Keyboard: all the information you need to know ⌨️ℹ️?

We have all found ourselves in that situation where we want to buy a good keyboard even though we don't have much idea of ​​how to choose or where to start looking. Because nobody here was born knowing, today in Professional Review we bring you a detailed guide on everything you should take into account when buying your first keyboard or updating your current one. Basics, sizes, switches and much more. Let's go!

Index of contents

Keyboard types

We start the mega article with the obvious. There are hundreds of models on the market, all with their peculiarities in terms of sizes, switches, shape, connection, etc.

By character distribution

You will think it is nonsense, but this article is about keyboards and everything you need to know, so as you can already imagine, not in all countries the alphanumeric order is the same nor are the function buttons distributed in the same way. In the West, we have two possible variants of keyboard manufacturing in terms of design: ANSI and ISO.

ANSI (

From USA, to USA. ANSI keyboards are those used in the United States and some countries outside of its borders. We can recognize them by the left SHIFT key, which doubles the size of a standard single switch. Occasionally we can find ANSI keyboards with the Ñ key, but it is added as an optional character and does not suppose the main symbol of the switch. Due to their positions exchanged in many of the punctuation marks they can be somewhat uncomfortable.

ISO (

ISO is the configuration used in Europe, and the one that constitutes the standard in our country. The distribution of the characters or symbols is what you will find in all the stores in Spain.

For more detail in this section, we recommend reading: ANSI vs ISO: difference between Spanish keyboards.

By sizes

The starting point is simple: What size are you looking for? There are users who for work reasons cannot live without a numeric keypad, while for many gamers it is a nuisance since it takes up space on the desktop. It also happens that programmers do not need many buttons and are looking for something extremely compact and with many shortcuts to work, and finally there are people who just want a keyboard to type what they need to put something on their SmartTV from the sofa. Let's take a look at the models on the market.

Standard keyboard sizes

100% keyboards

The classic, the type of keyboard that you will undoubtedly find more variety in models and prices. 100% or full keyboards are the industry standard and generally we all start out having one like that.

Logitech G613

• Their approximate number of keys is between 104 and 108 depending on factors such as the distribution of their keys and the manufacturer. In them we usually find the string of keys Fn located in a row above the alphabet. They have a dedicated numeric keyboard to the right of it. They usually include (depending on the brand and model) extra keys for macros or dedicated multimedia buttons. Many of them usually have wrist rests as well.

TKL (tenkeyless)

The second most common model, and that is that it is exactly the same as its predecessor except for the numerical keyboard. It is usually the most preferred by many gamers and also by users who alternate between work and leisure.

Ozone Strike Battle Spectra

• They keep the function buttons (Fn). They are usually between 85 and 88 keys. Very popular with gamers and the second most manufactured type of keyboard, they are 20% smaller when losing the numeric keyboard.

75% keyboards

From 75% to 60% we talk about compact keyboards. They are much less common compared to the previous ones and are reduced to their minimum expression. These keyboards lose both the numeric keypad and the function buttons and are totally dependent on our knowledge of existing keyboard shortcuts.

Drevo 72 Calibur

• They do not have Fn keys or numeric keyboard. They have an average between 70 and 72 keys. Very dependent on keyboard shortcuts. They occupy between 70% and 75% less space on our desktop than a conventional keyboard. they are intended for transport and tend to be lighter.

Keyboards at 60%

Extremely popular with programmers and even gamers, 60% keyboards offer the smallest possible size of their kind. They are keyboards that focus on the alphanumeric keys and add to these alternative functions with which to carry out the commands that we are used to.

Anne Pro 2

• Extremely customizable. They usually have around 67 or 68 buttons. Ideal for programming or writing code.

By buttons

We come to what is one of the most interesting and personal sections of the article: switches. Because no two people are the same, there are types of buttons to distribute left and right. In this article, we cannot delve into trademark issues, but we can study types, routes and pressure forces. Let's go there.

Mechanical keyboard

The king of the mambo. Although membrane keyboards became popular and thrived as mushrooms, mechanical keyboards are still an example of durability, quality and precision today. In general we find three basic types of touch on these buttons from which variants arise:

1. Linear: Smooth and fluid, the linear actuation is ideal for double, rapid successive pulsations and for half pulsations without interruption. Linear is ideal for games of almost any kind and is the most widely used. It has an acting force of about 45-60g depending on the brand. Tactile: We can notice a clear protrusion during the pulsation. It provides confidence and precision at the time of the performance, without being too loud or annoying. Romer-G Tactile is ideal for competitive gaming and FPS. Requires an actuation force of about 45-60g depending on the brand. Click: Produces an unmistakable sound when pressed. It offers a tactile and audible response, just like the usual, traditional switches gamers are used to. They are ideal for those looking for a pulsating feel. Requires an actuation force of about 50-60g depending on the brand.

