The Comparative Review of 4 Best Gaming Keypads by Logitech, Razer and 1byone Keyboard
I've always liked to examine and describe the gadgets which are made for gamers. And today this is going to be just the case. Let’s talk about gaming keypads: Logitech G13, Razer Tartarus Chroma Expert, Razer Orbweaver Chroma - Elite, Xfuny Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
Table of Content
Let's start with an answer to this question: What is a keypad? It's not a piece of the keyboard, as it might seem at first glance, but a fully independent device that makes a gamer's life easier and provides additional comfort when playing.
It is here that you need to observe the word "gaming," because when it comes to a regular keyboard, you know that you can use it for actual playing, which would be painful and inconvenient yet still possible. As for the keypads, a non-gaming version of a keypad is simply a numeric keypad on your keyboard, which is likely to be to your right at the moment. The only thing you can play using this are probably some math games.
For us gamers, a keypad is truly a majestic tool. Its ease of taps, hand comfort, and full relaxation is a true fairy tale. Today, we'll learn how to choose a comfortable and useful device, identify who needs this gadget, give an overview of the model range, and pick the best products. If you are an experienced gamer, just omit the technical part and go straight to TOP-4 Gaming Keypads.
How Gaming Keypads Differ
I wouldn't have been bothered by such issues but after surfing the web, I found out that no one had touched upon such questions, despite the obvious need for doing so.
The following criteria will guide you:
- Set of keys. This is the number of buttons that would be optimal for gaming
Nowadays, the range of this parameter is quite wide. You can rarely come across a set of 8-9 keys. Some sets reach 60-70 keys. Of course, the notion of a keypad itself is very relative, but personally, I think that the latter sets fit more into a category of keyboards. I would recommend purchasing a 20-25 button keypad. Fewer buttons are unlikely to suffice unless you're using it as intended (we'll talk about that later), and more buttons will only distract you and resemble a traditional keyboard.
- Ergonomics is a straight-out and solid aspect
Your hand should be placed on the keypad perfectly and not get tired, even after a night raid that lasts until the following evening. That's why you're buying a keypad! The model should initially fit your anatomical features which would then make it unique, or it should be adjusted (which is more appropriate). The more axes of settings are available, the better it is for you.
- Profiling is a desirable option
Let's say you want to play multiple characters during a game. With profiling, you won't have to change your layout and create new binds each time you re-log. Having set everything up once, you would be able to easily switch between your profiles with a strike of a key. The same goes for other games. When your gameplay in DotA ends successfully (which is natural since there are only crabs around you!), then subsequently logging into WoW - where a party is complete and you're the only one missing - becomes just a matter of pressing a button rather than setting everything up from scratch.
- Extra functions will always come in handy
Modular buttons, analog control sticks, removable panels, and other features will contribute to your better comfort and to gaining maximum pleasure.
It is not worth buying models which are over-tuned. A keypad should be a keypad - not a printer, a scanner, a mixer, a beer can opener etc. But this is something you should think about in the future: today's market is doing just fine. But we still have to figure out who would need such a device. In fact, it will suit everyone, but then the question of necessity arises. I'll explain…
When you need a keypad
The qualities of the keypads and how to unlock their potential will be revealed in the best way in MMORPG and MOBA games, RPGs, and some arcades among single-player games. These are the games where there's magic, i.e. a huge range of various spells, hits, stands, etc, which have to be used in a row with the right binding and with a countdown. Here, everything will be at your fingertips and you don't need to set up any combinations of keys, since everything will have been bound beforehand, and the only thing you need to do is click.
If you're playing WoW or Dota, or maybe even LoL, then I strongly recommend that you buy such a device. With it, the game is transformed and your perception changes. But bear in mind that you will still need to use your standard keyboard for chatting, there's nothing to be done about that.
Other genres of games don't dictate such a strong need for this device. Say, in racing, it simply wouldn't unlock its potential... Buying a separate keypad for a mere 6-7 buttons? It would be more beneficial to save and buy a PC racing wheel. Nevertheless, this judgment is as subjective as the rest of this web portal, so if you really want to buy it, then go ahead.
