The OSU game received a good amount of attention and appreciation from players immediately following its early release in 2007. In order to achieve success in this game, every OSU supporter began by doing their very best at leveling up, and in order to do so, high-end gaming peripherals such as gaming keyboards and keypads came into play.
Since OSU is a rhythm-based game, it is vital to have a keyboard that can keep up with your movements and provide you with the best possible gaming experience. Your keyboard must also be comfortable to use for long periods of time, as you will be spending a lot of time playing the game.
If you’re considering purchasing a gaming keyboard for OSU or any other rhythm-based game but don’t know where to start, read on for our list of the five best keyboards for OSU in 2022.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best keyboards for OSU in 2022!
[amazon table=”23183″]
What Is OSU?
OSU is a music game that consists of pressing different keys in order to hit notes that appear on the screen in time with the beat of the song. The game is similar to Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but instead of using a guitar or other instrument, you use your keyboard.
The object of the game is to achieve a high score by playing through a song without making any mistakes. If you miss a note or hit the wrong key, your score will suffer. In order to get a high score, you need to have good timing and reflexes, as well as a good keyboard.
The typical gaming keyboard, which has keys with little pressure and provides a mediocre gaming experience, is problematic for a lot of gamers and makes it hard to get a high score.
The best keyboard for OSU is one that is designed specifically for the game and has special features that make it easier to play.
Is A Keyboard Important For OSU & Is It Worth It?
When it comes to gaming, having a solid keyboard and switches is quite important. This includes a focus on both speed and durability for OSU especially. Not only do different switches have a different feel, but their technologies also differ.
The average gaming keyboard, which features low-press buttons and can be quite clicky, simply isn’t up to the task for a game like OSU. A keyboard that’s been designed with this game specifically in mind will feel much better and last longer too.
When you have a keyboard that’s been created specifically for games like OSU, it will provide you with an edge. Not only will it respond better to your commands, but it will also be more comfortable to use for long periods of time.
Top 5 Best Keyboards for OSU in 2022
Now that you know how important it is to have a keyboard that’s been designed specifically for playing OSU, here are our top five picks for the best keyboards for OSU in 2022:
1. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RapidFire Low Profile Keyboard – Best Overall
Corsair should be the first name that comes to mind whether you are considering an upgrade or purchasing a new keyboard for an OSU game.
Every single keyboard and mouse that the company has ever produced is of the highest quality and was created with the intention of making gaming more enjoyable.
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 has become the most popular and best-selling keyboard with extremely responsive keys ever since it was released early in 2018. It has a very low profile which some people may find odd at first but it actually provides a better and more comfortable gaming experience.
The Corsair K70 is a completely mechanical keyboard that has all the keys, including touch pads and media controls. You can count on these Cherry MX Low Profile Speed switches for being extremely durable.
The keycaps are about the same length as the top panel of certain keyboards because the barely-tapered base is so small that there is almost no space between the lower bound of the key switches and your desk.
It’s a relief that the company has refrained from adopting a flat-key design like other manufacturers since that would make the keys uncomfortable to type on for long periods of time.
One of the best features of this keyboard is that it’s fully programmable, so you can bind any key to perform any function that you desire. You can also setup macros for gaming or work purposes using the Corsair Utility Engine software.
We recommend the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RapidFire Low Profile Keyboard to anyone who wants an extremely responsive keyboard that’s been designed specifically for gaming.
Why Is This The Best Keyboard For OSU?
Corsair has made a name for itself by producing some of the best gaming keyboards on the market. The K70 RGB MK.2 is no different – it’s an excellent keyboard that’s been designed specifically for games like OSU.
The keyboard’s anodized and brushed aluminum chassis, which has a lightweight design despite its tough sturdiness, is one of the main reasons it’s our top pick.
It also doesn’t hurt that the keyboard comes with a very comfortable, soft-touch palm rest. This is a great feature, especially if you plan on playing for long periods of time.
With RGB backlighting, near-zero tactile feedback speed switches, and little to no noise, this keyboard is the perfect choice for any gamer.
2. E Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Runner Up
The E-Element Z-88 is a mechanical gaming keyboard that is 60 percent more compact than its predecessor. It does not have WiFi capabilities, unlike the RK61. However, the braided wire with a gold-plated USB connection ought to guarantee a great deal of endurance and stop fraying from occurring.
Users can also benefit from almost no input lag or latency thanks to the N-key rollover as well as anti-ghosting features. The keyboard additionally has a Windows lock function to avoid misclicks and ensure that you do not accidentally close your game.
The Z-88 is one of the few keyboards that are equipped with Outemu Red mechanical switches, setting it apart from the competition.
Outemu Reds have a linear travel and are very light to press, giving you an edge in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
They have an excellent mix between clickiness and tactile responsiveness, and they do all of this while maintaining a very low noise level.
Additionally, the build quality of this keyboard is excellent. It has a solid ABS and metal build throughout, which is designed to last you for a good number of years at the very least. There is RGB backlighting that can be customized, which is a great addition.
You have access to a plethora of color selections, brightness levels, lighting animations, and effects, all of which can be selected individually.
The keycaps are made using an injection molding technique called double-shot molding, which results in the letters never wearing off. You will always be able to see them clearly, no matter how much you use the keyboard.
3. AJAZZ AK33 Wired Mechanical Keyboard – Budget Pick
Your OSU gaming experience will definitely improve with the addition of the Ajazz AK33. This mechanical keyboard comes with a portable 82-key layout that separates the alphabetical keys from the function keys, making it easier to type and play.
The AK33 features dimensions of 12.2 inches by 4.72 inches, which allows it to take up less room on your desktop and can be adjusted in accordance with your needs. The Ajazz AK33 is a wired USB keyboard that comes with an anti-ghosting N-key rollover function.
