Gamepads are a niche product, no doubt.
But it is gaining traction in the competitive space.
So if you are here, that means you want to dabble in this category of products.
So, lets take a look at all the choices you have.
6 Best Gaming Keypads To Buy in 2023
1.
Overall Best: Razer Tartarus Pro
Razers Tartarus Pro is the best keypad that we have tested so far.
With a quick glance, you wont find any striking differences compared to the V2.
But it has got the upgrades where it matters the most the key switches.
It has optical switches, which you will only find in the top-tier keyboards.
What this does is, uses light to register keystrokes.
We found this feature really useful when making stealth kills in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
you could customize this on individual games right from Razers Synapse software.
Want to make a quick dash and attack shortcut?
That is possible too.
Every key is programmable and can be set to perform different functions.
The keys themselves are ergonomic, which means they are designed to replicate your hand.
They are set up in a wave-like form, reducing fatigue when using the keypad for longer gaming sessions.
Finally, you have the thumbstick.
This allows you to maneuver in a game.
But I did not find this useful, as I am not good with controllers.
However, it provides good feedback and is positioned for your thumbs to reach it easily.
If you are someone who uses it, you wont be disappointed.
Razers Tartarus Pro has basically everything you want, from a dedicated keypad for gaming.
If money is no object, surely go for this keypad.
Just taking a quick glance will make you wonder if they are any different.
The V2 features mechanical-membrane switches that provide both tactile feedback and soft key presses.
Actuation points are uniform across all keys.
The keys themselves do feel alright during gaming.
If you think the membrane switches will make these less capable, then you are wrong.
Every single key can be customized by the excellent Synapse software.
Recording macros can get tiresome, but at least the app has a great interface to use.
The overall layout of the keys makes it a prime candidate for online MMORPG games.
Just set up macros using Razer Hypershift, and you are good to go.
Build quality is top-notch, as usual.
But I felt the spacebar was placed a bit far.
I have smaller hands, so that may not be an issue for everyone.
The keycaps and wrist rest are ergonomic in design.
They are comfortable to use but may require some time to get used to.
It may be a shrunken keyboard, but it does not sacrifice the quality of keystrokes.
You are still getting a solid-feeling keyboard.
Lets start with the keys first.
You get Oteron blue switches which provide great tactile feedback.
I did a blind test with a full-size mechanical keyboard and could not tell the difference between the two.
So you are not sacrificing any quality of switches here.
Along with the switches, you get eight macro keys to set up actions depending on your game.
As the keys are separate from the main keys, this can help distinguish them and prevent accidental presses.
I really liked the position and the size of the space bar.
It is positioned perfectly and gives solid feedback.
you’ve got the option to save these macros in four dedicated switches at the top.
Pressing these will switch between the saved profile on the go.
There are two magnets holding the wrist rest in position.
While these are perfect for supporting the palms, I felt these could have been a little more cushiony.
The connection was solid at 2.4 GHz with no drops.
There is also an identical wired model.
But it performs admirably for what it costs.
Also, it is easier on your wallet too.
Best in Budget: Red Thunder One
Here comes the most affordable keypad on our list today.
The Red Thunder One-handed keyboard is a standard membrane keyboard.
If you have used a lower-end gaming keyboard, this will feel very similar to those.
I say this in no bad taste.
It is a basic membrane keyboard.
The key travels are good, and I felt these were really clicky.
Not quite to the levels of a mechanical keyboard, but it holds up.
You do not get any separate keys for storing macros.
Instead, you have to rely on the F1 and F2 keys to save the macros.
Additionally, you do not get any software to back it up.
You have to remember the keypresses to trigger a saved macro.
The RGBs are static with seven color modes.
There are static and breathing effects too.
I really liked how the colors look on the keys.
They are even and do not project solely on a single place.
Really good for the price you are paying for it.
As for continual usability, the ergonomic design makes it easy for you to use it for longer periods.
The lower keys (X, C) and the spacebar are curved slightly.
Add a wrist rest to this, and my hands felt resting naturally.
I certainly did not feel any fatigue built up when playing Fortnite.
The Red Thunder One is a perfect template of what budget keyboards should be like.
You get a solid keyboard with great RGBs for under 20 bucks.
Best Miniature: Koolertron One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard
The Koolertron is the most cool-looking keyboard on the list.
I mean, the name says it all.
It is designed as a one-handed keyboard but comes with all the perks of a mechanical keyboard.
Lets talk about the size first.
It is really diminutive.
As for the keycaps, you get the full travel of mechanical keyboards.
The switches feel really nice and share characteristics similar to compact keyboards.
I used an RK 60 previously and felt the keystrokes were very similar to that.
This will add up the cost, but you will get the desired looks.
Coming to RGBs, it comes with software having tons of customizability.
There are 32 colors it’s possible for you to set with numerous built-in effects.
you’re free to change the level of brightness for the light or turn it off entirely.
You do not have per-key RGB as you get on the Razer.
Next up is macros.
This is another highlight of the software.
There are 24 macro keys in total.
The software allows you to set individual keys for complex macros in four different layers.
For MMO players, this can come in handy.
To test this, I configured Dota 2 using the software that comes with it.
The customization options are endless.
it’s possible for you to basically use any keys for the macro.
And this works great for productivity apps such as Photoshop or Premier Pro as well.
Compared to the Red Thunder One, you get a full mechanical keyboard in the same price bracket.
The keystrokes resemble what you get with a dedicated mechanical keyboard.
They are quite satisfying, albeit a bit loud.
I saw some reviews online, and others were saying the same thing.
There is no mention of what switches are used.
Chances are that these are using the Kalih switch, which is used by most low-end keyboards.
They are not the very best, and there is some scratchy feeling involved.
But you gotta consider what these costs too.
The WASD keys have an engraving with them, which makes it easier when playing first-person titles.
Finally, there are six dedicated macro keys that were absent on the Red Thunder.
That means you might set some form of button mapping to them.
The options are not as extensive as compared to some higher offerings in this list.
The main highlight of the Cakce keypad was the fully mechanical switches.
Really a joy to throw in on, and overall great for the price.
That means we have to consider those things, too, when choosing a keypad.
Ergonomics
The keypad should feel nice to use and fit well within your hands.
Look for the ones that come with a wrist rest.
key in of Keys
The switches can be either mechanical or membrane.
Depending on your preference, you’ve got the option to buy any of them.
Hybrid switches employ the best of both worlds and are called mecha-membrane.
Software and Profiles
Included software can make assigning macros really easier.
Also, they can give you lots of RGB effects and color options.
Razer makes some great software in this field.
Gaming keypads can have some or all keys that can do this.
If you play games likeDOTA 2, this can come in handy.
RGB Support
Most keypads come with RGB these days.
But the differentiating factors lie in what you’re free to customize.
Also, take note of how the bundled software that comes with the keypad performs.
Some keypads allow you to adjust their height, while others come with fixed ones.