Let's move on to the model range and apply our newly-acquired skills in choosing a perfect keypad. I'll say in advance that there won't be any surprises today. The keypad market is dominated by the same companies which dominate other gaming gadget markets - which are Razer and Logitech.
Gaming Keypads with a 5-star rating
Best Gaming Keypads Compared
1. Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma | Best under $100
The Razer Tartarus Chroma keypad is a device with 32 programmable keys and 16.8 million customizable backlighting effects. It is an ideological successor of the Razer Nostromo.
Package and Supply. The keypad is supplied in a brand-name stylish box which is labeled with a brief synopsis of the device’s possibilities and Synapse 2.0 software. The kit supplied includes several Razer stickers, a user’s guide, and the keypad itself. As no driver CD is included, you’ll have to download the latest version from the official website.
Exterior and ergonomics. The total number of programmable keys of this keypad amounts to 32. The main 15 are multi-touch membrane keys. The thumb is placed on a programmable D-Pad with 8 positions. Over and under it, there are two more buttons that can be hit with the same finger. The entire keypad is made of regular matte plastic. The device has 8 different profiles which can either be changed with the help of the software or one of the buttons can be assigned to change a profile.
Let’s give credit to the Razer engineers who have been able to design quite an ergonomic device. Its shape resembles a human palm in terms of anatomy so that no sense of fatigue or discomfort appears even after long use. The lower part of the keypad is equipped with retractable legs that stick well to the surface of the table. The wrist rests are adjustable. You can really end up with a perfect keypad if you spend some time setting it up. It’ll be pure pleasure to play shooters or MOBA games – read over 500 customer reviews to ensure this.
The Tartarus V2 Chroma is also equipped with customizable RGB backlighting. You can set your personal color preferences or use one of the pre-set modes. In any case, it looks very cool.
Software. The device is based on brand Synapse 2.0 software which programs the keypad and manages the backlighting. It saves the settings of all Razer devices available and uploads them to cloud storage accessible from anywhere in the world, so that you don’t have to re-record macros each time you use a new PC, or so the marketers claim. In reality, the service doesn’t operate very well, it lags frequently and has so many bugs that online profile saving seems to be only a formal option. Let’s hope that one day Razer will fix these issues.
Apart from failing functions, Razer Synapse provides ample opportunities for setting the keypad. You can create your own profile which is convenient when, say, a family member would like to use the devices and the 8 pre-set modes would be insufficient for the two of you. Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma can be used for performing a wide variety of tasking ranging from videogames to using pro software (Photoshop, Sony Vegas, and others). As a rule, Razer assembly quality and ergonomics are superior so don’t hesitate to buy this keypad as it will become a great asset for those who don’t find a regular keyboard’s functionality to be sufficient, and who don’t care about saving their profiles online.
My Personal Experience
This is a perfect substitute for those who are looking for a quality keypad at an affordable price. Should our Nostromo fail, it will be replaced by the Tartarus. This device is not equipped with an expensive mechanic keypad. It is instead rid of the annoying tapping sound. With that said, its ergonomics and usability are not inferior to those of a more expensive keypad.
Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma: Check the current price
2. Razer Orbweaver Chroma - Elite RGB Mechanical Switches Gaming Keypad
Razer is the first brand to install mechanical switches on a keypad. The Razer Orbweaver Chroma-Elite is equipped with 20 real programmable buttons with autonomous backlighting and a D-Pad with 8 positions as well as a space bar and a functional button, of which the main and most logical purpose is switching between the profiles.
10 buttons are available for multi-touch at once which makes this keypad a real hand extension. Touch-sensitive and responsive keys are designed for 50-gram pressure. When pressed, they make a pleasant sound to the ear, give consistent feedback, while their different size ensures different course, so you can quickly get used to the assigned buttons. However, it is still a matter of personal preferences. Some believe that switching to a keypad is a very long and uncomfortable process, although it is known to be specifically designed for protracted night raids, especially in WoW, LoL, and, of course, Dota, as well as in the most popular and not so popular MMORPGs.
