Gaming keyboards tend to use RF wireless with a USB dongle, instead of a Bluetooth connection, which is more popular with modern "standard" wireless keyboards. That's because it allows manufacturers to use a more reliable direct connection, with a higher polling rate — that means the connection between the board and your computer refreshes itself much more often, minimizing input lag. Some advanced models still include Bluetooth, along with fancier options like pairing multiple devices to the same USB dongle. Range typically isn't a concern if you're using a keyboard with a gaming desktop, but you might want to think about it if you have a gaming PC hooked up to your TV.

Most high-end wireless gaming keyboards can also use a direct wired USB connection, if you're worried about wireless interference in a crowded environment.

Unlike gaming mice, battery life generally isn't a big concern with gaming keyboards. They're big enough that there's plenty of space for internal batteries that last for weeks, or even months, between charges. That is, unless you over-use that fancy RGB lighting with dazzling animation...in which case, it might last just a few days or hours. It's best to turn off the lights if you don't know when you'll get your next charge. If it's available, check the milliamp-hour (mAh) rating for the battery.

Keyboard makers are forever trying to one-up each other with extra features. Larger boards usually include dedicated media controls, and the nicer ones get a fully programmable wheel or knob, as well as hot-swap switch sockets that let you experiment with different types of key switches. An especially nice option is on-device memory, allowing you to keep key layout programs without running a driver program on each new computer. The most expensive boards have premium metal bodies, internal foam for sound reduction, and sometimes even gasket mounting, which gives the keys an extra bit of bounce by suspending them between two layers of foam or silicone.

None of these are really necessary, but they're all nice and enhance the experience. Depending on your taste and budget, you can look for a board with a few extra features, or hunt down a super premium "endgame" design with all of them.