Wireless keyboards can be convenient and give you increased flexibility with your gaming setup, but they also come with some issues. Wired keyboards are reliable despite being tethered to your computer.
This post will explore wired versus wireless keyboards to help determine which is better for gaming. I’ll highlight some pros and cons of each type of keyboard. My goal is to give you all the necessary insight to choose whichever option works best for you.
Let’s get rolling.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Both wired and wireless keyboards can work well for gaming, and which is best can vary from gamer to gamer based on their needs and preferences.
- Wired keyboards are reliable and don’t have the same issues as wireless options, but they aren’t as convenient or flexible.
- Wireless options allow you to move your setup and get comfortable but can experience delay or lag, and the batteries can run out.
- Wired keyboards have fewer drawbacks and are typically less expensive than wireless.
Wired vs Wireless Keyboard for Gaming
| Wired Keyboard | Wireless Keyboard |
| Hard wired and reliable | Offers flexibility in range for your gaming setup |
| Very low lag or delay (if any) | Possible lag or delay due to wireless connection |
| Less expensive | More expensive |
| No charge or batteries | Batteries need to be replaced or recharged |
| Works well for gaming | Works well for gaming |
If you are trying to decide whether you should get a wired or wireless keyboard for your gaming setup, there are a few significant points to consider along the way.
Either of these can work well for gaming, so there isn’t necessarily one best option that works for everyone. Instead, each gamer will likely have different preferences that dictate whether a wired or wireless option is best.
The obvious difference between these two types of keyboards is that one connects to a computer with a cable, and the other uses a wireless connection. If you prefer either of those options over the other, you can get good results while gaming.
A wired connection is considered more reliable than a wireless connection. You are likely to encounter fewer problems when using a hard-wired cable directly from the keyboard to the computer.
But a wireless keyboard offers a degree of convenience and flexibility that a wired option can’t match. If you want the freedom to move your keyboard anywhere in your gaming room for comfort or any other reason, a wireless option is the way to go.
Wired keyboards are simpler in function. You just need to have them plugged in, and you’ll be ready for gaming. There is little that can go wrong when using a wired keyboard other than the cable getting unplugged.
But when using a wireless keyboard, a few potential issues are worth considering because these can affect gameplay and your experience.
The first is the possible issues involved with using wireless connectivity. You might experience lag or delay. This can affect your gaming experience, and if the delay happens at a critical time, it can affect gameplay.
Most modern wireless keyboards do a pretty solid job of eliminating lag or delay issues, but there is no way to remove them entirely. It’s always possible that your keyboard could encounter this at some point.
There is a chance that you might never experience delay or lag when using a wireless keyboard. But there is also a decent chance that you will. So it depends on whether you’re willing to take that risk.
Another thing to consider is that a wireless keyboard’s batteries will eventually run out. And then, you’ll need to either replace the batteries or charge them up if they are rechargeable. You might need to pause gameplay if this happens.
If the batteries die while you are gaming, you might get frustrated, or the game you are playing could be affected. It’s not that big of a deal to take a pause to replace or recharge batteries, but it’s not a seamless thing either.
Wired keyboards don’t have batteries, so there’s no need to worry about them ever losing power. In that sense, they are more reliable and dependable. Unless the wired keyboard gets pulled out of the computer, it will work.
Wireless keyboards are also typically more expensive than wired ones. So if you are on a budget, choosing a wired option is the way to go. Wireless models aren’t crazy expensive, but they do cost more.
You can use a regular wired keyboard and find really cheap options. You might even just want to use the keyboard that came with your computer. But if you upgrade to a wireless model, you’ll pay for it.
Should I Use a Wireless Keyboard for Gaming?
Anyone considering going away from using a wired keyboard should weigh all of the pros and cons mentioned above and choose an option that best meets your needs. That’s the best way to decide if you should use a wireless keyboard.
And if you choose to use a wireless option, it’s a good idea to keep your wired keyboard around just in case you want or need to use it down the road. It never hurts to have a backup option if anything goes wrong with your wireless keyboard.
If you want the freedom and flexibility that comes with using a wireless keyboard and don’t mind spending a little extra money to get one, they are great. You’ll likely have a solid experience and don’t need to worry about any issues.
But if you want to avoid all the issues I mentioned above, using a wired keyboard helps you do that. Most modern wireless keyboards are designed to limit these issues, but they don’t even exist with wired ones.
How to Choose a Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Type of Switch
The switch you choose comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the clicky blue switches, while others prefer the quieter brown switches. Ultimately, this is something you have to figure out for yourself. There are a ton of options out there, just pick the one that works for you.
Backlighting
Some people love RGB or solid color backlighting, while others think it’s distracting. Not all keyboards offer it, so if it is something that you want, make sure the one you choose has the capability. This is another option that comes down to personal preference.
Macro Keys
If you’re a hardcore gamer, especially one who likes playing MMO games, you want a keyboard with macro keys. These keys make your life much easier in games like World of Warcraft. If you play open games like that, only get a wireless keyboard with macro keys.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to wired versus wireless keyboards and which is better for gaming.
Which keyboard type is better for gaming?
Many different types of keyboard can work well for gaming. A standard wired keyboard will work just fine in most situations, but wireless options give you a degree of convenience that can also be great.
Do wireless keyboards have lag?
Wireless keyboards always have the potential for lag, but that doesn’t mean that this will definitely happen. Newer wireless technologies do a much better job of eliminating lag and delay, so a newer wireless keyboard is less likely to deal with the issue.
What do pro gamers use for keyboard?
Many pro gamers like to use a wired keyboard. This helps eliminate the possible problems that come with using a wireless option, like delay or a dead battery. In a competitive situation, these problems are not worth dealing with.
Final Thoughts
Wired and wireless keyboards can both work well for gaming, and the best option just depends on what you want and need as a gamer. Wireless is more convenient, while wired keyboards offer better reliability.
Read through all the pros and cons mentioned in this post to help you figure out which keyboard is best for your situation. And if you choose a wireless one, be sure to keep your wired keyboard just in case you want to use it down the road.
Do you prefer to use a wired or wireless keyboard for gaming? Why? Let me know in the comments below.
