5 Best Keypads for OSU

One of the hot topics among gamers these days, especially the OSU fanatics, is the best OSU keypad. The best gaming keypads have a favourable impact on the playing style of a gamer especially when it comes to rhythm-based games like OSU and MMO games that involve a plenteous amount of keyboard shortcuts.

Even though, the same games can be played with a regular keyboard, the experience of it can be rather inconvenient and troubling. This is because a keypad is a completely independent device; since there are no extra keys involved that only become a hurdle in rapid succession of keystrokes, keypads make the gaming experience of gamers more convenient and additionally comfortable.

Keypads can either be gaming or non-gaming. We will not recommend going for the generic non-gaming keypads if you wish to ace in OSU because they are simply the numeric pad you see on the right side of a standard keyboard. A gaming keypad is undeniably a magnificent tool as it provides the right comfortable position for a gamer to rest their hand and the tapping is much effortless. In this article, we will present different keypads that you can use for OSU while taking into consideration their price, performance and even RGB features.

Best OSU Keypad 2022

Continue reading to be able to decipher what makes a keypad different from others and what are the features you are looking for in a keypad while playing OSU. We will cover a wide variety of products while comparing them, adding our thoughts on what features impressed us and what did we not like about the product. The market of best OSU keypads is mostly controlled by the same manufacturers that have been dominating the other gaming markets such as Razer. In this article, we will also analyze some keypads that have been specifically manufactured for OSU.

  1. NONO Pro-Version Keypad
  2. Razer Tartarus V2 Gaming Keypad
  3. Sayobot O2C Keypad
  4. Razer Orbweaver Chroma
  5. Ecarke USB Mini Keypad
NONO Pro-Version Keypad compatible with OSU
NONO Pro-Version Keypad compatible with OSU

1. NONO Pro-Version Keypad

Best Cheap OSU keypad

Manufacturer: Autobahn88 | Number of Keys: 2 | Dimensions: 7.87 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches | Weight: ‎3.98 ounces

Reasons to Buy

  • Backlit keys
  • Variety of switch types
  • Sticky pad
  • Compact Size

Reasons to Avoid

  • Inconsistent taps
  • Ghost tapping
  • Double-tapping
  • Short USB Cable

We are starting this section with a keypad that has been specifically designed for rhythm-based games like OSU. Yes, the Pro-Version of NONO Keypad is simply a 2-Key Keypad that is extremely popular among OSU users.

The NONO Pro-Version gaming keypad is compatible with the Android operating system and is available with a set of 4 pairs of Cherry MX Speed Switches: Red, Blue, Black and Brown. With the Alloy design, the colour of the case can be Black, Silver, White or any other random colour. The weight of the NONO Pro-Version keypad is 3.98 ounces and has a Type-C USB cable.

What we like about the NONO Pro-Version Keypad?

This NONO Keypad is splendid for gamers who play OSU on the laptop. Let’s begin with the fact that the keypad is Backlit. The three dots on the board of the keypad support the LED lights. Although it lacks customizability, the RGB LEDs are a nice aesthetic touch to the keypad. Furthermore, it is a great alternative if you wish to avoid damaging your laptop keyboard keys. Simply with this OSU 2 key keypad, you can press however hard you want to and have it fulfilled all your needs.

The build of the keypad also seemed durable to us as it is part metal and part glass; you do not have to worry about it not lasting a long time. Even the overall size of the keypad is ideal. With 2 inches by 2 inches dimensions, it will not take too much of your desk space. The height of the keypad is merely a centimetre if you exclude the height of keys; therefore, you will also not have to strain your hand and fingers for each keypress.

With the keypad, you will also get a guide page that will help you in detail about how to install the driver for the keypad. The keypad comes with the software tool to alter the key configuration, the link to which you receive after the purchase. The users also get a sticky pad to place at the bottom to prevent the keypad from sliding. You will also get a travelling pouch that is solid and hard. Inside the pouch, you can store the USB type-C cable to carry around and all OSU keypad switches as well. The NONO Pro-Version keypad is good for beginners as it has light travel.

In addition to that, you have the option to have 4 Cherry MX Switches and Fast Cherry Speed Silver as well for only $1 more. Another thing we love about the NONO keypad is the wide variety of choices you have because while some gamers are good with tactile switches others enjoy linear switches. It is great if you like to test various switches. With NONO Pro-Version you have the option of both.

