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  • Need a Touchscreen Laptop? Here are Our Favorites.

    Need a Touchscreen Laptop? Here are Our Favorites.

    For artists, students and professionals, a touchscreen laptop is a great way to get more hands on with work, research and play. Good laptops are expensive, though, so making a decision about which to buy can be very difficult. To help guide you, we’ve compiled some of our favorite touchscreen laptops! Ready for some new tech? Read on!

    Surface Book 2

    For those who want the best of all worlds, the Surface Book 2 touchscreen laptop has you covered. This convertible laptop converts into a 15-inch tablet for ease of handling and boasts an incredible display. The Surface Book 2 is very light and durable in both tablet and laptop mode, to boot. This laptop also sports a pretty tremendous amount of processing power, with 16 GB of RAM, usingan Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, all powered by an 8thGen Intel Core i7. If that all sounds very expensive, that’s because it is. The Surface Book 2, while awesome, is expensive: it retails for $2500.

    If the initial sticker shock of this touchscreen laptop fades and you still find yourself wanting this level of power, flexibility and control, then the Surface Book 2 is for you. Everything from video and photo editing to computer gaming comes natural to a rig this beefy, and with its convertible modes and lightweight design, this really is the best package to house it all in.

    Samsung Chromebook Pro

    This touchscreen laptop is the absolute best choice for students or note takers. The Chromebook Pro has a nifty storable stylus and a slick, easily-stashed design that makes it great for traveling in a backpack. The Chromebook saves all of your handwritten notes to Google Keep, which is fantastically useful by itself. This feature is made even more desirable for note takers when you take into account its main function: it stores your notes in a digitized, searchable text file!

    Being able to search back through your handwritten notes with an automated function makes studying a breeze. If you constantly find yourself searching your notebooks or saved note files for lectures and test answers, the Chromebook Pro was made for you. Retailing at a reasonable $600, this one doesn’t break the bank as much as the Surface Book 2, so it won’t set students back too far. The downside? It only sport about 9 hours of battery life, which can be frustrating on long days when you haven’t finished your studying or note taking yet. That gripe aside, the Chromebook Pro is still the best touchscreen laptop for students.

    Our Favorite Touchscreen Laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro

    Microsoft’s Surface Pro touchscreen laptop is technically a tablet 2-in-1, but we’ll let it slide onto the list for just how useful it is. It is beefy enough under the hood to make it feel like a fine laptop when it has its keyboard attached, and it also sports Bluetooth support for wireless mice. The stylus and note taking steal the show: this is a device designed with touch functionality in mind first and foremost. The optional Surface Pen is responsive and accurate, making it a fantastic tool for artists and students.

    If you’re in the market for something affordable and strong and don’t mind picking up the Surface Pen separately, this is the best touch laptop on the market. A must-have for artists and just an overall great device for everyone else. I really can’t think of anything else to knock the Surface Pro for aside from the lack of an included Surface Pen, and the Pen itself is so excellent that it’s hard to fault Microsoft for making it a separate product.

  • Get Your Groove on With These Bluetooth Headphones

    Get Your Groove on With These Bluetooth Headphones

    If you love listening to music and don’t want the hassle of tons of cords and cables you’ve certainly tried out tons of Bluetooth headphones. And if your experience is like mine, tons of them are really sub-par! Let’s run down some of our favorite Bluetooth headphones and save you the hassle of picking a dud!

    Sony WH-1000XM2

    We love these noise-canceling wireless headphones from Sony. These have fantastic sound quality, with clear highs, crisp mids and deep bass, comparable to similar offerings from Bose. These headphones also come with some neat functionality: a Quick Attention mode allows for the sound canceling to stop briefly so you can hear someone trying to get your attention.

    Similarly, the headphones have an ambient noise mode to allow mid- to high-frequency sounds to pass through so that you don’t fully lose situational awareness. The only downside to these headphones is their luxury pricing: They retail for right around $300.

    Bose QuietComfort 35 Mk. 2

    It wouldn’t be a “best-of” headphones list without Bose showing up at least once! The sound juggernaut doesn’t fail to impress with the QuietComfort wireless headphones. These boast some of the best noise cancelation in Bluetooth headphones, comparable to the WH-1000XM2 from Sony, and with longer battery life.

