Keyboard News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

As someone born on the south side of hand dominance, gaming on a PC was always a bit frustrating, since keyboards and mice were rarely made with lefties in mind. Luckily, I have developed a few habits over the years that make it much more approachable.

The keyboard and mouse are a staple of PC gaming, but these peripherals also have utility on consoles, as the PS5 and Xbox Series X have USB functionality that makes them compatible. Here's how they can make gaming more convenient and customizable for you.

Arbiter Studios is a new company but aims to land with a splash with its new magnetic keyboard the Polar 65. This keyboard uses a compact layout designed to maximize mouse space  while offering magnetic switches for enhanced responsiveness and rapid trigger capability.  At $150, it is relatively expensive compared to other 65% keyboards, but is well built, well tuned, and performs quite well.

The mechanical keyboard market is more competitive by the day, but we’ve found what may just be the best value pick under $100. The WOBKEY Rainy 75 offers a fully aluminum case, gasket mounting, Foams, and other features usually reserved for much more expensive keyboards. It sounds and feels far better than a $99 has a right to and is one of the best values in keyboards right now. Read on to find out just what makes it so special. 

The Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 is a color compact keyboard aimed at improving your gaming experience. It comes in at less than $100 ($99 with an instant $10 off coupon as of this writing) and features a full aluminum case, doubleshot keycaps, name brand switches, and masses of pre-applied mods. It tries hard but does it pull everything together to deliver a top-tier gaming experience? Find out in this review!

The Nori Spring Rider is the definition of a team effort. It’s the culmination of influential custom keyboard designers, keycap artisans, and a major manufacturer coming together to deliver a pre-built mechanical keyboard that challenges value for the dollar. 

Several Call of Duty games will now shut down for mouse and keyboard players who activate aim assist.

Call of Duty's anti-cheat software will now detect if a player is using aim assist on a keyboard and mouse and shut down their game. 

Meletrix has made some of the best pre-built and affordable custom keyboards of the last two years, and it’s back with its first magnetic Hall Effect release with the BOOG75. Based on the outstanding Meletrix Zoom75, it’s the best magnetic switch mechanical keyboard so far this year and is poised to be the best overall. At $219.99, it’s a steal.

Activision has issued a warning to Call of Duty players: it will now close the game down it it detects aim assist on mouse and keyboard.

Angry Miao, makers of popular custom keyboards like the Cyberboard and AM Compact touch, is back known for combining modern art with mechanical keyboards. It’s back with its latest entry, the Relic 80, a tenkeyless keyboard with the company’s most tame design yet, but a renewed focus on sound. Find out what makes it special — and there’s always something special with an Angry Miao keyboard — in this review.

We've been fans of Ducky keyboards for a while here at PC Gamer, and beyond the fantastic build quality and the delightful naming schemes, one thing the company is normally pretty good at is nailing the visuals. From the super-pink and super-wonderful Ducky One 3 Fuji through to the subtle RGB of the Ducky Shine 5 RGB, we've delighted at Ducky's refusal to adopt a stereotypical gamer aesthetic. However, it's just released the limited edition Ducky x Doom SF 65% keyboard, and if I'm honest, it's just not doing it for me.

Ducky has released their next limited edition partnership keyboard, the Ducky x Doom One 3 SF 65% and those fiery oranges are perfect for any longtime fans of the series. Keycaps are adorned with the Doomguy himself, with that classic demon slaughtering vignette printed across the entire deck of keys. What better way to celebrate your favorite first person shooter than by plastering it across your gaming keyboard.

Amongst all the laptop refreshes, monitor reveals and general CES 2024 tomfoolery, occasionally a product stands out as something a little bit different. Lenovo might be known more for its laptops and pre-built desktop machines than its peripherals, but today it announced a new proof of concept keyboard and mouse that may well be an indicator of how our wireless accessories might work in the very near future. 

Are you someone who likes to make your boring smartphone design fun and attractive? Then look elsewhere. However, in case you want to make your iPhone an even more useful gadget, especially when it comes to typing, then know all about what Clicks is getting set to unveil at the CES 2024. Clicks, a UK-based company, will be introducing a new typing accessory for iPhones that harks back to the old days of BlackBerry phones. The iPhone accessory will be revealed at the CES 2024 which is commencing on January 9, 2024. The iPhone accessory is actually a phone case that comes with a physical keyboard. Yes, you heard it right! With the new iPhone physical keyboard case, you will be able to experience a new way of using the iPhone. As of now, the iPhone is available for three devices, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Know what Clicks is planning with this new iPhone case.

