Comparison Logitech Orion Spectrum G910 vs Logitech Orion G810

Traditional keyboards are divided into three main varieties — full-size, compact and ultra-compact. The main difference between them is that full-size models have a Num-block — an additional block with numeric keys and arithmetic signs. Compact models, respectively, do not have a num-block, and in ultra-compact models, the arrow block is either completely absent or located under the Enter key in the form of very small keys.

And full-size, and compact, and ultra-compact keyboards can have different types of layouts. At the same time, the arrangement of letters and numbers above the letters in all types of layouts is the same, the differences are in the shape and position of additional keys (special characters like backslash, system control, modifiers like Shift and Alt, etc.). Here are the most popular options:

— ANSI. The "American" layout format, the distinguishing features of which are, in particular, the same width of both Shift keys, the same labeling and assignment of the Alt keys, the single-row Enter key and the backslash located above it (which is often made slightly longer than the standard key).

— ISO. "European" layout format. The Enter key occupies two rows, while at the top it is slightly longer than at the bottom; the left Shift is shorter than the right one, ther...e is a backslash next to it; next to the bottom of the Enter may be a second backslash or other special character key; the right Alt is designated as Alt Gr and is intended for entering additional characters in European languages.

— K.S. The "Korean" keyboard layout provides a double-row Enter, as in the ISO described above, however, in this case, the lower part of the Enter is made longer, and not the upper one. The backslash is above Enter, next to Backspace, and Backspace itself is the same length as standard keys (that is, noticeably shorter than in other layouts).

— JIS. Keyboards with a "Japanese" layout have a double-row Enter with an increased length of the upper half — like the ISO described above. However, in this case, the backslash is not located on the left side of the keyboard, but on the right, next to Enter (where an additional symbol key can be located in ISO). Additional character keys may be provided — next to Backspace (as in KS) and/or to the left of the right Shift. In addition, the right Alt can be formatted as Alt Gr.

In addition to compact and full-size, there are also non-traditional keyboard formats:

— Num-block. Separately made block of numeric keys. With the help of such a device, you can, in particular, turn a compact keyboard into a full-size one. Among other things, this combination can be useful for travel: packing a Num-block separately from the keyboard is easier than finding a place for a full-sized "board". Another option for using the Num-block is to connect to a cash register, terminal, etc. to work as a calculator keyboard or in a similar capacity.

— Keypad. A specialized device in the form of a small (approximately 15 – 20 keys) keyboard under one hand; usually, it is complemented by an arm rest, and often also by side buttons for the thumb. Such devices are especially convenient for games and are mainly used in them — certain game actions can be attached to the keypad buttons (including those that are usually implemented through the menu or a key combination on a standard keyboard). The keypad can both complement the main keyboard and serve as a completely separate game pad.

— Non-standard. Non-standard format keyboards that do not belong to any of the varieties described above. The specific design and use of such devices may vary. So, these can be game models in the form of the left half of a standard keyboard (this part is mainly used in games); ultra-compact models for tablets (see "In the direction"); keyboards for TVs, supplemented with special buttons and designed to be held in two hands in the manner of a gamepad, etc.

The number of additional keys provided in the design of the keyboard.

Such keys do not belong to the standard layout and are intended for quick access to specific functions or individual applications — for example, to control the media player or open mail with one click. This function is convenient because commands from additional keys are usually recognized by the system regardless of what is on the screen — thanks to this, for example, you do not have to close the text editor to switch tracks in the player.

Note that in this case we are talking about individual keys that have a strictly defined purpose and corresponding markings. Programmable buttons, the Fn key (see below) and the functions of the main keys implemented through Fn are not taken into account in this paragraph.

The number of programmable keys provided in the design of the keyboard. Like the additional ones described above, such keys are located outside the standard layout. At the same time, they do not have a rigidly defined purpose — each individual function can be set by the user himself, hence the name. Some manufacturers, however, can initially programme these keys, but this programme can still be changed if desired.

The advantage of such equipment is obvious: additional features of the keyboard can be easily customized. Gamers especially appreciate this feature, so programmable keys are often found in gaming models. On the other hand, the keys themselves usually have neutral markings (for example, P1, P2 ...), and the user has to remember which function is “linked” to where; this can cause confusion.

Volume control methodprovided in the keyboard (if such a possibility is provided at all).

— Through Fn. Adjustment using the Fn key (see above): increasing and decreasing the volume is carried out by simultaneously pressing Fn and one of the main keys of the keyboard (usually from the F1 — F12 row), The main advantage of this control is that it allows you not to overload the keyboard with additional controls — this, in turn, has a positive effect on the dimensions and cost. The disadvantage is the need to simultaneously press two keys, which is not always convenient.

— Additional keys. Control with additional keys specially designed for working with volume. A very convenient and practical option: additional keys are usually clearly labeled, while they take up less space and are cheaper than a wheel or a touch slider (see below).

— Wheel. Control by means of a mechanical wheel, the rotation of which up and down or left and right provides a change in volume. A fairly user-friendly option — visual, intuitive and accessible even blindly. At the same time, the wheel can take up quite a lot of space, and it significantly affects the cost of the keyboard.

— Touch slider. Management using a touch surface, the movement of a finger in one direction or another. The sensor takes up minimal space, looks neat...and generally fits well with the overall design of the keyboard, but it is not cheap. Therefore, this option is extremely rare, mainly in high-end gaming or multimedia keyboards.

The presence of an additional palm rest in the design of the keyboard. Such a stand is located in the lower (closest to the user) part of the device and is a kind of continuation of the “board”, providing additional support and increasing the comfort of use. However, comfort is largely a matter of personal preference, and not all users like stands; therefore, most often they are made removable.

The presence of a braid in the design of a regular keyboard cable.

Braided wire is more durable and reliable than unbraided cable: it is more difficult to damage, it resists sharp bends better. On the other hand, this feature affects the overall cost of the keyboard, and the mentioned advantages do not affect the main functionality of the model. So choosing a keyboard with a braid makes sense only if you are worried about the reliability of the wire, or if you plan to use it in adverse conditions, with frequent squeezing and bending.