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What’s the Ultimate In-Game Shortcut for a Gaming Keyboard? 🎮
Are you tired of reaching for your mouse or controller every time you need to execute a complex command in your favorite game? Do you want to reduce your reaction time, increase your accuracy, and optimize your performance? If so, you may benefit from using an in-game shortcut on your gaming keyboard. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a shortcut is, why it matters, and how to choose the ultimate one for your needs. We’ll also review some of the best gaming keyboards on the market and compare their features, pros, and cons. By the end of this post, you’ll know how to enhance your gaming experience and dominate your opponents like a pro.
Table of Contents:
– Introduction
– What is a Keyboard Shortcut?
– Why Use a Keyboard Shortcut in Gaming?
– How to Choose the Best Keyboard Shortcut for Gaming?
– Top Gaming Keyboards with In-Game Shortcuts
– Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
– Logitech G915 TKL
– Razer Huntsman Elite
– HyperX Alloy FPS RGB
– Conclusion
What is a Keyboard Shortcut?
Before we dive into the specifics of gaming shortcuts, let’s clarify what a keyboard shortcut is in general. A keyboard shortcut, also known as a hotkey, is a combination of keys that triggers a specific action or function on a computer or a program. For example, you may press Ctrl+C to copy a text, Ctrl+V to paste it, Ctrl+Z to undo your last action, or Alt+Tab to switch between windows. Keyboard shortcuts can save time, reduce effort, and improve productivity, especially if you’re a power user who performs repetitive or complex tasks on a regular basis.
In gaming, keyboard shortcuts serve a similar purpose, but with a different context and goal. Instead of managing files, writing emails, or browsing the web, you’re controlling your virtual avatars, weapons, spells, and items in a dynamic and immersive environment. A gaming keyboard shortcut can help you execute a keystroke, a macro, a script, or a combo that would otherwise require multiple clicks or key presses on your mouse or controller. Moreover, a gaming keyboard shortcut can reduce your latency, your input lag, and your error rate, by enabling you to react faster, aim better, and chain moves smoothly.
Why Use a Keyboard Shortcut in Gaming?
Now that you understand what a keyboard shortcut is, you may wonder why it matters in gaming. The answer is simple: speed, accuracy, and control. In most gaming genres, such as first-person shooters, real-time strategies, or fighting games, your success depends on how well you can perform a variety of actions with speed and precision. For example, you may need to switch weapons, reload, shoot, jump, crouch, and aim at the same time, while moving around and dodging hazards. Doing all these actions manually, using a mouse or a controller, may be suboptimal or inefficient, as it may slow you down or cause delays.
On the other hand, using a keyboard shortcut can allow you to react faster, because you only need to press a combination of keys once or twice, instead of moving your fingers across different buttons on your mouse or controller. Moreover, using a keyboard shortcut can improve your accuracy, because you can assign a specific function to a specific key or key combination, and rely on muscle memory to execute it consistently. Finally, using a keyboard shortcut can enhance your control, because you can customize it to your preferences or needs, and adjust it as you play or learn new strategies.
How to Choose the Best Keyboard Shortcut for Gaming?
Now that you know the benefits of using a keyboard shortcut in gaming, you may wonder how to choose the best one for your style or genre. The answer depends on several factors, such as your hand size, your key preference, your game mechanics, and your personal skills. Here are some tips to help you choose the ultimate in-game shortcut for your gaming keyboard:
1. Identify the actions you perform most frequently or quickly in your game. For example, if you play a first-person shooter, you may need to switch between two or three weapons, reload, and jump often. If you play a real-time strategy, you may need to select a group of units, move them, and use a special ability.
2. Assign each action to a different key or key combination that feels comfortable and easy to reach. For example, you may assign weapon 1 to F1, weapon 2 to F2, reload to R, and jump to Space. You may also assign a sequence of keys to perform a macro or a script, such as Shift+W+A to move left while crouching.
3. Practice the shortcut until you can execute it fluently and without thinking too much. You may need to repeat it several times in a mock-up game or a training mode, until you feel confident and accurate. You may also need to adjust the timing, the delay, or the order of the keys, until you find the optimal combination.
4. Customize the shortcut according to your preferences or play style. You may change the keys or the sequence as you gain experience or try different strategies. You may also add, remove, or merge actions as you discover new features or challenges in your game.
Top Gaming Keyboards with In-Game Shortcuts
Now that you know how to choose the best keyboard shortcut for gaming, you may wonder which gaming keyboards have the best in-game shortcuts. To answer this question, we have reviewed and compared four popular gaming keyboards on the market, based on their features, pros, and cons. Here they are:
1. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a high-end gaming keyboard that offers a plethora of features for serious gamers. It has a full-size layout with dedicated macro keys, a customizable RGB backlight, a detachable wrist rest, and a durable aluminum frame. It also offers Cherry MX Speed switches, which are responsive and linear, with a low actuation force and a short travel distance. The keyboard comes with iCUE software, which allows you to customize the lighting, the macros, and the shortcuts on a per-game basis. You can store up to five profiles in the onboard memory, and access them with a dedicated button. The G1 to G6 keys on the left side can be programmed with up to 18 macros each, giving you 108 potential shortcuts in total.