There are many companies dedicated to manufacturing mechanical switches with very different characteristics, so let's take a look at the most popular ones.

Although the information we are going to give you will try to be as specific as possible, you can find a more detailed article in: Guide to mechanical keyboard switches.

Cherry MX

cherry mx switches catalog

Extremely popular and with a reputation that precedes them, Cherry MX is a brand that is not only reliable, but over the years has expanded its catalog and laid the foundation for what a good mechanical switch should be. Its flagship switches are Red (linear), Brown (tactile) and Blue (click).

• Net: Linear, 45g of force required, 2mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel. Brown: Tactile, 55g of force required, 2mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel. Blue: Click, 60g of force required, 2.2mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel.

Although as a result of them they have greatly expanded the family to guarantee players a catalog in which they can find a button that suits their needs. The additions are:

• Black: Linear, the Black was born as a tougher version of the MX Red. It requires 60g of force, 2mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel. Silent Black: Linear, "softened" version of Black. It needs 60g of actuation force, 1.9mm of actuation distance and 3.7mm of total travel. Silent Red: Linear, also a less sonorous version of the original Red. Requires 45g of actuation force, 1.9mm of actuation distance and 3.7mm of total travel. Speed ​​Silver: Planned to provide a faster response than the MX Red and Silent Red. Requires 45g of actuation force, 1.2mm of actuation distance and 3.4mm of total travel.

We have an advanced guide on Cherry MX switches that you can read here for more information: Guide on Cherry MX switches: Red, Black, Blue, Brown...

Despite the fact that Cherry MX also makes its own products, it is the brand that many other keyboard companies turn to for their buttons.

Romer-G

Few of you have ever used a Logitech product in your life. The Swedish company began developing its own switches to take its keyboards to the next level and is currently chosen by many high-level professional gamers as well as those who use them for office automation. We can find three types of switches:

• Romer-G Touch: 45g of required force, 1.5mm of actuation distance and 3.2mm of total travel. Romer-G Linear: 45g of force required, 1.5mm of actuation distance and 3.2mm of total travel. GX Blue: Click. 50g of force required, 1.9mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel.

Broadly speaking, we can see that Logitech switches have a shorter path than MXs and need little actuation force, which is why they are valued both for E-Sports and for typing at full speed.

Razer

An extremely popular brand among professional gamers and one that shares the triumvirate of top manufacturers alongside Cherry MX and Logitech. Initially, he used Kailh switches for his keyboards until he designed his own. As with Logitech, we can find three types:

• Green: Click. 50g of force required, 1.9mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel. Orange: Tactile. 45g of force required, 1.9mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel. Yellow: Linear. 45g of force required, 1.9mm of actuation distance and 4mm of total travel.

Kailh

Kailh is a Chinese switch manufacturer. Previously it was a supplier of Razer until it designed its own, and if we thought that Cherry MX already had enough variety of switches, take a look at this catalog:

Yes, we know the variety is huge, but don't panic. As in the case of the Cherry MX, within the Kailh, we find three main categories:

• KT Switch (standard): Follows the line marked by Cherry MX to the letter offering slightly lower quality but also cheaper switches. In the same way we find them in Red, Brown and Blue and six other versions. KS Switch (Speed): Fully gaming oriented, the speed switches offer a 1.1 / 1.4mm actuation distance and 3 / 3.5mm total travel. There is a catalog of nine colors and three varieties of pulsation. They bear a great resemblance to the Romer-Gs. Box Switch: This strain is built to last. Consisting of a much more robust piece than the standard, we can find it with a catalog of nine colors and with the three varieties of pulsation. They are very similar to Razer switches.

We have a detailed article on Kailh switches that you can read here for more information: Kailh switch: all the information and models.

Gateron

Like Kailh and Outemu, Gateron is also a manufacturer of switches made in China . While we have said that Kailh imitates Cherry MX, Gateron does as well, as does Outemu later. It is the user's decision to consider which of these brands has created the most trustworthy copy, although many consider that Gateron holds that position.

It offers a total of six different models. Four of them are the traditional Red, Brown, Blue and Black while the brand adds the White (linear) and Green (click) to the catalog.

You can find more information about this manufacturer here: Gateron Switch: history, models and Is it better than Cherry MX?

Outemu

The white label champion. They are the cheapest mechanical switches on the market, which brings with it advantages and disadvantages. They are widely used and well known, although many are quick to mention their inferior quality when compared to the brands listed above. Describing the action force and characteristics of these switches is almost like describing the Cherry MX models.

