Are you an avid gamer looking for the perfect keyboard to take your gaming experience to the next level? Look no further than a mechanical keyboard with USB passthrough. This type of keyboard offers gamers a wide range of features that can give them an edge over their opponents, from improved tactile feedback and faster keystrokes, to customizability and ease of access. In this article, we’ll explore all the advantages that make a mechanical keyboard with USB passthrough the ideal choice for any serious gaming enthusiast. We’ll look at what makes these keyboards so special and why they’re worth investing in. Finally, we’ll cover some tips on how to get the most out of your new setup and make sure you have an unbeatable gaming experience.
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL
If you’re in the market for a mechanical gaming keyboard with USB passthrough, then the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is definitely worth considering. With its sleek design and aircraft-grade aluminium alloy construction, it’s built to last and comes packed with plenty of features that make it highly customizable. The RGB lighting can be adjusted to 16.8 million colours per key, while the OLED smart display allows you to show profiles, game info, Discord messages and Spotify tracks. It also has sensitive keys that are nearly silent when typing and great cable management due to its USB passthrough port.
That being said, there are some downsides such as reports of keys not responding after a period of time or the software being somewhat limited in what it can do. Additionally, the cable connecting the keyboard is quite stiff which makes cable management difficult at times. Some users may wish they had chosen the blue switch version instead too as it’s quite sensitive for some tastes. Despite these minor issues though, this product still provides great value with plenty of features and customization options – making it well worth your consideration!
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire
If you’re looking for a premium mechanical keyboard with fast and reliable keystrokes, then the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire is the perfect choice. Featuring an aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum frame, lightweight durable aluminum construction, and CHERRY MX Speed key switches with 1.2mm actuation, this keyboard looks great and performs even better. The dynamic multi-color RGB backlighting can be fully customized using the CORSAIR iCUE software while dedicated media keys and a volume wheel make it easy to control your audio settings. Plus, the USB pass through port is great for access to additional ports when needed and the detachable USB-C cable makes transportation of your keyboard worry free. The only downside is that keycaps may need replacement over time but for its performance at a reasonable price point, this product should be high on any serious gamer’s list of options.
Das Keyboard Prime 13
The Das Keyboard Prime 13 is a great option for anyone looking for an efficient and minimalistic mechanical keyboard. The Cherry MX Brown key switches provide a soft actuation that makes typing feel effortless, while the steel faceplate ensures there’s no noticeable flex in the keyboard. The no-nonsense features mean you’ll get your job done with minimum distractions and maximum efficiency. It also has an anodized aluminum top panel along with white LED backlighting that provides just the right amount of lighting in dark rooms or at night. Plus, it comes with a long USB cable and two port USB 2.0 hub, as well as factory lubricated stabilizers on large keys for smooth typing.
Another great feature of this keyboard is its USB passthrough port located in the top right corner, which allows you to connect peripherals directly without going through your PC first. However, one potential downside is that some of the shifted characters on the keycaps have their positions reversed from how they’re labeled on the keycaps, which can be confusing if you’re used to different layouts. Additionally, even at its lowest level setting, some users might find that the keycap lighting is still too bright and flickers slightly. All in all though, these are minor drawbacks when compared to all of the great features present in this product – making it an ideal choice for any gaming enthusiast looking for a high end professional look and feel.
ASUS ROG Strix Flare
The ASUS ROG Strix Flare is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a reliable, fast response mechanical keyboard. The Cherry MX Red switches offer the speed and accuracy needed during gameplay, while the Aura Sync RGB lighting allows you to customize your gaming station with countless colors and effects. On-the-fly macro recording, USB passthrough, and integrated media controls make it easy to fine-tune settings quickly during play. Even more personalization can be achieved with its customizable logo badge. Although some users may find lack of bumps on S key for gaming and no key cap puller included as drawbacks, overall this keyboard offers solid build quality and plenty of great features.
Redragon K550
The Redragon K550 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a quality mechanical keyboard at an affordable price. It has custom mechanical switches, solid aluminum/ABS construction and customizable RGB lighting with adjustable brightness and colors. Additionally, six programmable macro keys can be set to any macro on the board and USB passthrough allows you to connect your mouse or other peripherals without having to reach around behind your computer. While there are some minor shortcomings such as lack of software support for color palette options and Windows key activation required for custom lighting effects, these issues do not detract from this keyboard’s overall performance or features.
Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL
The Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL is an excellent choice for gamers who want a high-performance mechanical keyboard. It has an impressive 80 million click durability and is made with military-grade metal top plate, making it sturdy and reliable. The tenkeyless design also offers more space on your desk while still giving you the same gaming experience.
