player unsatisfied with your current keyboard. If this description accurately describes your current situation then you should read this article and pick the best keyboard for your needs.

As you probably already know unlike FPS games LoL is a game centered around the keyboard and the mouse. We all know the feeling of trying to execute a complex Ryze combo and failing just because our keyboard didn’t “respond” in time. It’s quite simple, the keyboard takes care of most of the player’s complex input and it is the only piece of hardware that can give you a true advantage over your competitors.

Now that we know why we should invest in a quality keyboard, we still have to go through 100’s of options and pick out the best That’s where I come in! I have tested dozens of keyboards and played countless custom games as well as ranked games and have come up with the ultimate list of the best gaming keyboards for League of legends. Read below to find out more!

Corsair K70 Lux

I have originally picked up the K70 Lux because I have seen Faker using it in worlds. My logic was if this keyboard is good enough for the best player in the world it’s good enough for me. When I first opened the keyboard I was surprised by how well built it was. From its beautiful aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame to the almost silent cherry MX switches. The K70 is the best keyboard I have ever tested. 

The K70 Lux comes in the first place because of two reasons. The first is faker is using it and the second it is probably the most luxurious well made keyboard I have ever tested. Another plus is that the keyboard comes with a keycap set you can apply to the Q,W,E,R or A,W,S,D for fps games and get some additional grip.

Pros:

Build Quality

The K70 Lux is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and features a very high quality grip in strategic places such as the space bar and wrist rest. It also features media control options like an intuitive volume slider and video controls.

Wrist Rest

One of my personal deal breakers when it comes to MOBA keyboards is whether the keyboard comes with a wrist rest or not. Fortunately, the K70 Lux comes with one of most comfortable game enhancing wrist rests I have ever used and I absolutely love the extra comfort when stuck in a painfully long game.

Switches/gaming performance

The cherry MX switches inside the K70 are among the best switches in the market. As I have mentioned before they are almost silent which is a big plus for communication. In addition, the switches are super responsive, in fact, the keyboard features 100% Anti-ghosting with 104 key rollover! That’s incredible! And the highest rollover I have ever seen. 100% Ghosting across 104 Keys is a lot more than you need and you will never fail to execute a combo just because your keyboard failed.

Cons:

Price

The K70 Lux is one of the most expensive keyboards I have ever used and I don’t recommend it to those of you who are just starting out in the gaming world and are not sure if they are willing to invest this much in a gaming keyboard.

Blackwidow Ultimate 

Even though the K70-Lux takes my first place the Blackwidow ultimate is a legendary keyboard and considered by many as the mother of all modern mechanical gaming keyboards. The Blackwidow ultimate is known for its iconic sound and for being used by some of the worlds best players including faker (Up to the point he switched his sponsorship).

My very first keyboard was the older version of the Blackwidow ultimate and I immediately replaced it once the 2016 version came out.

I believe the K70-Lux has a slight advantage but I still really like how smooth the Blackwidow’s switches and just how responsive and straightforward the black widow ultimate is.

To put it simply, the Blackwidow ultimate is the Mercedes of the gaming keyboard world and the K70-Lux is the Rolls Royce. I highly recommend the Blackwidow to everyone who cares about a gorgeous design and prefers smoother switches for faster gameplay.

Pros:

Switches/Gaming Performance 

The Blackwidow ultimate is one of the most popular gaming keyboards in the world for a good reason, the legendary Razer switches and their iconic sound are straight up addicting to use! I don’t need to mention the great anti-ghosting capabilities the Blackwidow has pioneered. All in all the Blackwidow ultimate won’t fail you when it comes to fast paced League gameplay and it is yet to fail me.

Design

Razer is the Apple of the gaming peripheral market and their designs are out of this world. The Blackwidow ultimate is one of the prime examples of this statement and I personally believe the Blackwidow ultimate is the most beautiful keyboard in history. The grip/matte black finish is beautiful! And that’s without mentioning the iconic Razer lightning and gorgeous chassis that proves that the Blackwidow ultimate is a work of art! Just look at the picture to the right and you will instantly get it

Razer Synapse

Razer Synapse is the best gaming gear software I have ever tried and I love how easy it is to customize everything in your setup.

Cons:

Noise

The iconic Blackwidow clicky sound can be either a pro for some or a con for others. I really like it but I know some people like to game in complete silence so I just brought up the fact that some of you may not like the clicky sound of the Blackwidow and I urge you to ask yourself whether you want a quiet keyboard or a loud one like the Blackwidow ultimate.

Logitech G910 – Best for platinum and above

Logitech products are the number one choice of most pro gamers, and the G910 is their best keyboard to date. The G910 is the best keyboard on my list when it comes to responsiveness and functionality.

The G910 features the ultra-fast Romer-G mechanical switches and 100% anti-ghosting across 113 keys! In addition to the incredible performance, the G910 has a dedicated “Hub” for your Android or IOS smartphone so you can monitor your PC’s vitals or see in-game stats with applications such as Lolsumo with ease.

As I have mentioned before, the G910 is the best keyboard for very high level players (Think platinum and above) and I highly recommend it to those of you who don’t want to compromise on speed and need every MS advantage you can get.

Pros:

Speed

As I have mentioned before the G910 is ultra-fast and the Romer-G mechanical switches will allow you to dodge skill shots or execute complex combos in a split of a second. In my opinion, the G910 is the best keyboard on the list when it comes to responsiveness.

Smartphone Hub

The G910 features a convenient smartphone hub that will allow you to use various LoL live statistics applications or even the Logitech arx app. Of course, you can use your smartphone without this dedicated hub but it will make it more convenient and allow you to get all the information you need just by tilting your head a few degrees.

Anti-Ghosting

As I have mentioned before the G910 features anti-ghosting technology across 113 keys, meaning you can press up to 113 keys simultaneously and they will all be registered! You physically can’t press this many keys at once with your fingers but it’s a nice plus to know that all of your keys will be registered no matter how fast you are.

RGB Lightning

The RGB lightning on the G910 is not just for show. All the keys on the G910 can be assigned to specific spells or items and allow for an extra layer of “awareness”

Build quality/Design

Probably the biggest pro is just how well the G910 is built. The G910 features 2 ergonomic palm rests, extra large key caps and most importantly a chassis built to perfection. The combination of all of these features allows for a seamless gaming experience.

Cons:

Design

As I have mentioned before the G910 is a very flashy keyboard and the light show may be a little bit too much for some people.

The post The Best Keyboard For LoL appeared first on Gearbroz.