If you choose to go with the option of Cherry MX Speed Silver, you will get a fast-gaming experience as they only have a 45 grams operating force, 1.2 mm pre-travel and 3.4 mm total travel with no audible click. The Cherry MX Black are sensitive and precise linear switches with 60 grams operating force and 2 mm pre-travel.

If your go-to switches are tactile switches then you can opt for the pair of Cherry MX Brown Switches with NONO Pro-Version Keypad that has 55 grams operating force and 2 mm pre-travel. Even the option for the clicky switches is also available, Cherry MX Blues, with 60 grams force and 2.2 mm pre-travel.

Overall, The NONO Pro-Version keypad has a steaming speed of 320bpm, a Polling rate of 1000Hz and a report rate of 1000Hz as well. It indeed does change the way you play OSU. However, after a few months, the keypad starts lacking which we will discuss in the next section.

What we don’t like about the NONO Pro-version keypad?

 It goes without saying that this keypad is much more expensive than it should be. The very first issue that we encountered was ghost tapping, especially in the X key. At times, the keys will press themselves. We tried to set the key to debounce to 30ms in the software settings and this reduced the problem to some extent as the ghost taps that occur at 30ms intervals are not registered.

Users have also complained that they face problems of double hitting or the software not detecting the key hits. Taking out the switches and putting them back in temporarily fixes the problem. While we were testing the keypad we noticed that at times the Z key gets unbound and it is difficult to rebind it. In addition to that, even though the manufacturer claims that the key switches can be removed easily by pushing the little plastic piece and the switches would pop off, it is not the case.

Swapping the keys is really hard for this NONO Pro-version keypad. In fact, some users have reviewed that changing them by hand is impossible and they have to use pens to pull the switches out. Another problem that comes with the NONO keypad is that it keeps on slipping. The rubber pad that they provide really doesn’t help much and you have to place a wide mousepad underneath it. It is an issue for OSU players because due to the sliding they keep on messing up their combos or they hit keys early on. The metal base is another con.

Additionally, the cord of the keypad is also very short. If you buy the keypad we recommend that you also buy a USB extender using it otherwise becomes really complicated. You can also connect the keypad to a USB hub placed on your desk. Considering the cost of this keypad, the cable should have at least been a good length.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the NONO Pro-Version keypad is only good for beginners and the long-term durability is mediocre. With it, you can set the key binds to your convenience and you also have RGB. So, for the price you have to pay for it, NONO Pro-version is not a bad keypad but we would not call it extraordinary. If the only game you want to play on it is OSU then well and good.

However, if you are in search of a keypad that will not only assist you in playing OSU but will also give you a competitive advantage in other games as well then you will be interested in the next product we are about to mention.


Razer Tartarus v2
Razer Tartarus v2

2. Razer Tartarus V2 Gaming Keypad

Best Ergonomic OSU keypad

Manufacturer: Razer | Number of Keys: 32 | Dimensions: ‎2.36 x 0.8 x 6.02 inches | Weight: ‎‎12.8 ounces

Reasons to Buy

  • Customizable RGB Lighting
  • Fully programmable keys
  • Mecha-membrane soft tactile keys
  • Adjustable palm wrist and thumbpad

Reasons to Avoid

  • Hard to adjust to the joystick
  • Plastic build
  • Expensive

Even though the ideal number of keys for keypads is 25 keys maximum, Razer V2 Taurus is an exception. It comes with 32 keys that are fully programmable, a mecha-membrane technology, remarkable ergonomics and a backlighting system that did not fail to amaze us. The weight of this keypad is 12.8 ounces which makes it one of the heaviest keypads. Another version that it is available in is Tartarus Pro Optical Switches. The one we tested and will be reviewing here is the Razer Tartarus keypad with mecha-membrane switches.

What we like about Razer V2 Tartarus?

If you are familiar with the Razer Nostromo, then you will be interested in knowing that Razer V2 Tartarus is an improved version of it. We will start with what makes the keys of this keypad so special. Gamers are mostly divided into two classifications: those who prefer switches with a soft touch and those users that go for tactile or bumpy switches.

Razer Tartarus V2 gives the best of both worlds to its users with Mecha-Membrane switches by combining the two categories. Switches used in Razer V2 Tartarus provide a soft touch with its rubber dome in addition to the tactile click that you would get from a mechanical switch.

