Can a gaming keyboard be used as a regular keyboard?

Getting a new keyboard means having a lot of choices to make.

There are literally hundreds of different makes and models on the market, including all those flashy gaming keyboards.

You’ve probably even thought about buying one for work.

But you have no idea if that’s a good idea or not.

Let’s find out.

Can you use a gaming keyboard for work?

Yes, you can use a gaming keyboard for work because they function in the exact same way that a regular keyboard does. There’s nothing in a gaming keyboard that makes it inherently unsuitable for use in an office environment.

The only real concern is that some of your co-workers might find the sound of a gaming keyboard a distraction because they use mechanical switches which can produce a loud clicking noise when in operation.

There’s also the issue for the potential of backlighting to be distracting in a work environment, although this would only really happen if you’re working in a room without any source of light.

What is the difference between a gaming keyboard and a regular keyboard?

The main difference between a gaming keyboard and a regular keyboard is that gaming keyboards are usually mechanical. This means that each key has an individual switch and unlike the membrane system used in regular keyboards.

But there are actually several major differences between a gaming keyboard and a regular one. These includes the underlying technology of mechanical vs. membrane, response times, costs, connectivity and many others.

So, in this article we’re going to dig deep into these difference so you can make a more informed choice when it’s time to purchase a new keyboard, and you’re wondering if a gaming keyboard can be used in place of a regular keyboard.

Mechanical Keyboards vs. Membrane Keyboards

This is the first and most important difference between a gaming keyboard and a regular one.

All good gaming keyboards are mechanical.

A mechanical keyboard has an individual mechanical switch for each key, and each of those switches is topped with a removable keycap.

The very first computer keyboards – by brands like Cherry – were mechanical in nature. So mechanical in fact that they weighed a ton, so you could tell what type of keyboard it was by simply picking it up.

A membrane keyboard – also called a full-travel membrane keyboard – has plastic keys that push down against a rubber membrane that then makes contact with the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) underneath it. The provide some of the tactile response (the “feel”) of a mechanical keyboard but without the cost.

Membrane keyboards tend to be very affordable, often costing just $10 or $20.

Real mechanical keyboards are expensive, typically in the $80 – $150 range.

That’s the technology stuff out of the way, let’s look at some of the potential advantages of using a gaming keyboard for work.

Are gaming keyboards faster?

Office workers were very quick to adopt wireless keyboards and mice because of the convenience. And let’s face facts, not having a spaghetti junction of cables snaking across your desk is objectively neater and tidier.

But wireless technology isn’t without its faults and the main one of those is lag. You might have noticed that gamers tend to use mechanical keyboard and mice.

And – this might surprise you – this isn’t because of some old-school geek or nerd habit. It’s because the signals to and from your computer keyboard travel faster through a wire than they do over a wireless or Bluetooth connection.

Wired mechanical gaming keyboards are also pretty much immune to signal interference from other devices.

Wireless devices don’t have anything like this immunity from signals from everything from a printer to a nearby microwave.

So, gaming keyboards are faster than regular keyboards.

Will you notice that difference when typing?

Probably not, but you will notice that what you type always appears on screen – the same can’t be said of wireless keyboards.

Gaming keyboards look cool

I know this might sound like a silly thing to say but mechanical keyboards look great.  They’re bright and colorful, and make real noise when you depress one of the keys – you hear an audible “click”.

And that can make a real difference when your working environment is just a sea of black or white keyboard and accessories.

But a good mechanical keyboard is also customizable – you can remove each individual key cap and replace it with individually colored ones.

And this means you can color code your keyboard layout depending on the type of work you do. So not only do you add a splash of individuality  to your keyboard, but you can also customize it to improve your efficiency.

Your entire numpad could be green, while your function (F1, F2) keys could be white.

Which leads me neatly on to my next point.

Backlit is better

I always thought backlit keyboards were a sales gimmick…until I actually owned one.

Following on from the idea of customizable keycaps in the last section, my new keyboard allows me to customize the backlighting for each zone of my keyboard.

This has been a complete game changer for me. From the outside it probably just looks like I’m being a complete nerd, but being able to color code different sections of the keyboard really helps me focus. I’m not sure why that happens but it does.

The other advantage of a backlit gaming keyboard is that the lettering on your key caps should never wear out. 

Membrane keyboards were costing me a fortune because I’d go through one every 6 months or so. I type and write an awful lot with work, so I was constantly wiping the lettering from several of the key caps on my keyboards.

A backlit keyboard appears to have resolved that problem…while also being incredibly cool to look at.

Is a gaming keyboard better than a normal keyboard?

The short answer to this is “Yes” because gaming keyboards are more responsive, last longer, are more customizable, and are designed to cope with heavy usage.

And I agree with the above sentiment even more since I recently upgraded to a Logitech gaming keyboard for my day-to-day work.

The mechanical action has taken a little getting used to, but the raised keycaps are far more comfortable to use on a daily basis than my previous low-profile membrane keyboard.

I make far fewer typos, I loved the backlighting, and it just feels way more sturdy. And that proves that you really do get what you pay for.

Because there’s no comparison between my Logitech gaming keyboard and any other membrane keyboard I’ve ever owned.

Advantages of gaming keyboards for regular use

  • They’re more responsive (faster)
  • A gaming keyboard is more comfortable to type on
  • Wired gaming keyboards don’t suffer from the same connection issues as wireless keyboards
  • You can replace worn key caps
  • The entire keyboard is customizable because you can replace key caps
  • Backlit models are great for working low light conditions
  • A gaming keyboard has anti-ghosting technology built in
  • They last longer – some gaming keyboards are capable of lasting at least 10 years

Disadvantages of gaming keyboards for regular use

Wrapping things up    

So can you use a gaming keyboard like a regular one?

Absolutely.

In fact, there are some advantages to using a mechanical gaming keyboard instead of a regular membrane keyboard.

There was a time when all office keyboards were mechanical, so maybe you’re just helping start that trend all over again.

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