Best Keyboard Settings for Esports: CS2, Valorant & Apex Legends

Ever lost a crucial 1v1 in CS2 because your strafe felt sluggish? Or fumbled a Valorant ult because your fingers couldn't find the key? You're not alone. In South Africa's competitive scene, where every millisecond counts, your gear is only half the battle. The other half is dialling in the best keyboard settings for esports, a step many local gamers overlook. Let's fix that and give you the edge you need to climb the ranks. 🚀

Why Your Default Keyboard Settings Are Holding You Back

Straight out of the box, your keyboard is set up for typing, not for clutching a 1v3 on Anubis. Default Windows settings prioritise a smooth typing experience, not the instant, razor-sharp response needed for competitive gaming. Things like input delay, key repeat rates, and disabled gaming features can create a tiny... yet fatal... gap between your command and the in-game action.

Optimising these settings is a free performance boost. It ensures your hardware is working for you, not against you. While the perfect settings won't magically make you a pro, they create the ideal foundation for your skill to shine through, especially when paired with one of the top-tier gaming keyboards designed for performance.

Glorious Panda Mechanical Keyboard Switches - Lubed / Tactile Style / Compatible with all GMMK Models / 36 switches per pack / SMD RGB light hole for RGB compatibility / GLO-SWT-HPANDA-LUBED

R699.00In Stock

HP 650 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black / Sleek, Stylish & Comfortable / Customize to Optimize / Long Battery Life / 4R013AA

R1299.00In Stock

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless - TKL Analogue Optical Esports PC Keyboard (Onboard Settings, Multifunction Wheel with 2 Dedicated Keys, PBT Keycaps) QWERTY US Layout | White / RZ03-04981700-R3M1

R5999.00In Stock

Razer Ornata V3 TKL Gaming Keyboard: Low-Profile Keys - Mecha-Membrane Switches - UV-Coated Keycaps - Backlit Media Keys - 8-Zone RGB Lighting - Spill-Resistant - Magnetic Wrist Wrest - Classic Black / RZ03-04880100-R3M1

R1799.00In Stock

Glorious Aura V2 145-Key PBT Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - White / Full-size standard 145 Key / PBT Keys / LED Light Compatible / US Layout / Fits most mechanical keyboards / Compatible with GMMK 2 & GMMK PRO / <span style="color:red; font-size: 16px;">*Keyboard not Included*</span> / GLO-KC-AURA2-W

R599.00In Stock

Glorious GSW-100 Full Size Slim Keyboard Wrist Rest - Black / GSW-100

R349.00In Stock

Universal Keyboard Settings for Any Esports Title

Before we dive into game-specific tweaks, let's get your system-level settings sorted. These changes will improve responsiveness across CS2, Valorant, Apex, and any other competitive title you play.

Tweak Your Windows Settings

First, let's banish the dreaded "Sticky Keys" pop-up forever. Go to Windows Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys. These features are designed for accessibility but can wreak havoc during intense gameplay.

Next, search for "Keyboard" in the Windows search bar to open Keyboard Properties. Set the "Repeat delay" to Short and the "Repeat rate" to Fast. This makes your keys feel much more responsive when held down. Even on an affordable gaming keyboard, these small changes make a noticeable difference.

Game-Specific Keyboard Settings for SA Players

Now for the fun part. Each game has its own unique demands. Here are some of the best keyboard settings for esports titles popular in South Africa.

CS2: Raw Input & Crisp Movement

Counter-Strike is all about precision. Your settings need to reflect that.

• Enable Raw Input: This is non-negotiable. In your game settings, ensure "Raw Input" is ON. This makes the game read data directly from your mouse and keyboard, bypassing any Windows processing that could add delay.
• Movement Keys: Standard WASD is king, but ensure your keyboard has N-Key Rollover. This allows you to press multiple keys at once without any of them being missed... essential for complex counter-strafing. The feel of your movement comes down to having responsive keyboard switches that actuate exactly when you want them to.
• Essential Binds: Bind your grenades to dedicated keys (e.g., F for Flashbang, C for Smoke, V for Molotov) for instant access. Don't rely on scrolling through them.

