Soon after its early release in 2007, the OSU game got a huge amount of attention and praise from gamers. To excel in this game every OSU enthusiast started his best by leveling up, and for this purpose, the high-end gaming peripherals like gaming keyboards and keypads came into play. Since this is a rhythm-based game, you need the best OSU keyboard that delivers the highest level of perfection and accuracy without giving you even a single accidental misclick.
So, for a seamless gaming experience and a perfect level of fluidity, we have researched more than twenty keyboards dedicated to this game and narrowed down our research to five keyboards to help you make a better decision. These best OSU keyboards are designed and optimized for a better gaming experience and comfort.
Apart from that, we have also researched some of the best OSU keypads, and the Switches designed for OSU which would also help you have a better insight into buying a good peripheral. So, whether you need an OSU keyboard for long nails or a mechanical RGB keyboard with excellent feedback for precise actuation force, there’s a lot more for you.
What Is OSU?
Osu! is a freeware game developed and published by Dean “peppy” Herbert. After its early release in 2007, the game has become one of the best action-rhythm games, and since then the game has been updated many times to improve bug fixes and to improve its compatibility for different platforms. Right now, the game is available for Windows PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows Phones. As of today, there are different versions of the Osu! Game available under different titles named Osu! mania, Catch, and Taiko.
With its various difficulty settings including Easy, Normal, Hard, Insane, and Expert, you have to complete different game levels called beatmaps. Each beatmap starts a song in which different Beats elements like sliders, spinners, and hit circles show on the screen. Using keyboard or mouse buttons, you must hit those Beats with the Song’s rhythms to earn points.
As the gamer proceeds with the game by winning each round, he gets new songs, game modes, and styles. With that, the bonus points he earns will determine the player’s level of expertise.
How to Play Osu With Keyboard
Before we move on to the main topic, here is a brief guide on how to play OSU gaming using a keyboard and a gaming mouse. Since you need good peripherals, having a good monitor and a speaker could make a good addition to your gaming setup.
So, once you’ve set everything up, it is time to start the game and pick a song you like. However, don’t forget to start from the easy one, if you are a beginner. Once you’ve mastered the rhythms and perfect clicks, move to the next songs based on difficult levels to learn the number of keystrokes you require for every song.
Playing osu! catch
To play the OSU! Catch, place your fingers on the left and right arrows, and the shift key. Usually, the arrow keys are sufficient to play in this mode, but in some cases, the Shift key helps you catch the notes by giving you a boost while dashing.
Remember that the bigger the fruits you catch, the higher the points you will get up to 300. However, even with a single note missed, the whole of the combo will come to zero, decreasing your accuracy. However, normally, you will get a minimum of 10 points per fruit on the entire map. The good thing is that Bananas and Spinners give you the highest score of 1100 points. So, you’ll have to catch every note for maximum accuracy and to score higher in the game. Now that we know everything before buying Best Keyboard For OSU, let’s jump to the list.
5 Best Keyboards For OSU In 2022
- Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Low Profile
- Razer Huntsman Elite
- SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid
- Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB
- NONO Pro-Version Keypad compatible with OSU
1. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Low Profile
Best keyboard Switches for Osu!
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Whether you are upgrading or buying a new keyboard for an OSU game, the Corsair is the first brand you can think about. Every keyboard and mouse the company has even manufactured is high-end and designed for a smooth gaming experience. This is what we liked about the CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Low Profile keyboard. Since its early release in 2018, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 has been the favorite and the best-selling keyboard with the highest rating and amazingly responsive keys.
Related: Best keyboard switches for OSU!
What Did We Like?
What we liked about this keyboard is that the keys have been improved from its predecessor K65, which is still my favorite keyboard, although the K65 lacked some additional options added in this new release like the volume wheel, and positioning of the macro keys. The keyboard is highly comfortable and ergonomic for OSU! gaming, and this is what you need the most in this game while pressing the keys rhythmically. Compared to the full height membrane keyboards, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2’s keys are highly responsive and give something, if not, like a laptop feel.
