Comparison Hator Icefall vs MSI Vigor GK20

The frequency with which the computer polls the keyboard to determine which keys are currently being pressed. The parameter is measured in Hertz (Hz) - they show how many requests are executed per second. Higher Hertz means keystrokes are detected and registered faster. This can provide an advantage in games and tasks that require the highest possible input speed.

As for specific values, for most ordinary users the standard polling rate of 125 Hz will be quite sufficient. Gaming keyboards can have a frequency from 1000 Hz (keystrokes in this version are recorded every 1 ms), and advanced models for true e-sportsmen - up to 8000 Hz (the reaction time is 0.125 ms).

The number of additional keys provided in the design of the keyboard.

Such keys do not belong to the standard layout and are intended for quick access to specific functions or individual applications — for example, to control the media player or open mail with one click. This function is convenient because commands from additional keys are usually recognized by the system regardless of what is on the screen — thanks to this, for example, you do not have to close the text editor to switch tracks in the player.

Note that in this case we are talking about individual keys that have a strictly defined purpose and corresponding markings. Programmable buttons, the Fn key (see below) and the functions of the main keys implemented through Fn are not taken into account in this paragraph.

Technology aimed at neutralizing phantom button presses in keyboards with gaming ambitions. The function allows you to simultaneously press numerous keys without false positives of adjacent buttons — a similar situation often occurs in membrane keyboards due to their design features.

A parameter that determines the maximum number of simultaneously pressed keys, the signal from which the keyboard is able to process and transmit to the computer. Instead of the "lattice" symbol in the abbreviation KRO, a number is indicated showing the allowable number of simultaneously pressed buttons. Most membrane keyboards come in the 2KRO and 3KRO grades, mechanical models usually start at 6KRO. The NKRO marking says that it is possible to issue a signal from an unlimited number of keys in one sitting.

The colour of the Cyrillic letters printed on the keyboard.

This colour is usually chosen so that the letters are clearly visible. This point does not affect the functionality of the keyboard, and the choice in this case depends mainly on personal preferences. However, there is also a practical point: for inexperienced users who have not mastered touch typing, it is desirable that the letters stand out as much as possible against the background of the keys.

Transparent letters are a separate case — they are used in keyboards equipped with a backlight (see below), due to which such characters, when the backlight is on, are visible even in the dark.

Legend application indicates how the Latin characters on the keys are made and how well they will survive years of heavy typing.

— Double-shot. The keycap is molded from two different plastics: the main “body” and a separate legend insert are formed together in a single mold, so the letters don’t wear off or fade at all. This method is ideal for RGB backlighting: if the legend layer is semi-transparent, light passes through the symbols without halos. ABS double-shot is more common (bright glow, pleasantly smooth feel), while the pricier PBT double-shot is rarer and offers higher surface wear resistance. Compared to laser engraving, the lifespan is an order of magnitude higher, and it beats the dye-sub method for backlighting (dye-sub doesn’t shine through). Downsides include cost and sometimes visible seams/thick walls that can affect the click’s sound profile. In practice, these keycaps are in demand for mechanical gaming keyboards, esports arenas, developers, and frequent hotkey typing—where double-shot keeps legends readable for years.

— Sublimation. A method of applying Latin symbols to keycaps where, under heat and pressure, the dye penetrates the top layer of plastic, creating a durable, “absorbed” legend. The print won’t rub off from fingers, resists household cleaners and UV light, preserves a matte texture, and maintains high contrast on light backgrounds, but it doesn’t let RGB shine through the symbols and is limited in palette. Compared to laser...engraving, it offers higher lifespan and readability, and versus double-shot it only loses in shine-through effects. Typical use cases include mechanical keyboards for typing, developers, and office work, where durability, the tactile matte PBT feel, and stable readability over years matter.