What a time to be alive for everyone missing physical keyboards on smartphones. Clicks is here to give you a shot of nostalgia with a lot of modern technology, as this accessory is basically a physical keyboard that is built from scratch, complete with backlit keys, shortcuts, and more. So, if you are looking for something that actually brings back the feeling of having a physical keyboard attached to your phone, then this is it.

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In a significant step today, the tech major has taken the expansion of artificial intelligence-enabled tools to the next level. It has announced Microsoft Copilot key for Windows 11 PCs. Notably, this is the first major change to Microsoft Windows keyboard in almost 3 decades. Henceforth, Copilot will be the entry point into the AI space on a Windows PC. The Windows key to the PC keyboard was rolled out almost 30 years ago and it had then enabled users to interact with Windows. 

By Brandon Widder, a senior editor overseeing deals, gift guides, and commerce. He spent six years spearheading buying guides and consumer tech coverage at Digital Trends.

It’s been about five weeks since I opened the Kinesis Advantage360 Ergo Keyboard to review for the site, and I have to say it’s been one of the more unique experiences I’ve ever had reviewing a piece of tech. I’ve always been fascinated by ergonomic keyboards, purely because they look unmanageable. Yet, I know many who swear by them, specifically the tangible physical benefits of using them.

IQUNIX has been on a run this year with its brand new line of SUPER custom mechanical keyboards. We’ve looked at two of these so far with the ZONEX 75 and the 1+1 , both of which were two of the most unique mechanical keyboards we’ve reviewed so far. Today, we’re looking at the Tilly 60 , a compact keyboard that comes in either a 60% or HHKB layout, has a built-in storage compartment, and a volume knob, as well as a unique mounting style we haven’t seen any other company do yet. It’s available for $249 for the wired version and $269 for tri-mode wireless, which is expensive but around $100 cheaper than an actual HHKB and better in every way. 

Are you bored with your regular typing on a smartphone? Are you also someone who likes to keep your things personalized and customized? If yes, then you must also try to customise your smartphone's keyboard. What will you get? It provides a refreshing layout every time you type something on your device. Samsung phones and tablets offer a plethora of customization options for their keyboards, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Whether you're looking to change the appearance, size, or layout of your keyboard, the Samsung keyboard provides a range of features to make your typing experience more enjoyable. So, here is how to customize Samsung keyboard - check out the following steps:

Apple marketed the iPad as a computer replacement in 2017 and continues to deliver features supporting its notion. However, the iPad Pro is far from a computer at this stage, and iPadOS is one of the reasons why. The company introduced a Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro that can transform the tablet into a laptop-like device with a keyboard and a trackpad. Now, the company is working on a redesigned Magic Keyboard to make the OLED iPad Pro look more like a laptop.

IQUNIX has recently launched its Super series, a line of custom keyboards that embrace enthusiast features, sound, and feel with some of the most unique designs in the entire world of custom mechanical keyboards. Today, we’re looking at the ZONEX 75, a compact keyboard with a futuristic design that somehow manages to feel vintage at the same time. Starting at $265, it’s a pricey kit, but I think you’ll agree that it’s a unique offering in an increasingly “me too” market.

Higround has collaborated with a lot of studios to bring iconic shows and characters to your keyboards, Yu-Gi-Oh and Sonic the Hedgehog just two of the famous franchises it has plastered all over its keys in the past. The keyboard company's latest crossover is its biggest coup so far, though. Revealed earlier this week, Higround will be launching an officially licensed Pokemon collection on December 8, 2023. A collection that will be headlined by some fantastic-looking keyboards.

There are few things Pokemon fans like less than swag, and the newly announced Pokemon x Higround mechanical keyboard collection is a treasure many are itching to jump on. The stunning lineup is an official collaboration, and one die-hard fans shouldn’t miss.

Iris Lab and MyKeyClub are back again with the JRIS80 custom keyboard kit! The JRIS65 and JRIS75 swept the hobby as some of the best value releases in mechanical keyboards with their great sound, feel, aesthetic design, and especially price. The JRIS80 is back to do it again in a friendly TKL form factor with some improvements of its own. You’d never guess this keyboard kit starts at only $165.  Find out how well it succeeds in this review!

The LUMINKEY 80 is a love-letter to the keyboard community, authored by the designers of Create Keebs , creators of some of the most popular custom keyboards of the last several years (most notably, the Thera75 ). Available as a barebones kit for $215 or fully built and tuned for sound and feel at $280. It comes with an anodized aluminum case, complete with a copper badge and rear weight, tri-mode wireless connectivity for gaming and productivity, and the best sound and feel I’ve experienced in a pre-built custom keyboard yet. 

