Macro keys could give you a gaming advantage over the competition. By having these available, you can set custom actions within reach of your fingers.You won’t have to scroll your wheel or press multiple keys to execute spells, special skills, or throw grenades. A properly configured macro will do it for you with one press.But with all the options in the market, how do you know which one is for you? Here are the best gaming keyboards with macro keys available today.
Q: What Are Macro Keys?
For players who want nothing but the best, the Corsair K100 RGB is an excellent choice. It offers the latest optical-mechanical switches from Corsair. Instead of physical contact, it uses infrared light to register actuations.This allows for faster keypress registers and resets the key in less than 1ms. This innovation enables the keyboard to offer a native 4,000Hz polling rate and 4,000Hz key scanning. Its 1.0mm actuation distance and linear keys allow you to perform at your best—whether gaming or working.The K100 features a refined aluminum finish with per-key RGB backlighting. It also features a 44-zone, three-side RGB edge accent light for the ultimate visual feast.Best of all, its six macro keys and iCUE Control Wheel let you have a plethora of functions at your fingertips. You can use these custom keys to select a brush on Adobe Photoshop or switch weapons in Valorant. So whatever you’re doing, the Corsair K100 RGB will get it done in a snap.
The Logitech G915 is for users who value a minimalist, wireless setup but still want the high performance of gaming keyboards. Logitech uses its proprietary Lightspeed connector to ensure a reliable, hyperfast connection. And if you’re going to use it on other devices, you can connect it via Bluetooth.Logitech also offers three different key switches for all players. You can choose the GL Clicky switches for audible clicks and extremely tactile feedback. Or, if you prefer a smooth experience, you can go for the GL Linear keys. And if you want the best of both worlds, you can’t go wrong with GL Tactile keyset.This keyboard also has five G keys, with up to three onboard profiles. That allows you to keep your settings wherever you bring this device. Its battery is rated for up to 30 hours of continuous use at 100 percent brightness.It will last even longer if the RGB backlighting is switched off. And once it runs low, it only takes three hours to charge it fully. You can be confident that this will be the only keyboard you’ll need in a long, long time.
If you’re new to PC gaming and just moving over from consoles, the Corsair K55 RGB PRO is an excellent choice for starters. It’s not as pricey as other options and still features six macro keys for shortcuts.It also features five custom lighting zones, so you can create effects as you see fit. Best of all, you can save your desired macro and lighting profile on your keyboard. So, even if you change devices, your programming will carry over to your new setup.The key switches of this device aren’t mechanical. But the rubber dome switches of the Corsair K55 RGB PRO provide good tactile feedback. It’s never going to be on par with mechanical keyboards, but it’s good for the price.The K55 is a value-first device. Don’t expect to see aluminum faceplates or magnetically attached wrist rests. But if you only want the additional functionality of macro keys, you can’t go wrong with it.
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge will help you avoid shoulder, arm, and hand pain. This is because its split design lets you place your hands and arms in your most comfortable position.You can separate both the left and right sections as far as 20 inches, and you can place anything you want between. Mouse? Yes. Your steaming mic? Yes. A HOTAS joystick? Yes!More than that, Kinesis also considered your typing experience. The company used Cherry MX mechanical switches to ensure you’ll get the best feeling with each keypress. You can choose between Blue, Brown, or Red switches so you can choose the one that fits you best.And when it comes to macro keys, you won’t go wrong with this keyboard. Because even though Kinesis didn’t include a keypad, you have 11 macro keys available to your left hand. All 95 keys are also fully programmable, so you can customize this to fit whatever you need.
The Redragon K586 Brahma is perfect for those who want a full-sized mechanical keyboard with all the bells and whistles but must stick to a budget. It’s got RGB backlighting, 10 G-keys, and even replaceable switches.You should choose this keyboard if you need many dedicated macro keys. The five macro keys near the left edge of the keyboard, plus the five more at the top, lets you have many custom commands. More than that, the four onboard profiles allow you to have as many as 40 macros at your fingertips.This keyboard also features mechanical switches from Outemu. And although you’re only limited to their Blue switches upon order, you can replace them later. You can choose to install switches from Outemu or even switches from Cherry.You will get all these features at an affordable price point. So, if you’re on the market for a reasonably priced mechanical keyboard that offers dedicated macro keys, this is definitely an option.
The Logitech G613 is a wireless mechanical keyboard with macro keys that won’t break the bank. It offers wireless connectivity via Logitech’s proprietary Lightspeed technology and Bluetooth. This allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously.You only need to press a button to switch between the Lightspeed and the Bluetooth connection. It features Romer-G Tactile mechanical switches, which allow you to have precision key presses. It also has a short-throw actuation of 1.5mm. That means you can activate your keys much quicker than your opponent.Two AA-sized batteries power this keyboard; this will provide up to 18 months of power. And once the battery level reaches 15 percent, you’ll be notified via the LED status indicator and the G Hub software. You don’t have to worry about running out of charge during the middle of your gaming session.
It isn’t easy to find a portable TKL keyboard that features dedicated G-keys. After all, the purpose of a TKL is to reduce the footprint of a keyboard. Usually, the first victim of such reductions is dedicated macro keys.However, the Redragon K596 Vishnu fulfills the need for a more portable keyboard that retains the macro keys. This design lets users have their shortcuts and commands right at their fingertips while having more space on their desks.More than that, the K596 can be used both wired and wirelessly. So, if you need to recharge your device or are in the fight of your life, you could use the included USB-C cable to connect it.And, if you’re not happy with the Outemu Red Linear switches, you could replace them. The Redragon K596 takes both Outemu and Cherry switches. That gives you the option to install the switch that you like.
Macros are shortcuts that let you perform multiple instructions in a single step. For example, if you program G1 to the copy shortcut, you no longer have to press CTRL + C to copy an object. A single stroke of G1 executes that command.Macros save time by negating the need to press multiple keys simultaneously to activate a command. This lets you focus on the task at hand and save a second or two when triggering actions.Although you may think that it’s not much, it can mean the difference between victory and defeat. And if you’re using it for productivity, the seconds you save could turn into a significant amount of time.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Hardware and Software Macros?
Hardware macros are physical buttons that you assign specific commands or functions to. Keyboards with programmable macros can store these commands onboard, allowing you to use them across devices. These macros are usually simple commands that gamers find advantageous.You can also purchase dedicated macro keypads or keyboards, whose sole purpose is to run complicated commands at a press of a button. These are perfect for productivity settings—like video editing or music production—where running actions at a press of a button will save you a lot of time.On the other hand, software macros are computer programs that will program shortcuts to run your commands. These can be keypress combinations, like CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + [ any other key ]. You can also use it to replace the actions of your rarely used keys, like the top row of function keys.
Q: Are Macro Keys Cheating?
Macros bring an automated advantage to players during gaming. This is because advanced macros can let you create actions that your opponents will never be able to catch up with.Generally, it is illegal in esports to use macros. However, game developers want a level playing field, especially in competitions. Some argue that it should be the player’s prerogative to use macros or not.It may be acceptable to use simple hardware macros (like reloading) if you’re playing for fun. But avoid using advanced macros that reduce multiple steps (like changing your weapon and building three walls) into one. That will definitely reduce everyone’s enjoyment, except yours.
