4 Keyboard For Rhythm Games
Rhythm games require a high level of coordination to press buttons in sync with a beat. A keyboard with low latency can help keep your inputs on-beat and in-sync.
Thumper is a “rhythm violence” game that will send your little beetle protagonist hurtling around tracks at what feels like a million miles an hour.
Optical Switches
Optical switches use light to register key presses instead of metal contact. They’re impervious to switch bounce, ensuring that all your inputs are registered and transmitted accurately. As a result, they also provide faster polling than traditional mechanical switches.
The two primary manufacturers of optical switches are A4tech (Light Strike “LK” switches) and Adomax (Flaretech switches). Both offer a variety of options, from linear to tactile to clicky, but what matters for rhythm games is the consistency of the switch’s actuation.
You want to be able to press each key with confidence that it’s registered correctly, preventing misfires and discrepancies during the high-pressure moment of a keyfight. Additionally, you’ll want a fast response time to avoid any lag in your inputs. Optical switches are a new technology without the customization options and aftermarket modifications that mechanical keyboards offer, but they’re more durable than their predecessors. They also tend to be quieter than mechanical switches.
Mechanical Switches
A mechanical keyboard uses switches (rather than the rubber membrane that most laptop and desktop keyboards use) underneath each keycap to register input. Switches are made up of a stem, metal spring, and metal electrical connectors. When you press a key, the legs of the stem move down and touch the metal contacts, which then completes a circuit with the keyboard’s main circuit board and tells it you have pressed that key.
Each switch type has its own feel, sound, and actuation point (how deep you have to push down the stem for it to register as a keypress). For rhythm games, a light linear or tactile/clicky switch is a good choice. Kailh speed switches, which are similar to hair triggers, are faster and more accurate than other switch types. This can give you an edge in rhythm games by making it easier to keep your fingers in sync with the beat. Also, consider getting a keyboard with low latency switches to minimize the input lag that can cause your fingers to miss the beat.
Keyboard Position
The position of the keyboard can be critical for avoiding unnecessary strain on the hands and arms. Ideally, the keyboard should be positioned so that the keys are all at a comfortable reach. It is also important to be able to reach the mouse comfortably as well.
The keys that should be pressed by the index fingers are referred to as the home row. Returning the fingers to this base position when typing can help reduce repetitive motion that leads to RSI.
In general, the left little finger should press keys that are below the home row and the right ring and pinky fingers should cover the keys above the home row. The thumbs should rest lightly on the space bar. Lastly, it is best to keep the elbows close to the body and avoid lifting or reaching. This helps to avoid excessive bending and strain on the shoulder, arm and wrist muscles.
Switch Type
Rhythm games are musical action games that test the player’s rhythm skills and musical ear. Players must press buttons in a sequence dictated on-screen or move on a dance mat following the pattern displayed. Classics like Guitar Hero brought this genre to the spotlight, but new immersive technologies may resurrect it with fresh appeal.
Unlike other video games that rely on joysticks and steering wheels, most rhythm games only require a keyboard. This means the choice of switch type is important. Lightly tactile switches like browns provide enough feedback to keep track of key binds and are great for titles that demand accuracy and precision.
Moreover, they are impervious to bounce and offer low latency. This reduces input lag and allows the player to play faster. In addition to this, they are also easier on the fingers than other mechanical switches. Speed silver switches bottom out much less quickly, which is ideal for hectic gaming scenarios like rhythm games.