A gaming keypad is a small, auxiliary keyboard designed only for gaming. It has a limited number of the original keys from a standard keyboard, and they are arranged in a more ergonomic fashion to facilitate quick and efficient gaming key presses.

Types

There are two main types of gaming keyboard to choose between, keyboards with rubber dome switches or keyboards with mechanical switches. This terminology refers to the technology used to detect when you press down on a key.

Rubber dome switches are now the most common switch technology in keyboards. Rubber dome switches use small rubber coverings that are pushed down to complete a circuit. Their largest advantage is their considerably lower cost compared to mechanical switches. Rubber dome switches are quiet and vary in feel.

A mechanical keyboard is a computer keyboard that uses spring-activated switches. A rubber membrane keyboard with its keycaps removed.

History

At SteelSeries, we created the first mechanical gaming keyboard with fingertip precision and sensitivity. A keyboard that could WASD its way to wins, and withstand the rage of defeat. And just when it seemed like the keyboard was solved, we reinvented the technology for the first time in 35 years.