    These also sport Google Assistant support, which is an awesome added bonus! As the name suggests, these headphones are very comfortable and great for long flights. Similar to the previous entry, however, the QuietComfort headphones are expensive. Coming in at $329, these are definitely priced for those who are serious about sound quality and audio canceling and have serious cash to shell out for it.

    Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2

    If you’re looking for a more affordable noise-canceling pair of headphones, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a great choice. For about $150 you can pick up these headphones, making them desirable when compared to Sony and Bose’s offerings. These sport a handy auto-off feature when you take them off, helping maximize its already-excellent battery life, which makes these great for travel!

    While these headphones are high-quality and affordable, their style might not be for everyone: they have an almost-retro chrome style that is very distinct. This is a matter of preference, but when compared to more muted and understated designs they are very noticeable.

    Optoma NuForce BE Sports3

    NuForce’s wireless earbuds prove that you don’t have to be over-ear headphones to be a good wireless audio device! These stylish earbuds have awesome sound quality, great battery life and durability to spare! For a stellar $70 retail price, you can’t go wrong with these earbuds. Great for jogging, traveling, working and everything in between, the NuForce BE Sports3 easily slips in your pocket when not in use! If you’re looking for high-quality, no-frills headphones with no cord and good battery life, these are for you.

  • Find Out Which Fitness Tracker is For You

    Find Out Which Fitness Tracker is For You

    The fitness tracker has been around for some time, but they are always getting better. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an older model or seeking to get started tracking your fitness, we’ve got a list for you! Read on to see which fitness trackers we love!

    Samsung GearFit 2 Pro

    The sleek, fashionable fitness tracker has a lot to love. From offline Spotify playlist support to GPS support, this is certainly a modern piece of tech. Additionally, your stats are easy to track from the watch itself, as it sports a bright, luminous AMOLED display and clearly displays all of your stats. It also has a very advanced heart rate tracker and fully tracks swimming and is waterproof.

    It has a less-than-optimal user set-up experience, though this is a small gripe. The main drawback to Samsung’s fitness tracker is its high price: it retails for $150, which is quite steep. However, with its large screen and advanced heart rate tracker, this is to be expected: if you’re looking for a great fitness tracker with a fantastic display and awesome features, this is for you. If you’re looking for something more afforable, keep reading!

    TomTom Spark 3

    The Spark 3 is a good spot less expensive than the GearFit, retailing for around $100. This fitness tracker features a monochrome display and clearly displays stats. It also supports on-wrist GPS, which is awesome for running in new areas and discovering new routes. You can also load music directly into the tracker, allowing you to keep your phone at home or in your bag while you run or exercise.

    On the negative side, this fitness tracker doesn’t have terribly impressive sound quality and the menus are difficult to navigate. Set-up was roughly as cumbersome as the GearFit, but as this tracker is significantly less expensive, that is somewhat more forgivable.

    Moov Now

    If you don’t mind a lack of a screen and you want an affordable fitness tracker, the Moov Now is a great find for you. Working as the polar opposite of the GearFit 2, the Moov now is minimalist and doesn’t include a heart tracker. Instead, it opts for a more stripped-down tracker experience. It focusses nearly exclusively on fitness, offering tracking for jogging, boxing and swimming and sleep monitoring.

    That all being said, the Moov is a simple device with few features unrelated to tracking. You won’t find support for GPS or music with this fitness tracker. However, you already have a smart phone and likely a computer and even laptop; how many more ways do you need to listen to music or navigate via GPS? Retailing around $50 and usually available for less, the Moov is an excellent choice for those who are seeking to simply start tracking their fitness.

  • The Best No-Contract Phone Providers

    The Best No-Contract Phone Providers

    You’ve got an awesome smartphone with a great display and slick new features? You probably don’t want to just use it as a tiny tablet, so you’re going to need a phone provider. Contracts aren’t for everyone: some people just want phone service and don’t want to be bound by contractual obligations. Which phone providers do we recommend? Read on!

