The keyboard is one of the most-used computer peripherals. If you’re shopping for a keyboard, consider a few critical features before settling on one, especially if you want to move it between multiple devices. Here we shall discuss about what is needed to know when buying a keyboard.
Since the advent of online gaming is increasing, the demand for a keyboard. Getting the perfect setup for your gaming sessions can feel a little overwhelming.
Many of us spend a fair amount of time at our computers every day, pressing the keys ceaselessly (when we are not clicking and scrolling). We’ve got plenty of typing jobs to do these days- home works, school projects, documents that our boss wants typed, and what not. We rely heavily on our computers and of course, the keyboard on it.
Keyboards are primarily used for typing but really they can do so much more. With a few extra features, what your keyboard can do for you will make you fall in love with it.
When your old keyboard needs to be replaced, you’d naturally go for the same kind of keyboard which you are used to. But, with a great many types of keyboards coming to the market every day, the keyboard you want might not be the right one for you. (Chances are your old keyboard is outdated and is not available in the market anymore).
However, if you’re planning to buying a keyboard – we have got you covered. This guide will help you choose the right keyboard for your requirements.
6 Things to Consider When Buying a Keyboard
There are hundreds of keyboards on the market and many ways to connect and use them. We thought it should be easier to figure out, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate basic keyboard activities, understand upkeep issues, and help you decide which keyboard is best for you.
We’ve outlined the most important things you should consider before Buying a Keyboard.
- Wired or Wireless?
- Keyboard Size
- Cost
- Ergonomics
- Hotkeys and Media Keys
- Key Technology
Wired or Wireless?
As with mice, whether or not your keyboard is wired or wireless is a personal preference, and each type has its pros and cons.
Most keyboards use either USB or Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity. If you’re going the Bluetooth route, ensure your device has built-in Bluetooth compatibility. You will need to pick up a Bluetooth receiver and pair the device if it doesn’t.
Logitech has a solar-powered keyboard on the market, but you can expect to pay an up-front premium for this technology. You can recoup the cost by never again needing to purchase batteries.
However, the wireless keyboard is not ideal for gaming purposes. This is due to the fact that it delays in sending the commands to the computer.
Size of the Keyboard
Smaller keyboards typically remove the number pad and may even have shorter keys or no spaces between the buttons. These are useful if the keyboard is for a tablet or you’re constantly moving it from place to place.
Standard keyboards are the most common types. These days, standard keyboards come with multimedia keys besides the standard set of 104 keys. Gaming keyboards are for the purpose of gaming which incorporate the multimedia keys as well as other special keys for gaming.
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to position your hands naturally and reduce strain by offering a proper wrist rest to maximize comfort. They sure are pricey but they are worth the money. Opt for an ergonomic keyboard if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Those who use their computer in the dark might prefer the keyboard with illumination. Those who focus on portability might want to get a flexible, foldable keyboard that doesn’t take much space in their bags. For those prone to accident, keyboards that can resist liquid are available in the market.
For those concerned with comfort, keyboards with split-style design or with a proper wrist rest pad might be the thing for them. For programmers, the keyboard in DVORAK layout is better than the standard QWERTY layout. There are washable keyboards available for those obsessed with cleanliness.
Larger keyboards go hand-in-hand with ones that have more hotkeys and media keys. If you want a gaming keyboard with many media buttons, USB ports, etc., you’ll opt for a larger one by default.
How Much Should a Keyboard Cost?
If you need a keyboard for basic typing, you can probably get away with spending as little as $10. However, the more you want from your keyboard, the more you’ll have to shell out because built-in lighting, aluminum frames, and multiple key functions cost extra.
Depending on the features they incorporate, keyboards come in different prices. Obviously, the more the features it has, the more expensive it is. Look for a keyboard that meets your requirements as well as your budget. Be smart and don’t spend on things you don’t really need.
The price of a keyboard is normally determined by the features it has and the brand. You should expect to pay a premium price if you opt for a top of the range brand that has many features. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good keyboard at a fair price.
To increase your chances of getting a fair deal, it’s advisable you compare the prices of different stores. This is because price tends to vary from one store to another. Moreover, you have the option of buying a secondhand keyboard. All you have to do is test it before making a purchase.
If you are buying from an online store, make sure they have a return policy so that you can replace it if it doesn’t function as per the specifications.
There are many options, and you’ll need to find something that fits your needs and budget.
| Price Range | What You Can Expect |
| $10-$50 | It’s the simplest and most basic price tier, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find something useful. Regular sized and travel sized keyboards are available around this price point, including some foldable waterproof options (they’re made of silicone). Wired, wireless, and Bluetooth models can also be found for around this price. |
| $50-$100 | Options tend to include more wireless functions and compatibility with a broader variety of devices for each keyboard. Home to more ergonomic options, and some other potential hardware extras like built-in touchpads, backlights, and non-silicone foldable models. You’re also more likely to find gaming keyboards here. |
| $100-$200 | More of everything (travel keyboards, foldable, wireless, gaming, etc), along with more mechanical key options for a more tactile feeling while typing. |
| $200+ | Often includes more than just a keyboard, although the keyboard itself is likely to include a lot of premium functions and options. Can sometimes come with extra ergonomic accessories, or even a portable monitor. |
Ergonomics
If you spend hours upon hours typing on your new keyboard, it’s best to get one with at least basic ergonomic features.
While ergonomics can take on various forms, since some keyboards split the keys, have curves, and are even motorized, you should anticipate a learning curve. Expect that typing will feel strange, even uncomfortable, at first while your hands adjust and relearn how to move across the keyboard. But, your wrists and hands will thank you in the end since ergonomic keyboards reduce the amount of stress placed on them while you type.
