Connection
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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.
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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).
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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.Bluetooth version
A version of the "blue tooth" technology for connecting the wireless keyboard to other devices from the outside as a manipulator. The higher its serial number, the more stable and noise-proof connection is provided. At the moment,
Bluetooth v 5 is the most advanced standard in keyboards.
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.
Range
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.
Anti-Ghosting
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.
#KRO
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.
Palm rest
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.
Power source
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.
Detachable cable
The presence of a removable cable in the design of the keyboard.
This feature provides, first of all, additional convenience in storage and transportation: it is easier to pack the removed cable than to wind and lay the wire attached to the keyboard. Another advantage is that if necessary, the complete cable can be replaced without changing the entire keyboard — for example, if it is damaged or if a longer cable is needed. However, these moments are not so often significant, so there are not so many
keyboards with detachable cables.