Although many people use keyboards for typing, others like to use them to play video games. This makes one-handed keyboards useful since they will take up less desk space while giving you the buttons you need to play PC games. We created a list of the 10 one-handed keyboards for gaming, including wired and wireless options, that offered the most benefits.
We really liked the RedDragon's One-Handed Gaming Keyboard since it had a comfortable design, an excellent backlight, and macro keys. If you want to find the ideal one-handed keyboard for your games, you should check the top 10 list and review the buying guide!
Quick List - Top One-Handed Keyboards for Gaming
Redragon
A Comfortable Design With Backlights and Macro Keys
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As you go through the one-handed keyboard options available, you should look into the mechanical switches, the keys, and other features. As you do so, you can use this guide to see which features matter the most to you.
Most mechanical keyboards use red, brown, blue, or black switches, so we want to explain the differences between them. We will also address mecha-membrane keyboards.
Red and clear switches require the least amount of force when you press them, allowing you to type quickly. They also don't make clicking noises when pressed, so they won't disturb others in the area.
However, they aren't tactile, so you have to press the keys completely for them to register on your computer.
Brown keys are tactile, so you can press them halfway and have the computer count those presses. They also require more force to press down all the way, so you can adjust your presses based on how tired your fingers feel. They can handle harder button presses due to their higher force too.
On the other hand, since they take more force to go down all the way, you may need to get used to pressing them halfway. If your fingers get tired while you type, you may want brown switches since they register lighter presses.
Blue switches require slightly less force when pressed in comparison to brown switches but more than red ones. Blue switches stand out since they make clicking noises when pressed. They're also tactile, so they will count half presses for people who want to ensure the game registers every press.
However, they will make lots of noise, so some gamers may cause problems for others in the house. If you like the idea of physical and audio feedback, blue switches can provide you with that.
Black switches require the most force to activate the keys. They don’t make clicking noises, so they won’t cause a disturbance despite the hard presses. Since they're designed with more force in mind, they can handle hard presses on the keyboard.
On the other hand, black switches don't offer a tactile design, so your hands could get tired from the harder presses.
Mecha-membrane keyboards use mechanical switches against a membrane to type. These keyboards have one membrane with all the keys on them instead of separate mechanisms for each key. However, the keys have separate switches that press against the membrane.
Membrane keyboards require the least amount of force to activate, making them great for light typers. They also don't require as much pressure to press, so people can type quickly on them with minimal finger movement.
However, membrane keyboards can't be easily replaced if any of the keys stop working. This can be especially frustrating if you game a lot and tend to wear out or break certain keys, like the WASD keys becoming faded.
One-handed gaming keyboards have different amounts of keys and macro keys, so let's discuss your options!
Gaming keyboards include 20 to 45 various keys, so look for the keys you need. They usually include all the left command keys like shift, control, tab, and the first five letter keys in each row.
However, many gaming keyboards will include additional keys like buttons on the left side for more commands. Those keys may be customizable, so you can set them to whatever you want.
Many of these keyboards have programmable macro keys, which are extra keys you can customize. Some keyboards will have a joystick that's also programmable since each direction can perform a different action.
Some gamers find these keys useful since they can assign commands to them. On top of that, the buttons can be assigned multiple keys at once to make complex commands easier to perform.
However, if you accidentally press one of these keys, the command could happen during an important moment in the game. But if you want to have an easier time performing faster commands in a game, you should find a keyboard with programmable macro keys.
You can get other useful features for your keyboard, such as removable wrist rests, backlit keyboards, and ones that include a mouse.
Many one-handed gaming keyboards come with a wrist rest along the bottom. It allows you to lean your wrist against the keyboard, keeping your wrist comfortable and avoiding strain. Many of them can be removed if you start to sweat or just don't want it in the way.
Most gaming keyboards include backlights with different colors, such as ones on the RGB scale or a preset option. These backlights make it easy to see the keys in the evening.
Some also use zone backlighting, so you can light up specific parts of the keyboard to color-code different commands in a game. If you want to visually enhance your keyboard to make your gaming easier, you should get one with a backlight.
Some gaming keyboards come with a mouse. If you don’t have a mouse or need a replacement, one with a mouse could be a great option. Even if you don't need a replacement, you can get it as a backup mouse if yours breaks. You can also see if they include wired or wireless options.
Keyboards have wired or wireless connections. Wired keyboards give you a stable connection, so you won't have to worry about your keyboard turning off in the middle of a game. However, wired keyboards can only go so far away from the computer.