    Cricket Wireless

    Using AT&T’s network coverage, Cricket Wireless offers a very affordable $35 (after autopay discount) plan that sports 5GB of data. Cricket’s data speeds cap at 8 Mbps, sadly, which makes them more of a budget consideration than a main provider, but they made the list since they offer some of the best data amounts per dollar. Cricket has the added benefit of rolling taxes and fees into this final price, helping alleviate “sticker shock” when the bill comes.

    Boost Mobile

    Boost makes the list thanks to its low price, same as Cricket. For $35 per month, you get 3GB of data on Sprint’s network. Sadly, this also means that you’ll experience some slowdown as Sprint’s network isn’t terribly speedy. On the bright side, like MetroPCS and Cricket, the monthly taxes and fees in this plan are rolled into the final bill price.

    AT&T

    AT&T offers a $40 with 8GB of data with no contract. This is a great pick for those who want to use loads of data and don’t mind the slightly lower coverage of AT&T’s network. The $40 price point is after enrolling in autopay, so consider that when shopping for plans. AT&T’s network works in Canada and Mexico, too, which allows for traveling users to stay tuned in to their internet and friends. This is our favorite plan for data, with great bang for your buck in terms of gigabytes!

    MetroPCS

    MetroPCS uses its parent company, T-Mobile, for its network, which means their prepaid plan sports better coverage than AT&T’s. For $40 you get 5GB of data, which is still a lot, and is definitely worth considering if you want better network coverage. Additionally, this plan allows for streaming from tons of music apps and websites without counting against your data allotment, which is certainly enticing for all you audiophiles out there! MetroPCS, like Boost and Cricket, includes taxes and fees in the final price. MetroPCS is our favorite plan for those who don’t need as much data, or plan on using audio services for the bulk of their data.

  • Best Photo Printers for Your Buck

    Best Photo Printers for Your Buck

    Everyone loves taking pictures with their smartphone, but sometimes you want physical copies of your pictures! Whether you’re concerned with losing your data or want to have a keepsake of good memories, we’ve rounded up our favorite digital photo printers!

    Epson SureColor SC-P800

    Our favorite printer for professional photographers! The Epson SureColor meets all the rigorous requirements of a full-time, gallery-quality printer. The SureColor can print very large photos and has exceptionally high print quality but is very expensive by comparison to other printers on this list. Sporting an LCD display and tons of bells and whistles, the SureColor is sure to meet all the needs of a professional. However, this one wouldn’t be a good pick for a casual photographer or a beginner, as its high number of settings and features can be intimidating.

    HP Sprocket Photo Printer

    The Sprocket fits in a pocket or bag and turns any smartphone into a Polaroid-style camera! The Sprocket has no need for ink, instead using unique dyed prints and applying heat to create the desired image. While the Sprocket won’t be creating any galley-quality prints, it is exceptionally cute and fun! Great for vacations and trips, this one is a good conversation starter and fun diversion. It is battery powered and boasts a sleek design but would not be a good fit for those looking for a more professional printer. For those looking to print on the go for fun with friends, the Sprocket is perfect, though!

    Epson PictureMate PM-400

    This small printer is handy to have around! Weighing only 4 pounds, it travels easily and tucks away great when not in use. Something between the pocket-sized Sprocket and the more professional SureColor, the PictureMate prints off decent quality photos. The PictureMate would make a great choice for those who wish to print out digital pictures of the family to hang in the hall, or for holiday cards and keepsakes. Those wishing for something a bit better on print speed and quality should look to the SureColor or Pixma instead, however.

    Canon Pixma Pro-100S

    The Pixma Pro is an impressive printer. With reasonably fast print speed and fantastic color quality, the Pixma does your photography justice. The prints from the Pixma could be considered gallery-quality, which is high praise. Using an 8-dye system, the Pixma creates positively stunning images in color and in grayscale. The only downsides are the relatively high ink price and somewhat low durability of the prints themselves. These complaints come with the quality, though, and so it’s hard to knock this printer too hard. This one has a much-needed wireless printing feature, allowing for prints straight from smart phones. A fantastic choice for any aspiring photographers!

  • Live Life in 4K with These Ultra Resolution Monitors!

    Live Life in 4K with These Ultra Resolution Monitors!

