Comparison 1stPlayer GA87 Blue Switch vs Red Square Keyrox TKL

The model of switches (switches) used in the keyboard - switching mechanisms installed under each individual key. These details are given if the design uses advanced mechanics, positioned as a better option than traditional switches. Mostly gaming keyboards are equipped with such mechanics.

The most popular switch brands in our time are Cherry MX, considered the "classic of the genre" for high-quality mechanics; Gateron, practically not inferior to him; not so advanced, but also cheaper Kailh and Razer, as well as ultra-budget Outemu. For all these brands, different types of switches have a different stem color, which can be used to determine the features of the keyboard. It is also worth saying that modern mechanical switches are divided into three main varieties: linear, tactile and clicky.

- Linear. Such solutions are closest to conventional membrane keyboards: the key travel is uniform along the entire length, with minimal resistance and the absence of a clear actuation point. There is an opinion that the linear "mechanics" is best suited for games where you have to deal with fast and frequent clicks; however, in practice, this moment largely depends on the personal tastes of the u...ser, nothing prevents the use of such keyboards for working with texts.

- Tactile. Switches with a clearly defined actuation point - a kind of barrier to the path of the key. Such a "barrier" allows you to clearly determine by touch whether the key has worked or not. Tactile keyboards are valued primarily by tech who have to type large volumes of texts.

- Tactile-auditory (Clicky). In such switches, the actuation point is felt not only by touch, but also by ear: the actuation of the key is accompanied by a clearly audible click, which is often compared to the sound of the keys of a typewriter. Due to this, this option is also very popular among users dealing with texts. Some people consider switches of this type not very suitable for games, since they are supposedly not very convenient for frequent, fast pressing; however, a quality Clicky switch is as good as a linear switch in this regard, and the choice depends solely on personal preference. But the unequivocal disadvantages of such keyboards include a rather loud click sound, which in some situations may be superfluous.

As for specific colors, here are their features:

- Red (red). Linear type switches with minimum resistance. They are popular, in particular, among professional gamers who deal with dynamic games and try by all means to speed up their reaction to gaming events. On the other hand, a low force increases the likelihood of accidentally pressing an unnecessary button.

— Black. Another type of linear switches. They have a tighter move compared to Red, which, on the one hand, requires a little more effort, on the other hand, minimizes the chance of accidentally pressing the wrong key.

Blue. Switches in clicky format, with tactile feedback and a click.

— Brown. Switches with tactile feedback, but no "click". The Brown action is great for when you want a keyboard with tactile feedback and at the same time you want to avoid unnecessary noise (although the sound is still louder than on a membrane keyboard). In addition, it is considered a good option for tech who are just starting to get acquainted with mechanical keyboards.

— Silver. Linear switches designed for maximum operating speed. They have a very low stroke - about 1 - 1.2 mm - as well as a very small pressing force, which contributes to high speed. At the same time, the use of such a keyboard requires a certain skill, since even a small effort from an accidental touch usually leads to the operation of a key.

A parameter that determines the maximum number of simultaneously pressed keys, the signal from which the keyboard is able to process and transmit to the computer. Instead of the "lattice" symbol in the abbreviation KRO, a number is indicated showing the allowable number of simultaneously pressed buttons. Most membrane keyboards come in the 2KRO and 3KRO grades, mechanical models usually start at 6KRO. The NKRO marking says that it is possible to issue a signal from an unlimited number of keys in one sitting.

The CMD (command) key is an integral attribute of keyboards that are primarily designed to work with Mac OS computer systems. Plays an important role in the quick access service. So, in combination with other buttons, it allows you to open the command line and perform many other actions that are important for a computer system administrator. If we compare keyboards for Mac OS and Windows, then the “CMD” key is an analogue of the system “WIN” button (with the Windows logo), which opens the Start menu.

Similar tasks are assigned to the OPT (option) key. It is intended to be used in conjunction with other buttons to create keyboard shortcuts that enable a variety of additional functions in Mac OS operating systems. Drawing parallels with Windows keyboards, the OPT key is analogous to the Alt button. Typically, this key has the additional designation “⌥”.

The colour of the backlight provided in the design of the keyboard.

In general, the backlight performs two functions: practical (makes the keys more visible in low light) and aesthetic (gives the keyboard a beautiful appearance). However, it cannot be said that non-backlit keyboards will be unusable in the dark, the light from the monitor will still illuminate the buttons. The simplest version of the backlight is one-colour. In this case, specific colours can be different: for example, white is well suited for general-purpose keyboards (work or home), but other shades can be found in gaming or design models, for example, red, green, blue, purple or orange. If two or three colours are indicated for the keyboard, this may mean either the ability to switch between these colours, or that this model comes in several versions that differ in the shade of the backlight; these nuances should be clarified separately.

The most advanced options are multi-colour and RGB backlighting. Multi-colour systems are called systems in which more than three colour options are provided, sometimes with intermediate shades. And RGB-backlight all...ows you to choose almost any shade at the request of the user; in addition, the possibility of synchronization (see "Illumination with effects") is found mainly in such systems, although single-colour keyboards can also be equipped with other effects.

The presence of additional effects in the backlight provided in the keyboard (see above). For models with the backlight synchronization function, this item indicates the synchronization technology.

Additional backlight effects can be different: multi-coloured backlighting of individual keyboard zones, smooth “flowing” of one colour into another, response to system or game events, etc.; specific features should be clarified for each model separately. As for synchronization, it allows you to coordinate the backlighting of various system components — keyboards, case mice, graphics cards, etc.; this opportunity is especially appreciated by the owners of high-end gaming stations. Coordination requires that all highlighted components support the same technology; usually, each manufacturer has its own — Aura Sync for Asus, RGB Fusion for Gigabyte, etc.

Keyboards made in a Skeleton case.

The main difference between such cases and the classical ones is that the mechanism of each key is not hidden at the base of the keyboard, but, on the contrary, rises somewhat above it. Due to this, the keys can be easily removed and put back into place, which makes it much easier to clean from dust and dirt. And in gaming keyboards of this type, the kit often includes interchangeable buttons that differ in colour and texture from the main ones. Actually, almost all models with this feature are specifically gaming (see "By Direction").

The presence of a removable cable in the design of the keyboard.

This feature provides, first of all, additional convenience in storage and transportation: it is easier to pack the removed cable than to wind and lay the wire attached to the keyboard. Another advantage is that if necessary, the complete cable can be replaced without changing the entire keyboard — for example, if it is damaged or if a longer cable is needed. However, these moments are not so often significant, so there are not so many keyboards with detachable cables.