The Cyber Monday beacons have been lit, so it's my duty to inform you that right now, you can get one of my favorite pieces of Lord of the Rings merch for $50 cheaper.

Akko has quietly been making some of the best budget mechanical keyboards for years and it’s back with its very own take on Hall Effect magnetic switches. The MOD007B-HE offers customizable actuation, quad-action keys, rapid trigger and more. Join us as we find out if it’s worth picking up in this review!

By Sheena Vasani, a writer covering commerce, e-readers, and tech news. She previously wrote about everything from web development to AI at Inside.

Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless | Mechanical | Hot-swappable | RGB lighting | PBT keycaps | $179.99$144.99 at Amazon (save $35)This is our favorite gaming keyboard today. An absolute dream to type on, the ROG Strix ticks all the boxes for connectivity, too. It's wireless, either via a dongle or Bluetooth, and of course you can plug it in wired if need be. A clever multi-function media wheel rounds off a keyboard that I'm still using right now, despite having other boards to review.

The classic Nintendo-inspired keyboards are on sale at Amazon during Black Friday.

For Windows users, the Fn key has been an integral part of many shortcuts, however, for Mac users, it was introduced very late, and Apple called it a Globe key. But, in recent Mac updates, Apple has added several shortcuts to its Fn key, which may be useful to the user. The unusual thing about the key is that Apple has not included the shortcut in Apple's list of keyboard shortcuts. If you also want to explore the keyboard shortcuts for Macs, then check out the newly found MacOS keyboard shortcuts.

Those of you that were strapped into the back of your parents car when you were younger and taken on the yearly family road trip will remember a marketing technique as old as time itself. Take a regular everyday object, create an obnoxiously large model of one, and plaster billboards everywhere claiming it to be the «world's biggest x». Yes, it's a cheap stunt and yes, it was always somewhat disappointing, but you still begged your family to pull over, didn't you?

I’m a bit strange with my keyboards. I spend more time touching one than I do touching absolutely anything else. However, I couldn’t tell you what makes one mechanical keyboard better than the other.

By Emma Roth, a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO.

announced the launch of its October 2023 update. The update introduces new quality-of-life features, including keyboard mapping to some Xbox Series X/S controllers.  

Microsoft has started rolling out October's Xbox system update to all users, with this latest release introducing the previously announced ability to remap keyboard keys to Xbox controller buttons, alongside a number of other features.

Microsoft is rolling out the latest firmware update for Xbox consoles.

Chillkey is a brand new brand and is debuting with the Paw65. It’s a cute mechanical keyboard with a ton of potential to transform into one of the most unique keyboards you’ll find at its price range. Most importantly, it has the satisfying sound and soft typing feel that the best gasket mount keyboards offer, in addition to tri-mode wireless for high-speed, wire-free gaming. Starting at only $79.99, it’s a high value keyboard kit that makes for a great onramp to the custom mechanical keyboard hobby.

The Angry Miao AFA is back! We originally reviewed this keyboard back in 2022 but it’s making its return journey with brand new pop-culture inspired designs, a refined build, and a faster disassembly process. Complete with adjustable leaf springs, switches, keycaps, and a design that borders on artwork, this is a custom keyboard you won’t want to miss. 

There's a lot going in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 game, with one of the many villains being Curt Connors AKA The Lizard.

Microsoft has outlined some of the new Xbox accessibility features due in the coming months, including the ability to remap keyboard keys to the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Elite Series 2.

Sick of the sight of your keyboard? Well, you won't be with the new Drop CSTM80 thanks to its novel quick-swap top case.

If you’re struggling to find a keyboard to match your desk aesthetic, Drop has launched the new CTSM80, a revolution in customizable mechanical keyboards. Even if you’re unfamiliar with keyboard modding, the CTSM80 makes it as easy as possible with both barebones and fully-assembled models to choose from.

Microsoft has announced a suite of new accessibility options coming to Xbox and PC, including the ability to remap Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controller inputs to almost 90 keyboard keys.

Drop, now owned by Corsair, just announced its latest custom mechanical keyboard, the CSTM80. I’ve been testing it for the better part of two weeks to see exactly what it has to offer in comparison to Drop’s other keyboards and the wider keyboard market. As you might have guessed from the name, customization is the name of the game, including a configurable typing experience, magnetically swappable cases, full programmability, and more for only $99 barebones or $149 for the fully built kit.

