Summary
- Racing games optimized for PC offer great keyboard support for enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- Trackmania and Burnout Paradise are examples of games with user-made content and chaotic racing fun.
- Keyboard controls are ideal for arcade racing games like Wreckfest, Forza Horizon 5, and Crazy Taxi 3 for easy, engaging gameplay.
Most people assume that racing games are better on a controller than a keyboard, as players can give more precise inputs using an analog stick to make things easier for themselves. While this is certainly true, it should take nothing away from the fun players can have if they decide to use a keyboard instead.
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Some of the best racing video games players can get their hands on are optimized for keyboards to make things easier for players who aren't used to playing with a gamepad. This, coupled with some classic PC racing games that are well-suited for keyboards means that players will have a great time playing a horde of engaging driving games.
8 Trackmania
A Great Racing Game With A Lot Of Custom Content That's Great For Keyboards
TrackMania
- Released
- July 1, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Nadeo
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Trackamania is one of the most popular PC racing games that is loaded with user-made content. From cinematic tracks that only require players to put their pedal to the metal all the way to complex tracks that require pinpoint accuracy to complete, Trackamania is full of these offerings.
Players will enjoy making custom tracks and mastering other user-generated courses. Trackamania's community, coupled with its stellar keyboard support, makes it clear why PC players will have a blast with this game.
7 Wreckfest
Arcade Racing Works Great On Keyboard, Especially In A Game That Prioritizes Destruction
Wreckfest
- Released
- June 14, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Bugbear Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Arcade racing games are usually better with keyboards since precise inputs aren't a necessity for players who just want to get through a course in style. Wreckfest is no exception here, with players loving the idea of smashing other vehicles and winning races in style.
The variety of race modes means that players will never be bored while playing this game. With a keyboard, players can wreck another racer and power their way to the finish line as they make the most of the vehicle they've selected, utilizing their strengths as and when required.
6 Road Rash
A Classic Vehicular Combat Game With Bikes That Is Brimming With Rugged Charm
- Platforms: 3DO, Sega CD, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC
- Release Date: September 27, 1996 (PC)
- Developer: Buzz Puppet Productions (PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC)
A classic racing game that needs no introduction, Road Rash lets players engage in illegal bike races as they soar through numerous environments, taking out rival racers and annoying cops along the way.
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The game was jam-packed with a memorable score, unique visuals, fun combat, and an art style that gave a ton of personality to this brash racing title. It's a title for the history books that's fun to play on a keyboard if PC players get their hands on this masterpiece.
5 Forza Horizon 5
Boast Just Enough Arcade Racing Gameplay To Make It Viable On A Keyboard
Forza Horizon 5
- Released
- November 9, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Playground Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
One of the best things about the Forza Horizon series is how it appeals to both casual and hardcore racing fans alike. This means that the precise inputs of a controller, while welcome, aren't necessary if players want to enjoy a good time instead of a hard time.
Forza Horizon 5 is no exception here, with the game being quite accessible and letting players enjoy the feel of high-speed cars in no time with its generous Wheelspins. This, coupled with a Rewind mechanic, ensures that PC players don't have to worry about nailing every turn and overtaking without making a single mistake.
4 Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller
Zooming Across Massive Cities To Drop Passengers In Record Time Feels Great On The Keyboard
Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller
- Released
- July 23, 2002
- Developer(s)
- HitMaker
- Platform(s)
- Xbox, Arcade, PC
Crazy Taxi 3 is another stellar entry in this chaotic driving game where players control a pimped-out taxi and ferry passengers across massive distances at record speeds. Players will love drifting, jumping, and zooming across jam-packed urban environments as they try to rack up the highest scores possible.
The keyboard support for this title is great and ensures that players can carry out wacky stunts without feeling like they're missing a controller. It's a great pick-and-play game for people who just want to drive around chaotically without a care in the world.
3 Need For Speed Heat
An Intense Arcade Racing Game Where Cops Are Ferocious But Can Be Evaded With Keyboard Controls
Need for Speed Heat
The modern resurgence of the Need for Speed series took a while to get going, but no one could fault their approach after Heat came out. Featuring the return of aggressive cops and a compelling day-night mechanic, races in Heat took a different tone based on what time of the day players attempted them.
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A nice, sanctioned race at night is safe and has its draws, but there's a reason why most players prefer the high-octane night races where players avoid the cops in engaging races and slowly rack up Heat. The police chases on max Heat are no joke and are arguably the most engaging police chases to ever feature in an NFS game.
2 Burnout Paradise Remastered
Smashing Foes And Zooming Through The Streets Is A Lot Of Fun On The Keyboard
Burnout Paradise Remastered
- Released
- March 16, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Criterion Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Burnout Paradise is one of the most popular arcade racing games players can get their hands on. The remastered version makes it easy for both new and nostalgic racers to lose themselves in the chaos of this title as they smash everyone and everything to smithereens.
It's clear as day that Burnout Paradise prioritizes arcade racing over everything else and encourages players to commit to every move instead of trying to be safe and precise. This makes a keyboard great for this title since the main aim is to come first and wreck everyone in the process instead of trying to complete clean laps.
1 Art Of Rally
A Calm, Relaxing Racing Game Where Players Won't Mind Spending Some Time To Master The Controls On A Keyboard
Art of Rally
- Released
- September 23, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Funselektor Labs
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
One of the most unique and peaceful racing games players can check out, Art of Rally is a beautiful title perfect for rallying enthusiasts or motorsport fans who are intrigued by the history of this popular form of off-road racing. The Golden Age of Rallying is depicted beautifully in a zen title where players can stop and smell the roses instead of just zooming from one race to another.
While it's true that Art of Rally has a decent learning curve, the differences are minimal between keyboard and controller when players familiarize themselves with the way cars move in this title. Going off-course and spinning out on the track is common early on, which is what makes smooth races and effortless turns feel all the more amazing to execute.
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