For a game like OSU! The responsiveness and low travel distance of the switches are the keys to success. And this is what the K70 RGB MK.2 guarantees with its low profile, and low travel RGB Red switches for a smooth clicking experience without tiring rubber-like bounceback feedback. Though the keys are highly sensitive and deliver accurate response time, it doesn’t mean that it produces misclicks which is a common problem in rhythm games.
Something you will appreciate about the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 for this game is the 1.2mm travel distance to make sure that you apply minimum force and maximum potential to win the OSU catch or the OSU mania. The reason is that the lower the travel distance, the better you are in a position to use the keys faster without much effort.
When compared with other gaming keyboards for OSU, the K70 RGB MK.2 keys were quiet which is a welcome sign, thanks to the linear switches which ensure that the keyboard remains silent under intensive use. The best part is its space bar that is used very often in OSU mania for better configuration, was also not much loud.
Besides, the ergonomic palm rest adds to the better and longer gaming sessions by providing maximum comfort to your hands. Also, you won’t feel any strain or wrist pain even after using it for hours.
What Did We Dislike?
I would like to mention that the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is not for people who want a typical keyboard for typing, rather this is purely for gaming and light typing purposes due to mechanical switches. However, for lighter typing, this is a perfectly useful keyboard that can meet expectations.
Apart from its average typing experience, the keyboard also lacks modern connectivity options and comes equipped with USB2.0 only. Though it is enough for regular desktops, having 2-3 connectivity or wireless connectivity was more welcoming than this and could ensure a higher level of compatibility with other devices.
Who Is This For?
So far, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is the best low-profile OSU mania keyboard that comes equipped with high-end OSU switches for longer gaming sessions. Equipped with short travel distance keys, perfect for gaming and lighter typing, the keyboard is highly quiet, responsive, and extremely comfortable for everyday gaming.
2. Razer Huntsman Elite
Best Mechanical Keyboard for OSU
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
If I were to name a single gaming brand for buying premium gaming peripherals, that would be none other than Razer. Don’t get me wrong, Razer has always been a pioneer in manufacturing accessories for gaming enthusiasts. The Huntsman Elite is no exception in this regard, thanks to its premium feel and responsive keys that ensure a smooth overall gaming experience, especially for the OSU mania. Like other good mechanical keyboards for OSU, the keys are not much silent, yet you will get an amazing experience while gaming or typing.
What Did We Like?
Just like its contemporary model, Huntsman Elite Tournament Edition, the standard Huntsman Elite is also the best keyboard for occasional gaming. When considering its performance, the keyboard comes equipped with the fastest switches which feel comparatively more comfortable than its competitor K70 RGB MK.2. This is probably due to the clicky optical switches requiring little force thanks to their 1.5mm travel distance and clicky feedback that is the heart of any fast keyboard for OSU.
While playing OSU, I was surprised to see that the keys responded to every keystroke that I pressed, which is welcoming as the company claims that these optical clicky switches can respond at the speed of light
The addition of a moveable dial and 4 media buttons is really impressive in a gaming keyboard, and these buttons can be customized according to your liking. Also, all keycaps are replaceable and can be changed with other keys you like. Since games like OSU require some keys the most which may get ruptured or wobbled and require replacement with alternative keycaps. I replaced the X, C, Z, and V keycaps while playing the osu! taiko, because the game required the highest use of such keys, and I didn’t want to ruin my original keys. So, you can change these keycaps with whatever you like, but remember that the large keys like Spacebar, Shift, Enter, and Backspace are hard to replace.
We liked the Huntsman Elite’s excellent combo with the Razer Synapse software which is useful for customizing the RGB lighting, individual keys, and enabling the Game Mode. The features let you customize the whole of the keys and RGB patterns as per your requirements. Even more than that the software lets you turn off the unnecessary keys to prevent misclicks while gaming.