Smooth keypresses and crispy audible clicks are the unique features of this keypad. In addition to that, the response of these mecha-membrane switches is instantaneous as well. Now you can have control at a much faster pace as the keys actuate just at mid-height.  Furthermore, you get ultimate command as the 32 keys equip the users with an armament of fully programmable keys. You will have at your fingertips control of hotkeys and macros with the main 15 keys being multi-touch membrane.

What’s different is that the gamers also have an advantage of the 8-way thumbpad that is positioned on a programmable D-pad. It further provides more convenient movement and gives you further command. You can utilize 8 different profiles with this device and change them according to your needs with the help of the software of the keypad. A button can also be assigned the same function of switching profiles.

The main highlight of the Razer V2 Tartarus is its ergonomic design. Razer engineers really gave their best to shape it as a comfortable device and they succeeded. With regards to the appearance of the keypad, it resembles the shape of a palm owing to which resting a hand on it is free of fatigue. You can use it for long hours without feeling any discomfort.

Moreover, there is no issue of the keypad being slipper in the middle of keystrokes. This is because at the bottom of the keypad foldable legs are attached which are sticky enough to stabilize the keypad and keep it in its place.

Even the position of the wrist rest is modifiable. If you spend enough time on this keypad you will eventually end up in an ideal position that will give you an immaculate gaming experience. We have read over 300 customer reviews and we can say it with a guarantee that not only can you master OSU with it but you can also conveniently play shooting games or other MOBA games.

Now let’s talk about the software of Razer V2 Tartarus. For ease of comparison, we will be using Amusing keypad software which was specifically designed for OSU. Razer V2 Tartarus uses Synapse 2.0 software which is exemplary enough to be the direct competitor of Amusing keypad software. Last but not least, Tartarus V2 also has customizable RGB. The backlighting is phenomenal with 16.8 million options; the users even have the option to set their personal favourite colours or they can use the pre-set colour modes. Either way, the appearance is praiseworthy.  

What we don’t like about Razer V2 Tartarus?

The joystick or the thumbpad can be a problem when you have been used to WASD movement for so long. Trying to break that habit is one of the major drawbacks of purchasing Razer V2 Tartarus. As comfortable as the device is, moving the joystick still puts a lot of strain on the thumb especially if you are manoeuvring it with the help of the left thumb. Moreover, the joystick is really irrelevant when it comes to OSU so the OSU players are really not gaining anything out of it. Therefore, not all users can unlock the full utility of this keypad.

Furthermore, given the wide area of the board of the keypad, some keys are harder to access when you are playing fast-paced games. The build of the keypad is plastic which is not really impressive. You also don’t get any CD to install the driver and you have to download the latest version of the software from Razer’s official website. Moreover, some users find the keypad too expensive but to us the features it is providing justify its high price tag.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there aren’t many reasons to not buy Razer Tartarus V2. Owing to the advanced ergonomics that this keypad is equipped with, regardless of your hand size you will have a comfortable fit even if you are playing for ten hours in a row. Even the price of this Razer keypad is justified given the unlimited macros, a hyper-shift mode for additional control and an ergonomic palm rest that is detachable and can be adjusted to suit the gamer’s choice of comfortable angle. Razer Tartarus V2 does its job and it does it well.


Sayobot O2C Keypad
Sayobot O2C Keypad

3. Sayobot O2C Keypad

Best USB Mini OSU Keypad

Manufacturer: ‎ARCADORA | Number of Keys: 2 | Dimensions: ‎5.91 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches | Weight: ‎‎2.82 ounces

Reasons to Buy

  • Used by professionals
  • Precise. No Ghost-Tapping
  • Responsive
  • Hot-swappable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Availability issues
  • Software lags

Another one of the best Osu keypads in the market is Sayobot. It is a 2-Key keypad that has fully programmable Cherry Red Axis Keys. The material that the body of the Sayobot Keypad is Stainless steel, aluminium, or acrylic build.

What we like about the Sayobot O2C Keypad?

Sayobot O2C Keypad is listed among the high-quality keypads that even professional players use. This is because of the fact that it has no irrelevant keys due to which OSU players face no hurdle or distraction. In addition to that, we faced no ghost-tapping or irrelevant tapping. The keypress is only registered when it is pressed. This factor is important because the precision of keystrokes is crucial when it comes to rhythm-based like OSU.