There are 8 programmable keypad modes so you don’t have to spend time customizing the settings for each particular game. These modes let you set all the parameters at once and switch between them later on. Razer Synapse 2.0 allows customizing each profile after quick registration. However, the users state that there are frequent serious issues with access to the system.
Compatibility. Razer Orbweaver Chroma-Elite is quickly and easily compatible with most operational systems, including MAC OSx. PC gaming keyboards users might not instantly appreciate a keypad, but laptop owners will find it to be a must for pumping their skills. Read all the customer reviews to learn more.
Ergonomics. Naturally, a perfect weapon should be convenient. This keypad proves this statement. All the tension your hand might have experienced has been transferred to customizable rests so that you can work efficiently without fatigue for many hours.
First, the distance from the key unit to your palm can be adjusted with a frame and fixed in the required position. You will feel comfortable both if you have long fingers, and if your hand is of regular size, and in any case, you’d be able to reach any row.
Second, the incline of a palm rest is adjusted. Align the height to lay fingers on the keypad and fit them perfectly. The actual stand is made of rubberized plastic which reduces slipping and makes sure your hand does not sweat under the stand. The height of the wrist rest is also regulated separately to prevent your wrist from hanging in the air during gameplay.
Third, it is piece of cake to install the D-pad block wherever you need it to be. Input the settings depending on the length of your thumb. In general, all the parameters can be flexibly configured with maximum comfort being an embodiment of customization.
Visual effects. Razer Orbweaver Chroma-Elite users will also appreciate divine backlighting. You will be able to use 16,000,000 shades and 100 power levels. Plenty of effects are available, for instance, the increase in the lighting intensity as you type characters on the keyboard. The higher the typing speed is, the brighter the buttons are lit. An incredibly beautiful wave of light diverges from a pressed key, flashes and lights up to the edge.
My Personal Experience
To sum up, Razer Orbweaver Chroma-Elite might seem overpriced at first glance only. Above, we’ve listed enough arguments as to why this keypad is worth your attention.
We have seriously considered switching to this device from our dear Nostromo but haven’t dared. Surely, the tactile perception and the response of the keys lead to fruitful results, but we really disliked the annoying tapping sound of the keys and overpricing of the keypad.
We can’t but mention the horrible software for this keypad. Razer Synapse is the worst product of this American corporation. This cloud software is completely useless as it is impossible to properly save and download gaming profiles from the server. Only those profiles and macros that were pre-installed will work properly.
«I definitely love this thing. A couple of ideas:
Get this one as opposed to the smaller Tartarus. The Orbweaver has 5 more keys (an extra leading row). And also I discover that I use virtually every secret on the Orbweaver. The directional pad/controller is an electronic button for directional activity. It's not an analog joystick. There is no light stress for slower movements. It's on or off. I wasn't anticipating this. I was thinking the directional pad would certainly be more akin to an Xbox controller. It is not.
There are a ton of functions for remapping and altering lights. I wasn't assuming I would certainly use those, yet I was entirely wrong. I have every crucial modified in my own personalized design for every video game, and the illumination is organized by colors for features. As an example: crouch, vulnerable, run, slow-moving are all stance/movement secrets, and also consequently all the shade blue. Lean left/lean right are eco-friendly. Reload is red. Etc. It's been very useful for me to learn how to use it. Two weeks later, all I make use of is the Orbweaver and also mouse when playing a FPS».
Razer Orbweaver Chroma: Check the current price
3. Logitech G13 Programmable Gameboard with LCD Display
We might as well begin with a Swiss manufacturer. Logitech is a company associated with quality and excellent execution. This time is no different. Customer care has always been a competitive edge of this brand. First of all, this is obvious from the efforts of engineers and designers who worked on ergonomics.
Logitech G13 Gameboard has been the #1 Best Seller in the PC Gaming Keyboards category for a long time.