When it comes to affordable mechanical keyboards, few companies do it better than Epomaker. As both a storefront and a manufacturer, they have a wide array of keyboards available across just about every price point and have the resources to release new models that respond to user feedback regularly. That’s exactly the case with the Shadow-X, a FRL (function row-less) TKL keyboard with an OLED screen and tri-mode wireless for cable-free gaming. 

The next generation of PC gaming controllers, the Scuf Envision andEnvision Pro, have arrived. In a market where everyone thinks they can release a customizable controller and state they did something special, Scuf is trying to back its claims up in a big way, stating that the Envision will offer an “unparalleled level of control”.

Apple has made back-to-back major releases this year including the launch of iPhone 15 models. The coming year also has a list of Apple devices which are expected to be launched including the iPad Air 6. The new generation iPad Air has been rumoured about for a while now and Apple users have been waiting to hear from the company. Recently, a new leak has some staggering news which may excite buyers. The new iPad Air 6 is expected to come in two sizes and that too with a "magic" keyboard.

Several new flight control options have appeared on the Dragonflight Patch 10.2 PTR, allowing players to fine tune keyboard turn speed and pitch control to help address hand motor function while dragonriding! Although listed under the Dynamic Flight header, this should not be confused with the dynamic flight style datamined in Patch 10.1.5, which appears to be a precursor to some kind of toggle between dragonriding and traditional flying.

OnePlus does not just make smartphones anymore and over the years, it has experimented and expanded its range of products. It now has a fairly wide ecosystem of devices, which recently also saw the addition of a tablet. From an ecosystem point of view, it is only missing a computer. Adding to this long lineup of smartphones, TVs, monitors, smartwatches, audio gear, clothing accessories (which also includes a fanny pack), is a mechanical keyboard called the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro. OnePlus tied up with the mechanical keyboard specialists at Keychron to design it.

The Das Keyboard series has been one of the gold standards for mechanical keyboards for office use. The Das Keyboard 6 takes things to the next level with a refined design with simple aesthetics, solid build quality, and a USB Type-C hub for charging devices and connecting peripherals. It also features genuine Cherry switches and a simple white backlight for typing and gaming in the dark. At $199, it’s expensive but will be a great match for users interested in trading RGB backlighting for a more elegant design, dedicated media controls, and extra connectivity options.

Magnetic switches look like they might just be the new big trend in gaming keyboards. Wooting was one of the first brands to offer glassy, magnetic switches in its keyboards and it still one of the most popular today with its Wooting 60HE, but Steelseries, Corsair, and now Akko are official on the Hall Effect train as well. The competition is hot!

The Black Diamond 75 is the debut keyboard from Dry Studio, a brand new keyboard brand spun off from Angry Miao . The connections are clear, but the Black Diamond 75 is a wholly unique keyboard. Taking inspiration from the Lamborghini Aventador Mansory Carbonado, a carbon fiber super car, it features a design that’s luxurious without being exorbitant and offers an excellent typing and gaming experience. Designed for esports, it features 2.4GHz wireless with a 2ms scan rate, ensuring instantaneous responses, and ultra fast switches. Launching to IndieGoGo starting at $204, it’s an impressive keyboard that competes with gaming and custom keyboards alike.

Lofree has announced its latest keyboard, the Lofree Flow, a brand-new low-profile mechanical keyboard. The peripheral and hardware innovator created the Lofree Flow as the world’s first low-profile keyboard to contain Kalih full POM switches.

The Monsgeek M1W is a perfect example of Monsgeek’s mission: to make high-quality keyboards more affordable. Coming in at $139.99 fully built or $109.99 as a barebones kit, it features an aluminum case, pre-lubed switches and stabilizers, fast 2.4GHz wireless, layers of sound-dampening foam, and other enthusiast features to deliver a premium, yet firm, typing experience. If you’ve been considering the GMMK Pro or other 75% keyboards, the Monsgeek M1W is definitely worth a closer look.

We're thrilled to announce the return of GamesBeat Next, hosted in San Francisco this October, where we will explore the theme of «Playing the Edge.» Apply to speak here and learn more about sponsorship opportunities here. At the event, we will also announce 25 top game startups as the 2024 Game Changers. Apply or nominate today!

Apple hasn't majorly refreshed its iPad lineup in some time, but it almost introduced its biggest-ever iPad this year. The Cupertino-based tech giant has been working to bring out bigger iPads since 2021. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first highlighted this in his July 2021 newsletter where he claimed that Apple's upcoming bigger iPads could “blur the lines” between a tablet and a laptop in the future. The company was reportedly working on its biggest-ever iPad and almost introduced it this year.

