The Keyboard Buying Guide You Never Knew You Needed
Typing comfortably is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a blogger who pours their heart out in words, a programmer breaking the codes of complex algorithms, or someone who simply wants to navigate through their day-to-day tasks efficiently, a good keyboard can make all the difference in the world. But how do you select the best keyboard that fits your requirements and lifestyle? That’s what we’re going to explore today.
Wired or Wireless – What’s Your Pick?
The choice between a wired or wireless keyboard is often the first consideration when looking to purchase a new one. While wired keyboards offer a sense of reliability and don’t demand frequent battery changes or recharging, the wireless ones provide a clutter-free experience and better mobility. So, what’s going to be your pick depends on the trade-off between convenience and practicality.
“Think about your particular uses and decide whether you’d like to be free from the binds of cables or you’d rather not worry about battery life.”
Compatibility is Key
Beautiful colours and ergonomic designs might be attractive, but what’s more crucial is whether your spanking new keyboard is compatible with your operating system. For instance, if you’re a fan of the macOS interface like me, you’d want a keyboard with Mac function keys.
I once bought an aesthetically pleasing mechanical keyboard, only to discover that its buttons were designed for Windows, not Mac. This mismatch messed with my usual typing routine. Having to adapt to a different layout for my external keyboard and going back to the original Mac keyboard when on the go was quite a hassle!
So, remember, check if the keyboard’s function keys are compatible with your system.
Choose Your Keys Wisely
Finally, the layout of the keys on the keyboard should be to your liking. Keyboards come in various configurations, and choosing the one that caters to your needs is vital.
Let me explain further.
Standard Keyboard: The one without a number pad. Ideal for those who don’t frequently input numbers.
Full-sized Keyboard: These have a dedicated number keypad, along with navigation arrow keys. They are essential for people who deal with a lot of numerical data.
Just to adventure beyond the necessary, there’s way more to keyboards than just the standard and full-sized versions. You have wireless, mini, mechanical, ergonomic keyboards, and even keyboards with additional functionalities like backlighting, media keys, programmable macro keys, and more!
The Comfort Factor
Comfort is king when typing, and your keyboard should provide that for you. Little “legs” at the back that tilt the keyboard at a slightly elevated angle can make a significant difference. They give you a more natural hand position, thereby reducing the chances of wrist and finger strain.
You may also want to consider other non-standard but cool features, like keyboards with dials, backlights, or even ones that come with an additional key pad.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right keyboard is a personal journey based on your specific needs, preferences, and work habits. So, dive into the features, try out the feel of different keys, and think about what would suit you the most.
I trust this guide clarifies some essential points to consider when buying a new keyboard. If there’s another buying guide you’d like me to work on next, feel free to drop a comment!
Cheers, and happy typing!