What Did We Dislike?
Unlike other high-end gaming keyboards, like Corsair K95, the Razer Huntsman Elite lacks USB ports and Macro keys, which may restrict your gaming activity. So, for RPG and Moba gaming the macro keys can be a blessing in disguise, but for other standard games, the keys are of no use.
Besides, the keys are comparatively louder than the best silent keyboards due to their clicky tactile switches. This is the reason the Huntsman Elite is not recommended for office use. So, if you need silent switches, the linear switches, Razer Orange keys, or Razer Blackwidow keys are a good choice.
Who Is This For?
Overall, the Huntsman Elite is the best mechanical keyboard for OSU taiko, Catch, and mania, thanks to its short key travel distance and higher responsiveness. Though the keyboard is pricier than the rest of the keyboards, it is worth the money. The metal frame in combination with sturdy clicky switches ensures that the keys remain stable, and they won’t wobble in extended periods of gaming.
3. SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for OSU mania
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
SteelSeries is one of the most trusted brands for manufacturing high-end gaming accessories under budget. The SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid is listed as the best gaming keyboard with premium switches for everyday gaming. Like its sister model Apex Pro, the Apex 5 Hybrid is built with Aircraft-grade Aluminum alloys for added durability. This, in combination with the Tactile and Clicky Hybrid Blue switches, are the guarantee that the keyboard is designed for playing any edition of OSU for longer sessions.
What Did We Like?
Those who are fans of the Tactile and Clicky switches might be aware of the fact that the Tactile switches are comparatively more responsive and better suited for games requiring quick movements. This is where the Apex 5 Hybrid’s blue mechanical switches come in handy, thanks to their lightning-fast per-key response and shorter travel distance. The distance between the keys, and the slightly emerged keys are what prevent you from making any misclicks. Not only that but the optimal distance is also an indication that this mechanical keyboard can be used for regular typing tasks, though the tactile switches are not as silent as the linear switches.
The elegantly built design and sturdy build are the real fascinations for every OSU gamer looking for a durable keyboard that can stay longer than an ordinary one. Apart from that, we liked the ergonomic wrist rest that gives an added level of comfort while using the keyboard for many hours.
Like its competitor Corsair K70, the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid also comes with aftermarket keycaps. That said, you can easily replace the keycaps according to your liking. The built-in keycaps really feel nice, and much better than the aftermarket keycaps, and fully cover a finger impression to make sure that the keys are pressed properly without any issues of the wrong keystroke. However, the travel distance of 3.6 mm must be kept in mind, because the longer the travel distance the harder you’ll have to press the keys. The good thing, on the other hand, is that the keys are highly responsive, and each keystroke is easy to register which makes sure that you won’t feel tired after using it for longer sessions.
If precision is your focus while playing OSU, the responsiveness offered by the tactile switches of Apex 5 Hybrid is pretty much impressive. The switches won’t disappoint you in any case even under stress by maintaining an excellent flow. The rest of the useful features include per-key RGB illumination, dedicated Media controls, and compatibility with PC, PS5, and the Xbox Series X.
What Did We Dislike?
In terms of the downside, I think the magnetic wrist rest’s surface isn’t plush and it looks like rubber. I admire the comfort level of this wrist rest, but cleaning its surface is a real pain as it catches dirt more often. Second, Unlike the keycaps of the Corsair K70 RGB, the keycaps of Apex 5 Hybrid don’t give a premium feel. Third, the keyboard is not waterproof, so you need to use the keyboard carefully and don’t let any liquid spill over the keyboard.
Who Is This For?
Overall, the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid is the best keyboard for OSU that can make sure that you can win every stage without the issues of wrong clicks. Using this keyboard, you’ll experience super-fast actuation and excellent response while gaming and typing.
4. Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB
Best Cheap Keyboard for OSU
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
If you are looking for the best cheap keyboard for OSU, the Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB is the right choice you can make. Not only will the keyboard help you level up the gaming experience, but also register every keystroke without much effort. With its Cherry MX Blue keys, you are sure to have comfortable and reliable gaming and typing experience on a PC.
What Did We Like?
As you might already have an idea of how the Cherry MX Blue Switches perform for everyday gaming and how their tactility feels when you are doing intensive gaming for extensive periods. This is where the Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB proves its worth and delivers an excellent performance ranging from comfort to clicky feedback thanks to its Clicky RGB Blue switches. The keyboard is well built, and the keys remain stable for a long time.
The real deal in this MasterKeys Pro is the blue switches that are not only reliable and sturdy but also are not as stiff as other ordinary switches. Also, the board remains at its place thanks to its well-built base which doesn’t let the board wobble. The compact design of this large keyboard is a testament that it can fit in any space of your gaming desk. This is the reason it is also the best portable keyboard you can use wherever you need it.
Like every gaming keyboard, it also comes with amazingly customizable RGB lighting that you can set according to your gaming setup to make a real difference. The RGB is vibrant and the color schemes and patterns included with this keyboard are highly mesmerizing. If you want something more out of its RGB patterns, just replace the dark keycaps with lighter ones to let the light spread evenly.
Even though MasterKeys Pro RGB is a bulky keyboard, it can equally be used for gamers with small hands because the Cooler Master has done a great job in reducing the area by not putting unnecessary buttons on it. To make it more compact, the company has also added the lights for Caps Lock and the Num Lock inside the buttons.
In terms of gaming, the MasterKeys Pro L RGB did a great job and registered every keystroke which was impressive. Though the spacebar and Shift buttons were a bit wobbly, we didn’t miss even a single shot while playing OSU mania.
What Did We Dislike?
The downside with this RGB mechanical keyboard is the mushy feel of the large keys, especially the “Enter” “Shift” and the “Spacebar”. Since these keys are attached at two sides at the bottom, this could make you feel annoyed, and the click response of the spacebar may be missed if not pressed properly. On the other hand, its competitor K70 RGB MK.2 and Huntsman Elite have comparatively much better key placement, and base of the board.
Unlike Razer and Corsair, the Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB lacked good and intuitive software which was a real pain. Using and customizing the keys and RGB lighting was a headache and after using the software a few times, I was able to figure out how to change the options.
Who Is This For?
So, if you are looking for the best budget OSU keyboard, the MasterKeys Pro L RGB is the best choice you can ever make. Thanks to its responsive keys, sturdy base, and MX Blue switches, the keyboard will help you a lot in making rhythmic clicks while you are trying to catch the fruits in OSU.
5. NONO Pro-Version Keypad compatible with OSU
Best 2 Key Keyboard for OSU
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
When it comes to playing a single, some people prefer using a dedicated keyboard that is built for a specific game. The reason is that they don’t want to sacrifice their original premium gaming keyboard for a single game. For this purpose, the Nono Pro’s minimalist keyboard comes in handy and delivers everything an OSU gamer could crave for. Though the keyboard comes equipped with two switches only, you are sure to have an amazing clicky response and highly tactile feel with this ultra-compact two switches keyboard.
What Did We Like?
Since the OSU mani requires more than two switches on the keyboard, this is not good for OSU mania. Rather, it is perfect for other editions, especially the OSu catch and Taiko. The good thing about this keyboard is that the switches are reliably silent and can be used to play the OSU game even when your family members are sleeping. The clicky sound of this mini 2 key keyboard is like a mild clock ticking which is not annoying.
The best part about this keyboard is that this mini OSU-compatible keyboard comes with multiple switches that you can use according to your needs, and for the good thing, all of them are Cherry MX switches. The switches include Cherry MX Red, Blue, Brown, and Black. So, having the interchangeable keys is a pretty good addition and a Win-Win for a gamer looking for diversity in a keyboard.