Last week Bloomberg reported that Apple is working on a brand new version of the iPad Pro, and now we’re learning a bit more about what to expect from the device, more specifically its keyboard.

The Gamakay LK75 is one of the latest mechanical keyboards from the team at Gamakay, a brand focused on bringing affordable but quality options to gamers and mechanical keyboard fans. It features tri-mode wireless connectivity and features one of the quietest typing experiences we’ve encountered yet. It’s solidly built with a lot of attention to detail when it comes to typing and gaming and even includes a customizable OLED screen built into the volume knob. Unfortunately, its silent switches feel quite mushy, the screen is both dim and glossy, and the keycaps are strangely inspired by Adobe Photoshop — a fact that goes completely unremarked upon anywhere in the keyboard’s marketing. It can be a solid buy if you value quiet keys but at $119.99, it feels pretty expensive for everyone else. 

IQUNIX has quietly been making some of the best premade mechanical keyboards you can buy for years. We’ve looked at quiet a few of them here at MMORPG, so when the company reached out to let us know about its new line of SUPER custom mechanical keyboards, we knew we had to take a look. 

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is teasing new VR technology that can turn any flat surface into a virtual keyboard. 

Rejoice all ye mechanical keyboard aficionados. For the big noise in keyboard switches, Cherry, has announced a new version of the ubiquitous Cherry MX switch. Behold the Cherry MX2A, smoother, quieter and good for 100 million clicks.

The gold standard for keyboard switches is getting an upgrade. German company Cherry is building on its existing tech with a new “MX2A” switch that promises to be better in every way. 

Konami's announcement of Metal Gear Solid: The Master Collection Vol. 1 was both long-awaited and arrived with a few eyebrow-raising details. It won't just include Metal Gear Solid 1 through 3, for example, but the earlier 2D games: including the non-canon game Kojima wasn't involved in and apparently dislikes. The PC version's Steam listing also popped up with the unwelcome news that the games would not include mouse and keyboard support, which seems rather bizarre (especially as there exists an old PC version of MGS which does have keyboard controls).

Have you met anyone who is really into mechanical keyboards? You know, really into mechanical keyboards? They could talk your ear off about the trade-offs between 5-pin switches, tactile keystrokes, and artisan Pokémon keycaps. I'm certain they would have something to say about Razer's new keyboard. BlackWidow V4 75% is Razer's first hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that will swap out not only the just keycaps but the actual switches themselves without having to dismantle the keyboard or do any de-soldering.

By Umar Shakir, a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.

By Jon Porter, a reporter with five years of experience covering consumer tech releases, EU tech policy, online platforms, and mechanical keyboards.

Article by Myles Goldman

Article by Myles Goldman

While Starfield hasn’t yet graced our Steam Deck screens, that hasn’t stopped fans being inspired by the sci-fi RPG game. In the run-up to the Starfield release date, a Bethesda fan has taken it upon themselves to create a custom Steam Deck Starfield keyboard that’s so good, I wish I could spend my Steam Points to get it.

Keychron is one of the better-known names in the customizable keyboard space, but it hasn't directly targeted gamers — until now, that is. The company has launched a gaming division, Lemokey, whose first product is the crowdfunded L3 keyboard. The full-length peripheral supports a 2.4GHz wireless connection with a responsive 1,000Hz polling rate, but the real attraction is a tough, customizable aluminum body that can reportedly survive the rigors of competitive gaming.

Retro fans are being treated to 8BitDo's first gaming keyboard today, and she's a beauty. Featuring those classic gray and red NES tones (a burgundy Famicom colorway is also available), hot-swappable switches, and wireless connectivity, this is a TKL keyboard for true Ninty fans but also those after a suite of controls at their fingertips. 

Purveyor of fine retro-pop interface devices, 8BitDo, has announced their latest creation, a retro-styled mechanical keyboard. It comes in two flavors, NES or Famicom.

It can be difficult to differentiate oneself in the crowded mechanical keyboard market. The variety of providers and customization options means there’s something for everybody. But retro gaming controller outfit 8BitDo has created something original, and highly alluring to nostalgia fiends like yours truly.

A new Xbox update coming to the Insider program lets users map keyboard keys to your controller.

Microsoft is experimenting with the ability to map keyboard keys on Xbox Series X which is currently available in beta to Xbox Insider members. 

Xbox is preparing the ability to map keyboard keys to controller buttons in the future.