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.
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.
Image | 1 ![]() Redragon | 2 ![]() Razer | 3 ![]() Laelr | 4 ![]() Azeron | 5 ![]() Razer | 6 ![]() XREE | 7 ![]() K700 | 8 ![]() Goeco | 9 ![]() FELiCON | 10 ![]() ZJFKSDYX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | K585 DITI | Tartarus Pro | Gaming Keypad | Classic Gaming Keypad | Tartarus V2 | One-Handed Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | E-Yooso | One-Hand Gaming Keyboard | Single Handed Gaming Keyboard | Wired RGB Backlit Half Keyboard |
Features | The Toughest and Most Useful Keypad Available Today | A High-End Gaming Keypad for Top Players | The Best Feature-Heavy Budget Option | Not Your Average Gaming Keyboard | A Premium Buy Giving You a Gaming Advantage | A Lot of Features in a Neat Package | Great for Gamers Who Travel | A Sturdy Gaming Choice | Functional and Affordable With 38 Keys | A Good First Keyboard |
Price | £44.86 | £107.99 | £23.99 | £162.99 | £74.99 | £27.99 | £20.00 | £16.88 | £23.99 | £17.99 |
Keyboard Type | Mechanical | Optical-mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical-membrane hybrid | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical |
Macro Keys | 7 | All 32 keys can be programmed | 6 | All 26 keys are programmable | All 32 keys can be programmed | 4 | 5 | None | None | None |
Extra Functions | USB and USB-C ports | Speed dial, thumbpad | None | Side thumbstick | Speed dial, thumb pad | Roller dial | Removable wrist rest | None | None | None |
Custom Profiles | 4 saved to keyboard | 8 saved to devices plus unlimited cloud server | 6 saved to device | 2 saved to device | Profiles can be saved to a cloud server | None | None | None | None | None |
Backlighting | Fully customisable | Fully customisable | 7 fixed colour profiles | None | Customisable backlighting | 9 fixed colour profiles | 5 fixed colour profiles | RGB | 7 fixed colour profiles | RGB |
Dimensions | 27.9 x 5.1 x 22.9 cm | 15.2 x 20.3 x 6.3 | 10 x 7 x 3 cm | 24 x 16 x 13.5 cm | 15.3 x 20.3 x 6 cm | - | 23 x 18 x 3 cm | 21.5 x 16.5 x 3 cm | 23.2 x 17.3 x 3.5 cm | 21 x 24 x 3 cm |
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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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This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£44.86
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | 7 |
Extra Functions | USB and USB-C ports |
Custom Profiles | 4 saved to keyboard |
Backlighting | Fully customisable |
Dimensions | 27.9 x 5.1 x 22.9 cm |
£107.99
Keyboard Type | Optical-mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | All 32 keys can be programmed |
Extra Functions | Speed dial, thumbpad |
Custom Profiles | 8 saved to devices plus unlimited cloud server |
Backlighting | Fully customisable |
Dimensions | 15.2 x 20.3 x 6.3 |
£23.99
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | 6 |
Extra Functions | None |
Custom Profiles | 6 saved to device |
Backlighting | 7 fixed colour profiles |
Dimensions | 10 x 7 x 3 cm |
£162.99
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | All 26 keys are programmable |
Extra Functions | Side thumbstick |
Custom Profiles | 2 saved to device |
Backlighting | None |
Dimensions | 24 x 16 x 13.5 cm |
£74.99
Keyboard Type | Mechanical-membrane hybrid |
---|---|
Macro Keys | All 32 keys can be programmed |
Extra Functions | Speed dial, thumb pad |
Custom Profiles | Profiles can be saved to a cloud server |
Backlighting | Customisable backlighting |
Dimensions | 15.3 x 20.3 x 6 cm |
£27.99
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | 4 |
Extra Functions | Roller dial |
Custom Profiles | None |
Backlighting | 9 fixed colour profiles |
Dimensions | - |
£20.00
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | 5 |
Extra Functions | Removable wrist rest |
Custom Profiles | None |
Backlighting | 5 fixed colour profiles |
Dimensions | 23 x 18 x 3 cm |
£16.88
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | None |
Extra Functions | None |
Custom Profiles | None |
Backlighting | RGB |
Dimensions | 21.5 x 16.5 x 3 cm |
£23.99
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | None |
Extra Functions | None |
Custom Profiles | None |
Backlighting | 7 fixed colour profiles |
Dimensions | 23.2 x 17.3 x 3.5 cm |
£17.99
Keyboard Type | Mechanical |
---|---|
Macro Keys | None |
Extra Functions | None |
Custom Profiles | None |
Backlighting | RGB |
Dimensions | 21 x 24 x 3 cm |
Written and researched by Nick Harling
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