Are laptop keyboards better for gaming?

No, laptop keyboards are not made for gaming. They are not considered to be as good for gaming as dedicated gaming keyboards. There are several reasons for this type of talking. Durability, functions, build quality, and spaces are some of the major reasons. This doesn’t mean laptop keyboards are unsuitable for every sort of game. Laptops keyboard are okay for casual gaming or on-the-go gaming but it is not suggested to use laptop keyboards for gaming.

To understand the answer to the question “Are laptop keyboards better for gaming?” in detail, we can start with the design and features of both types of keyboards.

Design and Features of Laptop Keyboards

Here are some key designs and features of laptop keyboards from a gaming perspective:

1. Compact Layout: Laptop keyboards are designed with a compact layout to fit within the limited space available on the laptop’s chassis. This often results in smaller keys and a condensed key arrangement compared to desktop gaming keyboards.
2. Membrane or Chiclet Key Switches: Most laptop keyboards use membrane or chiclet key switches, which are cost-effective and allow for a slim profile. These switches have a shorter key travel distance and provide a softer typing experience, which may be suitable for casual gaming.
3. Integrated Touchpad: Many laptops feature an integrated touchpad below the keyboard, which serves as a mouse replacement. While this touchpad is useful for general navigation and basic tasks, it may not offer the precision and responsiveness required for intense gaming.
4. Limited Key Customization: Laptop keyboards often have limited customization options for gaming macros or RGB lighting effects. Unlike dedicated gaming keyboards, laptop keyboards may lack extra macro keys or customizable function keys.
5. Lack of Dedicated Gaming Features: Gaming laptops may come with dedicated gaming features, such as secondary function keys for quick access to in-game commands, RGB lighting synchronization with game effects, or customizable profiles. However, these features are more common in gaming desktop keyboards.
6. Backlighting: Many gaming laptops include backlit keyboards with adjustable brightness levels. While this feature enhances visibility in low-light environments, the lighting effects and customization options may be limited compared to gaming desktop keyboards.
7. Limited Key Rollover: Laptop keyboards might have limited key rollover capabilities, meaning they can register only a certain number of simultaneous key presses. This limitation could impact complex gaming maneuvers or combinations in some games.
8. Durability and Key Longevity: Due to the compact design and integration with the laptop, laptop keyboards may be more susceptible to wear and tear, especially with extensive gaming use. Over time, certain keys may become less responsive or worn out.

Designs and Features of Gaming Keyboards

Here are some key designs and features of gaming keyboards from the gaming perspective:

1. Mechanical Key Switches: Gaming keyboards often use mechanical key switches, which offer a more tactile and responsive feel compared to membrane or chiclet switches. Mechanical switches provide distinct key actuation, allowing gamers to feel when a keypress is registered, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming.
2. Customizable RGB Lighting: Gaming keyboards usually feature customizable RGB lighting, allowing gamers to personalize the backlighting with various colors, patterns, and effects. The lighting can be synchronized with in-game events or customized to match a gamer’s setup and preferences.
3. Macro Keys: Many gaming keyboards come with dedicated macro keys that can be programmed to execute complex sequences of commands or actions with a single keypress. These macro keys are especially useful in MMOs and other games that require multiple repetitive inputs.
4. N-Key Rollover: Gaming keyboards often have N-key rollover or 100% anti-ghosting, which means every keypress is registered independently, regardless of how many keys are pressed simultaneously. This feature is vital for games that require precise and simultaneous key inputs.
5. Gaming Mode and Media Controls: Gaming keyboards may include a gaming mode option that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay. They also have dedicated media controls for easy access to volume, playback, and other multimedia functions.
6. Wrist Rest and Ergonomic Design: To support long gaming sessions, gaming keyboards often have an ergonomic design with a detachable wrist rest. The wrist rest helps reduce strain on the wrists and provides added comfort during extended gaming sessions.
7. Software Customization: Gaming keyboards typically come with software that allows users to customize key functions, macros, and lighting effects.
8. Durability and Build Quality: Gaming keyboards are built for heavy use and are often constructed with high-quality materials. Mechanical switches are known for their durability and longevity and it makes gaming keyboards long-lasting.
9. Mechanical Keys: Gaming keyboards come with various mechanical key variants including Cherry MX, Razer Green, Logitech Romer-G, and more, allowing gamers to choose the one that suits their preference.

Are Laptop Keyboards Better for Gaming or Gaming Keyboards?

After mentioning the designs and features of both the laptop keyboards and the gaming keyboards, we can reach a decision. In one word, the answer is “No”. Laptop keyboards are not better for gaming than gaming keyboards. Laptop keyboards offer convenience and portability for gaming on the go, but they may not be ideal for intensive gaming compared to dedicated gaming keyboards. With a compact layout and membrane or chiclet switches, laptop keyboards lack the tactile feedback and responsiveness of mechanical switches found in gaming keyboards.

Gaming keyboards are specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience with features like mechanical key switches for precise actuation, customizable RGB lighting for personalization, dedicated macro keys for complex commands, and N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses. They also come with software customization options, wrist rests for comfort during long gaming sessions, and durable build quality for lasting performance.

Then what about the best gaming laptops with good keyboards? Yes, it is true that some of the gaming laptops have limited gaming features and backlighting, they still can’t match the level of customization and performance provided by dedicated gaming keyboards. For serious gamers and those seeking an immersive gaming experience, investing in a high-quality gaming keyboard is highly recommended.

Pros and Cons of Using Laptop Keyboards for Gaming

By now, a must question should come to your mind. What should I do if I want to enjoy games on my laptop? The answer is to use an external keyboard.

Why Should I Use an External Keyboard in Laptop for Gaming?

Using an external keyboard with a laptop for gaming comes with a lot of advantages. The mechanical key switches provide better performance and tactile feedback compared to laptop keyboards. Customizable macros enable complex commands, while ergonomic design and wrist rests offer enhanced comfort during extended gaming sessions.

Besides these advantages, the durability of gaming keyboards, along with features like RGB lighting and N-key rollover, contribute to a more enjoyable gaming experience. For gamers who are looking for precision and an edge in gameplay, investing in a high-quality external gaming keyboard is the only available decision. But it is important to know how to select a keyboard for gaming. Otherwise, you may make a bad decision. To learn this, read “How to Choose a Keyboard for Gaming?“

Conclusion

Laptop keyboards have a lot of limitations. You cannot use them heavily for a long time. They will just stop working after a certain period of time. Using an additional gaming keyboard is a wise decision if you want to play games in your laptop. Laptops keyboard are not enough let alone better for gaming.