Neither you can miss the chance to press the key or press a key at the wrong time. For this purpose, it is equally important for the switches to have a low response time. This is not a problem because the Cherry MX Axis embedded in Sayobot O2C Keypad have a quick response time. There is absolutely no delay with a polling rate of 1000 Hz. Triggering of the switch occurs just at 2.0 mm of travel distance. With Sayobot O2C Keypad, setting the key binds configuration is not a complicated task either.

In addition to all that, unlike the NONO Pro-Version keypad in which users face difficulty removing the switches, Sayobot O2C is an OSU keypad with removable switches. The Sayobot O2C keypad switches are especially hot-swappable. You can simply remove the Cherry MX Red Axis switches with your hands with no difficulty. The switches can also be swapped to Cherry MX Browns or even Gateron Switches. The red version of the Cherry MX Axis is ideal for gaming as not only are they lightweight but they are also optimized and compact. You can easily carry it around as well.

Let’s not forget the RGB LED lighting that this Micro USB 2.0 Full-speed Sayobot O2C Keypad supports. With 2 RGB colours, Red and blue, the keypad does not lack an aesthetic perspective either. Perhaps the biggest edge that these have is that the manufacturer has decades of experience when it comes to building high-quality switches.

What we don’t like about the Sayobot?

The first problem that comes with wanting to buy Sayobot is the lack of availability. If it runs out of stock you will have to wait a lengthy period for it to be back in stock. In addition to that, we found that many users have reported that the driver software tends to lag sometimes. Some users have also faced the problem of keypad constantly connecting and disconnecting repeatedly but these could also simply be faulty samples.

Final Thoughts

Nevertheless, in short, if you cannot afford a mechanical keyboard or any expensive gaming keypad then you have every reason to buy this Type C easy to operate and simple plug and play Sayobot O2C Keypad.


Razer Orbweaver Chroma
Razer Orbweaver Chroma Gaming Keypad

4. Razer Orbweaver Chroma

Best RGB OSU Keypad

Manufacturer: ‎Razer | Number of Keys: 30 | Dimensions: 6.06 x 8.09 x 2.16 inches | Weight: ‎‎10.6 ounces

Reasons to Buy

  • RGB Backlighting and Visual Effects
  • Clicky mechanical switches
  • Instant reset
  • Programmable keys

Reasons to Avoid

  • Software bug issues
  • Shifting to this keypad is difficult

It is just as we mentioned earlier: Razer is one of the dominant manufacturers when it comes to gaming devices. Another one of their leading gaming keypads is the Razer Orbweaver Chroma with a total of 30 fully programmable buttons, a versatile thumb pad, adjustable palm wrist and the same customizable backlighting with 16.8 million colours like Razer Tartarus V2.

What we like about the Razer Orbweaver Chroma keypad?

The differentiating element between Tartarus and Orbweaver is the type of switches that these have. While the Tartarus have utilized mecha-membrane switches, the Orbweaver on the other hand has mechanical keys embedded in it. Therefore, if your main keyboard is a mechanical one then you can rest assured that with this keypad you will get the same clicky satisfaction.

Other than the switches being clicky, they also have the merit of being multi-award winners. Since the Razer mechanical switches have been specifically designed for gaming, not only do they respond quickly and give you a competitive advantage of speed but they also have optimized reset and actuation points resulting in instant reset.

The actuation force of these switches is 50 grams which further makes them responsive and touch-sensitive. The sensitivity and flexibility of the keypad are two crucial elements for the gamer to be able to master OSU. Additionally, as you may have noticed, we have been emphasizing the importance of keys in the keypad being programmable repeatedly. The Razer Orbweaver Chroma keypad fulfils this demand.

One of the greatest ultimatums for gamers is to be able to instantly switch between profiles and it is possible with Razer Orbweaver Chroma. The programmable keypad modes save the user’s time by allowing customizable settings at once so all they have to do in the middle of a game is to press a button to enable switching.

As far as the compatibility of this Razer keypad is concerned, Razer hardware is known to be easily compatible with any operating system and the same goes for Razer Orbweaver Chroma. Unlike most keypads, it is also compatible with MAC OSx. With regards to the ergonomics of this keypad, you can play any game for hours without feeling any fatigue.

This Razer Orbwear keypad has been specifically designed to enable the users to comfortable play OSU, WoW, Dota or LoL for prolonged night raids with absolutely no hand strain even for people with different hand sizes. Thanks to the fact that you can easily adjust the distance between the key switch and your hand so that you do not have to lift too high. In addition to that, the inclined angle of the palm rest can also be adjusted so that you can tune it to your liking.

