Cable length
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.
Type
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Game. Keyboards designed for use in computer games. Outwardly, they are distinguished by a characteristic design, often quite original and aggressive; some key keys, such as WASD, may be highlighted in colour. In addition, the design may provide various special equipment — additional programmable keys, headphone and microphone jacks, a screen with the ability to display in-game chat, etc. Some of these models are created for specific popular games.
Keypads are a separate type of gaming keyboards (see "Format").
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Ergonomic. Ergonomic keyboards are distinguished by a specific layout aimed at making long-term work on them as comfortable as possible. The keys of such keyboards may not be located straight, but in an arc, have a rhombic shape, the alphabetic part of the keyboard itself can be divided into two parts located at an angle to each other, etc. Such design solutions provide a more natural position of the hands during work, which helps to reduce fatigue.
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For tablets. Keyboards specially designed for use with Tablet PCs. They can have special mounts and act as a docking station — with such a keyboard, the tablet practically turns into a netbook, up to the ability to fold the entire structure in the manner of a regular laptop (for ease of transportation and protection of the display from damage). Some models are ini
...tially optimized for certain tablets. Because the size of modern tablets rarely exceeds 10", then the keyboards for them are made compact (see "Format").
— Keyboard case. Models that combine the functions of a protective case and a keyboard for entering texts or commands in one bottle. As a rule, keyboard cases are produced for certain tablet models, thereby expanding the functionality of tablet computers. When closed, such accessories tightly fit the tablet body and protect it from damage during transportation. According to the connection methods, keyboard cases can use a Bluetooth connection, proprietary connectors or USB.
— For TV. Keyboards designed for use with Smart TVs. These TVs can connect to the Internet and use various network services, and many of them allow you to install additional applications. Both may require a full keyboard — for example, with its help it is convenient to enter text in Skype, search for content by name, or play some games. Common features of "TV" keyboards are, firstly, a compact format (see below), secondly, wireless connection (in most cases; see "Type of connection"), thirdly, the presence of additional buttons and other controls to operate individual TV functions. When choosing such a model, it is worth clarifying its compatibility with a particular TV.
— Flexible. Keyboards made of elastic materials and having a flexible body — most often in the form of a rubber "mat" with protrusion keys. Such models are extremely easy to transport: a flexible design makes it easy to squeeze the keyboard between other things, bend it, or even roll it up. Another advantage is that the “board” can be easily made moisture resistant (although this is not necessary in this case). At the same time, in terms of the “response” of the keys, a flexible keyboard can differ markedly from more traditional ones, and it may take some getting used to working on it. And in terms of format (see below), such models are most often compact.Cyrillic colour
The colour of the Cyrillic letters printed on the keyboard.
This colour is usually chosen so that the letters are clearly visible. This point does not affect the functionality of the keyboard, and the choice in this case depends mainly on personal preferences. However, there is also a practical point: for inexperienced users who have not mastered touch typing, it is desirable that the letters stand out as much as possible against the background of the keys.
Transparent letters are a separate case — they are used in keyboards equipped with a backlight (see below), due to which such characters, when the backlight is on, are visible even in the dark.
Game mode
The presence in the keyboard of a special
game mode.
This function is found exclusively in models of the corresponding specialization (see "Intended use"). Enabling Game Mode disables some of the keys and keyboard shortcuts used by the system, such as the Windows Start menu button and the context menu button. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry that an accidental key press will call a system function and interrupt the game.
In many models, you can customize a specific set of keys that are deactivated in the game mode.
Braided cable
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.