 |
How to Buy the Best Computer Keyboard
What is A Keyboard? This article will help you buy the best computer keyboard for your PC. Selecting the best computer keyboard is without a doubt one of the more important computer peripherals you will pick out. The best computer keyboard is a device that sends commands and text inputs to the computer, and along with the mouse is the primary way we communicate and control our computers. Keyboards can be separated into two basic groups. Wired and wireless. These can be further sub-divided into space saving and ergonomic design categories.
Most modern keyboards adhere to the QWERTY layout, which contains either 104 or 105 keys. The QWERTY layout is tied to the invention of the typewriter in the 1800s, and helped to optimize typing speed and prevent key jamming on the manual typewriter. It's called the QWERTY keyboard because the first six letters on the top left of the keyboard spell QWERTY. You may want to remember this one for a possible future Jeopardy question. Ha! There are three groups of keys in a standard QWERTY keyboard.
Best Computer Keyboard Types As mentioned previously, keyboards can be classified as either wired or wireless based on their connectivity. Best Computer Keyboards-Wired As you might expect the wired keyboard is connected to the computer physically with a cable and usually there is barely enough cable to allow you to lean back in your chair. The connection interface is either PS/2 or USB. Best Computer Keyboards-Wireless The wireless keyboard communicates with its receiver which is connected physically to the computer. This frees you up from your desk and chair and allows you to communicate with your computer from the comfort of your couch or favorite easy chair. There are three different types of wireless keyboards. RF wireless-radio frequency based keyboards allow a range of up to 15 feet. The 2.4 GHZ RF standard can provide up to 30 feet. Some types of special RF keyboards can provide extended communication with your computer up to 100 feet. Bluetooth Wireless keyboards-Bluetooth wireless keyboards provide a usable range of up to 30 feet. Some special Bluetooth models provide a distance of up to 60 feet. Bluetooth has a transceiver that uses a different frequency than the more congested 2.4 GHZ band, and so is subject to far less interference. IR wireless keyboards-Infrared wireless keyboards use infrared light to receive and transmit to the keyboard. This requires line of sight between the keyboard and the receiver unit and is not recommended.
There are vast numbers of computer keyboards available to choose from. Here is a short list of the main keyboard types and features to make it a little easier to pick one out. Standard keyboards- very common with 104/105 keys and a host of manufacturers. Slim keyboards Thinner and lighter and much easier to transport. Most are similar to laptop keyboards with function keys doing double duty. Mini keyboards-As the name implies, much smaller than a standard keyboard. Most eliminate the numeric keyboard and are ultra-slim as well as lightweight. Offers a smaller footprint on your desk than standard keyboards and is easy to transport. Ergonomic keyboards-offer a more natural wrist alignment as well as wrist support. Helps reduce discomfort and fatigue especially for users who do a lot of typing.
Interfaces USB-The ubiquitous USB connector allows hot-swapping (with computer power on) keyboards. Even if you have a PS/2 style keyboard you can buy an adapter to change it to USB very easily and inexpensively. PS/2 or the 6 pin mini-din. Dedicated port for a keyboard that just about every computer made since the early 90s have. Not hot swappable. Computer must be off to unplug keyboard. Additional Function Keys A lot of keyboards offer special keys in addition to the standard keys to perform a variety of operations with one keystroke. These keys can be classified into four distinct groups.
Conclusion and Product Recommendations for the Best Computer Keyboard Home Users and students-a standard keyboard is generally sufficient for home use, but a keyboard with special function keys such as multimedia controls and/or a wireless keyboard can offer greater flexibility and convenience with the ability to control the computer from your lazy-boy recliner or the couch (even better). Business Users-Ergonomic keyboards are recommended. Keyboards that have specials key functions such as cut, copy and paste as well as hot keys for applications can result in increased productivity and speed. Gamers-a gamers’ keyboard such as the Logitech G-15 provides extra game oriented keys and a layout that helps achieve higher scores when playing PC games.
Check out the best computer keyboards online here.
|