It hasn't got any extra features, such as individual adjustment of hand placement, but you'll do great without it. And no, I won't contradict myself and lie to you – it will indeed be better if the settings are precise. But this device would suit most, if not everyone. The memory allows having five profiles. This is just what I was explaining above: You bind your profiles once and then you just switch between them. By the way, the memory contains a number of pre-settings for the most popular games - if they suit you, consider that the Swiss manufacturer has done all the work for you. 25 programmable keys for complete freedom of action will be at your disposal.
The lighting does not destroy your eyes and can be adjusted to your liking. Different colors may be chosen for different profiles for easier navigation. There's also a small LCD screen. This is a simple setting yielding serious results. Game statistics or messages can be output there. An analog stick that can be assigned any function should not be overlooked either.
This isn't the cheapest keypad, but I believe it's worth it. Over 90% of those who bought it agree with me. What did the rest not like? The reviews are chaotic, and I was unable to identify any common issues. However, I noticed that very often the reviewers compare this keypad with a certain Belkin n52te. Is this promotion or a mere coincidence? Time will tell. But now you can read over 1,000 customer reviews to decide whether it’s worth purchasing the Logitech G13.
Our Personal Experience
We’ve tested it for about a week, and the screen seemed interesting only for the first couple of days. You get used to it afterward and your eyes will ignore the useful information output there. This is undoubtedly a helpful feature, but it hasn’t been entirely thought through as it is not easy to play and glance at your wrist simultaneously.
We also didn’t like the rest much. It’s straight, isn’t bent and the coolness of the metallic “G13” plaque is not too pleasant for the wrist.
«I'm a Video editor and also bought this product to quicken my work using only one switch for a shortcut rather than 3 or 4 on my keyboard (like ctrl+shift+alt+E - just to combine a layer in photoshop.-- currently i only press "G7" as well as its done!) which does include hours to your job when you're dealing with long projects. Yet after using it with Premiere, after results and also photoshop, i started to use it with word and also succeed as well for my letters as well as billings and also after that i gone on to also utilizing it to start my firefox internet browser and also examine my bookmarks and also now i even use it on facebook!!! I have lots of messages mixes like "Wow you're hot" and "That's remarkable" conserved up as well as connected to 10 different switches and once i click on the remarks area on facebook i just push a button and its done! Yes ... i understand that's really careless of me. However hi ... most facebook interactions are quite dull as well as foreseeable so i can not envision life without my Logitech G13 anymore. The speed of my work has actually increased by at the very least 40%».
Logitech G13: Check the current price
Gaming Keypads Comparison Chart
| | | | | |
| The number of regular keys | 22 | 25 | 30 | 30 |
| The number of extra keys | 8 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| The number of profiles available | 5 | Unlimited (cloud storage is used) | Unlimited (cloud storage is used) | 1 |
| Keypad type | Membrane | Membrane | Razer Mechanical Switches | Kailh Blue mechanical switches |
| Joystick available | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Backlighting available | Yes (16 million colors) | Yes (16 million colors) | Yes (16 million colors) | Yes (16 million colors) |
| Scrolling wheel available | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| PC connection | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Additional options | A customizable LCD screen | A customizable LCD screen | A customizable LCD screen | A customizable LCD screen |
Best-Selling Gaming Keypads | Comparison Table
Most Popular
Razer Tartarus Pro Gaming Keypad: Analog-Optical by Amazon.com
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc. U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Keyboards, Mice, PC Headset/Pc Microphone, Gaming Designed, based on dollar sales, 2017-2021
- New, Pressure-Sensitive Inputs: Razer Analog Optical Switches register various levels of pressure similar to an analog joystick-like experience on a keypad
- 32 Keys for More Hotkeys and Actions: Perfect for gaming or integrating into creative workflows with fully programmable keys
Razer Tartarus v2 Gaming Keypad: Mecha-Membrane by Amazon.com
- High-Performance Mecha-Membrane Switches: Provides the tactile feedback of mechanical keypress on a comfortable, soft-cushioned, membrane, rubber dome switch suitable for gaming
- 32 Mecha-Membrane Keys for More Hotkeys and Actions: Perfect for gaming or integrating into creative workflows with fully programmable keys
- Thumbpad for Improved Movement Controls: The 8-way directional thumbpad allows for more natural controls for console-oriented players and a more ergonomic experience
Azeron Compact Gaming keypad - Programmable Gaming Keyboard for PC & Console Gaming - Customized, 3D Printed...
