The gaming keyboard may be the last item to buy on a gamer’s wish list for gaming hardware and accessories. This is because a regular keyboard can be used for online flash games and usually they are more than enough. However, power gamers or those who really want to dominate the playing field can make use of the gaming keyboard’s special function.

A keyboard for gaming has functions that will help gamers to improve their gameplay. Most gaming keyboards have a faster response time than regular computer keyboards. This will be very useful for games like first person shooter and real-time strategy games where quick reflexes are needed. For people with really quick reflexes, a normal keyboard’s response time will not be adequate which canlead to some wrong moves or key presses. Another benefit of using a gaming keyboard is that the keys can be modified. Macros and chain commands can be set on some of the keyboard keys which will help gamers to micromanage the games. There are two types of gaming keyboards: the non-mechanical and the mechanical keyboard.  The difference between the two is that a mechanical gaming keyboard will feel better than non mechanical ones.

Here is a closer look at some of the top rated gaming keyboards for 2012:

1.    Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard – This is the best gaming keyboard according to reviews at a cost of $73. The Razer Lycosa features include: rubber finish keytop that is non-slip, illuminated keys, and fully programmable keyboard keys, hyperesponse technology, very high response time, audio jack, microphone jack, and others.

2.    Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110 – another very popular gaming keyboard which cost $70. The G100 features: Back-lighted keys, 12 programmable keys, game mode and desktop mode, cable management, High speed USB port, audio connector port, instant access to media buttons, and others.

3.    Saitek Cyborg gaming keyboard V.7 – this is one of the best gaming keyboards available. However, among all the gaming keyboard listed here, the V.7 is the most expensive at $200. The V.7 features: 3 color back-lighting, adjustable keyboard angle, up to 6 keyboard keys can be pressed simultaneously and all will function, keycaps are metal plated, 12 programmable keys, 32 modes of programming, and others.

4.    Steelseries Merc Stealth gaming keyboard – a gaming keyboard priced at $100. The Steel series features: 34 dedicated keys for gaming, special software for creating macros and programming keys, rubberized keys, 2 Usb 2.0 ports, and others.

5.    Razer Blackwidow mechanical gaming keyboard – the razer balckwidow is a mechanical gaming keyboard which features: mechanical keys which is able to accept 50g pressure force, on-the-fly key programming and macro recording, on and off gaming mode, key matrix optimized for gaming to minimize ghosting, and others.

6.    Razer Marauder Starcraft II gaming keyboard – the perfect keyboard designed for Starcraft 2 players.

The keyboards mentioned above are all designed to give gamers an edge when playing games. They all have special features that cannot be found on regular keyboards, as some of them are wired and some are wireless gaming keyboards. Depending on the budget and the functions that the gamer needs, any of these gaming keyboards will make gameplay easier and better.