There are a number of features and design considerations to keep in mind as you look at different computer keyboards. Wireless or wired connectivity is important, along with the ways in which the keys on the board function and respond to your touch. You want to choose a reputable manufacturer and a design that gives you the keys you need for easy input and system control. Additional features like programmable buttons and backlighting may not be essential, but they can improve usability and provide some extra functionality for your system.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Computer Keyboard
Connectivity
Like many other computer peripherals, you should consider both wired and wireless functionality when looking at different models of computer keyboards.
Wired keyboards are usually very easy to set up, use, and you never have to worry about battery life. On the other hand, wireless keyboards reduce desktop and work area clutter and give you more freedom in your setup. However, you do need to consider battery life or recharging for a wireless keyboard, which can be a hassle.
Pick the connection type that works best for your setup, though wired keyboards are usually preferable for serious gaming due to better latency and responsiveness.
Mechanical vs Membrane
There are two basic ways in which modern keyboards receive input when you press down on a key. Most modern keyboards use a design where you press the key down onto a membrane that receives the impression and relays that as a signal to your computer. In contrast to this, older keyboards and modern, niche models use a mechanical design in which you press the key down to an individual switch that sends the signal to your system.
Soft-touch keyboards use membranes for easy and quiet use. Mechanical keyboards are louder and often require a firmer touch from the user, but offer a more tactile experience. This is definitely a matter of personal preference; pick a membrane keyboard for a soft, quiet model, or a mechanical keyboard for a louder keyboard that requires more force but also offers more feedback to the user.
Ergonomic Design and Features
There are a few different ways in which ergonomic design can be incorporated into a keyboard, but it’s always something to look for. Basic ergonomic features include things like a wrist pad and raised keys that keep your hand in a comfortable position. More elaborate designs include angled halves of a keyboard or even split models that keep your hands angled outward to reduce wrist strain.
You should definitely look for at least some ergonomic features to keep your hands and wrists comfortable, especially during periods of extended use. If you need extra wrist comfort, then choose a model designed to keep your wrists elevated and positioned properly, though keep in mind that you can purchase a separate wrist pad if necessary.
Connection Interface
Whether you choose a wired or wireless keyboard, you need to consider the interface used by the device to connect to your system. Wired keyboards typically connect through a USB port; there are older models that rely on the old PS/2 connection, though these have become uncommon to the point of rarity. Wireless keyboards usually connect through a wireless dongle, though some offer Bluetooth connectivity. If you have Bluetooth technology available with your computer, then a Bluetooth keyboard is great because it’s not only easy to connect, but can also work with other devices.
If you don’t have Bluetooth available in your system, consider a keyboard that includes a wireless dongle, which you typically connect to a USB port on your computer. Be sure to look at the ports available via your motherboard and computer and choose a keyboard that can connect to your system along with your other peripherals.
Full vs Compact Design
There are two big considerations when you look at full and compact designs: size and functionality. Full keyboards include a 10-key keypad on the right side of the keyboard, and can often include other keys at the top or left side. Typically, a compact keyboard will omit the 10-key number pad, and may even condense the function buttons into existing keys. Keep in mind that full keyboards are significantly larger, so consider the size of your workspace and if you have room for a full keyboard or not.
In terms of functionality, a full keyboard definitely makes it easier to input numerical data when typing. If you need to prepare spreadsheets or documents with a lot of numbers, then a full-size model can make these tasks go by much faster. Choose the keyboard that will fit your desktop or workspace and gives you the functionality you need.
Backlighting and Other Features
While backlighting may not make a huge difference in how you use your keyboard, it looks great and can make it easier to find keys if you are sitting in the dark. Some keyboards let you program different lights, even in different areas of the keyboard, making it very easy to find certain keys in poor lighting.
If you like to listen to music and watch movies on your computer, then look for a keyboard that includes media buttons, making it easier to skip tracks, pause a movie, or mute audio. Programmable buttons and keys can bring some great functionality, especially for hardcore gamers or professionals who use software with a lot of shortcut options.
Are you a big fan of using keyboard shortcuts? You might consider a keyboard option with programmable buttons, which let you create keys for quick access to common commands.
Manufacturer's and Warranty Protection
As an input device, computer keyboards are one of the most used and abused peripherals you will connect to your system. With that in mind, you definitely want to pick one made by a reliable manufacturer that protects their products with solid warranties. Companies like Microsoft, Logitech, and Kensington make great keyboards.
If you want an excellent keyboard with a more specialized design, then consider a manufacturer like Razer or SteelSeries for gaming keyboards and Kinesis for excellent ergonomic models. You want at least a one-year warranty on your keyboard, though three years of protection is definitely ideal.
Key Switch Types
This is a very specific consideration that really only matters if you choose a mechanical keyboard. In a mechanical keyboard, the keys have three parts: base, spring, and stem. The shape of the stem determines if it is linear or not and can add tactile or “clicky” elements to each key press, while the tension of the spring changes how much pressure you have to apply to have a key press recognized by your system. There are four common types of switches to be aware of, indicated by color:
Black Switches
These are linear switches that do not have a tactile or “clicky” component to them, so they are quick and easy to use. They require 60 CN of pressure to activate, so they can produce fatigue for long periods of typing. On the other hand, higher effort can help prevent accidental inputs.
Red Switches
Red switches are also linear and do not have a tactile or "clicky" element. They only require 45 CN of force to press down, making them fast and light with great responsiveness. Red switches have become pretty common in gaming keyboards, and are a great choice if you’re a serious gamer.
Brown Switches
Brown switches are not linear; they have a tactile element to them, but no extra click. You can feel when this type of key is pressed down enough to send a signal, making it a great choice if you do a lot of typing. This switch also only needs 45 CN of pressure, reducing fatigue and keeping it comfortable.
Blue Switches
These switches have both a tactile feel to them when you press them down and produce an audible clicking sound. This is a great option if you’re a typist because these key switches let you feel and hear the input, making it easier to look at another document or screen while typing. This type requires 50 CN of force, which makes it less than ideal for hardcore gaming, but still a solid choice.