The best gaming keyboards with Anti-ghosting technology

Hator Skyfall TKL PRO is a clear example of how to make a well-balanced and at the same time not too expensive mechanical keyboard that will look on par with much more famous models from Logitech, Razer, HyperX, SteelSeries. This is a solid keyboard with a durable metal base that weighs 1140 grams, which is a solid figure by the standards of the shorter TKL models.

Skyfall TKL PRO keys are made of durable PBT plastic, the symbols are laser engraved, and the key stabilizers are pre-lubricated. The gaps between the base and the front panel are filled with sound-absorbing material, which reduces the loudness of the click of the metal switches. Plus there is a built-in game mode and anti-ghosting support. The picture is completed by a large selection of colors for the front panel (note: there is even a pink one), the ability to hot-swappable switches, a thick removable braided cable and simple RGB backlighting of the keys.

The switches here are perhaps the most common red linear switches from Kailh with a working life of 80 million clicks, an actuation point of 1.8 mm of travel and a distinct, but not too loud click. Considering the popularity of the model, the manufacturer has released a pack of alternative Skyfall modifications with optional brown switches, a full-size case and combined connections (Bluetooth, radio and wire).

The Chinese brand Redragon quickly settled into the Ukrainian market, filling store shelves with inexpensive but high-quality keyboards, mice and headphones for gamers. They were not particularly lucky with mechanical keyboards, so the brand’s products rarely appeared in the corresponding tops. The compact model Redragon Fizz changed everything, which, a year after its release, is one of the best-sellers.

Reviews often praise Fizz for its versatility. It is equally comfortable to type large amounts of text and shoot other players in a pretend Call Of Duty. This is largely due to the manufacturer, who decided not to confuse potential customers with different types of mechanical switches, using the popular red linear switches. Otherwise, this is a great option for just under $50 with all the basic goodies of affordable mechanical keyboards - anti-ghosting, N-KRO, game mode, detachable cable, quick-release keys and double-molded keycaps. To complete the picture, the only thing missing is a metal base, but judging by surveys, not everyone likes heavy keyboards.

Finally, I would like to praise the design. While most competitors are made on the principle of “black frame + black buttons + backlight,” Fizz pleasantly surprises not just with a large selection of colors, but also with an interesting combination of colors. Judging by the photos, people especially loved the Fizz version with a pink base and pink and white caps. And the manufacturer was able to visually distinguish the classic black version due to the neat red edging of the case. Only the RGB lighting with a set of often sharp, fast and chaotic special effects, reminiscent of New Year's celebrations in Dubai, caused an ambiguous impression.

The inexpensive mechanical keyboard Bloody S98 Sports is often compared online to another recent hit - Fizz from Redragon. From an ideological point of view, both models have in common the fact that they became the first truly successful mechanical models from A4Tech and Redragon. Before this, both brands frankly had no luck with the competent implementation of inexpensive mechanics. From a functional point of view, both the Fizz and the Bloody S98 give gamers everything they need without requiring a motorcycle, a jacket and a ton of money in return.

The S98 Sports is a full-size model with a non-standard layout, in which the function keys are combined with a Num pad. Classic red switches of our own production are the most versatile option for both work and play: they are moderately elastic, with a linear stroke and a distinct, but not annoying, clicking sound when triggered. At the same time, the keyboard surprises with its attention to detail. For example, the legs are adjustable in two positions, the detachable cable can be locked in three different positions, and the Fn + F9/F10/F11 shortcut keys can be used to quickly switch between game modes. Among the strengths of the model, we also need to highlight a high polling frequency (approx: 1000 Hz), durable hot-swappable keycaps, built-in memory, anti-ghosting, customizable RGB backlighting and several layers of internal noise insulation. Against this background, one could criticize the frankly outdated design of the proprietary software, but this is rather nit-picking.

Comparisons with Redragon Fizz also concern the appearance of both models. If most mechanical keyboards are made according to one rather boring template, when all the elements are painted black and the backlight shines from all the cracks, the A4Tech Bloody S98 Sports, on the contrary, tries to somehow stand out. It has not quite ordinary keycaps with sharpened edges, all types of keys are highlighted in different colors (note: black, gray and red or yellow), and the backlight looks neat and does not dazzle during the game. In many ways, the design of the model is reminiscent of old-school gaming keyboards from a decade ago, but at the same time it creates a neater and more cohesive impression.

The MSI Vigor GK50 Elite looks like a simple, clear and old-school mechanical keyboard with a slightly unconventional set of features. First of all, it has an unimportant body that is cut off by side frames. This creates an illusion that the keys literally hang over the table. Another nuance is the experimentation with the insignificant white Kailh pumps, which brings together a rare range of features: tactile feedback, dry and booming sound of the subway clacking and linearity of movement. So, the stench can make a lot of noise, but even in a robot, it’s very easy to push against it. If you close your eyes to the noise, you will be more satisfied with them.

Similar to the Vigor models of yesteryear, there was a normal RGB backlight with individual LEDs for the skin key and customization capabilities like competitors. It was fitting that the delivery package, next to the keyboard, included a pair of exchangeable “Ctrl” and “Alt” keypads. In contrast to other cups, the stench is not condensed, but rounded, which makes them more noticeable. Skoda has no other kit for WASD. And the company's command center MSI Dragon Center is just as bulky and unbreakable. However, the keyboard works without any problems, especially if you do not need to record macros. The keypad can be accessed directly from the keyboard with an additional visible function button with images of a dragon.

Now the mechanical part is in order. The upper part of the body is made from a solid steel plate, which adds rigidity to the entire structure. Bottom of Viconania with plastic. The brilliance of the collection is wonderful. When you play, the robots are extremely positive: the candles are really handy, and the keyboard itself is securely fixed to the surface. Well, at least the eight-year-old caps feel invisible under the pads of your fingers, but don’t take more than a couple of days.

BlackWidow is, without the slightest exaggeration, a legendary series of gaming keyboards. Under these flags, more than a dozen different and at the same time essentially similar keyboards have been released, which follow a proven formula for success: close to ideal ergonomics, high-quality materials, reliable assembly, a flexible macro control system and branded switches.

In the case of the compact tournament model BlackWidow V3 TKL, Razer's long-proven “green” switches are used, which in terms of characteristics and tactile sensations are reminiscent of Cherry Blue switches. They have a high response speed, average actuation/reset values and a short reset distance. Only Razer has a longer failure life (80 million) and higher resistance to moisture. By the way, this combination of characteristics allows you to use the BlackWidow V3 TKL for quite comfortable printing. Unless, of course, you're not annoyed by the clicking sound of mechanical keyboards. If it bothers you, try the version with smooth and quiet yellow switches.

In terms of appearance, the third version of BlackWidow TKL differs little from its predecessors: it is still the same neat keyboard in a miniature aluminium case with slightly beveled edges. The main innovation is the reinforced Doubleshot ABS keycaps, which were created using double injection molding. As for the RGB lighting, it uses the same Razer Chroma RGB system, which can be configured to your heart’s content in the proprietary Razer Synapse application. There you can also configure sets of macros, link individual sets to each specific game, etc. We come across this software regularly and constantly praise its simple interface and fairly flexible set of settings.