Introduction

When it comes to gaming keyboards, the Giant Contend AR series has been a staple for many enthusiasts. The Giant Contend AR 3 and AR 4 are two of the latest offerings from the brand, each promising to deliver a unique set of features and performance. In this detailed comparison, we’ll delve into the specifics of both models to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Design and Build Quality

The Giant Contend AR 3 and AR 4 share a similar design philosophy, with a sleek and modern look. Both keyboards feature a full-size layout with a number pad, and they are available in black and white color options. The AR 3 measures 18.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches, while the AR 4 is slightly larger at 19.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches. Despite their size, both keyboards are surprisingly lightweight, making them easy to carry around.

The build quality of both keyboards is impressive. They are made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, which not only looks good but also provides a comfortable grip. The keys have a good amount of travel and offer a satisfying tactile feedback, making them ideal for both gaming and typing tasks.

Key Switches

The Giant Contend AR 3 and AR 4 offer different key switch options, catering to various preferences. The AR 3 comes with the brand’s own Contend Blue switches, which are linear and offer a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the AR 4 features the Contend Red switches, which are linear and offer a lighter actuation force. Both switches are designed for fast and precise actuation, making them perfect for gaming.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, the Giant Contend AR 3 also offers Contend Brown switches, which provide a tactile feedback with a lower noise level. The AR 4, however, does not have this option. It’s worth noting that the Contend Blue and Red switches have a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, ensuring durability over time.

RGB Lighting

Both the Giant Contend AR 3 and AR 4 come with RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the keyboard’s appearance. The AR 3 features a single-zone RGB lighting, while the AR 4 offers a full RGB lighting with customizable lighting effects. You can adjust the brightness and color of the lighting through the included software, which also allows you to create custom profiles for different games or applications.

The RGB lighting on both keyboards is impressive, with vibrant colors and smooth transitions. The AR 4’s full RGB lighting provides a more immersive experience, especially when gaming at night.

Additional Features

Both the Giant Contend AR 3 and AR 4 offer additional features that enhance the overall experience. The AR 3 comes with a dedicated media control key, allowing you to easily play, pause, and adjust the volume of music or videos. The AR 4 also features a media control key, along with a dedicated gaming mode key that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental key presses during gameplay.

Both keyboards also have a USB pass-through port, allowing you to connect other peripherals without the need for an additional USB port on your computer. Additionally, they both support N-Key Rollover (NKRO) and anti-ghosting technology, ensuring that all keystrokes are registered accurately, even during intense gaming sessions.

Conclusion

When comparing the Giant Contend AR 3 and AR 4, it’s clear that both keyboards have their own strengths. The AR 3 offers a more affordable option with Contend Blue switches and single-zone RGB lighting, while the AR 4 provides a more immersive experience with Contend Red switches and full