You wonder how long a gaming keyboard usually lasts and when it’s okay for it to break? It clearly depends on how you use the keyboard. But what are the guidelines for a regular service life? Here you can find out how many keystrokes are usual and which keyboard models last particularly long!
Short Answer
A gaming keyboard lasts an average of 2 to 3 years with daily use of several hours. Mechanical gaming keyboards usually last way longer, with 5 to 20 years. Due to their construction, mechanical keyboards are made to handle many millions of keystrokes more.
Long Answer
You have now learned in a nutshell how long a gaming keyboard lasts. We want to explain this information in more detail here. We will also explain the factors that determine the lifespan of a keyboard.
Typical Lifespan of various Gaming Keyboards
With regular use of a gaming keyboard of 4 to 8 hours per day, rubber dome keyboards last 2 to 3 years, while mechanical keyboards last 3 to 4 years. Although most suppliers promise considerably more years and more keystrokes, it is usually only a maximum of 3 years in practice.
In addition to the marketing promises of possible keystrokes, there are also a lot of everyday influences. Keyboards that can withstand 80 million keystrokes under load tests in the laboratory could quickly arrive at only 50% or even 25% of the promised life span in a typical environment with dust, nicotine, liquids, sweat, and food residues.
The specifications are one thing. The reality is another. It simply depends on the use and handling. Nevertheless, you can draw average figures that you can use as a guide. We have compiled a few examples of use in the following table:
User Type | Usage per Day | Keystrokes per Year | Rubber Dome Keyboard | Mechanical Keyboard |
Casual user | 2-3 h | ~ 2 million | 4-5 years | 6-9 years |
Normal user | 4-8 h | ~ 5 million | 2-3 years | 3-5 years |
Gamers, programmers, copywriters | 8-12 h | ~ 12 million | 1-2 years | 2-4 years |
Does a Mechanical Gaming Keyboard last longer than a normal one?
Mechanical keyboards can withstand more keystrokes than the membrane of a regular keyboard. Consequently, ordinary rubber dome keyboards have a shorter lifespan than mechanical keyboards. However, the number of possible keystrokes varies depending on the keyboard model.
While standard keyboards usually only guarantee around 5 to 10 million keystrokes, mechanical keyboards can withstand about 50 to 80 million keystrokes. The clickability of mechanical switches is still the same after many months, while the keys of rubber dome keyboards wear out.
50 to 80 Million Keystrokes? How long is that?
The length of durability can’t be stated in years for mechanical keyboards. The type of use and how the customer operates the keyboard are too different. For example, if a customer only uses his keyboard to write texts, the shelf life can be used up much more quickly by the keystrokes than it would be the case for a casual gamer. If he only plays a few hours a week, his keys will naturally wear out less quickly.
One assumes approximate durability of 5 to 25 years for a mechanical keyboard. Of course, this duration can vary highly depending on the type of use.
How many Keystrokes should a Gaming Keyboard withstand?
A mechanical keyboard should last at least 50 million keystrokes, and a rubber dome keyboard should last at least 5 million keystrokes. Most keyboards will last much longer if handled well, but every keyboard should meet a certain minimum of keystrokes.
What Factors affect the Life Span of a Gaming Keyboard?
Several factors influence the lifespan of a gaming keyboard. We have listed some of them here for you:
#1 Dust and Food Scraps
It is best not to eat the bread roll in the morning and the chips in the evening over the keyboard. Try to avoid food residue on the keyboard and clean the keyboard regularly. Any crumbs or dirt will contribute to a keyboard breaking down faster.
#2 Build Quality
The quality and workmanship of a keyboard directly influence the basic conditions with which you can work. Instead, invest a little more in a good keyboard that lasts a long time. I have linked very reliable keyboards that last for many years above.
#3 Smoking
If you smoke on the PC, the tar contained in the smoke settles in the keyboard and damages the pushbuttons. The effect is relatively slow and gradual, but it leads to significant wear and a possible delay in responses after several months.
#4 Handling of the Gaming Keyboard
A gaming keyboard can be handled roughly or carefully. When storing, transporting, and using the keyboard, it makes a significant difference whether you avoid knocks, tear the cable, or damage the connector. It has a particularly negative effect on the life span when you hammer around on the keyboard or press particularly hard.
Which Gaming Keyboards last particularly long?
Mechanical keyboards that last particularly long and are very reliable are the famous “Logitech G213” for around $40 and the “Razer BlackWidow V3” for about $100. These gaming keyboards usually last over 3 years, even with heavy use.
Among the most reliable non-mechanical keyboards is the “Logitech MX Keys” for around $120, created for frequent typists and programmers, or the inexpensive “Razer Ornata Chroma” for about $60.
Conclusion – How long do Gaming Keyboards last?
With average durability of 50 million keystrokes, it’s unlikely that you’ll see the end of the gaming keyboard. Because we humans usually buy a new product before the end of its shelf life. Hardly anyone keeps his keyboard for another 7 years. The development goes on too fast and offers us, again and again, significant innovations and products. In any case, you can’t go wrong with a mechanical keyboard and can buy it without hesitation.