In addition, the Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL comes with Razer Hypershift to program macros and customize your gaming experience. It also features 16.8 million colors on each backlit key that can be synchronized with popular games or Phillips Hue gear through its Razer Chroma RGB lighting system – making your gaming setup look great! Plus, it has fast response time and keys that have slight texture for improved accuracy when typing/gaming, as well as USB passthrough for convenience. The only real downside is that you need Synapse 2 or 3 software in order to control some of the lighting features (which isn’t compatible with Mac OS). All in all, if you’re looking for a great mechanical gaming keyboard then definitely check out the Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL!
Logitech G413
The Logitech G413 is a great choice for anyone looking for a mechanical gaming keyboard. It features Romer-G switches for unparalleled speed, responsiveness, and durability so you can game with confidence. The brushed aluminum-magnesium alloy top case gives the keyboard a sleek, minimal design that looks great on any desk. The additional USB cable allows you to plug in devices like your mouse or charge your phone while you play – it’s a great feature that adds convenience to late night gaming sessions.
The keys are matte finish and help prevent grease build up from long hours of use. The dedicated function keys make media control easy and the Logitech software allows you to customize key binds and LED brightness setting as well as other settings. There are also no distractions during late night gaming sessions thanks to the visibility of the keys even when illuminated by red backlighting.
However, one downside is that there is no wrist rest included which could be beneficial for those who need longer gaming sessions. Additionally, it comes with USB 2.0 pass through instead of USB 3.0 which would have been better in terms of data speed transfer rates. Some users have reported issues with key chatter and bounce after extended use but this may vary between users depending on how they type or game on their keyboards
All things considered, the Logitech G413 offers an overall great experience with its Romer-G mechanical switch purpose built for pro grade performance, responsiveness, and durability combined with all its features making it an ideal product for gamers who want fast response times without sacrificing aesthetics or quality.
Understanding the USB Passthrough on Mechanical Keyboards
Have you ever wondered why some mechanical keyboards have two USB ports? Or perhaps you’ve found yourself puzzled by the term ‘USB passthrough’. This article will guide you through the key facts and concepts of USB passthrough on a keyboard, explaining its benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision in your next keyboard purchase.
What is USB Passthrough?
A feature usually found in higher-end gaming keyboards, USB passthrough refers to an extra female USB port that allows other USB devices to be plugged into it directly. This is particularly convenient for devices with shorter cables or those that you frequently plug and unplug. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you can plug a standing microphone straight into your keyboard. Or perhaps, when working, a thumb drive can be plugged in without having to reach for your PC.
Auxiliary Passthrough
There’s also something called auxiliary passthrough. It’s not as common as USB passthrough but it serves a similar function. Instead of plugging into a USB port, however, the auxiliary cable plugs directly into your keyboard – pretty neat for those who want their speakers closer at hand!
Why Does my Keyboard Have 2 USB Cables?
Mechanical Keyboards with USB passthrough require two male USB power cables – one for powering your keyboard and the other for providing power to the extra port. This means if you’re running low on available ports on your PC, these keyboards may pose a challenge. But don’t fret – even if there’s only one available port, you can still power up your keyboard just fine; it’s just that the fancy passthrough feature won’t work.
The Pros and Cons of Using Keyboards with USB Passthrough
Like all things tech-related, using keyboards with this feature comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The Upsides
The convenience factor is undeniable – plugging in additional devices becomes much simpler. The feature also helps streamline cable routing which ultimately leads to a neater desk space (and who doesn’t love that?).
The Downsides
On the flip side, keyboards with this feature are harder to move around due to their non-detachable power cables. Not only does this make packing up for those LAN parties or work trips more difficult but also poses a challenge when it comes time to replace or repair damaged cables.
Deciding whether or not to go for a keyboard with USB passthrough boils down essentially to personal preference and circumstances. For instance, gamers might prefer high-end gaming keyboards with this feature while typists might lean towards high-end keyboards with detachable cables which allow them to switch out factory cables for custom ones (understand more about how mechanical keyboards work).
Which Keyboard Should You Purchase?
Buying a mechanical keyboard can be quite an investment so it’s important to consider all aspects before making your decision. If you’re seeking something budget-friendly yet efficient here are some top picks of budget mechanical keyboards.
Remember that while certain features like USB passthrough may offer added convenience, they might not always suit everyone’s needs or preferences. At the end of the day, choose what works best for YOU because after all, whether it’s gaming or typing out long documents – comfort is king!
Conclusion
In conclusion, USB passthrough is an excellent feature that offers gamers and typists alike with added convenience and ease of access. It allows you to plug in additional devices or peripherals without having to reach behind your PC or having to use two different USB cables. However, it’s important to remember that this feature often comes with higher-end keyboards, requires two power cables for the port to work properly, and may not be suitable for everyone’s needs or preferences. Ultimately, it’s important to consider all aspects before making a decision on which keyboard best fits your lifestyle – so take into account factors such as budget range, key type, features offered and how you intend to use the keyboard before committing.