    While 4K technology has been available for some time now, it is becoming more and more affordable. More video games, streaming services and computer programs are taking advantage of the crystal-clear resolution, and we have our picks for best 4K monitors, all in one place for you to review! Check it out!

    BenQ PD3200U 32″ 4K Designer Monitor

    This monitor from BenQ has a very interesting feature: dual upstream USB ports, allowing for two computers to be hooked into one monitor and controlled from the same keyboard and mouse. For those who want a 4K picture experience with excellent color and crispness and the convenience of cooirdinating a dual-computer set-up, this BenQ monitor is a great choice. This one also has the added benefit of not requiring scaling, meaning that most third-party apps won’t give you any trouble, and its tremendous 32″ size makes for a gorgeous viewing experience! The only downside to this one is the price: it goes for a fairly steep $800.

    Dell P2715Q

    As far as older model monitors go, this Dell is a great choice for 4K viewing. Thanks to Dell’s awesome three-year warranty, you don’t need to worry about dead pixels ruining your viewing experience, and this monitor has a fantastic viewing experience at that. Excellent color quality pairs with its DisplayPort input’s 60 Hz 4K picture to make for a fantastic picture quality. This monitor has multiple USB 3 ports and a very adjustable, user-friendly stand for ergonomic viewing angles. For a reasonable $430, this Dell is a great choice. The only downsides are its relative age and large bezels, which somewhat cut into the otherwise stellar picture.

    Dell P2415Q

    For those who want a great-looking 4K image but have less desk space to dedicate to a monitor, this 24″ Dell is a great choice. This monitor is essentially just a smaller P2715Q, with comparable colors and black values, and all the same bells and whistles as its larger sibling. It also sports a USB 3 hub and is under the same excellent 3-year warranty and has a very adjustable stand. This one runs around $350, making it a significantly lower price point than the P2715Q. Much like its sibling, however, this monitor has large, unsightly bezels that cut into the image, but this is a small gripe. The P2415Q is certainly the greatest 24″ 4K monitor on the market, and if you’re looking for a smaller 4K experience, this is right for you!

    LG 27UD68P-B

    Our favorite 4K monitor, this LG impresses at every level. For $400 this is a fantastic value, sporting user-friendly menus and amazing picture. The color accuracy and black values of this display are some of the best on the market, and there is no better monitor for the price. LG has always been known for quality displays, and this is no exception to that reputation. This monitor also supports the new FreeSync technology, an adaptive scaling technique that pairs with compatible AMD graphics cards to minimize graphical tearing. If you’re looking for the very best in 4K monitors for a very reason

  • Top Ten Things to Know About Google I/O 2018

    Top Ten Things to Know About Google I/O 2018

    Tuesday, May 8th marks the start of Google’s I/O press conference. What does Google I/O mean? What kind of things can you expect to see from Google during this event? Read on for our top ten things to know, including news, headlines, tech and more!

    Android P

    01g-androidp

    Photo Credit: Android Central

    Androids new operating system replaces all of the navigation buttons with one button, much like pre-X iPhones. Functions previously assigned to buttons will be moved to gesture controls, streamlining the user experience and modernizing the Android operating system. The new system has a focus on security and battery life. Additionally, Android P features a darker overall color palette than previous Android OS’s.

    Google Lens

    Photo Credit: Android Guys

    Google Lens technology allows users to search using their phone camera. I/O 2018 is sure to unveil new functionality and features for the software, including new functionality and integration into upcoming smart phones. The technology is likely to be a focus of Google’s, as it allows the Android platform to further distinguish itself from Apple’s iOS-powered iPhones.

    Google Chrome

    Google is sure to have a lot to say about their Chromebook line of laptops at the event. As a leader in educational fields, the Chromebook has proven very popular with teachers and students. Also expect news regarding tablets running on Chrome OS, following in the example of Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10. Focusing on educational possibilities and Google Smart Home integration seems like the most likely avenue for Google to present their Chromebook hardware.

    Google Home

    With the recent success of smart home devices like smart speakers, Google is sure to continue pressing their smart home line. Eager to dig in to Amazon’s successful Alexa-powered Echo series, Google has been emphasizing their smart home integration with products like Google Home Mini and Google Wi-Fi. Likely to be seen at I/O 2018 are Google-branded smart displays and further connectivity between Android phones, Chromebook computers and Google Home systems.