— Laser engraving. Burning/removing the top coating layer with a beam to form highly precise symbols. Legends last for years, but over time the fill paint can wear and contrast can drop in high-contact areas. Advantages include thin typefaces, clean contours, RGB compatibility, and low cost. Compared to double-shot, engraving is cheaper and more flexible in design, but not “forever”; versus dye-sub it wins on backlighting, but loses in tactile uniformity and longevity. Typical applications are mass-market office and gaming models with backlighting.

Legend application indicates how the Latin letters are made on the keys and how well they will survive years of heavy typing.

— Double-shot. The keycap is molded from two different plastics: the main “body” and a separate insert with the legend are formed in the mold as a single piece, so the letters don’t wear off or fade at all. This method is ideal for RGB backlighting: if the legend layer is semi‑transparent, light passes through the symbols without halos. ABS double-shot is more common (bright glow, pleasantly smooth feel), while the more expensive PBT double-shot is rarer and offers higher surface durability. Compared to laser engraving, the lifespan is an order of magnitude higher, and it beats the sublimation method in backlighting (dye-sub doesn’t shine through). Downsides include the price and sometimes visible seams/thick walls that can affect key sound. In practice, these keycaps are in demand for mechanical gaming keyboards, esports arenas, developers, and frequent hotkey typing—situations where double-shot preserves legibility for years.

— Dye-sublimation. A method of applying Latin symbols to keycaps where dye penetrates the top layer of plastic under heat and pressure, creating a durable “soaked-in” legend. The print doesn’t rub off from fingers, isn’t afraid of household chemicals or UV light, keeps a matte texture, and offers high contrast on light backgrounds, but it doesn’t let RGB backlighting shine through the symbols and has palette li...mitations. Compared to laser engraving, durability and legibility are higher, and versus double-shot it only loses in shine-through effects. Typical use cases include mechanical keyboards for typing, developers, and office work, where long life, tactile matte PBT, and stable legibility over years are important.

— Laser engraving. Burning/removing the top coating layer with a beam to form a highly precise symbol. The symbols last for years, but over time the paint fill can wear off and contrast can drop in high-contact areas. Advantages include thin fonts, clean contours, RGB compatibility, and affordable cost. Compared to double-shot, engraving is cheaper and more flexible in design, but not “forever”; against dye-sub it wins with backlighting, but loses in tactile uniformity and longevity. Typical applications include mass-market office and gaming models with backlighting, as well as bilingual layouts where the Latin legends are made with a more durable technology and Cyrillic is added by laser.

Volume control methodprovided in the keyboard (if such a possibility is provided at all).

— Through Fn. Adjustment using the Fn key (see above): increasing and decreasing the volume is carried out by simultaneously pressing Fn and one of the main keys of the keyboard (usually from the F1 — F12 row), The main advantage of this control is that it allows you not to overload the keyboard with additional controls — this, in turn, has a positive effect on the dimensions and cost. The disadvantage is the need to simultaneously press two keys, which is not always convenient.

— Additional keys. Control with additional keys specially designed for working with volume. A very convenient and practical option: additional keys are usually clearly labeled, while they take up less space and are cheaper than a wheel or a touch slider (see below).

— Wheel. Control by means of a mechanical wheel, the rotation of which up and down or left and right provides a change in volume. A fairly user-friendly option — visual, intuitive and accessible even blindly. At the same time, the wheel can take up quite a lot of space, and it significantly affects the cost of the keyboard.

— Touch slider. Management using a touch surface, the movement of a finger in one direction or another. The sensor takes up minimal space, looks neat...and generally fits well with the overall design of the keyboard, but it is not cheap. Therefore, this option is extremely rare, mainly in high-end gaming or multimedia keyboards.

The presence in the keyboard of its own built-in memory.

This feature is found mainly in high-end models of game specialization(see "Intended use"). The built-in memory in such keyboards is mainly used to store user settings — for example, the set functions of programmable keys — as well as macros (sequences of commands that are activated by pressing one or two buttons). Anyway, the presence of its own memory means extended options for customizing the keyboard.