What keyboard to buy? we explain everything you need to know

When you sit at your PC, where do your hands go? They go straight to the keyboard, and they'll probably stay there until you get up to walk away. With so much time spent dealing directly with letters and keys, why would you settle for the generic keyboard that comes bundled with your PC? With this tutorial we teach you everything you need to know before buying a keyboard.

Index of contents

How to choose a keyboard?

A good keyboard can determine the difference between frustration and efficiency, between defeat or victory in online games, and it has a serious impact on the health of your joints. For these reasons, and more, it pays to know certain things before buying a keyboard.

Today's keyboards have a lot to offer: increased comfort, improved ergonomics, special and programmable keys and buttons for launching and controlling applications, wireless connectivity and much more.

First, decide what tasks you will use the keyboard for. Of course, it can be a combination of several or all, so you should prioritize the features that are most important to you.

Wireless or wired keyboard

The easiest way to connect a keyboard to the PC is through a wired USB connection. Keyboards are usually plug-and-play devices, without the need to install any additional software (except for some gaming keyboards), which means plugging in the keyboard is all you need to do in macro setup .

Unlike wireless keyboards, a wired device will draw its power from USB, so there is no need to worry about batteries. Wired connections are also preferred for gaming use, as wired connections are free from the delay and interference problems that wireless alternatives tend to.

However, if you want more freedom and less clutter on your desk, it's hard to beat a wireless keyboard. Instead of a wired connection, wireless keyboards transmit data to the PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a USB receiver or via Bluetooth.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and gain the flexibility to use the keyboard remotely, either in your lap or anywhere, the way to do it is without cables.

Most wireless keyboards connect to the PC through the same 2.4 GHz wireless frequencies that are used for wireless phones and Wi-Fi internet. A small, small USB device, small enough to plug in and forget about, is the one that provides the link to your PC.

Companies use proprietary connections like these because they allow for optimal battery life. These USB dongles also provide connectivity to more than one device, which means you can use the adapter for your wireless keyboard, as well as one or more PC mice, assuming they are all from the same brand.

Bluetooth options are gaining popularity lately, largely because they don't monopolize a USB port, offer compatibility with other devices, such as tablets and smartphones, and because stable, easy-to-manage Bluetooth connections are ideal for use with more mobile devices, like tablets.

In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you approximately 10 meters of wireless range, but it may not match the battery life offered by devices with a USB dongle.

New innovations, such as proximity sensors connected to power and connection managers, improve battery life compared to older Bluetooth devices, which always keep a link on and discharge the battery quickly.

Keyboard switches

One aspect of keyboard layout you'll see mentioned in reviews is the type of switches used for individual keys.

You may not worry about the specific mechanisms that reside below the keys, but you will certainly feel the difference. Be sure to check your keystrokes when you are shopping for a computer keyboard. You don't want to end up with a keyboard that feels like a typewriter.

Check how the keys feel. There are keyboards that have a responsive, smooth, feather-like touch, and there are others that require some extra pressure to type.

The mechanism that makes the keys respond to touch is the "switch. " Rubber switches, scissor switches, and mechanical switches are the main types of switches used by most manufacturers. The switches make all the difference in sensitivity, noise level and comfort. Learn about them and choose the right one.

Design and Features

Not all keyboards are created equal. In fact, not all keyboards are positioned the same way as standard QWERTY keys.

About half of the available keyboards offer a 10-key number pad , like the Das Keyboard Model S Professional, making it an ideal tool for anyone needing to count numbers or enter data into a spreadsheet.

The smallest distinctions include the placement of arrow keys, and functions such as Page Up and Down, Home and End. Several newer models also have keys dedicated to Windows 8 functions , such as the charms bar. Also, most of today's keyboards have basic multimedia functions, such as playback controls and volume increase and decrease.

Keyboards for gamers

Gamers are a strange breed of users, and generally require or want keyboard features that are wasted on other users. Things like built-in LCD screens, programmable keys, backlight, and changeable number keys can offer PC gamers greater benefits and enhance gaming experiences.

If you're a gamer, look to buy keyboards that are specially labeled "gaming keyboards. " Surely you will have to pay a higher price for its features, but most serious players will tell you that it is worth the cost.

Although all keyboards provide the necessary keys for typing, typing is sometimes not the main concern. Gaming keyboards are designed for competitive use, equipped for maximum specialization and control, optimized for specific styles of play, and built to exacting standards of responsiveness and durability.

They also appeal to gamers' aesthetics, with designs that impress and intimidate with pulsating backlighting, dramatic color combinations, and brutal functionality.

Gaming keyboards almost exclusively use high-level mechanical switches and They offer numerous customizable functions, such as programmable macro keys and specific details of functions, such as textured WASD keys or interchangeable keys.

There are others with customizable backlighting that allow you to adjust color and intensity to find certain keys faster and customize the appearance of the keyboard. The anti-ghosting feature is an essential feature that allows multiple keystrokes to be recorded simultaneously, something that standard keyboards face with limitations. Other extras include USB ports or audio connections on the keyboard, which simplifies the process of connecting peripherals to a desktop PC that is not easily accessible.

