How to Buy a Keyboard: Everything You Need to Know

When you are trying to be more productive and efficient at your job, every little thing helps. This includes your computer equipment.

If you have been using an outdated keyboard for the past few years and thinking that it’s time to upgrade, then there are many options for keyboards available nowadays. It’s not as simple to buy a keyboard as it was in the past.

So keep reading our article below for some tips on how to find the right keyboard for your needs. 

What Will You Use the Keyboard For?

This is the first thing you need to consider when purchasing a new keyboard. You probably use your keyboard a lot. From the time you sit down at your desktop to the time you get up, your hands are on the keyboard and the mouse.

But what exactly are you using your keyboard for? Is it for gaming purposes? Or are you just typing up your manuscript on it? 

Whatever the purpose, that will dictate for the most part what kind of keyboard you end up purchasing. But that’s not all. There are other factors to consider as well, which are mentioned below. 

Layout and Features

Most people end up getting the QWERTY keyboard because that’s what they are used to. But that’s not the most efficient way to set up the keys. 

And if you are up for a little bit of learning pain, then you should try and get one of the other setups like the Dvorak keyboard. 

Also, some keyboards will come with a 10-key numeric pad on the side and some others don’t. If you do a lot of work with numbers, tallying up figures or entering data into a spreadsheet, you will need the numeric keypad. 

Some new keyboards will also have Windows or Mac-specific function keys, which can make your typing life much more streamlined, so try to get one of these keyboards if you can.

Ergonomic or Not

This is another one of those features that shouldn’t just be a nice-to-have, but a must, especially if you spend 8-10 hours a day typing on your keyboard. You might not notice the damage right now, but years of typing in a non-ergonomic setup will cause a lot of damage to your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

It’s easier to avoid all this by choosing an ergonomic keyboard that allows you to keep your wrists in a neutral position (not twisted one way or another), and thus, doesn’t put too much strain on your upper body. 

Connectivity Options

If you are going to use your keyboard only on your work desk, then there’s no need for you to think about getting a wireless keyboard. A USB-connected one should be just fine. 

But if you are planning to move your keyboard around quite a bit, or you wish to use it with more than one device, like your tablet, your phone, and your laptop, then having a Bluetooth wireless connected keyboard is a blessing.

It will make it easy for you to switch from one device to another. There are even some Logitech keyboards that you can connect to 3 devices. You just need to press the 1, 2, or 3 Bluetooth keys on top, to switch from one device to another. 

Comparing Keyboard Prices

This wasn’t a major consideration in the past, since keyboards usually came with the desktop and no one paid attention to upgrading them. But nowadays, certain keyboards are sometimes almost as expensive as a laptop, especially if they are made for serious gamers. 

That’s why you will want to be more cognizant of the pricing of keyboards when comparing several different models. This again depends on what you will use the keyboard for. 

If you are only using it for typing up word documents or emails, then you shouldn’t spend too much money on your keyboard. 

Also, compare several different options for keyboards to see which one gives you the best deal. Most people tend to gravitate towards certain brands of keyboards, like Logitech, but it’s a good idea to shop around before you plop down your cash. 

Key Switches

This feature is all about personal preference. There are 3 different kinds of key switches, silicone dome, scissor switches, and mechanical switches. 

Most of the typical keyboards that come with PCs generally use silicone dome switches. In this key switch, you need to press the key to the bottom to type a letter, which means that over time, the springiness and responsiveness of the keys fade out. 

With scissor-switch keys, you get a shallow typing feel and these are much more durable than the silicone dome ones. 

But most experts and people in the know will recommend mechanical switches. It has a spring-loaded sliding key post under each key, and that means you get more of that ‘clickety-clack’ when you type. It also lasts much longer and is easy to repair if broken. 

They are ideal for touch typists as well because they register each keystroke in a much shorter amount of travel time. 

Reading online reviews on the keyboards in your shortlist should also help you make your buying decision.

Buy a Keyboard Suitable for Your Specific Needs

With these points in mind, you can visit an offline or online store, and buy a keyboard that’s perfect for you. 

There’s no need to rush through this decision since you are going to be using this keyboard for hours on end every single day for the next few years. Take your time and choose the right one and this decision will reward you several times over. 

If you are still searching for keyboards or any other tech, please check out our online store.