Pros:
– Full-size layout with dedicated macro keys
– Cherry MX Speed switches with low actuation force and short travel distance
– Customizable RGB backlight with dynamic effects
– Detachable wrist rest for extra comfort and support
– iCUE software with per-game profiles and onboard memory
– G1 to G6 keys with up to 18 macros each, for a total of 108 shortcuts
Cons:
– Expensive compared to other gaming keyboards
– Some users may prefer other types of switches, such as tactile or clicky
– The macro keys may be hard to reach, depending on your hand size or grip style
– The software may be complex or intimidating for novice users
2. Logitech G915 TKL
The Logitech G915 TKL is a wireless gaming keyboard that emphasizes speed, precision, and portability. It has a compact layout with low-profile keys, a slim frame, and a wireless receiver that supports both Lightspeed and Bluetooth modes. It also offers GL low-profile switches, which are tactile and responsive, with a low travel distance and a low actuation force. The keyboard comes with G Hub software, which allows you to customize the lighting, the macros, and the shortcuts on a per-profile basis. You can save up to three profiles in the onboard memory, and switch between them with a hotkey. The F1 to F12 keys on the top can be programmed with up to five macros each, giving you 60 potential shortcuts in total.
Pros:
– Compact layout with low-profile keys and slim frame
– Wireless receiver with Lightspeed and Bluetooth modes
– GL low-profile switches with tactile and responsive feedback
– Customizable RGB backlight with intuitive effects
– G Hub software with per-profile customization and onboard memory
– F1 to F12 keys with up to five macros each, for a total of 60 shortcuts
Cons:
– Expensive compared to other wireless keyboards
– No dedicated macro keys or extra buttons
– Some users may prefer a wired connection for faster response time
– The low-profile keys may require some time to get used to, especially if you’re used to taller keys
3. Razer Huntsman Elite
The Razer Huntsman Elite is a premium gaming keyboard that boasts speed, accuracy, and style. It has a full-size layout with dedicated media keys, a customizable RGB backlight, a magnetic wrist rest, and an aluminum frame. It also offers Razer Opto-Mechanical switches, which are hybrid and innovative, combining a mechanical switch with an optical sensor for faster actuation and response. The keyboard comes with Synapse software, which allows you to customize the lighting, the macros, and the shortcuts on a per-game basis. You can store up to five profiles in the cloud, and access them from any device with Synapse. The five macro keys on the left side can be programmed with up to five macros each, giving you 25 potential shortcuts in total.
Pros:
– Full-size layout with dedicated media keys and magnetic wrist rest
– Razer Opto-Mechanical switches with hybrid and fast design
– Customizable RGB backlight with reactive effects
– Synapse software with cloud storage and per-game profiles
– Five macro keys with up to five macros each, for a total of 25 shortcuts
– Detachable USB-C braided cable and underglow lighting for added flair
Cons:
– Expensive compared to other gaming keyboards, especially non-RGB or non-mechanical ones
– The analog media wheel may be less useful for gaming than for media playback
– Some users may prefer other types of switches, such as linear or silent
– The software may require an account and an internet connection to work properly
4. HyperX Alloy FPS RGB
The HyperX Alloy FPS RGB is a budget-friendly gaming keyboard that offers solid performance and aesthetics. It has a tenkeyless layout with Cherry MX RGB switches, a customizable RGB backlight, a detachable cable, and a steel frame. It also offers a Game Mode that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions. The keyboard comes with NGenuity software, which allows you to customize the lighting, the macros, and the shortcuts on a per-profile basis. You can store up to three profiles in the onboard memory, and switch between them with a hotkey. The F1 to F12 keys on the top can be programmed with up to three macros each, giving you 36 potential shortcuts in total.
Pros:
– Tenkeyless layout with detachable cable and steel frame
– Cherry MX RGB switches with tactile and reliable feedback
– Customizable RGB backlight with solid effects
– NGenuity software with per-profile customization and onboard memory
– F1 to F12 keys with up to three macros each, for a total of 36 shortcuts
– Affordable and well-built
Cons:
– No dedicated macro keys or extra buttons
– No wrist rest or multimedia controls
– No wireless option or full-size layout
– The software may be limited or basic compared to other brands
Conclusion:
In conclusion, using an in-game shortcut on your gaming keyboard can be a game-changer, in terms of speed, accuracy, and control. By choosing the ultimate shortcut for your needs, you can optimize your performance, reduce your response time, and dominate your opponents like a pro. Whether you prefer a full-size keyboard with dedicated macro keys, a wireless keyboard with low-profile switches, or a premium keyboard with innovative switches and software, there’s a gaming keyboard out there that can fulfill your requirements. We hope this post has helped you understand the benefits and the options of using a gaming shortcut, and that you’re now ready to level up your gaming experience. Happy gaming!
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