Do Pro Gamers Use Keyboards? A Deep Dive into the Pro Gaming Peripheral Landscape

The short answer is a resounding yes, pro gamers definitely use keyboards. However, the story is much more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The type of game, the gamer’s personal preference, and even the specific genre within gaming all play significant roles in determining keyboard usage. In this article, we’ll explore the keyboard’s dominant position in professional gaming, dissect the reasons behind its popularity, and answer frequently asked questions to give you a comprehensive understanding of this crucial gaming peripheral.

The Keyboard’s Reign: Why It’s King (or Queen) in Many Esports

For many competitive games, especially within the PC gaming landscape, the keyboard reigns supreme. It’s not just about using any keyboard, though. Professional gamers almost universally favor mechanical keyboards over the more common membrane alternatives. This preference stems from several key advantages:

• Precision and Control: The individual key switches in mechanical keyboards offer more tactile feedback and precise actuation points, allowing for faster and more accurate inputs. This is especially critical in fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS) and MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas).

• Durability: Professional gaming involves intense, repetitive actions. Mechanical keyboards are built to withstand this rigorous use, boasting a significantly longer lifespan than membrane keyboards. Think of them as the tanks of the keyboard world.

• Customization: Mechanical keyboards offer a vast array of customization options. From different switch types (linear, tactile, clicky) to keycaps and even internal dampeners, pro gamers can fine-tune their keyboard to perfectly match their playing style and preferences.

• Reduced Latency: While the difference might be milliseconds, in the competitive world of esports, every millisecond counts. Mechanical keyboards often boast lower latency, meaning the time between pressing a key and the action registering in the game is minimized.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the keyboard isn’t the only tool pro gamers wield. The choice of peripheral is heavily influenced by the game itself.

The Keyboard vs. Controller Debate: A Genre-Specific Showdown

The keyboard’s dominance isn’t absolute. In certain genres, controllers reign supreme. This leads to the age old question of: Do pro gamers use keyboard or controller? Here’s a breakdown:

• FPS (First-Person Shooters): Traditionally, mouse and keyboard are preferred for the superior aiming and movement control they offer. The mouse allows for precise aiming, while the keyboard provides a wide range of movement options. However, the rise of aim assist on controllers in some FPS titles has blurred these lines, leading some pro players, even on PC, to switch to controllers.

• MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas): Keyboard and mouse are almost universally used in MOBAs. The complex character abilities and strategic map awareness demand the precision and speed that this combination offers.

• Fighting Games: Controllers, specifically fight sticks or gamepads, are the standard. The analog stick and button layout offer the precise and responsive control needed for executing complex combos.

• Racing Games: Dedicated wheel setups are the preferred choice for professional racing game players. These setups provide realistic feedback and precise steering control, mimicking the experience of driving a real race car.

• Sports Games: Controllers are the primary input device. The analog sticks provide intuitive control over player movement, while the buttons allow for quick and easy execution of actions like passing, shooting, and tackling.

The rise of controller players in traditionally keyboard-dominated games highlights the evolving landscape of professional gaming. Factors like game design, input assist features, and individual player comfort all contribute to the choice of peripheral.

The Mouse: The Keyboard’s Indispensable Partner

While this article focuses on keyboards, it’s impossible to discuss their role in pro gaming without acknowledging the vital partnership with the mouse. The combination of keyboard and mouse provides a level of control and precision that is unparalleled in many game genres, especially those requiring accurate aiming and rapid reflexes. Many pro players have a mouse and keyboard, or a controller, whichever their preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s delve into some common questions about keyboard usage in professional gaming:

1. What type of keyboard do most pro gamers use?

The overwhelming majority of pro gamers use mechanical keyboards. The tactile feedback, durability, and customization options make them the preferred choice for competitive play.

2. Why do pro gamers prefer mechanical keyboards?

They offer superior tactile feedback, durability, customization, and potentially lower latency compared to membrane keyboards. These features translate to more precise control, faster response times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience.

3. What keyboard switches are popular among pro gamers?

Popular switch types include linear switches (like Cherry MX Red or Speed Silver) for their smooth, consistent keystrokes and tactile switches (like Cherry MX Brown) for their tactile bump that provides feedback upon actuation. The choice ultimately depends on individual preference.

4. What size keyboard is best for gaming?

While full-size keyboards are still used, tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards are gaining popularity among pro gamers due to their smaller footprint, which allows for more mouse movement space. 60% keyboards are also becoming increasingly common for their even smaller size.

5. Why do pro gamers tilt their keyboards?

Pro gamers tilt their keyboards to create more space for their mouse. This allows them to make larger, more sweeping mouse movements, which is particularly important for aiming in FPS games. Also, it makes it easier for transport and LAN events.

6. Do pro gamers use wireless keyboards?

Yes, some do. Advancements in wireless technology have minimized latency, making wireless keyboards a viable option for competitive gaming. The Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed is a popular choice among pros.

7. Why do gamers like clicky keys?

Clicky switches offer a distinct auditory feedback and a noticeable tactile bump, making typing and gaming feel more satisfying for some users. However, the loudness can be distracting to others. They are also fun!

8. What are the most commonly used keys by gamers?

The WASD keys are the most frequently used for movement in many games. Other commonly used keys include Shift, Ctrl, Spacebar, and number keys for accessing abilities or items.

9. Is it easier to aim with a mouse or a controller?

Generally, a mouse offers greater precision for aiming, especially in FPS games. However, advancements in controller technology, particularly aim assist, have narrowed the gap.

10. Why do some pro Apex Legends players use controllers?

Apex Legends’ game design incorporates aim assist for controllers, which can provide a significant advantage in certain situations. Some pro players have switched to controllers to capitalize on this feature.

11. Do pro gamers lift their mouse?

Generally no, they don’t, especially players using low sensitivity settings. Lifting the mouse can disrupt tracking and negatively impact aim. Instead, they typically rely on large mousepads and sweeping arm movements.

12. Why do PC players complain about aim assist?

PC players often complain about aim assist because it can feel overpowered and reduce the skill gap between players using different input methods.

13. Do pro gamers use Razer products?

Yes, many pro gamers use Razer products, including keyboards, mice, and headsets. Razer has a strong presence in the esports industry and sponsors numerous professional teams and players.

14. What makes a keyboard “good” for gaming?

A good gaming keyboard typically features mechanical switches, fast response times, anti-ghosting technology, and customizable features like macro keys and RGB lighting.

15. How does gaming with a keyboard enhance learning and skills?

Gaming with a keyboard develops skills applicable outside of esports. For example, the WASD keys are the most frequently used for movement in many games. Other commonly used keys include Shift, Ctrl, Spacebar, and number keys for accessing abilities or items. Beyond mechanical skills, gaming promotes strategic thinking and problem-solving. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

While the landscape of professional gaming continues to evolve, the keyboard remains a crucial tool for many pro gamers, particularly in PC gaming. Its precision, durability, and customizability make it the preferred choice for a wide range of genres. However, the rise of controllers in certain games highlights the importance of choosing the right peripheral for the task at hand. Ultimately, the best input device is the one that allows a player to perform at their best, regardless of the game they are playing.