Some people tend to sweat a lot, especially between fingers; since the build of Razer Orbweaver Chroma’s stand is of rubberized plastic you will face no problem of your hand slipping due to sweat or your keypad sliding continuously. Moreover, the speciality of Razer Orbweaver Chroma is its elite RGB lighting. You can choose from 16.8 million different shades with separate power levels counting up to 100.

If you are a fan of visual effects you will like the fact that the keypad has plenty of effects available including the adjustment of the intensity of the lighting. The Razer Orbweaver Chroma really sets the gaming mood as the faster you press each key the brighter the buttons are.

With reference to the integrated software of the Razer Orbweaver Chroma keypad, Synapse 2.0 is quite versatile. Not only does it manage the backlighting and RGB customizability but it also retains the settings of all Razer devices that you may possess and saves them in cloud storage. This way you can access the data from anywhere in the world and you won’t have to re-record the macros every time.

The Razer Synapse offers many features that make the whole process of setting up the keypad easier. You can also perform tasks other than videogames entirely like Photoshopping or even while drawing on digital tabs, it can ease your workload.

What we don’t like about the Razer Orbweaver Chroma keypad?

First thing first, switching to this Razer keypad from a regular keypad can be a long uncomfortable process and some people might not be willing to invest so much time just to be able to finally get it right. Furthermore, Synapse 2.0 is not as immaculate as Razer claims it to be.

Apart from that, it lags frequently and there seem to be many bug issues involved. At times, we also faced problems while trying to save different profiles online. Even though according to Razer, they plan on resolving the issues soon but as of now Synapse 2.0 is not downright faultless.

Final Thoughts

Nevertheless, Razer software and keypads are superior to other products currently available in the market. Once you have gotten used to it, Razer Orbsweaver Chroma can become a great asset when you are in a crucial moment of OSU or in the middle of a battle arena. With Razer Orbsweaver Chroma, everything starting from binding commands or activating them simultaneously is at the tip of fingers.


Ecarke USB Mini 3-Key Keypad Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Ecarke USB Mini 3-Key Keypad Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5. Ecarke USB Mini Keypad

Best 3 Key OSU Keypad

Manufacturer: ‎ECARKE | Number of Keys: 3 | Dimensions: 6.18 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches | Weight: ‎‎2.89 ounces

Reasons to Buy

  • Budget-friendly
  • Various Modes
  • Hot-swappable Switches
  • RGB LEDs

Reasons to Avoid

  • Complex Software
  • Remapping is difficult

New in the market and particularly designed for OSU players are the Ecarke gaming keypads with a different set of total keys. The one we tested was the 3-key USB Mini version of it.

What we like about the ECARKE Mini Keypad?

Kicking off with the fact that by being below $20, this keypad is very light on the budget. ECARKE Mini 3-Key Keypad is one of the very few gaming keypads that have been able to deliver quality performance at such a low price. What surprised us most was that we were expecting it to not have any backlighting or RGB LEDs. On the contrary, this inexpensive Ecarke Mini Keypad has adjustable RGB colours. Moreover, this HID standard keypad has several useful modes.

You can download the software through the link mentioned on the packaging. In the Multimedia Control Mode of the ECARKE Mini Keypad that has fully key customization, you have the option to adjust controls like playback, volume and pause. Imagine being able to take a screenshot with a single key or record the screen with one keypress. ECARKE Mini 3-Key Keypad allows you to do all that.

Thanks to the Game Controller Mode of this 3-Key Keypad, you can employ shortcut keys when you have intricate operations in a game. With the help of Keyboard mode, the users get full control of LED status and they can also switch various input method modes. The ECARKE Mini 3-Key Keypad does not need a driver which makes it a simple play and play keypad.

Furthermore, owing to the onboard storage, you will not have to save the settings repeatedly. Other modes supported by Ecarke Mini are Mouse Mode, two-step operations and One-Click Password Mode. It is indeed a lot for a cheap keypad like Ecarke Mini to offer.

As far as the switches are concerned, you can use Cherry MX ones, OUTEMU mechanical switches or you can use a mix and have clicky, tactile and linear switches combinations. Both of the switches are well-built and hot-swappable. Another effective characteristic of the Ecarke Mini 3-Key Keypad is that the data cable is removable which allows the users to easily carry the keypad around. For a better understanding of switches, here is our article of tactile VS linear switches.

