One-handed gaming keyboards are an amazing tool for the dedicated player. Also called gaming keypads, they are faster, more effective, and more comfortable than their full-sized counterparts. Gaming's popularity means that there is a fantastic range of keyboards available, many from respected companies such as Razer and Azeron.
From options with a joystick to macro keys, we'll explain the components of a gaming keypad and help you decide on the right choice for you. Then, we'll show you the ten best devices available today, all of which are easily ordered online from Amazon. Moreover, we have partnered with video game blogger Benjamin Titmus for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top One-Handed Gaming Keyboards
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy.
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Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.
The computer keyboards you've used at school or work are what's known as membrane-type, and indeed, many gaming keypads are this type too. Beneath the keys is a thin sheet of rubber. When the membrane comes into contact with the circuit board, it sends a signal to your computer.
They are cheaper and quieter than mechanical keyboards but they send a signal fractions of a second slower, making them a good budget option but not great when speed is essential. If you play in a shared space and don't want to disturb others, however, you'll want to choose a membrane-type over mechanical.
Mechanical keyboards have individual switches underneath each key, resulting in more 'springiness' and tactile sensation. Typists and software engineers tend to prefer mechanical keyboards for this reason. Professional gamers also prefer this 'solid' feel, plus, the keys are more durable and can take a lot more punishment compared to membrane types.
Sounds great, but higher-end mechanical keyboards can be very expensive. The other downside is that the clicking sound is noisier than other keyboards. Consider whether you'll be disturbing others by using a mechanical keyboard.
Also, mechanical keys are often rigorously tested and support millions of key presses. Cherry MX is known to be the best manufacturer of keys.
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Macros are a handy way of automating several different actions into a single push of a button. Say your character is approaching the Swamp of Poison Leeches: you'll want to put on your swamp-wading boots, drink a potion of poison resistance and – because you know leeches hate fire – cast a spell of flame on your battle axe. Pre-programmed macro buttons allow you to do all this in the blink of an eye.
Macros have become essential for today's competitive gamers. Most keypads come with between 4 and 10 dedicated programmable keys, while the higher-end models allow programming on every key. If you play online RPG games that use a lot of different skills and spells, you'll want as many macros as possible.
For slower games, though, it's questionable if you'll ever use them. That being said, newer games that could take advantage of this functionality are being released. Although it's not essential for every gamer, it doesn't hurt to choose a keyboard with these extras if you think you'll benefit from them.
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Having pre-saved profiles is a time-saver that lets you fine-tune your gameplay. If you are a fan of games like this, we highly recommend looking for a gaming keyboard that lets you save profiles. It will grant you that extra time that you could be spending fighting monsters!
Nowadays, you'll have probably noticed that almost all gaming keyboards come with LED illumination. They can be useful as it makes it easier to see the keys when playing in a dark room, meaning you'll be able to identify and push what you need to in a split second.
There's no denying that they also look the part, especially if the colours are customisable. These will make the keypad more expensive but are a nice additional feature. At the end of the day, aim for customisable backlight illumination if available, but just remember that it's not gaming essential.
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Redragon K585 DITI | ![]() | The Toughest and Most Useful Keypad Available Today | |
2 | Razer Tartarus Pro | ![]() | A High-End Gaming Keypad for Top Players | |
3 | Laelr Gaming Keypad | ![]() | The Best Feature-Heavy Budget Option | |
4 | Azeron Classic Gaming Keypad | ![]() | Not Your Average Gaming Keyboard | |
5 | Razer Tartarus V2 | ![]() | A Premium Buy Giving You a Gaming Advantage | |
6 | XREE One-Handed Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | ![]() | A Lot of Features in a Neat Package | |
7 | K700 E-Yooso | ![]() | Great for Gamers Who Travel | |
8 | Goeco One-Hand Gaming Keyboard | ![]() | A Sturdy Gaming Choice | |
9 | FELiCON Single Handed Gaming Keyboard | ![]() | Functional and Affordable With 38 Keys | |
10 | ZJFKSDYX Wired RGB Backlit Half Keyboard | ![]() | A Good First Keyboard |
In a nutshell, the performance, function and style at an excellent price make the K585 exceptional. The keypad comes with a USB and USB-C sockets to connect a headset or mouse, and 7 programmable macro keys on the side so you can unleash combination moves with a single click. You can also save 4 profiles directly to the device.