- Azeron keypad's analog thumbstick can be used as WASD on an analog stick or as 360° movement for games that support it. Adjust your preferred angle, dead zones, and sensitivity. Easy to use calibration tool. Has a mid-click too.
- Each button tower and analog stick module of the Azeron gaming keyboard is highly adjustable (angle and distance) to each of your fingers. The gaming keypad is for left-hand usage (mouse on right hand) for right-handed people.
- 24 programmable keys can be set up as keyboard buttons, controller buttons, Macro, or mouse buttons. Each button is connected to an individual input, there are no connection matrices.
- Quickly switch between 2 profiles, which can be stored on the device. You can use the gaming keypad as a standalone device without the need to constantly run the software in the background.
- An ergonomic wrist pad has a naturally contoured design that follows the natural shape of your hand for increased comfort during long gaming sessions. All images are for illustration purposes only. The actual product may vary due to continuous development.
Testing & Customers Reviews
Here are reviews from YouTube bloggers of the best gaming keypads.
AdamPlatinum: "I genuinely think this is the future of gaming. I'm approaching my four-month mark using the Azeron keypad and it's been a breath of fresh air. I've created a newfound love for my gaming but in a different twist. I have come to really enjoy this keypad and I think everyone should at least give it a shot at some point in their gaming career. This thing does exactly what it's advertised for. If you were a console gamer switching over to PC or if you were switching from the controller over to mouse and keyboard and you realize that you just keep screwing up on the keyboard this keypad is a perfect way to transition into a mouse and another input setting. So if you keep misclicking, you keep putting the wrong inputs, you're constantly getting frustrated at your progress on keyboard this thing is honestly easier in my opinion. Azeron does a perfect job telling the gamer that if you are having issues with transitioning from controller to mouse and keyboard that this is a better way to go about it and I mostly agree with this statement.
Gameplay wise I do think this is more of a shooter-oriented input there are lots and lots of binds that you can come up with. Not in comparison to a keyboard but it is definitely enough to get the job done. I'll go as far to say that my Cyborg may be a little overkill when it comes to the binds. The reason I say this is because I don't play very complicated games. For example, I play Apex Legends which is very mechanically difficult but the keybinds that I have set up on my keypad make it to where it is the most comfortable for me and I'm able to do a lot of different techniques. These bind also work for a variety of different shooters that I play on my computer. For example, any Call of Duty title: War Zone, Modern Warfare, Vanguard, Cold War these binds work perfectly for that game. Halo - I think it works pretty well. Definitely have to tweak it a little bit but I'm not gonna go out of my way and set up multiple pages just for a specific game. That is my only real gripe with Azeron thus far. If I want to play a specific genre of the game depending on what it is I'm going to have to set up a completely new page. Granted, it is amazing to be able to set up a page for specific games. I would rather take the time play one, two, five different games especially in the same genre and come up with the best and most easily available solution to where I can use those and potentially just work out what issues I have in that specific game.
There are multiple types of keypads out there on the market but this one is the best quality, the best appeal for a gamer. It allows you to actually have the best of both worlds when it comes to your inputs. The quality of this build is phenomenal. I will say that through and through this is ideally the best way you can go about making something like this. This gets me more emotionally invested in my gaming and it just allows me to make sure that I'm on top of my game with this keypad. This thing will offer a lot of different variations that you wouldn't even think of. One thing that I will say is kind of a negative in my opinion is just the amount that you'll have to screw and unscrew in order to get it to your exact fit. You have to take the time to actually get everything perfect. I've had no issues with Azeron at all. It does everything that is intended it has the appeal, it is fun, it makes games refreshing for me. It makes me appreciate the casual side of gaming a little bit more. It makes me understand that I have to create good settings in order for me to do the best in games but also still have fun with them. It's got the potential to become one of the best input devices in the gaming industry."
