What types of gaming keyboards are there?
Before choosing a gaming keyboard, know that they are not all the same inside. The switch technology completely defines how your keyboard feels and performs.
5 min readIn this article
Mechanical keyboard: the king of gaming
Mechanical keyboards use an individual switch for each key, with a physical mechanism (spring + contact) that registers the press. They are the most used in gaming for their precise response, durability (50–100 million presses per switch) and a feel you can customize by switch type.
The most common switch types are:
- Linear (Red, Speed Silver): no tactile bump or click. Smooth and fast. Ideal for gaming.
- Tactile (Brown): a slight "bump" at actuation, with no audible click. For gaming and typing.
- Clicky (Blue, Green): bump plus an audible click. Satisfying for typing, can annoy in shared spaces.
Mechanical options like theRedThunder K75 Wireless Hot-swapor the Redragon Mechanical Hot-swap Redare excellent entry points into the mechanical world.
Membrane keyboard: affordable and quiet
Membrane keyboards use three layers of flexible plastic that compress when you press a key. They are cheaper, quieter and dust-resistant, but they have less tactile precision and a shorter lifespan (5–10 million presses).
For casual gaming or general use they are perfectly valid. They do not give you the response advantage of a mechanical, but you do not need it if you play recreationally.
Optical keyboard: maximum speed
Optical keyboards use an infrared light beam to detect the press, with no physical contact. The result: actuation time is practically instant (0.2ms vs 1–2ms on a standard mechanical).
They are ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. They also resist contact bounce (key chatter) better. The price is usually higher than equivalent mechanicals.
Keyboard sizes: 100%, 75%, 65%, 60%
| Size | Approx. keys | What it drops | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% (Full) | 104 | Nothing | Numpad and function users |
| 75% | 84 | Numpad | Balanced gaming + typing |
| 65% | 68 | Numpad + F-row | More room for the mouse |
| 60% | 61 | Numpad + F-row + nav keys | Minimalist / extreme competitive |
The 75% format is the most popular in gaming right now: compact without sacrificing the keys you use most. TheAULA F75 Pro Wirelessis a solid option in this format.
Wired vs wireless: does it matter for gaming?
The latency of modern wireless keyboards (1ms at 2.4GHz) is imperceptible in gaming. The choice is almost always about convenience:
- Wired: zero risk of running out of battery. Guaranteed latency.
- Wireless: a cleaner desk, freedom of movement. Needs periodic charging.
The AULA F75 Pro White Wirelessand the AULA S75 Pro Tri-modeoffer triple connectivity (USB, Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz) for maximum flexibility.
Which type of gaming keyboard should you choose?
- Competitive gaming / FPS: mechanical with linear switches or an optical keyboard. 65–75% format for more mouse room.
- Gaming + streaming / work: 75–100% mechanical with tactile switches. Wireless if you value a tidy desk.
- Tight budget: theRedThunder K10 Combo RGBis an affordable mechanical-feel option that includes a mouse.
- Premium experience: hot-swap (switches replaceable without soldering) so you can change the feel whenever you want.
Explore every option in ourgaming keyboards catalog with full switch and connectivity specs.