Because there is such a diverse selection of keyboards available, it may be challenging for you to zero in on the one that best suits your needs. In light of this, we have compiled a shortlist of things for you to consider before committing to purchasing your next keyboard. Keyboard SizesA conventional wireless gaming keyboard has 105 keys and features a number pad in addition to arrow keys and a function row. However, many contemporary keyboards omit the number pad in favor of a design that is both more compact and easier to transport. The designs of these keyboards are known as tenkeyless (TKL), and many people prefer them because they take up less space on the desk, which leaves more room for the mouse. Some layouts are even more compact and are typically described as a percentage of the size of a conventional keyboard. For instance, a popular size is 60%, which gets rid of the function row and either moves the arrow keys or gets rid of them altogether. Due to the fact that it takes some time to become accustomed to these styles, they are primarily reserved for wireless gaming keyboard enthusiasts. For the vast majority of people, we advise sticking with either full-size or TKL layouts.
-
Some keyboards are sold with the label "mechanical," but this is mostly just a marketing term
-
This label actually indicates that the keyboard is membrane-based, but the manufacturer has taken some measures to make the wireless gaming keyboard feel more like it is part of a mechanical design
-
In point of fact, both types are perfectly functional, although the membrane keyboard is much more likely to be familiar to you
-
It is the option with the lowest cost, and it can be found on the greatest number of devices
-
There is almost a cult-like following for mechanical keyboards because they provide a tactile typing experience that is almost identical to that of using a typewriter
-
There are many different switch options available for mechanical keyboards
-
These switch options vary not only in the sound they produce but also in the amount of force that is required to press a key
-
Have a look through our comprehensive roundup of gaming keyboards if you're interested in learning more about mechanical keyboards
-
A Few Extra KeysCertain keyboards come equipped with specialized keys that give the user the ability to control various aspects of their computer
The media keys are the ones that are most frequently seen. Using these keys, you can play and pause videos and music on your personal computer, as well as skip songs and adjust the volume. Some keyboards include specialized keys for activities such as video editing or gaming; if these keys are the kind of thing that will be helpful for you, then it is likely that you will already be aware of their existence. Additionally, keyboards with dedicated emoji keys are starting to become more commonplace. It is safe to say that emojis aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and dedicated keys are undeniably helpful for spamming cry-laughing faces in your group chats. As a result, we anticipate that this trend will become more prevalent in the years to come. Wires or wireless connections? Even though a keyboard spends the majority of its life on a desk, upgrading to a wireless model can add a significant amount of flexibility while also enabling a cleaner, more uncluttered appearance. However, there is something to be said for the fact that one does not need to worry about charging ever again.
If you are certain that you will never remove the wireless gaming keyboard from its perch on the desk, then you should probably go with a wired alternative. There are primarily two different kinds of wireless options available today. Others establish a connection with the computer via Bluetooth, while others call for the insertion of a USB dongle into the computer in order to function; some even combine the two connection methods in a single device. Bluetooth provides the greatest degree of versatility because it enables connections to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. When you use Bluetooth on a desktop device, you won't even have to give up a valuable USB port, which is a huge convenience. However, the wireless dongle options typically offer a more reliable connection with personal computers (PCs) and are typically simpler to set up initially.