    Wear OS

    Photo Credit: Digital Trends

    The recently-renamed Wear OS, once called Android Wear, will likely be a strong focus of Google’s presentation. Capitalizing on the success and popularity of fitness trackers and smart watches, Wear OS seeks to be a strong contender in a field largely dominated by Apple and FitBit. Additionally, voice command features more in line with Google Home-style functions seem to be a new focus for Wear OS devices. A Google-made smart watch is also not out of the question!

    VR Headsets

    Photo Credit: Ars Technica

    Another trend Google seeks to weigh in on, standalone VR headsets have proven quite popular, with models like the Oculus Rift wowing gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Google’s own VR headset, the Lenovo Mirage Solo will certainly have a presence at I/O, and there is a possibility of a Google-developed, proprietary headset being unveiled at the press conference.

    Additionally, YouTube’s 180-degree VR app VR180 is likely to be a strong component of Google’s VR push. The app makes use of new camera technology, like the Lenovo Mirage, to film 180-degree, 3D video for an immersive VR experience.

    Google Duplex

    Google has unveiled this new feature for Google Assistant, an uncannily human-like AI voice pattern that can call businesses for you. The feature uses user data to make appointments and interact with humans who are none the wiser that they are speaking with an AI. This feature is certainly odd, and some have even commented that it has unsettling implications, but it is undeniably convenient. For those with phone anxiety, or busy schedules, this could be a potentially helpful feature. What is unknown is just how advanced and responsive the AI will be when interacting with a wide variety of scenarios and people.

    Google Assistant Updates

    Photo Credit: CNET

    Google Assistant is getting updated in many meaningful ways. For one, the Duplex technology will likely be implemented to allow it to have much more natural, human-like speech patterns. It will be receiving new functionality with children, attempting to teach them to be more polite. Additionally, the technology will soon be able to execute two actions on a single command and continue conversation while executing actions, making the user interface more natural and giving the AI more flow.

    Google Maps

    Google’s GPS app is set to receive augmented reality functionality. The new Google Maps will allow for superimposed directions in a manner that is similar to the Google Lens technology and allows for live tracking of crowds. The ability to navigate crowded city areas on foot by camera is certainly intriguing, making visiting new cities and exploring on foot more attractive and much safer!

    Google News

    Continuing the focus on AI technology, Google News is set to receive updates to increase personalization. As something of a response to growing anxiety over so-called “fake news,” the new Google News initiative uses technology to help users find and support news sources they trust, and to help users fully understand the news they consume. The technology will use your preferences and location to populate your news feed with stories relevant to you. Such a redesign is likely to be a big hit, helping users to trust their news sources and stay informed about events relevant to their lives.

  • The Best Gaming Mouse for Your Buck

    The Best Gaming Mouse for Your Buck

    When it comes to PC gaming, picking the right mouse is important! It’s the way you aim, point, select, and shoot! Finding a mouse with all the right features and at the right price point can be difficult, and with that in mind we’ve compiled a round-up of our four favorite gaming mice. Let’s get right to it!

    Corsair Dark Core RGB SE

    If you’re looking for a wireless gaming mouse with tons of versatility and customizability, look no further! Corsair’s name is synonymous with quality in PC enthusiast circles, and for good reason! Their Dark Core RGB is no exception. With only one millisecond of latency and sporting a fantastic 16,000 max DPI, the Dark Core is the rare wireless mouse made with gaming in mind. The Dark Core is on the high end, price-wise, retailing for $80, but it comes with fully programmable, customizable buttons and bright, elegant RGB LEDs. Even cooler, the Dark Core makes use of wireless Qi charging, so if you pick up the Corsair MM1000 Qi Mousepad you can wirelessly charge your mouse after every gaming session.

