Thanks to technology, we can get rid of wires and still enjoy typing and gaming. Maybe you are a writer, a gamer, or a television buff, a wireless keyboard is definitely your best partner.
It’s time to upgrade your wired keyboard to a wireless keyboard. No wires, enjoy without limitations.
A wireless keyboard allows the user more comfort and less strain. People who need to sit still in front of the computer for a long period of time can change their positions as their wish without worrying about the length of the wires.
What is a wireless keyboard?
How does a wireless keyboard work without wires connecting with computers, tablets, or laptops? A wireless keyboard works through a radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or Bluetooth technology.
Right now the most commonly used methods are a radio frequency (RF) and Bluetooth technology. So what are the differences between these two methods?
With a radio technology, a wireless keyboard normally covers the range from 27 MHz to up to 2.4 GHz. Today most wireless keyboards work on 2.4 GHz radio frequency.
A radio frequency wireless keyboard consists of two parts, a transmitter, and a receiver. The radio transmitter is inside the keyboard, and the radio receiver is what you always notice. The radio receiver plugs into a keyboard port or USB port to actuate the wireless keyboard.
Bluetooth technology got popular since 2011, which is another technology. The Bluetooth wireless keyboard connects via Bluetooth protocol. People consider Bluetooth wireless keyboard more portable, as Bluetooth technology is primarily used for portable devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Most Bluetooth keyboards are not compatible across operating systems.
How to shop for a wireless keyboard?
Choosing a keyboard is very subjective. Every person has his habit behavior. You need to consider your choice at several points.
First, you should consider that you mostly use a keyboard for typing, gaming, programming or others. The sculpted and spaced keys are a comfort to type, but gamers prefer mechanical keyboards. Programmers may pay more attention to windows hotkeys and programmable keys.
Second, would you like to carry on your keyboard? The size of a keyboard will affect its portability. In the meanwhile, some features will be removed to keep it portable.
Third, the price of a wireless keyboard should be in your consideration. Normally, a Bluetooth keyboard is a little expensive than a USB receiver-driven wireless keyboard.
Which type of wireless keyboards should you purchase?
How can you overall measure a Bluetooth wireless keyboard/a USB receiver-driven wireless keyboard? Ergonomics, extra functional keys, number pads, compatibility, battery life, membrane or mechanical keyboard, inactivity detection, and backlit are all included. Whichever keyboard you purchase, you should always measure these elements.
A well-designed keyboard includes how keys feel on the tips of your fingers (smooth or hard to press), how the keyboard manages its layout (the well-spaced keys), having backlit or not (allowing you to work in low lighting), and how long the battery works.
USB receiver-driven wireless keyboard
All USB receiver-driven wireless keyboards are easy-installation, plug-and-play. There are no issues of compatibility, but the compatibility of the Mac system and Windows system is another topic. It requires fewer steps and has a more stable connection.
USB receiver-driven wireless mechanical keyboards
| Wireless Mechanical Keyboard |
VM02WS Wireless |
TKL71 Wireless
|
TKL02WS Wireless
|
61-Key Wireless
|
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | 150 Hz |
| Switches | CONTENT Brown Switch | CONTENT Brown Switch | CONTENT Brown Switch | Outemu Brown Switch |
| Keycaps | ABS double-shot | ABS Keycaps | ABS double-shot | ABS double-shot |
| Connector Type | USB 2.0
(Wireless 2.4 GHz) |
USB 2.0
(Wireless 2.4 GHz) |
USB 2.0
(Wireless 2.4 GHz) |
USB 2.0 (Wireless 2.4 GHz) |
| Rollover | 104-key | 71-key | 87-key | 61-key |
| Battery Type/Size | Build-in Lithium Battery/1850 mAh | Build-in Lithium Battery/
1000 mAh |
Build-in Lithium Battery/
1850 mAh |
Build-in Lithium Battery/ 1000 mAh |
| Wireless Range | 26 feet/8 meters | 26 feet/8 meters | 26 feet/8 meters | 26 feet/8 meters |
| Backlit | White LED | BLUE LED | White LED | N/A |
| Compatibility | Windows 7/8/10/LINUX | Windows 7/8/10/LINUX | Windows 7/8/10/LINUX | Windows 7/8/10/LINUX |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Cable Length | 150 cm | 150 cm | 150 cm | 120 cm |
| Product Weight | 2.64 pounds | 1.39 pounds | 2.2 pounds | 1.59 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 17.5 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches | 13 x 4 x 1.5 in | 14.4 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches | 12.2 x 4.72 x 1.77 in |
Bluetooth wireless keyboard
Most Bluetooth wireless keyboards are membrane keyboards, featuring with portability. The size and the compactness of a keyboard makes a big difference in its portability. Some keyboards sacrifice the key’s size to ensure its portability. If you have a big hand, it’s better to experience the keyboard first.
The Bluetooth compatibility and functionality is one of the most significant features. The Bluetooth technology is developing, but compatibility is still the main issue. You should pay special attention to the Bluetooth type. Some keyboards require the Bluetooth 4.0, which range can cover from 30cm to 10 ft. However, some old Windows 7 computers cannot support Bluetooth. Finally, if you need a wireless keyboard to work across different devices, a Bluetooth wireless keyboard is what you need.
Buying a keyboard varies according to your changing needs, so there is no a conclusion. If you are always on a business trip, you can buy a portable Bluetooth membrane keyboard. If your main work is on typing and in an office, you can choose a USB wireless mechanical keyboard. What suits you best is the best.
