When you update your computer, the keyboard is unlikely to be the first thing that comes to my mind. Are not all just plastic slabs combined to send an email? Not really. Modern keyboards vary widely in design, functionality and price, with models that can improve comfort and increase efficiency or become a constant irritating, hindering your work flow. A high quality computer keyboard is an indispensable tool, especially if you spend most of your working day in front of a screen.
Whether you reflect on how to choose a computer keyboard or ask: “What keyboard should I buy?” We covered you. In this complete Guide to Purchase of the Keyboard, we will take a walk throughout the process to help you identify a perfect device for your needs and to explore key specifications to monitor. At the end of the day, whether you are debugging the code, publish memes or write the next great -north -American novel, spend most of your PC’s time on the keyboard, so it is worth obtaining a good one.
Use purpose: Why do you need it first?
Keyboards are not a unique size: they have different functions and designs that serve various functions. To better understand how to choose a keyboard, you must determine your use purpose.
- Job. Whether you are a programmer, a data entry specialist, or engaged in daily administrative work, the perfect device is a full -sized PC keyboard that offers a comfortable key space, a numerical keyboard and reliable performance. In contrast, other professionals, such as writers, publishers and designers, should prioritize ergonomic designs to support prolonged typification without ease.
- Game. Players need speed: delay, pity and customizable keys, and anti-voyancy capabilities to record various entries, regardless of how many keys are pressed simultaneously. Programble Macros: A combination of key pieces triggered by a single key press: rationalize game efficiency.
- Casual. If you are basic tasks on your computer, such as general navigation or light communication, keep it simple. A decent and profitable keyboard with solid criticism will be good for you.
The purpose of the use is a foundation to determine a perfect keyboard model that will better agree, so don’t skip this step.
Wired vs. Wireless
One of the most important considerations is whether to choose a wire or wireless keyboard. Each offers different benefits and disadvantages. Cable keyboards are a selection of the old school: Usually connected by USB, these models offer constant performance without batteries and without latency. It is a crucial parameter if you are a competitive player, as a second division delay can cause a quick and ignorant death on the screen. The cable options are usually more affordable, although if you add the cable mouse to the mixture, the cords entangled will definitely sink the space of your desktop, a constant visual irritating for any minimalist.
Going wireless arrives with a set of challenges. Apart from the most important desks, wireless models introduce a slight latency, although they are very low and require a load (some models include rechargeable batteries, while others are based on replaceable batteries). Interference is another problem: Some models use a radiofrequency connection, usually on the 2.4 GHz band, which can interfere with other wireless devices. The costs are usually higher.
Keyboard size and design
The keyboards are made of different sizes, each adapted for specific needs. Most full -sized keyboards use similar designs with the same set of keys, including:
- Character keys;
- Modifying keys (Alt, FN, CTRL, uppercase);
- System command keys (PRSCN, ESC);
- Editing keys (Enter, Delete, Backspace);
- Navigation keys (house, end);
- Function keys (volume, brightness).
Apart from full -sized models, you will find the TenKeyless keyboards (TKL) that omit numeric keyboards, minimalist designs that eliminate the rows of functions or arrow keys for improved portability and desktop space and personalized designs that retain certain functions while prioritizing the compactness.
If you use Latin Script language, you will probably find a layout of the QWERTY alphabet (in fact, your current keyboard has this design probably) or a Dvorak keyboard that offers a more accurate and faster typing experience, although it is usually a less widespread option.
Keyboard switches
Keyboards are based on different mechanisms of keys, called switches, which mainly influence your writing experience, are simply that each press feels good. Keyboard manufacturers use several tricks to create a different touch experience, including response, key trips, background actions and the amount of force needed to press the key. That said, another person’s perfect keyboard can be a total mismatch for you and vice versa. Among the most widespread switches, you are likely to find the following:
- Rubber dome. Made of silicone rubber, these switches use two membranes formed in domes, providing resistance and tactile feedback. When pressing the key, the rubber dome, which basically acts as a spring, is fading under pressure, completes the connection between two circuits and sends the signal to your computer. This type of switch is cheap, resisting the escape, is not noisy and has a good tactile feedback. The main disadvantage is that silicone rubber hardens with age, limiting the life of the device.