    Logitech G903

    For those Logitech faithful, the G903 is a solid wireless mouse. A slight iteration on the older G900 model wireless gaming mouse, the G903 boasts a respectable 12,000 DPI and low latency. The mouse can also be wirelessly charged from Logitech’s own PowerPlay mousepad. The finish and feel of the G903 are both high-quality, as is expected of Logitech. It is worth noting that the G903 is somewhat overshadowed by the Corsair Dark Core, as all of the G903’s key features (wireless mouse with wireless charging, high DPI, low latency, etc.) are all replicated with aplomb by the Dark Core, all for a lower MSRP. The G903 is surprisingly expensive, at around $115 on Amazon, while the Dark Core is only $80.

    SteelSeries Sensei 310

    Affordable and reliable, the Sensei is one of two SteelSeries products on this list. The Sensei sports a TrueMove 3 optical sensor, offering nearly unmatched tracking and responsiveness. With a sleek metallic finish and superior make, and going for around $55 on Amazon, the Sensei is a stellar choice for gaming enthusiasts looking to not spend an arm and leg on a gaming mouse but still desiring a precise and accurate mouse.

    Our Favorite Gaming Mouse: SteelSeries Rival 600

    In our opinion, this is the absolute best gaming mouse in the world right now. Sporting a rock-solid 12,000 DPI and a revolutionary depth-sensor, the Rival has loads of bells and whistles for its price. It features customizable weight and full-spectrum RGB LED support, and also bears satisfyingly-clicky mechanical switches on the side. The Rival can be snagged from Amazon for right around $80. This putsit in the same price range as the also-excellent Dark Core. With its superb build quality, customizable buttons, RGB support and precise optical performance, there is really no better wired gaming mouse for the price. If you’re remotely serious about gaming and have $80 to spend on a peripheral, this is an auto-purchase.

    What Next?

    Now that you’ve got your pick for gaming mouse, it’s time to check out gaming keyboards! Check out our roundup of the best gaming keyboards to pair with your new mouse!

  • Our Favorite Smart Watches

    Our Favorite Smart Watches

    Whether you like the style or the function, smart watches are a must-have piece of tech for those with a busy lifestyle. Functioning as watch, notification alert, fitness tracker and more, smart watches make a natural addition to the lifestyle of a busy professional, a fast-paced mom, and everyone in between! Read on to find out which smart watches we love.

    Samsung Gear S3

    A very stylish and stealth-style smart watch, the Gear S3 runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, unline most Adroid Wear-powered watches on the market. With a circular front-face and a premium make, the Gear S3 resembles a more traditional luxury timepiece, but also sports a robust suite of fitness tracking software and excellent internal infrastructure.

    As expected of a premium smart watch, the S3 alerts you of calls and texts, and has 4GB of internal storage for things such as Spotify playlists and apps. Tizen is still a new OS, however, and is somewhat lacking in apps and support. These minor gripes aside, the Gear S3 is a very high-quality smart watch and well worth the price.

    Asus ZenWatch 3

    Comfortable and extremely well-made, the ZenWatch 3 is a beautiful and sleek device. With an ultra-bright AMOLED display and a comfortable, minimalist design, the ZenWatch 3 is an elegant piece of technology. While it doesn’t sport robust fitness tracking, and has a somewhat cheap-feeling charging port, the ZenWatch 3 excels at providing a top-notch user experience.

    With a scratch-resistant screen and jewelry-quality steel construction, the ZenWatch 3 is as much a luxury watch as it is a piece of technology. Asus is known for their high build quality and durable technology, and the ZenWatch 3 continues this trend.

    Apple Watch Series 3

    Apple is well-known for their luxury products and high-quality user interface, and the Series 3 Apple Watch doesn’t disappoint. Apple diehards will be pleased with the OS, as it is as stylish and user-friendly as users would expect, and the interface is fast and responsive. The OLED display is bright and gorgeous, and the watch does a great job making itself discreet when not in use.

    Battery life is middling, lasting around 18 hours, but the watch is running a dizzying array of sensors and trackers, so this makes sense. Loaded with fitness tracking features and with no lack of app support, the Apple Watch remains a fantastic pick for smart watch.

    Garmin Fenix 3

    Our favorite overall smart watch, the Garmin Fenix 3 might seem like an odd pick. Garmin, known for their GPS products primarily, has a real winner on their hands with the Fenix 3. Boasting incredible battery life and exemplary durability, the Fenix 3 is great for athletes and outdoors-y people. Made from premium materials and clearly designed to operate in its own space apart from Samsung and Apple, what the Fenix lacks in style it makes up in droves with functionality.

