I’ll create a comprehensive guide about gaming keyboards from 2013, following the skyscraper technique and incorporating competitor insights. Here’s the structured article:
The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Keyboards 2013: Features, Performance, and Recommendations
Types and Applications of Gaming Keyboards (2013)
| Type | Key Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Cherry MX switches, tactile feedback, durability | Competitive gaming, professional typing | $130-$150 |
| Membrane | Quiet operation, lower cost | Casual gaming, office use | $50-$100 |
| Hybrid | Combines mechanical and membrane features | Versatile gaming and typing | $90-$120 |
| Tournament | Compact design, travel-friendly | LAN parties, e-sports | $100-$140 |
Introduction to 2013 Gaming Keyboards
2013 marked a significant year in the evolution of gaming keyboards, with manufacturers like Razer, Logitech, and Corsair pushing the boundaries of mechanical switch technology. This guide will explore the top gaming keyboards from 2013, their features, and how they compare to modern alternatives.
The Rise of Mechanical Switches
Mechanical keyboards made a strong comeback in 2013, thanks to their superior durability and tactile feedback. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013, for instance, featured custom mechanical switches that provided both audio and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among competitive gamers (Source: www.tomshardware.com).
Key Features to Look For
- Switch Type
- Cherry MX Blue: Best for gaming and typing
- Cherry MX Brown: Balanced performance
-
Cherry MX Red: Smooth, linear action
-
Anti-Ghosting
- Most 2013 gaming keyboards supported 6-key rollover
-
Premium models like the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate offered 10-key rollover
-
Backlighting
- RGB lighting was becoming popular
- Customizable lighting zones became standard
Top Gaming Keyboards of 2013
- Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013
- Custom mechanical switches
- 10-key anti-ghosting
- Backlit keys
-
USB and audio passthrough
-
Logitech G710+
- Cherry MX Brown switches
- Dual-zone backlighting
- Programmable macros
-
Built-in media controls
-
Corsair Vengeance K90
- Cherry MX Red switches
- 18 programmable macro keys
- Onboard memory
- USB pass-through
Technical Features Comparison
| Keyboard | Switch Type | Anti-Ghosting | Backlight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer BlackWidow Ultimate | Custom Mechanical | 10-key | Backlit | $139.99 |
| Logitech G710+ | Cherry MX Brown | 6-key | Dual-zone | $139.99 |
| Corsair Vengeance K90 | Cherry MX Red | 6-key | Adjustable | $129.99 |
Gaming Performance Analysis
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013 stood out for its gaming performance, thanks to its custom mechanical switches and 10-key anti-ghosting. However, the keyboard’s stylized font made key labels difficult to read (Source: dwstuffs.blogspot.com).
Typing Experience
For typing, the Corsair Vengeance K90 offered a superior experience with its springy mechanical switches and ergonomic design. The detachable palm rest provided additional comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Build Quality and Durability
2013 gaming keyboards focused on durability, with most models featuring metal frames and high-quality construction. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, in particular, was praised for its robust build (Source: www.techspot.com).
Software Integration
Many 2013 gaming keyboards came with dedicated software for customization. Razer’s Synapse software, for instance, allowed users to program macros and customize lighting effects (Source: www.razer.com).
Tournament Editions
Several manufacturers released tournament-specific versions of their keyboards, such as the Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition. These models featured compact designs and travel-friendly features (Source: www.custompcreview.com).
Price vs. Performance
While premium gaming keyboards like the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate and Logitech G710+ commanded prices around $130-$150, they offered features that justified the cost. The Corsair Vengeance K90 provided a more affordable alternative without compromising on performance.
Future-Proofing
Many 2013 gaming keyboards included features that would remain relevant for years to come, such as USB pass-through and programmable macros. The Razer BlackWidow Stealth Edition, for example, featured improved anti-ghosting and USB passthrough (Source: mysupport.razer.com).
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Conclusion
2013 was a pivotal year for gaming keyboards, with manufacturers focusing on mechanical switches, customizable features, and tournament-ready designs. While prices were higher than membrane keyboards, the durability and performance benefits made them worthwhile investments for serious gamers.
FAQ
What are the main differences between mechanical and membrane gaming keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards use individual switches under each key, providing tactile feedback and longer lifespan. Membrane keyboards use a rubber dome under the keys, offering quieter operation but less durability.
Which gaming keyboard is best for competitive gaming?
The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013 is highly recommended for competitive gaming due to its custom mechanical switches and 10-key anti-ghosting.
Can I use these 2013 gaming keyboards for work?
Yes, many 2013 gaming keyboards like the Corsair Vengeance K90 are suitable for both gaming and professional typing.
What is anti-ghosting and why is it important?
Anti-ghosting ensures multiple key presses are registered simultaneously, crucial for gaming where multiple keys are often pressed at once.
How do I clean a mechanical gaming keyboard?
Most 2013 mechanical keyboards allow for keycap removal, making cleaning easier. Use compressed air to remove debris and a damp cloth for the surface.
What is the lifespan of a mechanical gaming keyboard?
Mechanical switches typically last 50-100 million keystrokes, making them much more durable than membrane keyboards.
Can I customize the backlighting on these keyboards?
Yes, most 2013 gaming keyboards offered customizable backlighting through dedicated software.
What is the difference between Cherry MX Blue, Brown, and Red switches?
Blue: Clicky and tactile, best for gaming and typing
Brown: Tactile but quiet, balanced performance
Red: Linear and smooth, best for fast gaming
Are these keyboards compatible with both PC and Mac?
Most 2013 gaming keyboards are compatible with both PC and Mac, though some features may require additional configuration.
What accessories come with these gaming keyboards?
Common accessories include detachable wrist rests, USB cables, and in some cases, travel cases for tournament editions.
