5 Things to Consider When Buying a Computer Keyboard
If you're shopping for a computer keyboard, consider some key features like comfort and size before choosing one, especially if you want to move it between multiple devices.
There are hundreds of computer keyboards on the market and many ways to connect and use them. We think it should be easier to figure out, so we've written this guide to help you navigate basic keyboard activities, understand maintenance 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, including:
- cost
- Ergonomics
- Wired or wireless
- Hotkeys and media keys
- keyboard size
If you need a keyboard for basic typing, you can probably get it for as little as $10. However, the more you want from a keyboard, the more you'll have to pay, as built-in lighting, aluminum frames, and multi-key capabilities cost extra. There are many options out there, and you need to find something that suits your needs and budget.
| price range | What you can expect |
|---|---|
| $10-$50 | This is the simplest, most basic price tier, but that doesn't mean you can't find something useful. There are regular- and travel-sized keyboards around this price point, including some foldable, waterproof options (they're made of silicone). Wired, wireless, and Bluetooth models can also be found around this price. |
| $50-$100 | Options tend to include more wireless capabilities and compatibility with a wider range of devices per keyboard. There are more ergonomic options, as well as some other potential hardware additions, such as a built-in touchpad, backlighting, and a non-silicone foldable model. You're also more likely to find gaming keyboards here. |
| $100-$200 | More features (travel keyboard, foldable keyboard, wireless keyboard, gaming keyboard, and more), and more mechanical key options for a better tactile feel while typing. |
| $200+ | While the keyboard itself may include many advanced features and options, there's usually more to it than just the keyboard. Sometimes it can be equipped with additional ergonomic accessories or even a portable monitor. |
If you're spending hours typing on a new keyboard, it's best to invest in one with at least basic ergonomics.
While ergonomics can take many forms, as some keyboards separate the keys, have curves, and are even motorized, you should expect a learning curve. Typing can feel strange and uncomfortable as your hands adjust and relearn how to move across the keyboard. But your wrists and hands will thank you because an ergonomic keyboard reduces the stress you put on your wrists and hands while typing.
An ergonomic keyboard may also include a wrist rest and the ability to raise or lower the device.
Like a mouse, whether a keyboard is wired or wireless is a matter of personal preference, and each type has its pros and cons.
Wired keyboards limit your range, but you'll never be hunting for batteries or worrying about failed connections. Wireless keyboards let you type from the comfort of your couch, and you'll never be tangled up in pesky wires.
Most keyboards use USB or Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity. If you're going the Bluetooth route, make sure your device has built-in Bluetooth compatibility. If not, you will need to pick up a Bluetooth receiver and pair it with the device.
Logitech has a solar-powered keyboard on the market, but you'll need to pay an upfront fee for the technology. You'll recoup the cost by no longer having to buy batteries.
Most keyboards come with a variety of hotkeys and media keys. Similar to keyboard shortcuts, these keys allow you to perform tasks quickly.
If you use a keyboard in your living room to control a media system, media keys (which include tasks such as volume and video control) are useful.
Hotkeys allow you to accomplish specific tasks by pressing a combination of buttons, and many keyboards replace these combinations with one-touch buttons. If you're a desk administrator, these hotkeys can save you time.
Smaller keyboards often eliminate the numeric keypad and may even have shorter keys or no spaces between buttons. These features are useful if the keyboard is used on a tablet or if you frequently move it from one place to another.
Larger keyboards go hand in hand with keyboards with more hotkeys and media keys. If you want a gaming keyboard with lots of media buttons, USB ports, etc., by default you’ll choose a larger keyboard.
Several additional types of keyboards also exist. In most cases, their properties do not affect functionality, but they are more relevant if you are interested in a specific style. These include:
Backlit keyboards are like any other keyboard except that they glow from behind the keys. They look cool but also provide some use. Backlit keyboards tend to make keys easier to see, and some keyboards offer custom lighting settings that you can use to color-code different areas for different tasks.
