Cool Trends in Mechanical Keyboards in the eSports Industry

Just like in regular sports, the eSports industry has its own trends and cultures. These factors uniquely shape the industry regarding market size, business growth, technology advancements, gaming culture, and more. 

The business of gaming peripherals is also part of and affected by these trends. For example, a popular eSports athlete may be using a certain brand and model of mechanical keyboard to improve his gaming performance. His successes in his games will likely influence other players to check out and purchase that very same brand of keyboard.

In this article, we will explore the latest trends shaping mechanical keyboards in the eSports industry. We will also explore what drives these trends, factors that restrict these trends, and how eSports influencers affect the gaming keyboard industry.

What Makes Mechanical Keyboards Popular in the Gaming Industry?

Mechanical keyboards are the go-to peripherals of eSports athletes. These devices enhance their gaming experience in more ways than one.

1. Tactile Feedback and Responsiveness: Mechanical keyboards have tactile feedback. This tactile response helps players register keystrokes more accurately and quickly.
2. Durability: Mechanical keyboards are built to last. The individual mechanical switches can last up to hundreds of millions of keystrokes before needing to be replaced. Components are made of sturdy materials to withstand intense use typical of gaming sessions.
3. Customization: A vast range of mechanical keyboards feature extensive customization options, allowing users to swap out keycaps, change switch types, and program macros for specific gaming needs. Customization enables players to tailor their keyboards to their preferences, optimizing performance and comfort during gameplay.
4. N-Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting: Mechanical keyboards support n-key rollover and anti-ghosting technology. They can accurately register multiple key presses simultaneously. This feature is essential for gaming, especially in fast-paced genres like first-person shooters or real-time strategy games where complex key combinations are common.
5. Variety of Switch Options: Mechanical keyboards come with a variety of switch options. This allows gamers to choose a switch type that best suits their preferences and gaming style.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Mechanical keyboards boast visually appealing designs and customizable RGB lighting options. These aesthetic features not only enhance the overall gaming experience but also add a touch of personalization to players' setups as a form of self-expression.

Current Market Trends in Gaming Keyboards

With more eSports gamers and more game titles being published, the market for gaming keyboards has enjoyed considerable growth recently. The global gaming keyboard market was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2021 (hyperlink: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/gaming-keyboard-market-A47375).  This trend is expected to continue to expand and reach USD 6.4 billion by 2031. Various trends are attributed to this exponential growth.

1. Wireless Connectivity: Wireless gaming keyboards have been gaining popularity since they provide portability without sacrificing performance. Advanced wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections provide low-latency performance, making them suitable for competitive gaming.
2. Compact Forms: Low-profile, compact gaming keyboards such as tenkeyless (TKL) and 60% layouts have become increasingly popular. These keyboards eliminate the number pad and often feature a more ergonomic design, saving space on the desk and allowing for more comfortable gaming setups.
3. RGB Customization: RGB lighting continues to be a significant trend in gaming keyboards. Manufacturers offer extensive RGB customization options so users can personalize lighting effects, colors, and patterns.
4. Hot-Swappable Key Switches: Hot-swappable key switches have gained traction in the gaming keyboard market. These specially designed key switches enable gamers to swap out switches without soldering. 
5. Software Integration: Gaming keyboard manufacturers provide free software suites for customization and macro programming. These software packages provide interfaces for fine-tuning keyboard settings, creating custom profiles, and syncing lighting effects across compatible devices.
6. Enhanced Durability and Build Quality: Manufacturers are improving the durability and build quality of gaming keyboards to meet the demands of competitive gaming. Reinforced frames, premium materials, and IP-rated water and dust resistance are becoming common features in high-end gaming keyboards.
7. Increasing Popularity of Personal Computer Gaming: eSports, live streaming of games, and social media communities have spurred the growing popularity of personal computer gaming. As a result, there is also a rising demand for gaming peripherals, including gaming keyboards. 
8. Expansion of the Gaming business: New game genres, increased gameplay complexity, and higher graphic requirements also translated to an increased demand for more advanced gaming peripherals including high-performance gaming keyboards. 
9. Increasing Disposable Income: Despite inflation, consumers now have a growing amount of disposable income, especially in emerging markets. People now have more income to buy high-end gaming keyboards and gaming equipment.
10. Shift Towards eSports: The rapid expansion and acceptance of eSports as a mainstream form of entertainment has led to an increased demand for professional-grade gaming keyboards.
11. Influencer Marketing: Social media platforms together with eSports athletes and influencers increased awareness in all aspects of the industry. These include visibility and awareness of gaming keyboards and gaming peripherals. 

Factors That Restrain the Growth of Gaming Keyboards

Despite the healthy growth of the gaming keyboard industry, some factors hinder its progress. Let's identify these factors:

1. High Price: Gaming keyboards are quite expensive because of their premium features and technologies. Gamers who are concerned about their finances may be hesitant to buy these peripherals.
2. Alternative Platforms: Gaming consoles and mobile gaming devices have become popular as alternative platforms for computer gaming. These platforms do not consider mechanical gaming keyboards as essential components. 
3. Saturation and Maturity: The market for gaming keyboards may have saturated or matured in places where eSports is already well-established. 
4. All-in-One Devices: All-in-one gaming peripherals such as gaming laptops with built-in keyboards or gaming mice with integrated keyboard features may be simpler and cost-effective alternatives to mechanical gaming keyboards. 
5. Uncertainty in the Economy: People are keeping a tight lid on their expenditures due to economic downturns. They may spend less on non-essential items such as gaming peripherals.

How are eSports Professionals Influencing the Gaming Keyboard Industry?

Similar to athletes and influencers, eSports professionals are exerting a significant influence on the gaming keyboard industry in several ways:

1. Feedback and Endorsements: eSports professionals provide valuable feedback to gaming keyboard manufacturers based on their real-world experiences and preferences. Manufacturers use this feedback to refine existing products and develop new ones tailored to the needs of competitive gamers. Endorsements from top eSports athletes can lend credibility to specific keyboard models and influence purchasing decisions among fans and aspiring gamers.
2. Demand for Performance: eSports professionals demand the highest level of performance from their gaming peripherals. Their need for fast, responsive, and reliable input devices drives innovation in the gaming keyboard industry. 
3. Trendsetting: eSports professionals are trendsetters in the gaming community, and their choice of gaming peripherals can influence broader consumer preferences. When a top player achieves success using a particular keyboard model, the publication of this success increases the demand for that product among fans and fellow gamers. Manufacturers may capitalize on this by promoting partnerships with eSports teams and athletes to boost brand visibility and drive sales.
4. Product Testing and Validation: Gaming keyboard manufacturers often collaborate with eSports professionals to test and validate their products in real-world gaming. This collaboration ensures that gaming keyboards meet the performance, reliability, and durability standards required for competitive play. Feedback from eSports professionals helps identify potential issues and areas for improvement, resulting in better products for gamers across the board.

Conclusion

Despite some resistance, the mechanical keyboard market is on leaps and bounds thanks to the popularity and growth of eSports. As emerging trends develop, so will the popularity of mechanical keyboards specifically designed for gaming. Being an eSports player has never been more exciting than today!