Finding the Best Chess Clock - 3 Timely Options
A chess clock is one of the most essential accessories, and you should never lack, regardless of your experience level in chess. Using a chess clock in your game helps you improve your time management skills and enhances fast decision-making – skills useful not only in chess but also in your day-to-day activities.
To get the best out of your gaming and the clock, you need a good clock. That is, you need a clock that satisfies your needs and aligns with your style and preferences.
Therefore, let’s talk about how to choose the right one.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Chess Clock
Purpose of the Chess Clock
Why do you want to buy a chess clock?
It can be for typical at-home over-the-board games, a chess club, or personal use, such as adding to your chess equipment collection (if you are a collector).
Defining the primary purpose will help you pick the right clock. Once you define your expectations, you can easily determine the features you need the clock to have.
Your Unique Style
Like chess tables and other equipment, chess clocks can communicate your style, add class, and complement your home décors. You don’t want to choose a clock that does not match your style or other chess equipment in your home.
You can also consider other features such as the clock's make, color, and size, among other things.
Chess Clock Size and Design
Here, you should consider the level of sophistication of the clock – its intuitiveness and user-friendliness. Regarding chess clock design, we highly recommend simple designs, especially if you are a beginner. Also, the bigger the clock or its essential features, including buttons and display, the better (so long as it fits on the table).
Check out our previous blog, Choosing the Perfect Chess Clock for You, to learn more about features to look for when buying a chess clock.
Construction Material
Construction material is also a must-consider factor regardless of where you intend to use it. Construction materials can influence the clock's appeal and durability significantly. You do not want to settle for a timer that will only serve you for a limited time.
Here, you should consider how and where you will be using it. Also, keep its users in mind. How careful will they be with the clock?
A sturdy clock that can sustain a few knocks and falls without breaking is ideal for chess clubs and homes with pets and children.
Price
The chess clock's price is also a necessary factor to consider. It's best to stay within your means. After a certain point, you aren’t getting additional features, you’re getting luxury.
Interestingly, there are more than enough options for best-budget chess clocks in the market, thanks to high competition in the chess industry.
Still, be sure to prioritize quality and long-lasting value to ensure a satisfactory choice.
Best Chess Clocks: Four Timely Options
1. DGT 3000 Digital Chess Clock – Limited Edition: Best Overall
Essentially, this lock balances traditional wooden style and modern designs, making it an excellent match for classic and contemporary chess boards.
This DGT 3000 Digital Chess Clock is a perfect fit for experienced players. However, it comes with dozens of pre-set timing settings for quick and easy use, enabling it to accommodate beginner players, too.
Its huge display lets it display all the necessary information for competitive tournament-style games. What's more, the clock offers unlimited flexibility in terms of gameplay. It comes with a connection for the DGT e-board, giving you options for online or PC gaming besides on-the-board gaming.
Overall, this digital chess clock is a great start to improving your gameplay to a professional level. Its only notable shortcoming is that it is relatively complicated to set up for beginners.
2. INSA Wooden Mechanical Chess Clock: Best Analog Chess Clock
The clock features highly functional and easy-to-press buttons and a large, colored display, which enhances its usability. More interestingly, it is considerably quieter than most mechanical chess clocks, eliminating the need-to-hurry nervous feeling caused by louder clocks.
This clock combines classic appearance and precision, which makes it a suitable match for all of The House of Staunton's traditional wooden chessboards and tables.
Generally, this INSA Wooden Mechanical Chess Clock is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a simple yet stylish and durable chess clock.
3. Zmart Tap N Set Pro Digital Chess Clock: Official Chess Clock
As the US Chess Federation's official chess clock, the Zmart Tap N Set Pro is an ideal set for both beginner and avid players. The clock is entirely a smart device that integrates the typical digital clock system with smart NFC (near field communication) technology to enable its programming by cell phones.
The technology enhances its usability, making it fit for both beginners and experienced players. Better still, it gives you options for manual set-up. It features a simplistic design with easily accessible buttons and touch-sensor technology for quick and easy manual set-up.
Still, manual functions may be considerably complicated for beginner users. Besides that, the clock is an excellent fit for all over-the-board games. It is ideal for anyone who prefers minimalistic designs.
Final Words
Whether you are a beginner or an avid chess player, playing a professional-level game comes in handy when looking to improve your gameplay. And by professional-level, I mean including everything necessary for a competitive, tournament-style gameplay, including a chess clock.
When looking for a quality chess clock, the sets we have discussed here are a good start. Also, you can browse The House of Staunton for more quality and the best chess clocks worth considering. Here, you will find dozens of suitable options regardless of your experience in chess games. Be sure to check it out.
FAQs
Q1. What are essential features should I look for when choosing a chess clock?
The essential features you should look for are the control buttons (or nobs) and displays. The buttons should be easily accessible, while the screen should be clear, non-reflective, and easy to read.
Q2. Which is the best chess clock style, analog or digital clock?
The best clock style varies on your preferences. While digital chess clocks are often preferred, this is not universal. You should go for an easy-to-use style that matches your needs.
Q3. Which is the best material for a chess clock?
The best material for a chess clock depends on the type of chess clock. Wood is preferred and commonly used in analog chess clocks. Digital clocks, on the other hand, are typically made of sturdy plastic and lightweight metals. Note, however, that the best chess clocks are made of solid, enhanced materials to ensure their durability.