Of late, gaming keyboards have come a long way in design, appeal, and functionality. The four arrow keys of a computer keyboard are usually used as motion controls for Call of Duty most games. Games also have combination of keys to boost special powers.

Specialized keyboards for gaming have sets of dedicated key combinations for specific functions. This helps to ease gaming and allow handling of frequently used commands effortlessly. Wireless keyboards with rechargeable batteries, which run on infrared or Bluetooth technology, are gaining popularity these days, too.

Depending on budget, brand, and features there are a number of varieties of gaming keyboards to choose from, like the Logitech G19, Razer Tarantula, Microsoft Sidewinder X6, Ideazon Merc Stealth, Saitek Cyborg, Logitech G15, Razer Lycosa Mirror, Microsoft Reclusa and more.

The future of gaming keyboards

Labs throughout the world are working on keyboards to give gamers the leading edge. Recently, Razer has launched Tarantula - a mind-blowing gaming keyboard loaded with 'out of this world' features. They have fitted this keyboard with 32KB memory chip to store five different user-defined profiles for different games. They have also incorporated an anti-ghosting design which would allow the best gamers to press multiple keys at one go.

Another gaming keyboard, which has eaten up years of research, is the ZBoard from Ideazon. This keyboard fitted with interchangeable keysets allows gamers to play on separate keysets with specialized gaming keys. The base keyboard is also loaded with features like hotkeys, USB hub, Pad Lock, Bar Lock and other multimedia controls.

Then there is the Optimus Keyboard from Art Lebedev Studio, Moscow, which is the most futuristic of the lot. Its revolutionary features include a color display unit installed on every key, which means the keys can be made to display any language of the world. You can customize the keyboard for any function including web development, programming or gaming. You can also switch the keyboards between different modes through its unique set of function keys.

Another feature of all gaming keyboards that most people overlook is ergonomics. Most of the keyboards prevent the development of disorders like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Motion Syndrome, Repetitive Strain Disorders and Repetitive Stress Injuries because they are planned for multiple hours of stress-free usage. Thus, gaming keyboards are not only being used by gamers Call of Duty but programmers and surfers spending hundreds of hours on their computers also prefer them.