The AK33 has a top-grade ABS and aluminum body that makes it durable enough to withstand long gaming sessions and accidental falls. The keyboard comes with premium-quality mechanical switches, which provide a great balance between responsiveness and durability.
What separates the Ajazz AK33 from other keyboards is its backlighting system. The keyboard has 9 backlight modes and multiple brightness levels that can be adjusted to fit your needs.
The double-shot keycaps are also a nice touch, as they ensure that the letters on the keys will never fade away.
All in all, the Ajazz AK33 is a great keyboard for OSU gaming. It has a durable build, responsive keys, and customizable backlighting. As an OSU player, you will definitely appreciate the features that this keyboard has to offer.
4. Drevo Calibur 71-Key RGB LED Backlit Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
The Drevo Calibur 71 is an amazing keyboard that, as its name suggests, has 71 alphabetical keys, as well as F keys and a number row. This keyboard boasts a one-of-a-kind design that is both small and space-saving, making it suitable for use in any environment.
This is the perfect keyboard for OSU gamers who want to play the game with fewer keys without sacrificing any of the experience since it offers all of the same functions, just with fewer keys.
The Drevo Calibur 71 gaming keyboard, much like just about every other gaming keyboard, includes fully adjustable RGB backlighting with 16.8 million different color options.
Anti-ghosting and complete key rollover are both supported by this keyboard, so you’ll never have to worry about missing a keystroke in the heat of battle.
The Drevo Calibur 71 is a wired and wireless keyboard, so you can use it however you please. It comes with a USB Type-C cable for when you want to hardwire it and a wireless dongle for when you want to use it wirelessly.
This keyboard also has some pretty impressive battery life, lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge with the RGB backlighting turned all the way up.
5. SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you’re new to the world of mechanical switches, the SteelSeries Apex 5 gaming keyboard is a great place to start.
This keyboard has hybrid mechanical switches that combine the best of both worlds: the responsiveness of a mechanical switch with the quietness of a membrane switch.
Standard mechanical switches provide an audible and tactile “click” and “feel” that many people find satisfying, but they can also be quite loud.
The SteelSeries Apex 5’s hybrid switches are quieter than traditional mechanical switches, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your roommates or family members while you’re gaming.
While playing OSU, the Apex 5 provides a very well-rounded gaming experience. If you place a premium on accuracy and continuity of play, you will be happy to know that this keyboard has aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction and IP32 dust and water resistance, which will protect your keyboard from accidents and spills.
The Apex 5 comes packed with helpful features, such as individual RGB lighting for each key, an OLED smart display, and a USB passthrough. Each key can be set to any of 16.8 million colors, so you can customize your keyboard to match your gaming setup.
The OLED smart display shows system diagnostics and other important data, so you can keep an eye on your stats while you’re gaming.
How To Choose The Best Keybaord For OSU?
If you’re looking for the best keyboard for OSU, there are a few things you should keep in mind. By keeping the following factors in mind, you can be sure to find the keyboard that’s perfect for your gaming needs:
Wired vs Wireless
Both wired and wireless systems have benefits and drawbacks of their own. The cord cluttering up your desk can be eliminated thanks to the wireless arrangement, but there is a possibility that it can interfere with other wireless devices.
Wired keyboards are usually recommended for OSU gaming due to the tendency of wireless keyboards to experience latency, which can make gameplay more difficult.
Batteries, which power wireless keyboards and need to be periodically changed or replaced, are an inherent part of these devices. This will drive up the total price.
Type of Switches
The buttons that are located underneath your keycaps are known as switches. When they are pressed, they make a clicking sound and press down. On the market, one can choose from a wide variety of different varieties.
Video games typically make use of linear switches since they are the simplest and most convenient option.
Tactile switches, on the other hand, have a small ridge that needs to be overcome when they are first pressed. This provides you with tangible feedback and makes it easier to press the button correctly. Linear switches, in contrast, are smooth and provide little resistance.
For OSU gaming, it is generally recommended that you use a linear switch to avoid errors.
Layout and Keycaps
Before purchasing a keyboard, you should take a close look at the layout. When purchasing, bear in mind that most people in Europe prefer to use keyboards with the ISO layout, whereas people in the United States and the Netherlands, as well as other nations, use ANSI-style keyboards.
While this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be quite difficult to get used to typing on a keyboard with a different layout.
Another thing to consider is the keycaps. Keycaps are the plastic or rubber covers that go over the switches. As an OSU player, you need to pay attention to the type of keycaps the keyboard has.
If you want the keycaps to survive as long as possible, you should look for ones that have the best combination of plastic and printing: PBT (plastic) dye sublimated/dual shot keycaps are the most durable.
These will never wear out no matter how rough you are using your keyboard, and they will also have a really pleasant feel when you are typing on them.
Extras
Hot swaps, which allow you to replace switches without having to solder them, are a feature that is becoming increasingly popular. This makes it possible to change the switches if they break or if you simply want to try out a different type.
RGB lighting is another common extra. While it doesn’t affect gameplay, it can provide a more immersive experience. Many keyboards have different modes and settings that allow you to customize the look of your keyboard.
Macros are another popular extra, especially for gamers. Macros are basically shortcuts that allow you to execute a series of commands with the press of a single button. This can be extremely helpful when gaming, as it can allow you to perform complex actions quickly and easily.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right keyboard for OSU can be a challenge, but it’s definitely worth the effort. The 5 keyboards mentioned in this article are some of the best on the market and are sure to help you up your game. If you’re looking for a keyboard that will give you an edge, be sure to check them out.