- Scissors switches. The intertwined plastic pieces create a scissor mechanism for the design of the cupola: When pressing a button, the pieces are compressed and expanded. Scissor switches offer shallow keys travel and more attractive feeling as they require less press force. It is usually found in modern notebooks and low profile keyboards.
- Mechanical switches. These switches are based on depressed metal crumbs when pressing a key, offering higher feedback and longevity. Typically divided into three main types, including click switches (with a audible click, very noisy, favored by writing text due to pronounced feedback), touch switches (moderate noise level, touch bumps without click) and linear switches (soft, silent, without tactile comments; good option to play).
The switches are the heart of any keyboard, especially the mechanics. If you prefer the noise disorder of the keys to accompany your writing, go to click switches; However, if you prefer to work in absolute silence, go to look linear. It is better to physically try the keyboard before you buy it to have a better device feeling and determine the optimal switch type that adapts to your preferences.
Build quality, materials and ergonomics
When choosing a keyboard, durability and quality of construction are essential factors to consider. A keyboard must keep, if the material is loose, you probably hate it. The models range from the plastic that respects the budget to the robust metal constructions, including:
- Plastic constructions. Common in affordable models, plastic is light, but it is not very rigid, which can cause wear and tear over time.
- Metallic frames. Aluminum or steel frameworks are premium quality, which offer stability, longevity and typing coherence. More expensive, too.
- Keycaps. Typically made with ABS (acrylonitril btadiene stretched) or PBT (polybutilè tereftallat). ABS are widely used, but are prone to shining, while PBT is more durable and wear -resistant, offering a higher texture. The double -shot keys, created by two plastic layers of different colors, with the first layer that forms the body and the second forming a legend (characters of the keycaps), ensure lasting visibility.
Another parameter to consider is ergonomics, especially if you spend all day writing. Look for functions such as divided designs (the keyboard is separated into two or more sections, allowing users to be in the hands on the shoulder width), the adjustable angles and the integrated wrist rest that help to mitigate the tension and offer a more neutral hand positioning. In terms of switches, membranes are generally smoother, while mechanics with light switches are also good options that can help reduce fingers fatigue.
Additional functions and functions
Modern keyboards include a number of improvements that increase efficiency and streamline work flow. This is what you can avoid:
- RGB Backlight. Customizable lighting helps visibility: a useful feature if you write with the lights off. Also, it seems very fantastic, adding an aesthetic attraction to your desk.
- Programmable keys. Macros allows you to program keys for shortcuts and game combos, which is a definitive victory for a player.
- Middle keys. The additional buttons dedicated specifically to volume, game or pause are an excellent way to streamline multimedia tasks.
- Support of software. First -level models include dedicated applications that allow the keyboard to be recaptured or adjust the background lights.
Remember that although these functions may seem fantastic, you must prioritize usefulness. If you do not use them for most time, avoid additional expenses.
Budget and brands
From suspiciously cheap to “I need a loan”, keyboards cover a wide price spectrum. Input level devices cost about $ 20 to 50, which come with basic options on mechanics and membranes: a decent option for minimum needs. Middle -range keyboards are priced at $ 50 to $ 100 – it is a sweet point with solid switches, RGB and additional functions. From $ 200 to $ 200 is the premium quality, with high quality constructions, durability and advanced customization. After $ 200? These are mainly niche designs and craft components, the territory of the collectors and enthusiasts seeking unusual constructions.
As for brands, Logitech, Razer and Corsair are the best dogs in the industry, offering reliable teams and durable products. If you want to avoid bite prices, try purchasing time with annual sales, such as Black Friday or other seasonal events, to save money.
Final thoughts
Selecting a computer keyboard is a process in several steps: consider the purpose (games, writing, cooling at home), weight, switches and creation. Your needs can be unique and the keyboard must match them. Although this investment seems smaller compared to other larger purchases, it can significantly affect your daily flow, increasing productivity and improving comfort.