Comparison Razer BlackWidow Lite vs Corsair K63 Wireless

— 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 range of the wireless connection provided by the keyboard (see "Connection Type").

Almost all modern wireless models work confidently at a distance of at least 2 - 3 meters. So you need to pay attention to this parameter mainly when the keyboard is planned to be used at a greater distance from the computer. At the same time, when evaluating the range, it should be borne in mind that it is indicated for ideal conditions: the absence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the battery is fully charged, etc. In practice, the communication range may be somewhat less, so when choosing, it is worth taking a certain margin. Nevertheless, according to the declared range, it is quite possible to evaluate the practical capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.

The model of switches (switches) used in the keyboard - switching mechanisms installed under each individual key. These details are given if the design uses advanced mechanics, positioned as a better option than traditional switches. Mostly gaming keyboards are equipped with such mechanics.

The most popular switch brands in our time are Cherry MX, considered the "classic of the genre" for high-quality mechanics; Gateron, practically not inferior to him; not so advanced, but also cheaper Kailh and Razer, as well as ultra-budget Outemu. For all these brands, different types of switches have a different stem color, which can be used to determine the features of the keyboard. It is also worth saying that modern mechanical switches are divided into three main varieties: linear, tactile and clicky.

- Linear. Such solutions are closest to conventional membrane keyboards: the key travel is uniform along the entire length, with minimal resistance and the absence of a clear actuation point. There is an opinion that the linear "mechanics" is best suited for games where you have to deal with fast and frequent clicks; however, in practice, this moment largely depends on the personal tastes of the u...ser, nothing prevents the use of such keyboards for working with texts.

- Tactile. Switches with a clearly defined actuation point - a kind of barrier to the path of the key. Such a "barrier" allows you to clearly determine by touch whether the key has worked or not. Tactile keyboards are valued primarily by tech who have to type large volumes of texts.

- Tactile-auditory (Clicky). In such switches, the actuation point is felt not only by touch, but also by ear: the actuation of the key is accompanied by a clearly audible click, which is often compared to the sound of the keys of a typewriter. Due to this, this option is also very popular among users dealing with texts. Some people consider switches of this type not very suitable for games, since they are supposedly not very convenient for frequent, fast pressing; however, a quality Clicky switch is as good as a linear switch in this regard, and the choice depends solely on personal preference. But the unequivocal disadvantages of such keyboards include a rather loud click sound, which in some situations may be superfluous.

As for specific colors, here are their features:

- Red (red). Linear type switches with minimum resistance. They are popular, in particular, among professional gamers who deal with dynamic games and try by all means to speed up their reaction to gaming events. On the other hand, a low force increases the likelihood of accidentally pressing an unnecessary button.

— Black. Another type of linear switches. They have a tighter move compared to Red, which, on the one hand, requires a little more effort, on the other hand, minimizes the chance of accidentally pressing the wrong key.

Blue. Switches in clicky format, with tactile feedback and a click.

— Brown. Switches with tactile feedback, but no "click". The Brown action is great for when you want a keyboard with tactile feedback and at the same time you want to avoid unnecessary noise (although the sound is still louder than on a membrane keyboard). In addition, it is considered a good option for tech who are just starting to get acquainted with mechanical keyboards.

— Silver. Linear switches designed for maximum operating speed. They have a very low stroke - about 1 - 1.2 mm - as well as a very small pressing force, which contributes to high speed. At the same time, the use of such a keyboard requires a certain skill, since even a small effort from an accidental touch usually leads to the operation of a key.

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.

Technology aimed at neutralizing phantom button presses in keyboards with gaming ambitions. The function allows you to simultaneously press numerous keys without false positives of adjacent buttons — a similar situation often occurs in membrane keyboards due to their design features.

A parameter that determines the maximum number of simultaneously pressed keys, the signal from which the keyboard is able to process and transmit to the computer. Instead of the "lattice" symbol in the abbreviation KRO, a number is indicated showing the allowable number of simultaneously pressed buttons. Most membrane keyboards come in the 2KRO and 3KRO grades, mechanical models usually start at 6KRO. The NKRO marking says that it is possible to issue a signal from an unlimited number of keys in one sitting.

The presence on the keyboard of the Fn key(short for function). It belongs to modifiers, similar to Shift or Ctrl: by itself it does not perform any action, but when pressed simultaneously with another key, it changes its original purpose. Fn is often found in compact keyboards (see "Format"), but can also be set in full-sized ones. The features it provides include quickly changing the screen brightness or sound volume directly from the keyboard, using the centre keys as a Num-block, launching individual applications, and so on. Specific features of using the Fn key depend on the keyboard model.