CythUulu: "I've been using the Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard for just about over a year now. I bought it because I don't have a huge amount of desk space and I wanted something that I could use with my cyborg mouse that isn't going to be as big as one of those giant keyboards. Something a little more portable, something I can move around if I need to put papers in the middle of the desk or whatever, but also have a lot of functionality to be able to work well with a lot of different games. I think it's a very good product. It is not going to be a product for everyone. But if you want something small and you want something portable, you want something that doesn't take up a whole lot of desk space and is very comfortable, then I think that's one of the best things. I like it how it fits my hands. I don't think I have huge hands or anything but it fits my hands just fine.
The keys themselves are in fact backlit so you can play this thing at night. You can set this up for nearly any color that you want. The little gaming pad, almost like a gaming joystick is nice and it's really very responsive. I've not had any problems with it. That is something that takes a little bit of a learning curve and I still have a little bit of problems with. I can't think of these as the keys on a keyboard because these can be anything basically. But that's what makes these G Series things so great because you can literally bind anything to these keys. It also has these pads here on the bottom so that it won't slip. Got a nice weight to it so that it doesn't move too much, but it also is light enough that you can make it very portable. You aren't going to get the same amount of versatility that you would with a full-size keyboard. It is not something that will have the same full functionality. But if you think twenty-five keys are all you need, then this is a really good pick. It's nice. It's attractive. It's solid gaming peripherals.
It does take some work. Even when it has the pre-made profiles a lot of times you're going to want to customize those. So it's not a plug-and-play thing. I mean it is. You can plug, and you can play, and that's fine, but if you really want to make the most of this then this is something that you need to prepare before you're going to play a game. You need to sit down and think about where you want to put your keys. You can do it on the fly and that's great but most of the time you're going to want to go to that programming software and you're going to want to set it up exactly how you want it. It's going to take your time. That's not really a bad thing. It's not a negative. It is because it is so versatile and so powerful that it does take some time to work with. I think those of you that are really into that are going to find that the G13 is just as powerful if not more than any other gaming keyboard. I never had any sort of problems with the software not working or not connecting with the game. I think if you're particularly adept at making macros then you are going to really love the software and you're going to really get a lot of efficiency out of this."
I recommend choosing a keypad out of the suggested models. First, these products are tested by the market, and second, they are manufactured by popular and worthy companies.
You may also pay attention to the Delux T9 46-Key Wired Gaming Keyboard, but I wouldn't recommend doing so. This model is difficult or impossible to program. And this function should not be overlooked, as it is a primary one. We buy keypads just for modeling a perfect set of keys which is always at our fingertips.
You'll make the right choice if you base it on my advice!
You can also read:
Best PC racing wheels.
Comments
I'll bookmark your weblog and check once more right here regularly.
I'm quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
But I would buy another one in a heartbeat if....
Big problem is that there aren't any more being made. Logitech has decided to not continue the G-13 for some reason. This has me sad, it's a shame they didn't think the public would like to continue to use it.
Because they aren't being made, the prices are now astronomical for one. I bought a used one last time and it's fine, so far. But I just can't get one for over $300, that's ridiculous. I do wish someone would buy the patent rights and start making them again.
I'm not sure that I will like the Razer pads as much. I love the 7-buttons on the rows of the G-13 and the 2 side buttons by the joystick which make easy up and down buttons. The Razer Tartarus has only 5, so I will have to go between 2 rows for my main mage spells, which will slow me down a bit. But it looks like that may be my only choice for the G-13. The Orbweaver has some aspects I don't think will work for me and the other, XFUNY won't work at all.
So, beware all who want to stay or move to the Logitech G-13, it's not available, they give no support. It's a great keyboard, but not for much longer.
You have touched some fastidious factors here. Any way keep up
wrinting.