What kind of keyboards should you choose?

What kind of keyboards should you choose? Choosing the right keyboard can be a daunting task, but I've categorized them into three groups to make it easier: Productivity, Competition (Gaming), and Custom. Let's dive into each category.

1. Productivity

For productivity, I would recommend one like Lofree Flow Lite84 but there are many others out there. The Flow Lite84 low-profile keyboard boasts a clean, minimal design without RGB lighting. It's not designed for high-performance gaming or competitive activities, but it's perfect for everyday use straight out of the box.

2. Competition (Gaming)

When it comes to gaming or eSports competitions, high-performance peripherals are crucial for success. Gamers often prioritize brands like Razer or Corsair, but many smaller companies are now producing excellent keyboards as well. For example, while Razer focuses on optical switches, Wooting has introduced Hall Effect technology in their keyboards.

So, what is a Hall Effect (HE) keyboard? Essentially, it uses magnetic switches instead of mechanical ones like Cherry switches. This allows keys to register faster without waiting for them to fully return to their original position. This feature, known as Rapid Trigger, is particularly useful in competitive games like Counter-Strike and Valorant, where milliseconds matter.

3. Custom

Custom keyboards may not be for everyone, but they are a passion for many enthusiasts. Customizing a keyboard to make it unique became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike ready-to-use keyboards, custom keyboards come in DIY kits with separate switches and keycaps. If you're a beginner, I recommend reading an article from Switch & Click on how to build your own keyboard.

But wait! There's a blurry line here. Keyboards like the Lofree and Wooting models also offer customization options.

The custom keyboard market has evolved significantly over the past 4-5 years. There are now many options, from mechanical to Hall Effect (HE) switches, and from high-profile to low-profile designs. You can find these keyboards at much better prices than in previous years. You can get them ready to use and customize them later to suit your taste.