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Computer Keyboard Buying Guide
As computer keyboards evolve to cater to every need, be it a sleek design or a slew of multimedia functions, shopping for them has grown increasingly complicated. Do you need a wired computer keyboard or a wireless model? What’s Dvorak, and is it for you? Computer keyboards are subjective tools, and what feels good for one person may be uncomfortable for another. Pronto’s Computer Keyboard Buying Guide will outline what keyboards are available and help you choose the one that’s best for your needs.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Wired vs. Wireless
Wired computer keyboards cost less, and you never have to worry about power or signal interruption. Choose a wireless keyboard for media center applications, multiuse workspaces and large desks that force you to keep the keyboard far from your PC. Look for a recharging dock or purchase rechargeable batteries.
Connectivity
Wired computer keyboards connect to your computer by USB or PS/2 ports. Check your PC for available ports to determine whether you’ll need an adaptor. Wireless keyboards use Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth or Infrared (IR) signals to connect to a receiver. Bluetooth keyboards should have at least a 30-foot range, RF keyboards should have at least a 15-foot range and IR keyboards have a range of 5-10 feet. Note that IR requires a direct line of sight between the keyboard and your PC.
Design
QWERTY is the standard computer keyboard layout, but studies have proven that Dvorak keyboards are faster once you get past the learning curve. There is no set definition for an ergonomic keyboard, but the most advanced of these use split designs and move some keys around. If you’re choosing a nontraditional layout, make sure the retailer you buy from has a no-hassle return policy in case you’re not comfortable with the keyboard.
Specialty computer keyboards
Multimedia keyboards are the best choice for users who want simple one-button solutions to check e-mail, browse the Web, open applications or play videos and music. Gamers should choose gaming keyboards that provide special keys that can be programmed for 10 to 50 in-game commands for more efficient playing, and some of these are built around the needs of specific types of games.
Extra features
A spill-proof keyboard resists drinks and crumbs, but the low keys or sealed keypads may be challenging to use. Look for backlit keyboards or specific keys if you’ll be using the computer keyboard in dim light for gaming or multimedia. Consider programmable buttons that can be mapped to special commands, such as Cut, Paste and Copy in Microsoft Office. Look for wireless keyboards with power-save features and on/off buttons.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Logitech Cordless Desktop S510 Keyboard and Mouse Combo for its quality design and feature set. This computer keyboard provides the ergonomic benefits of built-in wrist rests and adds useful features such as buttons for instant Web browsing and music shuffle. The mouse includes a tilt wheel for vertical and horizontal scrolling of Web pages, and the computer keyboard will run for six months on a single set of batteries.
experts say
PC Magazine— “Finally, at the bottom of my shopping bag, the good stuff. At nearly $20, the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 is sort of expensive, but it's the closest approximation to a split ergonomic keyboard I tested. Microsoft curves the main keyboard layout around an invisible inverted arc at the top, which seems to relax the wrist a bit.” Source: PC Magazine
Everything USB—“Gaming with the Saitek Eclipse II was good. Unlike some gaming keyboards on the market, the Eclipse II doesn't have anything, other than the backlighting, that is really aimed at gamers. However, it is still a good keyboard for gaming. “ Source: Everything USB
Hardware Central—“The keyboard half of the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave bundle aims to make typing less tiring than a plain-vanilla keyboard does, but without the adjustment or learning curve associated with more radical designs, such as the split ergonomic keyboards of Microsoft's Natural or Logitech's own Comfort series.” Source: Hardware Central
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of computer keyboards?
In early November 2007, Saitek created a new designer keyboard for a specialty niche: the Cyborg Keyboard. With a retro-futurist 1980s-style design, this may not be the prettiest computer keyboard to your eye, but it’s packed with features that enhance gaming, including metal-plated keys for extra durability, full backlighting, microphone and headphone jacks and the ability to program keys to perform multi-key commands—just the thing to get a leg up in menu navigation or fighting games.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Computer Keyboards) |
| $ | Budget computer keyboards are wired and offer the traditional QWERTY layout. These computer keyboards are good for general use, but they lack the programmable buttons needed for multimedia applications and gaming. |
Compare prices at 6 stores $12 - $25 |
| $$ | Midrange keyboards offer a choice between wired models with specialized buttons for gamers and media control or wireless IR and RF keyboards that lack extra functions. You’ll also find some Dvorak and split-style ergonomic keyboards. Gamers should look for high-performance specialty keyboards, but those running media centers will need to spend more to get the wireless keyboards they need. |
Compare prices at 22 stores $48 - $83 |
| $$$ | At the upper end of the computer keyboard spectrum, you’ll find fully loaded wireless keyboards with top-of-the-line design features, great keyboard action and special command keys. Bluetooth is the best connection option, if you’ve got a computer that supports it. | |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Bluetooth
A proprietary wireless standard that uses defined frequencies for communication between devices. Bluetooth-enabled devices are compatible with one another right out of the box, requiring no additional setup.
Dvorak
Named after its inventor, Dvorak is an alternate computer keyboard layout designed for faster typing. Though less common, the Dvorak layout is preferred by programmers and network administrators, and studies have shown that these keyboards are more efficient for those who master the layout.
IR
Infrared, a wireless communication method that uses invisible beams of light to exchange information between devices. Infrared requires a direct line of sight between two devices to operate.
Keyboard action
The feel of a computer keyboard when you push down on its keys. Soft keypads and light-touch keys are said to have a mushier feel than high keys similar to those found on typewriters.
PS/2
A dedicated port for a computer keyboard or mouse found on many PCs. These connections are slowly being replaced by USB.
QWERTY
The standard computer keyboard design, named for the first six alphabetical characters in the top-left row. QWERTY keyboards were designed to keep quick typists from jamming mechanical typewriters by slowing down their hands. Although faster layouts, such as Dvorak, are available, most people still learn on QWERTY keyboards.
RF
Radio Frequency, a wireless communication method that uses low-frequency radio waves to exchange information between connected devices. RF devices typically require channel selection and tuning to operate, and while they do not require a direct line of sight, the signal can be interrupted by dense wood, concrete, brick or stone.
USB
Universal Serial Bus, the common standard for connecting wired devices to computers. USB passes both data and power through the connection, allowing features such as lights to operate from the PC’s main power.
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