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Nuphy also makes the Halo75 and Halo65, which offer the same excellent design in a smaller form factor and at a slightly lower price. We also recommend their low-profile Air75 keyboard. In terms of extra features, this tenkeyless keyboard has a rare volume wheel in the upper right and a button that's set to play/pause by default. This can be customised in the SteelSeries GG software, which also allows different lighting modes and key assignments. Mechanical keyboards are defined by their switches. The most common options are MX switches, originally made by Cherry and now made by a range of manufacturers. Each switch is described by its colour; the three most popular are as follows: Otherwise, you get a solid but not exceptional feature list, with a detachable USB-C cable, bright per-key RGB lighting, n-key rollover, three-level feet and a comprehensive Function layer. You could certainly find cheaper keyboards with more features - like analogue switches, additional macro keys, volume rollers, wrist rests - but for actual gaming and typing, I'd probably go for the keyboard that truly nails the essentials. Note that the One 3 is also available in 60 percent and full-size sizes.
Overall, it's easier to list off what the Corsair K100 can't do than what it can do. If you have the desk space for a full-size-and-then-some keyboard and you'll actually use its many many features, then the K100 is worth every penny of its premium asking price. It depends! Mechanical keyboards feel better to type or game on for many people, and are sometimes described as faster or more responsive. While membrane keyboards harden over time, mechanical keyboards provide a consistent experience for decades. Mechanical keyboards are also available in many different switches, each of which has their own characteristics - loud versus quiet, tactile versus linear, long travel versus short travel and so on.
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Performance-wise, the Trust Gaming GXT 834 Callaz is a decent keyboard. It’s useful for the most basic gamer to the experienced gamer. As it’s on the cheaper side of mechanical keyboards, I wasn’t expecting much, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised. Overall, this is going to be a decent buy if you're strapped for cash and only need something that can manage the basics. It's also a great first mechanical keyboard for kids and teenagers to get used to the difference between mechanical and membrane hardware, but this is likely to disappoint you if you've ever owned a mechanical keyboard from a more globally recognised brand. The GXT 834 Callaz is wired. The cable is braided (always better), and 180 cm, a good length, particularly when the cable is not detachable, as is the case here. However, mechanical switches are expensive to produce and often sound louder than their non-mechanical counterparts. By comparison, non-mechanical keyboards tend to feel softer, cost less to produce and don't sound as loud. While both options have their objective strengths and weaknesses, it often comes down to personal preference.
The GXT 834 Callaz uses linear red Outemu switches (clones of CHERRY MX reds), which have a 47g actuation force and 4 mm travel. They last for up to 50 million keystrokes, which is half that of the Cherry switches, but still constitute a long and productive life. They’re a little loud compared to the CHERRY MX reds, but it’s not a big deal; the keyboard isn’t advertised as “stealth”. The keyboard has no wrist support and its design isn’t ergonomic, which is a big blow considering considering the length of time gaming sessions can last. Performance The keyboard is good for everyday use. The keys are the right height and have decent separation – typing feels accurate, and satisfying, perhaps because of the metal top plate. When it comes to gaming it was comfortable, and easy to use, although it took me a few days to feel comfortable using it. It’s not out-of-this-world amazing, but it certainly isn’t anywhere near bad. I particularly enjoyed the feel of this keyboard with the Rose Glacier switches installed, which provide a much more noticeable tactile response than standard MX Brown tactile switches - great for typing, but also ideal for RTS and other genres where key accuracy is critical.
Plug in, play on
Choosing the right PC gaming peripherals can make a world of difference, by making it easier to survive in competitive games or simply become immersed in your favourite virtual world for hours on end. We've already covered the best gaming mice and gaming headsets, and now it's time to take a closer look at another critical area: the best gaming keyboards. Does it make up for that with its low price, metal top plate, and “rainbow-wave” lighting? Keep reading on to find out whether it’s worthy of our best gaming keyboard shortlist. Design While the keycaps are a big improvement, the Elite 2 doesn't include some add-ons provided with the original Elite. There are no replacement keycaps for WASD and a palm rest doesn't come in the box, although it's clear that the frame is still engineered to accept one. I personally used neither of these, but if you do want a palm rest you might consider a third-party option instead.
You can’t assign macros or rebind keys with the Callaz, which is a bit disappointing in a gaming keyboard. While I am fully aware of its cheaper price point, I was still surprised that it didn’t offer even the most basic macros or rebindable key options. Some gamers don’t care about these things, but many gamers (including myself) prefer to have a more customised gaming experience.
Game on and on and on
All in all, the Keychron K3's compact size, excellent switches and overall aesthetic makes it one of our favourite keyboards for gaming or typing. This keyboard is also uniquely in-demand here at Digital Foundry's Bristol office, and disappearing on many occasions because someone fancied using it for work. If that's not a tacit recommendation, I don't know what is! Of course, it goes without saying that while there are certainly better and worse keyboards on the market, choosing the right keyboard is also a very personal experience. We've tried to consider a range of viewpoints and value judgements, but my number one choice might be one you wouldn't even consider.
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