Additionally, slipping off the keypad is not a problem either because in the packaging you also get anti-slip pads. These are four small circular mats that you can attach to the corners of the keypad so that even during rapid keystrokes the keypad remains stable and sturdy.

What we don’t like about the Ecarke Mini Keypad?

Remapping can be an issue with this keypad as the keys only display the numbers “1”, “2” and “3”. But this problem was a given considering that the keypad was manufactured for OSU which is a rhythm-based game. In addition to that, you have to be tech-savvy to be able to manoeuvre through the software because it is that complicated and not user-friendly at all.

Final Thoughts

For those users who are able to get the hang of the software, the rest is a piece of cake. Overall, Ecarke USB Mini 3-Key Keypad is one of those gaming keypads that are a go-to option when it comes to OSU. Therefore, if you know what you are doing, this Ecarke OSU 3 button Keypad is great for its price.


Our Verdict

In the end, it all narrows down to your needs as a gamer. If you play multiple games including OSU and you need a versatile keypad that is a substitute for your gaming keyboard then we recommend purchasing Razer Orbsweaver Chroma Elite. Not only is it a great gaming keypad but it can also be used for various other creative purposes and you will find that the price of this keypad is justified. However, if you are solely an OSU player and this game is all you are concerned about then our recommendations are different.

In such a scenario, the NONO Pro-version keypad or the Sayobot O2C keypad is more ideal. These two Osu keypads have two direct competitors: the OSU mania keypad and the Thnikk Megatouch OSU keypad. Due to their lack of availability and delivery issues, we have excluded them from the list of best keypads for OSU. You can buy the Megatouch keypad as it is one of the few OSU touch keypads but you will struggle in finding a reliable website to purchase it from.

If you want to purchase a cheap OSU keypad or a budget-friendly 2-Key Keypad, we recommend NONO Pro-version or Sayobot O2C. On the other hand, if you are not reluctant to invest more money, then our recommendation would be to purchase Razer Tartarus V2 or Orbweaver Chroma as they are acclaimed best RGB keypads for OSU. Otherwise, you may even go for a custom OSU keypad which is our next topic of discussion.

How to make OSU keypad

Making a custom keypad for OSU is possible but it will cost you more than a NONO Pro-Version keypad that we have covered above. First of all, you will need to buy a keyboard controller that is programmable unless you want to make one from the scratch by yourself which requires a lot of technical skills. Overall, it is a procedure of a few steps with the first being purchasing the material that is required.

You will need key switches, a plastic sheet, a light strip, keycaps, full-size USB type B, two resistors, a hot glue gun, a soldering iron and a solder. The next step is soldering after which you will assemble all the parts.

OSU Keypad Switch Replacement

Swapping or switching keys on an OSU keypad is an easy task. First, you have to take off the keycap which will not be a problem. After the keycap has been removed, you will notice that there are two buttons at the front and the backside of each switch. With the help of your nails, you will hold the switch from these sides.

Using your index finger and thumb slowly pull the switch out in a back and forth motion. Now you can insert the replacement switch by making sure that the positioning of pins is aligned with their respective slots. When you hear the sound of a click, it means you have successfully replaced the switches.

Buying Guide for Choosing a Gaming Keypad for OSU

Many times users forget that they cannot just impulsively purchase any component when it comes to building an ideal gaming setup. When it comes to gaming keypads, there is a certain criterion that people do not usually bother to follow. This is why we have allocated this particular section of the article to highlight the characteristics that you need to keep in consideration before deciding which keypad you are going to buy.

Ergonomics

It is evident that the most important factor to consider is the ergonomics of the keypad. Fundamentally, the reason why you are purchasing a keypad is to minimize the discomfort playing with a keyboard has. Due to this, ergonomics play a crucial role while making a purchase decision. Make sure that the keypad you are going to buy allows you to place your hand in a way that it will not get fatigued even after playing on it for hours and on.

Your main priority should be analyzing your anatomical needs and finding a keypad design that will be unique and ideal for you. In addition to that, if the ergonomics are adjustable then that is even better. An ideal keypad is one that allows you to manoeuvre its ergonomic settings of it.

Keys

By keys, we mean the number of buttons on your keypad that will allow you to have an optimal gaming experience. One thing that is for certain when it comes to OSU is that the fewer the keys the better. More buttons only end up being a hindrance. The ideal range of keys for OSU can be a minimum of a 2-Key keypad or a maximum of a 22-Key Keypad.