We have made a very detailed article about the switches of this company and you can read it here: Outemu switch: which one to choose and why they are the cheap option.

Opto-mechanical keyboard

Razer opto-mechanical switch

They are an addition to conventional mechanical switches since a laser detector is added to their mechanisms. In the case of Razer it is a type of switch that requires an actuation force of 45g and has a total travel of 1.5mm, which makes it 30% faster than standard mechanical keyboards. There are not many brands that have implemented this technology, so we are likely to see even more improvements in the near future.

For now Razer is the company that has launched into the pool with this technology and we can recognize the opto-mechanical switches in its catalog for the color purple.

Membrane keyboard

The quietest along with the butterfly keyboard, the membrane is extremely popular due to its low production cost. It is a cheaper keyboard compared to one of mechanical switches, but its life expectancy is also shorter. There are two possible varieties within membrane switches, but only rubber domes are used for keyboards. The mechanism of these keyboards is simple and we can divide it into three essential pieces:

1. Motherboard where the printed circuits are located. Flexible plastic sheet, usually silicone, where there are a series of protrusions (dome) for each switch. Frame with switches that fits over the silicone sheet and allows the buttons to be operated.

Basically, pressing a key pushes the rubber dome, activating the button. When the switch is released, the dome returns to its original position due to its elasticity. All keyboards made following this system work in the same way, although depending on the materials of manufacture or the brand we can find better models than others or with a slightly different actuation force or distance. In general, they are lighter keyboards, but the travel of their keys may not be very satisfactory for users who have to type for many hours or are gaming fans since it tends to be a little hard. Furthermore, silicone tends to harden over time.

For more details, you can consult our article: Mechanical vs membrane keyboard: which is better?

Mecca-membrane keyboard

A hybrid between the mechanical and the membrane that tries to unite the best of both worlds. The best way to explain it after exposing the operation of both models separately is that the switch is pressed and returns to its original position on a rubber dome instead of a spring, but the activation is carried out using a switch as if it were a mechanical keyboard.

Butterfly keyboard

Butterfly keyboards can be found mostly on laptops and also slim keyboards like Apple's. Their reason for being is an extremely light and thin structure, making them ideal for transporting them from one place to another just like mechanical ones. However, they are switches that tend to be less reliable or jam more easily than mechanical ones. In fact, Apple has had the misfortune to encounter these problems and this has led the apple to decide to change its switch system completely.

You can take a look at what we mean here: Apple announces a new keyboard with butterfly mechanism.

Wireless or wired keyboard

It is the next aspect to deal with and also one that divides users in two. There are those who can't stand having cables in between and prefer cleaning a desk without depending on distances or jerks, while others value the response speed and minimum latency of wired keyboards. From Professional Review we must clarify that today there are wireless keyboards on the market that calmly overcome the latency barrier that has always been attributed to them, although they generally require a greater economic investment. For many pockets this is more than enough reason to go for a wired keyboard, although for some it may be a mere matter of budget.

Connectivity

• In the case of wired keyboards, as a general rule today the quintessential connector is standard USB. Specifically for wireless we can find two possible options: Bluetooth or micro USB. In the case of wireless keyboards via Bluetooth, their latency and Transmission speed depends entirely on its version: 4.0, 5.0, etc. Bluetooth, even in its most current version, is not the most recommended method for gaming given its higher average latency.

The dilemma of both types of keyboards has been addressed on numerous occasions, you can find some of our articles dedicated to it here:

Extra aspects to value

Apart from all the elements that we must consider before launching into one type of keyboard or another, we can take into account other preferences such as:

• RGB lighting Software Dedicated macro or multimedia buttons Removable or braided cable (if wired) Battery life or range of action (if wireless) Adjustable lifting temples Wrist rest Materials and finishes (plastic frame, brushed aluminum, textured buttons…) Ergonomics

Conclusions about the perfect keyboard

In short, the perfect keyboard comes from the combination of our personal preferences and the budget we want to spend on it.

Apart from that, if you are people who invest a large amount of time in writing, it is likely that a mechanical keyboard is the most suitable for you, acquiring the switch that is most comfortable for you. For gamers the answer is the same, although in general linear switches would be their best option. In contrast, people who make more casual use of their computer may have more than enough with a membrane keyboard.

For more information on keyboards, we recommend these articles:

• Best PC keyboards The best gaming keyboards you can buy in 2019

The size you want to choose for your keyboards can totally depend on the space on your desk, and the same goes for the options of a wired or wireless keyboard. Finally, if we value silence again, the membrane keyboard is again the best option.