Razer Mechanical Switches Replacement Pack for Gaming Keyboard: Gen-3 Orange Tactile Switches - 2.0mm Actuation Point at 50g - Transparent Housing - 3 Pin - Box-Style Cross Stem - 36 pcs / RC21-02040300-R3M1

R699.00In Stock

Glorious Gaming Wrist Pad/Rest - Compact - Mechanical Keyboards, Stitched Edges, Ergonomic | 12x4 inches/ (0.7in/17mm) Thickness (GSW-75)

R349.00In Stock

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless - TKL Analogue Optical Esports PC Keyboard (Onboard Settings, Multifunction Wheel with 2 Dedicated Keys, PBT Keycaps) QWERTY US Layout | White / RZ03-04981700-R3M1

R5999.00In Stock

Mad Catz The Authentic S.T.R.I.K.E. 13 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — Cherry MX Red switches - Anti-ghosting Technology - Customizable Per-Key RGB Backlighting - Compact 96-Key Layout / KS83MMUSBL000-0

R1699.00In Stock

Razer Tartarus V2 Chroma Gaming Keypad / Mecha-Membrane switches / Programmable Keys / Ergonomic Design / Detachable palm rest / RZ07-02270100-R3M1

R2199.00In Stock

Glorious Kailh COPPER Mechanical Keyboard Switches / 120 Pack / Compatible with the GMMK & GMMK PRO / Compatible with Cherry/Gateron/Kailh based keyboards / Plate Mounted / Transparent Switch Housing / SMD Led Compatible / KAI-COPPER

R849.00In Stock

Valorant: Fast Abilities & Agent Control ✨

Valorant is a frantic mix of gunplay and abilities. Your binds should make using abilities feel like a reflex.

• Ability Keys: Keep your primary abilities on easy-to-reach keys like Q, E, and C. Many players bind their ultimate (default X) to a side mouse button or another key that doesn't require them to move their fingers off WASD.
• Customise for Comfort: Don't be afraid to experiment. If you find the default binds awkward, change them. Using custom keycaps with different colours or textures for your ability keys can also help build muscle memory faster.
• Walk & Crouch: Keep Walk on L-Shift and Crouch on L-Ctrl. This is a standard layout for a reason... it works.

Apex Legends: Mastering Advanced Movement

Apex is defined by its fast-paced, fluid movement. Your settings should make actions like shield swapping and tap-strafing effortless.

• Scroll Wheel Binds: A classic Apex trick is to bind "Move Forward" to your mouse wheel scroll up/down (as a secondary bind). This is the secret to consistent tap-strafing. Also, bind "Jump" to scroll wheel down for easier bunny hopping.
• Healing: Use the healing wheel (default 4), but also consider binding specific items like Shield Cells to a single key for quick armour regeneration under pressure.
• Comfort is Key: Apex sessions can be long and intense. Using a comfortable wrist rest can reduce fatigue, helping you stay focused during that final ring battle.

Logitech® G515 TKL Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Keyboard - Tactile Switches / Factory-Lubed Switches / Low-Profile Double-Shot PBT Keycaps / Tri-Mode Connectivity / Lightsync RGB — Black / 920-012538

R2779.00In Stock

Logitech MK295 Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo / Long Battery Life / Durable And Reliable / Full-Size, Spill-Resistant Design / 920-009800

R569.00In Stock

Razer Ornata V3 Gaming Keyboard: Low-Profile Keys - Mecha-Membrane Switches - 10-Zone RGB Lighting - Spill-Resistant - Magnetic Wrist Wrest - Classic Black - RZ03-04460100-R3M1

R1499.00In Stock

Glorious GPBT 114-Keys Premium PBT Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - Black Ash / Compatible with GMMK PRO & GMMK 2 / Fits Most Full-size/TKL Compact Keyboards / Non-Transparent Keycaps / US Layout / <span style="color:red; font-size: 16px;">*Keyboard not Included*</span> / GLO-KC-GPBT-B

R799.00In Stock

Glorious Panda Mechanical Keyboard Switches - Tactile / Compatible with all GMMK Models / 36 switches per pack / SMD RGB light hole for RGB compatibility / GLO-SWT-HPANDA

R499.00In Stock

Glorious GPBT 114-Keys Premium PBT Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - Arctic White / Compatible with GMMK PRO & GMMK 2 / Fits Most Full-size/TKL Compact Keyboards / Non-Transparent Keycaps / US Layout / <span style="color:red; font-size: 16px;">*Keyboard not Included*</span> / GLO-KC-GPBT-W

R799.00In Stock

Does Your Gear Match Your Settings?

Optimising your esports keyboard settings is a massive step, but it's most effective when your hardware can keep up. A mushy, unresponsive membrane keyboard will always be a bottleneck, no matter how perfect your binds are.

Mechanical keyboards offer superior speed, consistency, and durability. Whether you prefer the lightning-fast linear switches for CS2 or the satisfying bump of tactile switches for Valorant, there's a perfect fit for your playstyle. Many of the best deals come in the form of complete keyboard and mouse combos, giving you a full competitive upgrade in one go.