What we liked about this keyboard is its minimalist design that comes in the range of two inches only. In my opinion, this is what an OSU catch gamer needs – an area of 2-inches – that can let him register the keys as efficiently as he can. To use the keyboard conveniently, the box included a manual of instructions on how to download and install the keyboard drivers. The software is quite handy and easy to use. Plus, with that software, you can set the keybinds and the RGB lighting.
What Did We Dislike?
The major downside with this keyboard is that the short base makes it quite unstable and it wobbles if used for intensive gaming. Though the keyboard comes with a sticky pad it doesn’t work under some conditions. This is the reason, you’ll have to use velcro sticky pads to hold it on the table. Secondly, the price doesn’t match the value of the keyboard and the switches included in the box.
Third, in my experience, the keys were prone to double-tapping which I think was due to inconsistent distance between the keys and the higher actuation force you need to press. I was, however, able to resolve the ghost tapping issue by customizing the keys in software by setting the key to debounce to 30ms. Last, the cable provided with the keyboard is very short, so you’ll need to use a USB extender or a USB hub.
Who Is This For?
Overall, this is the best OSU keyboard for beginners that you can use anywhere and anytime to play your favorite OSU game. Since the keyboard comes with a travel pouch portability is not an issue with this keyboard and can be used while you travel. If you need nothing extraordinary and want a dedicated 2 switch keyboard for OSU, this is the best compact keyboard you can have for your kid.
Types of Keyboard Switches for OSU
Owing to the availability of multiple keyboard switches in the market, not every keyboard switch is best for Osu!. For playing Osu, usually the lighter Cherry MX, especially the Cherry MX Red, Green, Silver are preferred. However, some players also preffer darker ones from Cherry MX Brown, Blue, and Black. In terms of Tactility and click noise, you are free to choose from Linear, Tactile and Clicky Switches. Since some players like Clicky and Tactile switches in mechanical keyboards to register every keystroke, others choose having the Linear switches in membrane keyboards for a noise-free environment.
OSU Keyboard Buying Tips
Before you buy a new keyboard for the OSU game, here are a few quick buying tips you should keep in mind while buying.
Layout
Since the osu! game is released for PC and IPad, the PC version requires using a keyboard while the latter one requires Tablet-Mouse. The good thing is that both versions are completely stable and come with lots of layout customizations. The PC version, however, is preferred over the iPad because it lets you use keyboard and mouse buttons at the same time without requiring you to buy additional peripherals.
Comfort
Since the excessive use of the keyboard may cause wrist strain, having a premium ergonomic keyboard for osu! is the main factor to consider. For this purpose, the optimal distance between the keys is much necessary to reach every key with either end. This would ensure a higher level of freedom while using the keyboard for gaming.
Secondly, the angle of the keys is also important to keep your fingers in the right position. For this, try to have a keyboard with a sharp angle, and as far as I know, all the gaming keyboards are built with this angle. The keyboard with the sharpest angle may be helpful for a few hours of gaming, but in extended hours of gaming, your hands may feel severe wrist pain.
Efficiency
Efficiency includes Motion and Skill while using a keyboard. In terms of Motion efficiency, you need excellent accuracy while minimizing the unnecessary movements of fingers across the keyboard. Let’s say, in the case of the drum controllers in osu! you need different clicks to note the upbeat and downbeat in combination with the alt button. To reduce this you can customize the keyboard with just two nearby buttons.
As far as skill efficiency is concerned, you are required to move hands across the keys as little as possible to prevent ghost tapping issues. To reduce this problem, you can bind the buttons at optimal positions so you’ll need less effort for higher efficiency.
Playability
Getting used to the new layouts and setup takes time and lots of patience. With a good setup, you are sure to learn quickly without wasting your health, energy, and focus. With a good customizable keyboard, a high-end mouse, and a dedicated good gaming monitor, you can easily focus on every note of the OSU, catch the bigger fruits, and win the osu! without struggling like a beginner.