Ergonomic keyboards might also include wrist rests and the ability to raise or lower the device.
Hotkeys and Media Keys
Most keyboards come with various hotkeys and media keys except travel keyboards. Similar to keyboard shortcuts, these keys allow you to perform tasks quickly.
Media keys, which include tasks like volume and video control, are invaluable if you use your keyboard in the living room to control your media system.
Hotkeys let you complete specific tasks by pressing a combination of buttons, and many keyboards replace these combinations with one-touch buttons. If you’re a desk jockey, these hotkeys can save you time.
Key Technology
There are two main technologies that computers use to operate: Membrane and Mechanical keys. Gamers prefer mechanical keyboards over Membrane due to their speed, durability, N-key rollover support, and minimizing ghosting.
In mechanical keyboards, the actuation force stays consistent, making it easy for you to be precise in keystrokes.
In a membrane keyboard, the actuation force is variable. Hence, these are much more comfortable on fingers. If you have a habit of pushing keys firmly, you can go for membrane keyboards.
Keyboard Variables
Backlit Keyboards
Backlit keyboards are the same as any other keyboard, except they emit light from behind the keys. They look cool but do also offer some usefulness. Backlit keyboards tend to make the keys easier to see, and some offer custom light settings that you can use to color-code different areas for various tasks.
Dvorak keyboards
A Dvorak keyboard is an acquired taste as its layout is quite different from what you’re probably used to (QWERTY, named after the order of the keys). The purpose of a Dvorak keyboard is to increase typing speed and reduce motion and strain on your hands, and its design lends itself to a more straightforward, faster motion.
Flexible Keyboards
If you want one you can easily roll up (yes, roll) and carry, that’s what flexible keyboards are all about. These wobbly keyboards are typically made out of silicone, so they’re very easy to clean, are very durable, can usually withstand minor spills with no problem, and are portable.
Magic Keyboards
Apple’s special branded hardware, Magic Keyboards, work best with Mac computers—both mechanically and aesthetically. Aside from the sleek look, the Magic Keyboard is also wireless and rechargeable, although it allows for a physical USB-C to Lightning cable connection.
Membrane Keyboards
Membrane keyboards are usually less expensive than other types due to their materials, and their construction makes them comparably quiet, too. The individual keys are pressure-sensitive, and there’s no space between the keys.
Mechanical Keyboards
Most mechanical keyboards are designed to look like, or at least feel like, a classic typewriter. They often produce a more tactile and audible click as you type,
Numeric Keyboard
These tiny add-on keyboards often resemble a calculator but without the display. Their purpose is to add a numeric pad to your setup if your keyboard doesn’t already have one.
Who Should Buy a Keyboard?
People use keyboards in different ways. Gamers look for advanced features that an office worker, for example, doesn’t need or want. Determine why you need a keyboard, and you’ll be able to narrow down the choices more quickly.
Gamer
Gamers typically require integrated LCDs, programmable keys, backlighting, and changeable number pads to increase their benefits and enhance the gaming experience.
If you’re a gamer, look for keyboards labeled as gaming keyboards. You can expect to pay a higher price for these features, but most serious gamers will tell you they’re worth the cost.
Media User
You’re the type of person with all their music and movies stored on or streamed to their computer. When choosing a keyboard, look for media-key features, such as a volume-control knob, track skipping, and play/pause buttons.
If you use your laptop for storing movies but have it hooked up to your TV for when you watch them, a wireless keyboard will be more comfortable. This way, you can fast-forward and rewind from the comfort of your couch. You can find mini keyboards designed specifically for media users; they resemble large remote controllers.
Office Worker or Home Office User
Whether you do data entry or desktop publishing, you spend hours hunched over your computer. Do yourself—and your wrists—a favor and invest in an ergonomic keyboard.
Ergonomics isn’t a one-size-fits-all science, and some keyboards claim to be ergonomic when they are not. If you can, test out a friend’s ergonomic keyboard before you buy it. While there will probably be an initial learning curve, you should be able to tell pretty quickly if it’s comfortable for you.
If this isn’t an option, look for features like curved keys, and elevated wrist rests. Some keyboards even separate so you can customize how far apart you want the left- and right-hand keys.
Traveler
For whatever reason you might have, you like to throw a keyboard in your carry-on when you travel. Some people get so accustomed to their macros that they can’t bear to work in an office without them. Fret not; they make keyboards with truncated key counts just for you.
Typically billed as lightweight—and sometimes even foldable—these portable keyboards usually forgo the right-hand number pad to save space. You probably won’t find many media keys on them, although some come with customizable F keys or built-in touchpads. However, just because it’s small, don’t expect it to be cheaper. Many of these portables will cost you more than your run-of-the-mill wired standard keyboards.
What to Do After You Buy a Keybaord
You’ll want to set your keyboard up and try it out once you get it to ensure everything works. If it’s wired, plug it in. If it’s wireless, sync it up with your computer.
Once it’s working, open up a word processing app and start typing. Pay attention to how it feels to use. Is there proper give and resistance with the keys? Is it comfortable? Ensure that it’s convenient to pack it up if you plan to carry it around.
More Tips
- Check for drivers. Chances are pretty high that your keyboard will work out of the box with little to no preparation, so long as you can connect it to your computer. However, depending on the model (and its age), you might need to look for a keyboard driver first.
- Feel for stickiness. If any of your keys start to stick, something might have gotten inside your keyboard to cause the issue. Many older keyboards have removable keys (don’t try to remove your keyboard’s keys if you aren’t sure they come off!), but it can still happen.
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