Wired vs. Wireless Keyboards: Which Is Better for Gaming?

Wireless keyboard with RGB backlighting.

The significant advantage a wired keyboard has over a wireless one is the presence of a cable. It’s enough reason for some gamers to get hooked on a wired keyboard. For others, it’s not enough reason not to settle for a wireless one.

We take a closer look at what you stand to benefit from buying either a wired or wireless keyboard and which one fits your playing style the best.

Benefits of Wired Keyboards

Wired keyboards have the fastest reactions. Games that require lightning-fast reaction time like Apex Legends, League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, and Call of Duty need any advantage you get. You wouldn’t want your keyboard to be why you struggle during missions.

All you need to do is simply keep the cord plugged in, and you’re ready to start hitting the keys immediately. You run no risk of signal interference, input lag, or battery life. Your performance while playing your favourite games will be perfectly consistent.

You might want to employ good cable management tactics to deal with any clutter the wire from your keyboard might cause. Other than that, you’re all set.

Cost

When comparing the cost of a wired keyboard to a wireless one, wired keyboards are more affordable. Check out the cable’s durability, design, dedicated hotkeys, and build quality.

Latency

Video games are more competitive than ever, and what’s important for gamers is to have the least amount of latency possible. Wire keyboards generally have the lowest latency because they connect directly to the computer. 

As you hit the keys on your gaming keyboard, it sends a signal to your computer after registering an input. It takes just a few milliseconds for your PC to process and display the information on your screen.

You’ll need those extra seconds a wired keyboard will provide when gaming.

Benefits of Wireless Keyboards

Wireless keyboards don’t require a cable to connect them. It makes storing and using your keyboard away from your device very easy. You don’t even have to worry about clutter since you’re provided with a USB dongle or Bluetooth for connection.

Portability

A wireless keyboard is excellent for gamers who want to enjoy their gameplay with non-competitive games. You can easily pack and transport it from your workplace or home to anywhere else if you don’t enjoy typing on a laptop keyboard. 

If you play turn-based or story-driven games and hustling to be ranked and reach the top ladder is not in your books, you don’t have to worry too much about the type of keyboard to game with.

Appearance

Wireless keyboards nail it in the aesthetics department that a wired one doesn’t even close. No clutter to deal with, and with one less cable to worry about, your set-up looks tidier and physically pleasing.

Which is Better for Gaming?

A wired keyboard will significantly help your gameplay compared to a wireless one. We believe low latency, infinite power source, and many affordable options are why a wired keyboard is better for gaming. 

Wired and Wireless Keyboards Worth Buying

Both wired and wireless are worth spending your money on. There are advantages and disadvantages on both sides; you eventually have to look at your budget and decide which one suits your preference.

Bestseller No. 1
Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard, Low Profile, Fluid Precise Quiet Typing, Programmable Keys, Backlighting, Bluetooth, USB C Rechargeable, for Windows PC, Linux, Chrome, Mac - Graphite
  • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
  • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
  • More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
  • Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Bestseller No. 2
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad: Wireless, Bluetooth, Rechargeable. Works with Mac, iPad, or iPhone; US English - White
  • WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE β€” Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
  • WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE β€” It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
  • ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE β€” Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
  • GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING β€” The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
  • SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS β€” Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Bestseller No. 3
Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo For Windows, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Compact Mouse, 8 Multimedia And Shortcut Keys, For PC, Laptop - Black
  • Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
  • Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
  • Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
  • Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
  • Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
SaleBestseller No. 1
Logitech K120 Wired Keyboard for Windows, Plug and Play, Full-Size, Spill-Resistant, Curved Space Bar, Compatible with PC, Laptop - Black
  • All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
  • Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
  • Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
  • Upgrade to Logitech K270 Wireless Keyboard: Experience wireless freedom with K270, featuring 2-year battery life, plug-and-play simplicity, and reliable hassle-free wireless connection
Bestseller No. 2
Amazon Basics Wired Keyboard, Full-Sized, QWERTY Layout, Black
  • KEYBOARD: The keyboard has hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
  • EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
  • VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
  • SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
  • FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.

Final Thoughts

The keyboard you use is only as good as your capabilities as a player. Input lag might differ between a wired and wireless keyboard, but that’s not all there is to be a good player. 

Pick a keyboard that you can play comfortably on, something with suitable switches and feels great to type on without causing finger or hand fatigue. In the end, comfort is all that matters.

Table of Contents