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Literate choice computer keyboard

How to choose a good keyboard

Competent choice of a computer keyboard

Table of contents
  1. Main rules of choice
  2. Number of extra keys
  3. Mechanics or membrane?
  4. Most Popular Keyboard Manufacturers
  5. Common Customer Mistakes

Any desktop computer will be defective if you disconnect the keyboard from it. Touch monitors are not widely spread, so you simply torture to enter information with a single mouse. Not to mention the fact that you can not press certain key combinations, leading to a particular result. Therefore, the keyboard is required to purchase if you purchase a computer or have conceived to throw out the old one.

It remains only to make a mistake in choosing the keyboard, because now there are a large number of their varieties. If you go to a specialized store, then the head will go around - on the shelves can lie a hundred keyboards, differing in the number of buttons and other parameters. How not to drown in this diversity?

Main rules of choice

Decide on the purpose of the keyboard

The keyboard has long been considered a peripheral device. This means that it is used only for one purpose and cannot be activated without a computer turned on. At least this has been the case in the past decade. Now you need to pick up a keyboard with an eye for another equipment available in the house. If you regularly play on the PS4 and use the tablet, it is better to look at the range of wireless keyboards. In most cases, they can be used not only in conjunction with a computer. Also, think about how often you turn on multimedia applications on your PC - in particular, an audio player. If the answer is positive, then it is worth picking up a keyboard with additional buttons. There are still game models that allow you to perform complex actions in Battlefield by pressing just one key. All varieties of these devices will be discussed below.

Moisture protection never hurts

It must have been your computer for years. Think about whether you often drink hot tea or coffee right at the table? If the answer is positive, then it will not be superfluous to think about buying a waterproof keyboard. In this case, she will not be afraid of spilled on her drinks. There is only one downside to this solution - it is harder to clean such a keyboard. But it will serve you much longer, despite all the adversities that await her later.

Remember your table size

Sometimes gamers rush to purchase a keyboard with the maximum number of extra buttons. As a result, they acquire a massive monster, possessing not only great weight, but also too large sizes. And then it turns out that the purchased item simply does not fit on the table. Or it occupies all the free space, because of which there is no place even to put a cup of tea. So try to choose not the largest keyboard, which you would not interfere. Such a device is designed for comfortable typing and other information. If comfort disappears - why is such a keyboard needed at all?

Number of extra keys


On the shelves of shops you can find three types of keyboard: standard, multimedia and gaming. From each other, they differ in appearance and the number of additional keys. Consider these types in a little more detail.

Standard keyboard

Such a device has only a number of standard keys. Additional buttons are either missing altogether, or there are only three or four of them. It is these keyboards that can connect to the outdated PS / 2 connector, which can no longer be found on some modern motherboards.If you are not satisfied with this option - look for a model with a USB cable, or think about a wireless keyboard. There are very interesting modifications of such devices that differ in minimum thickness. Thanks to this, you can take the keyboard with you (for example, with a tablet). Typically, such models are not even endowed with a digital unit.

Pros: low price, possibility to connect to old motherboards, compactness, standard layout.

Minuses: no extra keys.

Multimedia keyboard

Consider this option in the event that you use the computer to the fullest. Believe me, the additional keys will help you run the calculator or audio player much faster. Not to mention the management of this same player! Additional buttons can be located in various places, here each manufacturer is sophisticated as it can. Be sure to pay attention to this! You should easily reach the extra keys and quickly learn the purpose of at least a few of them. Otherwise, it is easier to launch the calculator with a computer mouse by clicking on the icon or finding the corresponding item in the Start menu. Another multimedia keyboard may have a built-in touchpad. It will be very convenient if the Windows 8 operating system is installed on your computer. And pay attention to the layout - not all users like the single-story Enter or the shortened Shift. Some models are also equipped with a USB splitter or headphone output. This helps in the event that the system unit is hidden far enough away, and in most cases it is reluctant to reach it.

Pros: the presence of additional keys, USB hub on some models.

Minuses: custom layout in some cases, a little higher cost.

Gaming keyboard

Well, this option should interest gamers. Such keyboards are equipped with additional buttons that record macros. This is done with the help of special software. A macro is a multi-step command that is executed with a single click. Most often the device has five buttons designed to record them. Sometimes they are placed ten pieces. And, in almost any case, changing the profile changes and macros. Therefore, you can write them almost an infinite number - if only there is enough memory. Sometimes gaming keyboards are equipped with a backlight and LCD-display, which displays important information. In most cases, players prefer the wired connection method - this allows for a shorter response time.

Pros: a huge number of additional keys, the presence of light in some models, a unique design.

Minuses: very high cost, huge size, the need to install software.

Mechanics or membrane?


Most modern keyboards are made using membrane technology. That it is the cheapest. Such devices can not work for a very long time - usually the service life with active use is 3 years. But there are instances in which mechanical technology is applied. It is these keyboards that are used by some writers and copywriters, since this technology speeds up typing. The only drawback (if you forget about the price) of such devices is a little more noise.

Most Popular Keyboard Manufacturers

When choosing a computer keyboard brand does not play a big role - in any case the technologies are used the same. In the catalog Logitech, A4Tech, ASUS, Microsoft, Genius and many other companies you will find a variety of keyboards. Some surprise with their asceticism, others are designed for gamers, and still others are the golden mean. Production of the company Cherry has mechanical interiors - that's why it is so expensive. It is curious that mechanical keyboards from other manufacturers also have buttons from Cherry - no one else takes them up to create them.

Common Customer Mistakes


Choosing the wrong keyboard for a computer is difficult. Such a problem can occur only if the device is connected to the PS / 2 port, which the motherboard is missing. In all other cases, the keyboard will delight. However, some customers complain about the loud clicks that appear when typing. Sometimes they even wake up people sleeping somewhere nearby. Also, due to excessive savings, you can then complain about the lack of additional keys that can accustom you to quickly calling and managing certain applications. In a word, do not lose and good luck with your future purchase!

Attention! The accuracy of the information and the results of the ranking is subjective and is not an advertisement.

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