The Role of Keyboards in Competitive Esports

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Good afternoon, yesterday I was watching a CS GO championship, and I was wondering if it is possible for a professional player to play games that were made for the PC with a keyboard, because consoles support keyboard and mouse too, and even cell phones, but are PC games the only ones that can really only be played with a mouse and keyboard (computer-exclusive games)

As a hardcore fan of keyboards and gaming, I can tell you firsthand that the right keyboard makes all the difference between victory and defeat.

In professional gaming, milliseconds matter, and a keyboard can be the game-changer that gives players the edge they need.

Why Keyboards Matter in Esports

When it comes to esports, precision, speed, and comfort are everything. Unlike casual gaming, where any keyboard will do, professional esports players need specialized equipment tailored to their playstyle.

Response Time – Competitive games demand rapid inputs. A mechanical keyboard, especially one with low actuation force switches, ensures that every keystroke is registered instantly.
Durability – Esports pros practice for hours, meaning they need a keyboard that can handle millions of keystrokes without breaking.
Customizability – Key remapping, macros, and programmable keys give players more control over their gameplay.
Ergonomics – A well-designed keyboard helps prevent fatigue during long gaming sessions.

Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboards in Esports

There’s an ongoing debate about whether mechanical or membrane keyboards are better for gaming. But let me tell you, mechanical keyboards are the gold standard in esports. Here’s why:

Mechanical Keyboards: The Esports Standard

Faster Response Time – With Cherry MX, Gateron, or Razer switches, keypresses register faster than membrane keyboards.
Tactile Feedback – Players feel a slight bump or click, confirming each keypress.
Higher Durability – Mechanical keyboards last up to 50 million keystrokes, compared to 5 million on a membrane keyboard.
More Customization – Swappable switches and RGB lighting allow for a personalized gaming experience.

Membrane Keyboards: Why They Fall Short

Slower Actuation – Requires more force to press each key, slowing down response time.
Less Durability – Keys wear out faster.
Limited Customization – Fewer options for macros and programmable functions.

Top Keyboard Features for Esports Players

If you’re serious about gaming, you need a keyboard with these must-have features:

Switch Type – Choose between linear (fast response), tactile (better control), or clicky (audible feedback).
Anti-Ghosting & N-Key Rollover – Allows multiple key presses without ghosting.
Wired vs. Wireless – Wired keyboards are still the go-to choice for zero input lag.
Build Quality – Look for aluminum frames for better durability.
Macro Keys – Essential for MMORPGs, MOBAs, and strategy games.
RGB Backlighting – Not just for aesthetics, but also for key visibility in low-light environments.

The Most Popular Keyboards Among Esports Pros

Want to know what the best esports players are using? Here’s a list of some of the top choices:

SteelSeries Apex Pro – Adjustable actuation points, used by top-tier FPS players.
Logitech G Pro X – Compact, customizable, and esports-focused.
Razer Huntsman V2 – Optical switches for ultra-fast key response.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 – Durable, responsive, and highly customizable.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro – Minimalist design with maximum performance.

How to Choose the Best Keyboard for Your Esports Journey

If you’re aiming to become an esports pro (or at least dominate your ranked matches), choosing the right keyboard is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the best one for you:

Decide Your Game Type – FPS, MOBA, or MMO? Each requires different keyboard features.
Pick the Right Switch – Want fast responses? Go for linear switches like Cherry MX Red.
Consider Size – Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards save space and offer better mouse maneuverability.
Test the Feel – If possible, try different keyboards in-store before buying.
Check Reviews – See what esports pros and gamers are saying online.

FAQs About Esports Keyboards

▶ Are mechanical keyboards better for gaming?
Yes! They offer faster response times, better durability, and improved tactile feedback compared to membrane keyboards.

▶ Do wireless keyboards work for esports?
Most esports pros still prefer wired keyboards due to zero lag, but high-end wireless models like the Logitech G915 are becoming viable.

▶ What is N-Key Rollover and why does it matter?
N-Key Rollover ensures that all your keystrokes register, even when pressing multiple keys simultaneously.

▶ Which keyboard brands do pro players use?
SteelSeries, Logitech, Razer, Corsair, and HyperX are among the most popular choices in esports.

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Conclusion

Esports is all about precision, speed, and adaptability. Having the right keyboard can be the difference between a game-winning headshot and a frustrating defeat. If you’re serious about competitive gaming, investing in a high-quality mechanical keyboard is a no-brainer.

The final answer to this article is no, I don’t believe that games made for PC are not almost exclusive to being played with keyboard and mouse and professional gamers think so too.

I’d love to hear from you! What keyboard are you using for gaming right now? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! Also, if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow gamers! 🎮