Comparison A4Tech Fstyler FBK25 vs A4Tech Fstyler FK25

— Wired. Connection using a cable with one or another type of connector — most often USB, less often PS/2 or a proprietary plug (see "Connection interface"). Wired keyboards are notable for their low cost and overall convenience — in the sense that they do not require batteries and the operating time is unlimited. However the wire limits mobility; however, given that most often the keyboard is used in close proximity to the computer, this shortcoming cannot be called critical.

— Radio. Wireless connection over the air, usually through a wireless adapter connected to a computer via a USB port. The main advantage of this option can be called the actual absence of a wire; while the communication range is usually several metres, which gives freedom of movement and even allows you to use the keyboard as a "computer remote control". On the other hand, wireless models are much more expensive than wired ones, and their operation requires separate power supply from batteries or a rechargeable battery, the charge of which is limited — accordingly, the continuous operation time is limited. Separately, we note that this option is designed mainly for stationary PCs; if a wireless keyboard is needed for a laptop, it is better to pay attention to Bluetooth models (see below).

— Bluetooth. Another way to wir...elessly connect keyboards. Technically, Bluetooth is based on radio waves, but this technology has its own characteristics, so it is listed separately from the "normal" radio connection (see above). The main one of these features is that many models of modern electronics (almost all laptops and tablets, some PCs, etc.) are equipped with built-in Bluetooth modules, which allows you to connect such keyboards without using additional adapters. In addition, the range of such a connection is officially at least 10 m (in fact, of course, it depends on obstacles, interference, etc.). It is this option that will be optimal if you need a wireless keyboard for a Bluetooth-enabled device.

— Bluetooth / radio. Wireless keyboards that can connect both via Bluetooth and radio. See above for more details on each of these options. Also note here that such a keyboard is usually connected directly to a Bluetooth device (for example, a laptop), and if the computer does not support Bluetooth, you can connect a USB adapter to it and use a radio connection. Thus, the keyboard is as versatile as possible in connection. However, such versatility significantly affects the cost, and is required not so often; so this option is not widely used.

— Bluetooth / radio / wired. Keyboards that support all three connection methods described above. This is the most versatile option, giving the user the freedom to choose for different situations. For example, while playing a game or watching a movie, you can sit in a comfortable chair away from the screen by connecting the device wirelessly, and when typing or surfing the Internet, you can move to the table and use the wire, saving battery power. At the same time, such versatility is not often required and is expensive, so models with this type of connection are not popular either.

The keyboard's ability to quickly switch between multiple devices. Multi-Device allows you to simultaneously work with a tablet, TV, and other devices with one keyboard.

The length of the cable that the keyboard is equipped with for wired connection (see "Connection type").

When choosing this parameter, you should first of all take into account the distance from the device to the connection port: a cable that is too short may simply not reach the connector, and a cable that is too long may get confused at hand and create inconvenience. As for specific values, the reference length is 1.8 m. However, there are cables both shorter and longer.

The wireless connection range provided by the keyboard (see "Connection type").

Almost all modern wireless models function reliably at a distance of at least 2-3 meters. Therefore, you only need to pay attention to this parameter if the keyboard will be used farther from the computer. When evaluating the range, keep in mind that it is given for ideal conditions: no interference or obstacles, a fully charged battery, etc. In practice, the actual range might be somewhat shorter, so it's advisable to account for a margin when selecting a model. Nevertheless, the stated range can give a good indication of the practical capabilities of different models and help in comparing them.

The type of power used in wireless keyboards. It can be a replaceable battery or its own built-in battery.

As replaceable batteries in modern keyboards, batteries or accumulators of the AA (“finger”) or AAA (“mini-finger”) format can be used. The main advantage of this power supply is the ability to quickly replace dead batteries with new ones — if there are any left, a few seconds are enough, and the keyboard is ready to work again. However, batteries are often not included and must be purchased separately. In addition, anyway, you have to buy new batteries as the old ones wear out — or fork out for rather expensive batteries and, possibly, a charger.

Built-in battery, in turn, relieves the user of the need to purchase batteries. On the other hand, in the event of a discharge, such a battery cannot be quickly replaced, and the only option to continue working is to charge it, which can take quite a long time.

The operating time in this case is quite approximate: it is indicated for a certain average mode of use. The actual battery life may turn out to be either less or more than the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the application; in addition, the quality of a particular brand of batteries greatly affects the operating time. Nevertheless, this is a fairly reliable indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in real battery life when using batteries of similar quality.

It is worth saying that modern battery-powered keyboards have pretty solid battery life, measured in months; in the most "long-playing" models, the operating time is about 36 months (that is, 3 years).