We will not recommend keypads with keys above 25 because although it is about personal preference a keypad with this many keys fits more into a category of a keyboard. In short, too many keys can be distracting and fewer keys can make it difficult to play some games. The range of keys between the two extremes is ideal not only for OSU but other games as well.

Profile Customization

If your intention is to buy a keypad that will assist you in playing a wide variety of games then your keypad should have the option of profiling. Let’s say after playing OSU you want to play a game that has multiple characters in it. If your keypad has the profiling feature, then whenever you log in you would not have to alter your entire layout to play a different character.

This can be done simply with a single keypress. There will be no need of setting up the binds from scratch. For instance, your gameplay in OSU ends and you log into WoW to join a party as fast as you can. All you will have to do, without forsaking any time, is press a single button.

Extra Features

Is there a need for extra functions in a keypad for OSU or other popular keypad games? To put it straightforwardly, this factor is quite subjective. Obviously, you will not be needing buttons for printing or scanning. For OSU users, there is absolutely no necessity for extra functions. However, for MMO, RPG and MOBA extra features like Modular buttons and analogue control sticks can give you a competitive advantage and can be more comfortable. Over-tuned keypads, on the other hand, will just be a burden in your pocket. In short, the requirement varies from game to game.

If you feel the need to have extra features, buy them. The genres of games that we have mentioned above can include Dota or WoW, these games have various acts that have to be used simultaneously in a row. You might need to set up a different combination of keys and everything will be at your fingertips. However, in racing games, instead of getting a separate keypad you can get a racing wheel for your PC.

How did we choose the best keypads for OSU?

Our prime concern was assembling a list of distinctive keypads to ensure that whatever purchasing decision you make you will not regret it later. The factors that we considered while compiling a list of keypads included the brand’s reputation, availability of the product, the technology employed by the manufacturers, our test results and research of more than a hundred customer reviews.

The most important consideration was ergonomics and programmability. The set of keys used and the option of programmability varies from a keypad to a keypad and also depends on the need of the gamers due to which reason we kept a wide range of such keypads to cover in detail.

Why trust GamingExpert?

The information that you see before you are authentic, reliable, thoroughly tested and well-researched. Our priority at GamingExpert is to ensure that every word that you read is relevant to your interest and assists in answering your queries. After compiling a list of products, we test them one by one and cross out the ones that do not fit the definition of being one of the best products. We update our articles frequently so that the data that reaches you is the latest and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get an OSU keypad?

The accuracy and precision that you get with a separate keypad for OSU are not the same as when you use a keyboard. This is because due to many irrelevant keys in the area you might get distracted and press the wrong key while you are using a keyboard.

Is the OSU keypad worth it?

If you are purchasing a keypad only for the purpose of playing OSU then we recommend that you buy the cheaper ones and yes, it will definitely be worth it. In fact, our tests proved that playing on the keypad was more successful and accurate than playing on a keyboard.

How to take switches off an OSU keypad?

If the keypad has Cherry MX switches then they are very easy to take off. After taking off the keycap you have to hold the switch from front and back while pulling it out slowly in a continuous back and forth motion.

How to connect an OSU keypad to a phone?

You can connect the OSU keypad to a phone like you would connect any other keyboard simply with the help of a USB OTG adapter given that the keypad supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get an OSU keypad?

The accuracy and precision that you get with a separate keypad for OSU are not the same as when you use a keyboard. This is because due to many irrelevant keys in the area you might get distracted and press the wrong key while you are using a keyboard.

Is the OSU keypad worth it?

If you are purchasing a keypad only for the purpose of playing OSU then we recommend that you buy the cheaper ones and yes, it will definitely be worth it. In fact, our tests proved that playing on the keypad was more successful and accurate than playing on a keyboard.

How to take switches off an OSU keypad?

If the keypad has Cherry MX switches then they are very easy to take off. After taking off the keycap you have to hold the switch from front and back while pulling it out slowly in a continuous back and forth motion.

How to connect an OSU keypad to a phone?

You can connect the OSU keypad to a phone like you would connect any other keyboard simply with the help of a USB OTG adapter given that the keypad supports it.

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Fakhra Ahmad

Fakhra is an adaptable and articulate content writer skilled in writing critical reviews about PC peripherals especially Motherboards, Mice, and Keyboards. She is a keen researcher and avid reader of news pertinent to tech and science.