what to look for when buying a keyboard

Whenever we start our computer or laptop systems, our hands go straight
at the keyboard, and this shows the importance of what are the factors
that we should look for when buying a keyboard. The difficult thing about
buying a keyboard is that there are many types available in the market
with different features, but no need to worry at all.

This blog will help you find the one that you desired. Therefore the
factors or features which comes under keyboard buying guide are as
follows:

1- Keyboard Ergonomics

This important feature comes in mind at first when thinking about what to look
for when buying a keyboard. By ergonomics, it means different styles, designs,
and shapes of a keyboard according to usage. Manufacturers try and make
ergonomics keyboards to make it easier for you to do typing jobs and all.

Like some offer thinner keyboards which save our wrists from unnaturally
bending while typing. Some make a downside slopped keyboard whose key
surface is approximately parallel to the floor, saving you from refrain
injuries. The laptop keys are bit soft and light to press, which reduces the
difficulty in pressing. Some make curved keyboards, and some split the
keyboard into two, which are connected, making typing easier. Some
additional ergonomic features include wrist rest and level, which can
increase or reduce the height of the keyboard.

2- Keyboard Form Factor

The keyboard form factor is an important feature to look upon when buying a
keyboard. This includes keyboards with different sizes, key spaces, keyboard
formats, key sizes, and others. The form factor of a keyboard should be chosen
according to the shape and spacing of keys required, desk space available, and
movability.

• Some of the most common form factors of a keyboard that comes under are:
• Customary, complete size keyboards. (100% Keyboard)
• Ten Keyless Keyboards. (80% Keyboard)
• Compacted Keyboards. (60% Keyboard)
• Condensed keyboards with Arrow keys. (65-70% Keyboard)
• Close Keyboard with Arrow keys and Function keys. (75% Keyboard)

3- Keyboard Switches

The next important factor to look upon is keyboard switches, which also come
in what to look for when buying a keyboard. The basic keyboard or electronic
switches on the keyboard comes under two categories.

Rubber-Switches-VS-Mechanical-Switches

• Rubber Switches: It can bear nearly 10 million strokings of
  keys. It needs to be pressed downwards to activate the key pressing.
• Mechanical Switches: It can bear 50 million strokings of keys.
  It needs to be pressed lightly, and the pressed key is activated.

Mechanical keyboards are very simple and easy to use. They need light
pressing of keys, and the key is registered; that’s why they don’t cause any
type of stress or hands injury. But due to these many features, it is a bit
pricy at its end. There are many types of mechanical switches depending upon
the needs of the user. The major two types of mechanical switches are the
gaming switches that help gamers in playing games by extra switches and
switches for everyday use, which help in typing and performing other data
tasks.

But these switches are also a bit noisy. The most common and popular used
switches available in the market are the “Cherry Switches.” The Cherry MX
switches are further divided into three types which are:

• Linear Switch: The pressing of this switch is directly
  proportional to the force applied to it.
• Tactile Switch: A jarring response is given by this switch on
  every keypress.
• Clicky Switch: It gives the sound of a click on its keypress.

Besides these types, the Cherry MX Switch also comes in the discrimination
of colors. Anyone can be chosen according to the likeness. Therefore
keyboard switches are a must to look for when buying a keyboard.

You may also like: best gaming keyboard under 100 dollars

4- Keyboard Connection Type

Next on when buying a keyboard comes up with keyboard connectivity or keyboard
connection type. There are two types, i.e., wired connectivity or wireless
connectivity.

Keyboards Connection Types

Wired Connectivity

The wired connection is made with the help of a USB cable. A USB cable is a
connected end to end with both devices. At one end, the keyboard is connected,
and at the other end, the computer or laptop system is connected with the help
of USB cable.

Wireless Connectivity

Wirelessly keyboard is connected with Bluetooth or a small USB connector. They
use Radio Frequency (RF) technology or else Bluetooth Technology. In the RF
technology, the keyboard is connected with a computer or laptop using a small
receiver called “USB connector.” In contrast, the Bluetooth keyboard is
connected with the system’s built-in Bluetooth or an external USB Bluetooth.

5- Keyboard Portability

Keyboard portability is also an important factor when buying a keyboard. If
you are a traveler and like to travel from one place to another, but work is
also important for you, then portability is an important factor to consider
while buying a keyboard. The portable keyboards are designed in a way that
they can be put inside any laptop bag even if slimmest bags easily. The
portable keyboards can be used by putting them at any place. The only negative
point of portable keyboard is that it doesn’t have numeric keys, also that the
keys of this keyboard are smaller than the standard keyboard to keep it
compact and smaller with the help of the use of nonstandard layouts.

6- Keyboard Layout

The layout of the keyboard is also important to factor regarding what to look
for when buying a keyboard. Most keyboards come up with standard layouts, but
some also have a custom layout. The layout of the keyboard depends upon the
variation of keys present on the keyboard. Some recently
launched keyboards consist of windows and dedicated other keys.
Normally the standard keyboards are composed of 104 keys, but variations come
in size and format and number of keys. Some basic set of keys included in a
normal or standard keyboard are:

1. Character Keys
2. Alphabetic Keys
3. Numeric Keys
4. Punctuation Keys
5. Modifier Keys
6. System Command Keys
7. Editing Keys
8. Navigation Keys
9. Function Keys

7- Keyboard Backlight

A keyboard with backlight is also necessary for when buying a keyboard. This
helps writing in dark or playing games in the dark. It is the best feature of
MacBook laptops. This is the best feature for the article writers or content
writers who like typing in the dark at night in a relaxed environment. It also
helps in typing without looking at the keyboard.

8- Keyboard Size

The size of a keyboard is important to consider to look for when buying a
keyboard. Normally the standard keyboards come in the same size. But some of
the keyboards are made compact in size. They are made to be used with tablets
so that the tablet and the keyboard can be easily moved to any place whenever
wanted. These keyboards lack many hotkeys and media keys to keep them compact
and light in weight.

Read more:
Things To Look For When Buying A Laptop

9- Keyboard Compatibility

The compatibility of the keyboard is necessary to be included when buying a
keyboard. The keyboard you are looking for must necessarily have to be
compatible with your computer system or laptop. If you own a MacBook or any
other Apple computer device, then you must buy an apple keyboard to make them
compatible with one another. But if you have any other manufacturer’s system, you can go on with any
brand of the keyboard according to your desire and need.

10- Keyboard Price

The price of the keyboard is also one important thing to consider in when
buying a keyboard. The price of the keyboard is proportional to the features
it has. So to moderate the price you must opt for only the feature which is
must be included and other features which are not necessary for you should be
avoided to keep a balance between price and specifications. The RGB lighting
keyboards cost very much higher as compared to the ones with the same features
but without backlit lighting. So look for the feature you want, not the
design.

Conclusion:
So after getting all the points, let’s conclude what to look for when
buying a keyboard. Buying a keyboard can be difficult for you if you haven’t
got any knowledge, but hopefully, this blog will help you in taking you out
of this problem. The choice of your will affect your computing skills. So
try to choose wisely. There has always been a tradeoff between price and
features or specifications of a keyboard. Therefore what we suggest is to
only look for the keyboard which has got the most needed specifications
according to your requirements to keep it low profile and low on your
budget. So choose a keyboard that fulfills your computing needs and which
most suitably favors your typing style..