Wireless keyboards give you more flexibility by allowing you to use them farther away from the computer. However, they can run out of battery or disconnect from the computer. Wireless keyboards have their uses, but wired is the best for gaming since they are less likely to cause issues in the middle of a game.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Redragon One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard|K585 | ![]() | A Comfortable Design With Backlights and Macro Keys | |
2 | RedThunder One Handed Gaming Keyboard | ![]() | A Smaller Keyboard With Quiet Keys | |
3 | Razer Tartarus V2 Gaming Keypad | ![]() | A Keyboard With Numbers and a Thumb Pad | |
4 | GameSir Gaming Keyboard and Mouse | ![]() | A Wireless Keyboard With a Mouse and RGB Options | |
5 | Koolertron One Handed Macro Mechanical Keyboard | ![]() | A Small Mechanical Keyboard With Customization | |
6 | BlueFinger Gaming Keyboard and Backlit Mouse Combo | ![]() | A Mouse and Keyboard That Works for Younger Users | |
7 | Cakce RGB One Handed Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | ![]() | A Keyboard With RGB Shortcuts and Console Compatibility | |
8 | Aula Excalibur One Handed Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | ![]() | A Blue Switch Keyboard With Tons of Clicking Keys | |
9 | Mftek One Hand Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo | ![]() | A Keyboard and Mouse That Works With Consoles | |
10 | Koolertron One Handed Macro Mechanical Keyboard | ![]() | One-Handed Keyboard Focused on Key Versatility |
This option has 42 keys, so it covers the left half of the keyboard while offering some macro keys to the side. It offers blue and brown switch versions, so you can pick the switch you prefer. It also uses software to adjust the backlight colors when you want to.
Some reviewers didn't like the software, saying it doesn't work well on Windows 10 computers. Despite that point, loads of reviewers loved that the backlight is bright. They also said the keyboard has a comfortable design, noting that they don't experience any aches while playing games.
This RedThunder keyboard comes with 35 keys. It offers function button combinations to record macro keys, so you can create commands and save them ahead of time. It also uses a wired connection, so you can plug it in and immediately use it.
A couple of reviewers had problems with the backlight breaking after a few months, saying it stopped lighting up. However, a lot of reviewers liked its smaller size, saying it doesn't take up too much space. They also said the keys were silent, which they appreciated.
This keyboard takes an interesting approach by using numbered keys instead of letters. You can pick between mecha-membrane keys and optical switches as well. It also includes a thumb pad joystick on the side with eight-directional movement to give you more commands.
Some reviewers found this keyboard uncomfortable, saying the keys are poorly positioned. However, many reviewers said the keys feel good when pressed. They also liked it comes with a thumb pad for more gaming options.
This keyboard and mouse combo stands out since it includes a USB adapter for a wireless connection. You can program colors to each of the keys, giving you tons of customization options for the backlight. It even includes a joystick at the bottom for more commands.
A couple of reviewers had trouble getting the mouse and keyboard configured correctly with some consoles. On the bright side, plenty of reviewers loved the convenience of a wireless keyboard. They also appreciated the RGB backlight options.
This compact keyboard keeps things simple by offering only 23 keys, and it can be used at the same time as a regular keyboard. It includes extra blank and printed keycaps, too. It even gives you tons of options, such as white or black keyboards, different backlights, and red or blue switches.
A couple of reviewers didn't like how they couldn't program the keys to perform multiple button presses. On the other hand, many reviewers liked that the keys are easy to change and program. They also loved the click of the mechanical keys.
This one-handed keyboard comes with a wired mouse that has a unique design. It has shortcuts to adjust the backlight, so you can make it brighter, less bright, and change the modes. The mouse also has a few backlit options, so you can match the two.
A couple of reviewers said this keyboard and mouse don't work with their game consoles. Despite that point, a good portion of reviewers said this combo makes gaming easier. They also said the keyboard is a good size for younger gamers.
This keyboard stands out due to its macro keys and textured WASD keys. You can use function commands to increase the brightness, lower it, and adjust the RGB. It also works with game consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, giving you some versatility.
A few reviewers said the keys are small, and the spacebar is in an awkward position. On the bright side, a good portion of reviewers loved how they could adjust the RGB using a keyboard shortcut. They also loved its plug-and-play design.
If you want a keyboard with tons of options, this one includes all 12 function keys, a number pad on the side, and eight macro keys. The macro keys are also programmable, so you can set any commands you want. You can even customize the backlights in a couple of ways.
Some reviewers didn't like the software used with the keyboard to change the key bindings. Despite that point, plenty of reviewers loved the blue switches used with this keyboard, saying they work great. They also loved how the keys make a clicking sound.
This one comes with a keyboard and mouse that both allow you to adjust the backlight as needed. It even has some quick key commands to adjust the backlights, such as turning them off or entering breathing mode. It also has a rubber backing to keep the keyboard in place.
A few reviewers said the mouse stopped working after a few days, which they didn't like. Although, a lot of reviewers said the keys feel responsive and work well. They also said it works great for consoles.
This keyboard has a unique design by including the arrow keys, the function key, and the backslash key. It has a control knob in the top right corner you can use to adjust the volume, change the brightness, and make other adjustments. It also lets you choose from various switch types.
A couple of reviewers found it difficult to adjust the commands for each key. However, quite a few reviewers liked the versatility of programming any key despite the difficulties involved. They also liked how it allowed them to assign multiple key presses to a single button.
A one-handed keyboard can improve your gaming setup, but other pieces of equipment can make it even better. Check these top 10 lists and grab some more items to get an ideal gamer setup!
No. 1: Redragon|One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard|K585
No. 2: RedThunder|One Handed Gaming Keyboard
No. 3: Razer|Tartarus V2 Gaming Keypad
No. 4: GameSir|Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
No. 5: Koolertron|One Handed Macro Mechanical Keyboard
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