    While the watch doesn’t support on-watch maps for GPS, it does provide superb GPS tracking when paired with a phone and keeps great track of where you’ve been and your fitness. For users who have no desire to carry a recognizable brand name, or aren’t looking for a piece of fashion, but instead a piece of tech, the Fenix 3 is an excellent choice.

  • The Best Gaming Keyboards

    The Best Gaming Keyboards

    For most, a keyboard is simply a keyboard. For a gamer, a gaming keyboard is a cross between a controller and a statement of purpose. A good gaming keyboard is an extension of oneself, the physical bridge to the digital world. Choosing the keyboard that works for you and the genres you play can be difficult. Making a wrong choice is expensive and frustrating. With that in mind, here is our round up of our four favorite gaming keyboards.

    SteelSeries Apex M750

    A somewhat minimal choice, the SteelSeries Apex features highly customizable keys and key colors, and is marketed primarily at professional gamers and aspiring professionals. The keyboard has a very standard layout, with no media keys or specialized buttons, and boasts an impressive array of backlighting options, including notifications for chat and an audio visualizer.

    The SteelSeries doesn’t have a USB pass-through and doesn’t have a terribly thick connecting cable, making it a very stripped-down keyboard. The SteelSeries doesn’t have adjustable feet, but this is a small gripe. For those seeking a simple, customizable keyboard with no frills and great linear, click-free key action, seek no more: the SteelSeries is for you.

    Logitech G610 Orion Brown

    For fans of the Cherry-MX brand of switches who don’t want to spend a fortune on a keyboard, the Logitech Orion Brown, retailing for $120, offers a great gaming keyboard on a budget. The G610 sports customization support through Logitech’s gaming software suite, making it a great choice for those who wish to customize the LEDs or disable certain keys during gameplay.

    Unlike the linear and click-less key switches found in the SteelSeries Apex, the Orion Brown features the titular Cherry-MX Browns, which are soundless but have a slight click at the end of their action. This allows a great tactile feedback for a user who wishes to use the keyboard for both gaming and typical typing.

    Razer Ornata Chroma

    Razer’s Ornata Chroma is our favorite keyboard under $100, sporting a unique switch feel and gorgeous RGB chroma LEDs. The Ornata Chroma sports “Mecha-Membrane” key switches. They are hybrid of the traditional gaming mechanical switches and the more general silicone dome switch style. This “Mecha-Membrane” has the click of MX Blue or Brown switches but a bit of the smoothness (or stickiness, depending on your perspective) of membrane-style keyboards.

    While the hybrid-style switches require a bit of acclimation, they provide an excellent experience for both typing and gaming, making the Ornata Chroma a fantastic choice for those who need to use the same keyboard for both gaming and normal typing tasks like work or writing.

    Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

    Our favorite gaming keyboard and Corsair’s current flagship gaming keyboard. Corsair is known for their exemplary computer components and peripherals, and the K95 Platinum upholds that sterling pedigree. Speaking of Sterling, the K95 uses the new Cherry MX Silver switches. These are a new take on the straight, linear action of the Cherry MX Reds. They sport a shorter travel time and smoother performance.

    These Silver switches are ideal for fast-paced games like Overwatch or similar first person shooting experiences. The Silvers feel like a slightly higher quality version of the Razer Ornata Chroma’s “Mecha-Membrane” style switches. They are much cleaner and with less “stickiness” in their action.

    The K95 is a somewhat larger keyboard, with wide key caps and tall keys. This makes it easy to tell which key your finger you’re on without having to look down to the keyboard. As expected of a premium RGB keyboard, the K95 offers a full suite of RGB customization and backlighting options. Using the Corsair Utility Engine, you can customize everything from RGB to macros. This makes it a fantastic choice for hardcore gamers. If you’re looking for the very best and not afraid to spend some money, look no further.

    What’s Next?

    You’ve checked out some of the best gaming keyboards around! Now it’s time to check out every keyboard’s closest friend: mice! Our roundup of our favorite gaming mice  can be found here!