Corsair K55 RGB - Gaming Keyboard (RGB multi-color backlight, QWERTY), black Dynamic three-zone RGB backlight; QWERTY Spanish 59, 90 EUR Razer Ornata Chroma, Keyboard, USB / Wired, Rgb Chroma Razer Mechanical Membrane Technology; Half-height keys; Razer Chroma Backlight 79.99 EUR Logitech G413 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Backlit Keys, Romer-G Touch Keys, 5052 Aluminum Alloy, Customizable, USB Pass-Through Connection, Spanish QWERTY Layout, Carbon 59.99 EUR

Finally, gaming keyboards are often equipped with additional software and keys for macro commands, allowing you to organize complex sequences of commands and activate them at the push of a button.

The number of macro-commands you can save and the ease with which they can be created will vary from model to model, but it is a valuable tool. This is not the type of feature you will be using every day, but for gamers who spend time and money on games, gaming keyboards offer a competitive advantage.

Keyboard ergonomics

Whether you're doing data entry or typing a lot of documents, you spend hours and hours hunched over the keyboard. Do yourself and your wrists a favor and invest in an ergonomic keyboard.

Ergonomics is not a one size fits all science, and there are some keyboards that claim to be ergonomic, but are not. If you can, try a friend's ergonomic keyboard before you buy it. Although there will probably be an initial learning curve, you should be able to tell quickly if it is something that is comfortable for you.

If it's not an option, look for features like curved keys and raised wrist rests. Some keyboards are even spaced so you can customize the distance between the left and right keys.

To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries , many keyboards are available with designs that place the hands in a neutral position as you type.

The result is not only increased comfort, but also reduced stress on the joints and tendons, helping to avoid painful swelling and costly surgeries.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 f / Business - Keyboard (USB, QWERTY, 0-35 C, Black, -40-60 C, 5-80%) With customizable keys for quick access; Integrated palm rest; QWERTY design, USB interface, 104 keys

Keyboard vendors often try to differentiate their products using unique designs or looks. Some offer different colors, others stylish finishes, metallic or shiny plastic.

At a practical design level, keyboards also differ in ergonomics: More ergonomic designs offer greater comfort and safety during long-term use.

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For example, some manufacturers manufacture thinner keyboards that do not require the wrists to bend upward abnormally. Although most keyboards include feet or risers to raise the back of the keyboard, in most cases a downward-sloping keyboard does not improve ergonomics.

As long as the surface of the chair and keyboard are at the correct heights, the surface of the keys on a keyboard should be approximately parallel to the floor. Similarly, portable style keys generally require less effort to press them, reducing fatigue.

Keyboards for traveling users

60% RK61 keyboard.

For whatever reason you have, you like to carry a keyboard in your carry-on luggage when you travel. Some people get so used to their keyboards that they can't stand working in an office without them. Don't panic, keyboards with limited number of keys are also made.

Having a 60% keyboard is an ideal choice. Light and easily transportable.

Mini Outemu Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Brown Switch 68 Keys (60%) Wired Gaming Keyboard - White Silver Magicforce by Qisan Perfect size for laptop, ergonomic step-by-step keyboard, alternative and ergonomic action 39, 99 EUR BONUSIS Foldable Silicone Keyboard Keyboard Flexible Gel Keyboard Slice Soft Roll-up Waterproof (103 Keys) for PC Laptop

Usually referred to as lightweight, and sometimes even foldable, these portable keyboards often forgo the right numeric keypad to save space. You probably won't find many multimedia keys on them, though some come with customizable F keys or built-in touchpads. However, just because it's small, don't expect it to be necessarily cheaper. Many of these portables will cost you more than their standard wired keyboards as standard.

Keyboard built in flexible rubber

In the case of the flexible rubber keyboard they are cheap, but the sensations when typing are quite bad (it is a question of trying). There are also some keyboards that are designed for portable use, fitting into the thinnest laptop bags and weighing just a few grams. Portable keyboards are also ideal for use on your lap with a Mac connected to a home entertainment system. However, to achieve this portability, many portable keyboards lack a numeric keypad, house smaller keys than normal, or use non-standard layouts.

Keys

Keys are the most basic component of any keyboard, but they differ widely between models. Desktop keyboards have traditionally used rubber dome keyboard switches; these keyboards are thicker and require more travel (the distance the key must travel to register as a key), and sometimes more force when pressed than laptop keys. Although if you are a lover of changing keycaps, we recommend PBTs, which are of the highest quality.

Laptop keyboards tend to use scissor-type key switches, which offer a lower profile and require less travel. However, in the past five years or so, many desktop keyboards have embraced laptop-style keycaps, largely due to the increasing popularity of these types of keys.

Special features

Manufacturers often add unique features to increase the functionality of a keyboard. The most common features are special keys to control media playback or quickly launch common programs; some keyboards even include dedicated programmable keys that can execute complex macros or other actions.

Most keyboards with such keys require you to install special software drivers for full functionality. Other keyboards include touchpads, iPod docks, and speakers, to name a few other unusual additions.

Conclusion on how to choose a keyboard correctly

When choosing the ideal keyboard, it's important to consider how different switches can help or hinder your overall gaming experience. You should also consider what types of games you like to play and in what ways each type of exchange could benefit you within them.

We recommend you read the best keyboards on the market

Each user must choose the keyboard that best suits their own preferences and needs, but there are some characteristics and terms that you must understand to make the right purchase decision. That's what this guide is for with our tips.