Price
Price is also the main factor to consider since not every gamer has money to spend on additional gaming accessories. Considering this factor, try to get a gaming keyboard that is best compatible with most of the devices, perfect for playing different games, and comes under your budget. If I were to recommend a cheap keyboard under $50 for osu!, that would be the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid. The keyboard is highly versatile, compatible with almost every game, and comes with all the essential features a gamer would crave for.
If you are not interested in buying a brand new keyboard, you can get a used or a renewed one from Amazon or online gaming communities like Reddit. But, before buying a cheap keyboard make sure that these keyboards are not faulty or incompatible with the game you want to play.
Why Trust GamingExpert?
GamingExpert is not just a website, it is a team of professional gamers who play popular games, review the peripherals every gamer needs, and provide hands-on experience and reviews about those accessories. For this article, we have tested and analyzed around 20 popular keyboards, and based on their features and game requirements!, selected only 5 best keyboards that are perfect for the Osu! game. And, for these Osu keyboards, the selection criteria included the keyboard overall look, ergonomics, in-game performance, tactility, and click feedback. Apart from that, we have included these keyboards from the top brands which manufacture high-end keyboards that can be used for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can play an OSU game with just a good gaming keyboard, but if you want to have an immersive gaming experience with OSU, try to get a keyboard with minimum key travel distance, good tactility, and higher customization options included.
Though the membrane keyboards are good for a regular OSU gamer, having a membrane keyboard may restrict your ability to catch every note in OSU that is the key to succeeding in this game. So, it is good to have a mechanical keyboard with a good clicky response.
Usually, the OSU gamers use compact mechanical keyboards because in this game they are required to press a few keys more frequently. For example in OSU Taiko, left bottom keys such as Z, X, C, and V are used a lot, while in OSU catch keys like S, D, F, J, K, L and Spacebar are the most often used keys.
It depends on the keyboard you are using for this game. For example, if you are using a Nono Pro-version keyboard, it allows you to completely customize the keyboard ranging from color scheme to the keybinds. However, if you are using a keyboard that comes with sticky and non-removable keybinds, you can change them unless you are a technician. We suggest you buy an OSU keyboard with interchangeable keybinds.
Lagging is the most common problem when using the Keyboard for OSU, and the most common reason is the keyboard input lag which may sometimes create double-tapping issues. To solve this issue, go to the keyboard’s software properties and set the repeat delay and repeat rate according to your requirements. This will help you register the keys at the time you need to reduce the lagging issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play osu with just keyboard?
Yes, you can play an OSU game with just a good gaming keyboard, but if you want to have an immersive gaming experience with OSU, try to get a keyboard with minimum key travel distance, good tactility, and higher customization options included.
Is the membrane keyboard good for OSU?
Though the membrane keyboards are good for a regular OSU gamer, having a membrane keyboard may restrict your ability to catch every note in OSU that is the key to succeeding in this game. So, it is good to have a mechanical keyboard with a good clicky response.
What keyboard is used in osu?
Usually, the OSU gamers use compact mechanical keyboards because in this game they are required to press a few keys more frequently. For example in OSU Taiko, left bottom keys such as Z, X, C, and V are used a lot, while in OSU catch keys like S, D, F, J, K, L and Spacebar are the most often used keys.
Can you change the keybinds of the OSU keyboard?
It depends on the keyboard you are using for this game. For example, if you are using a Nono Pro-version keyboard, it allows you to completely customize the keyboard ranging from color scheme to the keybinds. However, if you are using a keyboard that comes with sticky and non-removable keybinds, you can change them unless you are a technician. We suggest you buy an OSU keyboard with interchangeable keybinds.
Why does OSU lag when using the keyboard?
Lagging is the most common problem when using the Keyboard for OSU, and the most common reason is the keyboard input lag which may sometimes create double-tapping issues. To solve this issue, go to the keyboard’s software properties and set the repeat delay and repeat rate according to your requirements. This will help you register the keys at the time you need to reduce the lagging issue.