Programmable backlights let you choose from a staggering amount of colour combinations, while a removable wrist rest protects your arm while you play. With keys that provide audible and clicky feedback too, this is a solid performer at an amazing price and everything you could want for years of top-level gaming.
The Tartarus Pro is the very best Razer can offer. The keyboard uses optical-mechanical switches, which make key pressing even faster and more durable. The key function can even change depending on how hard you press – for example, your character can switch from a tip-toe to a sprint by fully pressing down the walk key.
Alongside 8 quick-load profiles to swap your control layout depending on the game, you can save profiles for all your games to the cloud. The keypad has 32 keys plus a thumb-pad on the side, all of which can use unlimited macros. It's fairly pricey, but this is guaranteed to give you an amazing advantage.
The only slight downside is that the key clicks are a little noisy, so you wouldn't be able to use this in a library or while your kids sleep next door. If this isn't an issue, however, this is an amazingly affordable choice for beginners and beyond.
The Azeron keypad is incredibly unique. Adjustable 'fingers' cradle your hand for a comfortable, fluid and responsive gaming experience, while 26 intuitive buttons are programmable as either macros, keys or mouse buttons. It even comes in a choice of colours.
The device can save two profiles to internal memory too, allowing you to game on the go. On the side is an analogue thumbstick to control movement or any other option you set. This is not a keypad for beginners, but it is fast becoming one of the most popular choices for its performance, comfort and quality.
In addition, the backlighting can create over 16 million custom colour combinations. You'll also find a speed dial and a thumb pad for even more ways to play, and the soft ergonomic palm rest is detachable. An amazing gaming keyboard that will take your hobby to the next level.
The XREE gaming keypad is a solid choice that won't break the bank. The mechanical keyboard houses 33 keys including 4 macros for responsive, tactile play. With extra reinforcement at the joints, the keys are sturdy and make a satisfying click.
A comfortable wrist pad also lets your hand move around whilst playing to prevent fatigue during those long sessions. Other stand-out features include 9 backlight profiles and 5 display patterns, as well as the unique speed dial at the top that lets you adjust the game volume.
This gaming keyboard offers fantastic quality at a low price. The 44 mechanical keys are tactile and very responsive. The ergonomic wrist rest attaches by magnets, meaning it's easy to store for travel. It has 6 programmable macro keys too, giving you plenty of options for most games.
The affordable price and durable keys mean it's a great choice for a huge range of gaming styles. The one negative is that the keys need more pressure than other keyboards, so it might not be suitable for everyone.
The Goeco is almost identical to the SADES but with a mechanical keyboard – boasting not even a 0.01 second delay – and a larger ergonomic wrist rest. It has 38 mechanical keys to give much more tactile and responsive gameplay.
The especially colourful and bright backlighting makes it easy to see what you're doing – great for those who game in darker rooms. This is a robust keyboard that can perform no matter the game.
The FELiCON K109 is a budget option that gives you everything you need without any bells or whistles. The mechanical keyboard has 38 keys. None of these are programmable macros, though. There is also a backlit LED with seven colour schemes.
The keyboard is ergonomic and comfortable for extended play, and its keys are durable, quiet and responsive, making it ideal for use in shared spaces. This is an inexpensive option that won't wow anyone but certainly provides great value for money.
This budget option from ZJFKSDYX is made for UK keyboard layouts. It has 35 mechanical keys and the comfortable ergonomic wrist rest is better than a lot of other keypads, while the backlight illumination makes it easy to use in the dark.
The negatives are that the keys feel spongy and less responsive than what a lot of gamers need. Plus, the backlighting cannot be customised. But at this price, this is a fine choice for less demanding games.
Written and researched by Nick Harling
No. 1: Redragon|K585 DITI
No. 2: Razer|Tartarus Pro
No. 3: Laelr|Gaming Keypad
No. 4: Azeron |Classic Gaming Keypad
No. 5: Razer|Tartarus V2
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