The Dvořák keyboard is an acquired taste, as its layout is quite different from what you're probably used to (QWERTY, named for the order of the keys). The purpose of the Dvořák keyboard is to increase typing speed and reduce hand movement and stress, and its design allows for easier, faster operation.
If you want a keyboard that can easily be rolled up (yes, rolled up) and taken with you, the Flex Keyboard is it. These wobbly, highly portable keyboards are typically made from silicone, making them easy to clean, durable, and can usually withstand minor spills without issue.
Apple's special brand of hardware, the Magic Keyboard, works best with Mac computers -- both mechanically and aesthetically. In addition to its stylish appearance, the Magic Keyboard is wireless and rechargeable, although it does allow for a physical USB-C to Lightning cable connection.
Membrane keyboards are generally less expensive than other types of keyboards because of their materials, and their construction also makes them relatively quiet. Individual keys are pressure sensitive, and there's no space between keys.
Most mechanical keyboards are designed to look or at least feel like classic typewriters. They generally produce a more noticeable clicking sound as you type.
These tiny add-on keyboards often resemble calculators but don't have a display. Their purpose is to add a numeric keypad to your setup (if your keyboard doesn't already have one).
People use keyboards in different ways. For example, gamers look for advanced features that office workers don’t need or want. Determine why you need a keyboard and you'll be able to narrow down your choices faster.
Gamers often require integrated LCDs, programmable keys, backlighting, and replaceable numeric keypads to add to their advantages and enhance their gaming experience.
If you are a gamer, look for keyboards labeled as gaming keyboards. You may have to pay a higher price for these features, but most serious gamers will tell you they're worth it.
You are the kind of person who stores or transfers all your music and movies to your computer. When choosing a keyboard, look for media key features such as volume control knobs, track skipping, and play/pause buttons.
A wireless keyboard is more convenient if you use your laptop to store movies but connect it to your TV while watching movies. 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 controls.
Whether you do data entry or desktop publishing, you spend hours hunched over a computer. Do yourself and your wrists a favor and invest in an ergonomic keyboard.
Ergonomics is not a one-size-fits-all science, and some keyboards claim to be ergonomic when in fact they are not. If you can, test a friend's ergonomic keyboard before buying one. While there may be an initial learning curve, you should be able to tell quickly whether it's right for you.
If that's not an option, look for features like curved keys and a raised wrist rest. Some keyboards are even separated so you can customize the distance between the left and right keys.
No matter the reason, you like to have a keyboard in your carry-on luggage when you travel. Some people have become so accustomed to macros that they can't stand working in an office without them. Don't worry; they make keyboards with truncated keys just for you.
These portable keyboards are often touted as lightweight and sometimes even foldable, often forgoing the number pad on the right side 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, don't expect it to be cheap just because it's small. These portable keyboards can cost more than regular wired standard keyboards.
You'll need to set up the keyboard and try it out once you get it to make sure everything works. If it's wired, plug it in. If it's wireless, sync it with your computer.
Once it's working, open your word processor and start typing. Notice how it feels to use. Do the keys have appropriate give and resistance? Comfortable? If you plan on taking it with you, make sure it's easy to pack.
- Check the driver. As long as you can connect the keyboard to your computer, there's a good chance your keyboard will work right out of the box without any preparation. However, depending on the model (and its age), you may need to look for keyboard drivers first.
- Feel the stickiness. If any of your keys start to stick, something may have gotten inside the keyboard and caused the problem. Many older keyboards have removable keys (if you're not sure if your keyboard's keys will fall off, don't try to remove them!), but this can still happen.
You need to clean your keyboard regularly, such as once or twice a month, at least with a keyboard wipe. A can of compressed air or a soft, damp microfiber cloth will also work.
On a Windows PC, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to bring up the Shutdown, Restart, and Sleep options. On a Mac, press Control + Power to bring up Shutdown, Restart, and Sleep options. You can also choose Control + Command + Power to force your Mac to restart immediately.
You can take a screenshot by pressing Windows + PrtScn on PC using your keyboard. On Mac, the screenshot keyboard command is Shift + Command + 3 .
