Key Features:
- design type;
- form factor;
- Interfaces
- additional features.
By combining these characteristics, manufacturers create models that are suitable for different user needs. Without knowing the basic characteristics, it is difficult to understand which keyboard is best for you to buy.
Content
Constructive type
The design type distinguishes keyboards:
- membrane;
- mechanical;
- with combination keys.
Membrane
The membrane keyboard is equipped with keys without mechanical elements. Inside such a keyboard there is a membrane membrane no thicker than a sheet of paper on which the sectors corresponding to the functions of a particular key are marked with a pattern. When a key is in contact with the membrane by pressing, it is triggered.
Such keyboards are inexpensive because they use cheap components. They are usually made of plastic. But there are rubber modifications, in which the keys and the membrane are one element. Such models are the cheapest.
In addition to rubber, there are flexible options. Such a device looks like a rubber mat, it can be rolled up and put in a bag. At the same time, the inscriptions on the keys are not erased, since they are applied from the back.
Membrane keyboards are the most popular due to their convenience and reasonable prices.
Mechanical
In such keyboards, each key has its own chip. The keys on mechanical keyboards are faster. There is no need to push it to the physical stop. It is convenient both in games and in high-speed printing. These gadgets are usually chosen by cyber athletes, where the keyboard response can play a decisive role. Typing on such a device will also be faster. But its cost is several times higher than the membrane, because it is made of metal.
With mechanical keys
With this mechanism, gaming models are usually produced. Another advantage of mechanics is the sensitivity of the key to the degree of depression and the ability to set an individual function for it. In membrane keyboards, this effect is achieved only by a combination with an auxiliary key. For normal office tasks, this is enough, but in games, mechanical buttons will give the player a real advantage.
Before you choose a mechanical model, you need to decide on the location of the keys. Such gadgets come with keys built into the case and above the case. The keys above the case are better for gamers, because they look high-tech, and such a keyboard is easy to clean, just turn it over. But for the office, she looks too defiant.
Slim keyboard
The keys of such devices use a special scissor mechanism, due to which the key travel is reduced. This provides a high printing speed. At the same time, such a keyboard is slightly more expensive than a regular membrane one.
Form factor
On this category distinguish:
- full-sized;
- compact;
- digital block.
Full size
Full-size models are the most common. They consist of 2 blocks: alphanumeric. The letter block contains the letter, navigation and function keys. Using the letter buttons, letters are printed. Navigation buttons help to control the position of objects, for example, arrows, and function keys perform tasks predefined in the operating system. For example, close the window.
The digital block is always located on the right side of the keyboard and consists of digital keys, buttons of simple arithmetic operations and symbols.
The digital block is convenient for accountants and cashiers, as it allows you to enter numerical values and perform calculations with one hand.
Thanks to a combination of 2 functional blocks, full-size keyboards are universal and suitable for each user.
Compact
Such gadgets are equipped with only a letter block. Due to this, its size is much smaller, and it gets along better in a small workplace. These keyboards are equipped with most laptops and netbooks. The absence of a digital unit does not interfere with the control of any computer functions using such a device.
Digital block
For those who want a laptop, but want to take advantage of the full-sized keyboard, the best solution is a separate digital unit that connects to the computer via interfaces. But some digital blocks are more functional than their counterparts in full-size keyboards. They are equipped with additional mathematical action keys, as in engineering calculators, and have a more convenient arrangement of the reset and enter buttons.
Interfaces
Keyboards can connect to a computer by:
- ps / 2 cable
- usb cable;
- bluetooth technology;
- radio module.
Ps / 2 cable
The ps / 2 port is equipped with all old motherboards and laptops. A modern keyboard is not equipped with such connectors in standard assemblies. But there is the possibility of installing them on advanced motherboards. Ps / 2 is an outdated technology. Such models are not equipped with any additional features. But they don’t occupy the usb connector, which is important if you need to simultaneously connect several active gadgets to the computer. Therefore ps / 2 keyboards are still in demand.
USB
USB keyboard is the most popular wired input device. Its price is low, but at the same time, the applicable technology opens the way for modern additional opportunities. A usb keyboard, of course, takes up a port, but there are clavs with one or even several ports on board.
So, giving preference to such a gadget, you can not only not lose the usb port, but also get an additional one. Usb keyboards are more expensive than ps / 2, but much cheaper than wireless ones.
Bluetooth
These wireless keyboards use the built-in bluetooth module to connect to a computer. Bluetooth provides a good reception range, but it has a small channel bandwidth. Therefore, the keys often respond with a delay. And at the same time, this option is the only way out for owners of tablets and other portable gadgets without a standard usb output. Bluetooth is equipped with many laptops and netbooks. Their owners do not need to go far from the computer with the keyboard, but using such a keyboard saves ports that are always in short supply on laptops.
Radio module
Keyboards with a radio module are most popular. Modern models operate at a distance competitive with bluetooth, and its bandwidth allows you to work at a speed no less than in wired devices. Such a gadget comes with a radio receiver that connects to a computer via a usb port. Radio keyboards can have any additional features and even built-in usb connectors. But the bandwidth of the radio module is still lower than on the computer itself. Therefore, you should not use it for active devices. The radio keyboard is especially relevant for users using large televisions instead of monitors. In this case, the chair or sofa becomes the workplace, and the keyboard is more convenient to hold on hand.
Additional properties
Keyboard features are distinguished by additional properties:
- universal;
- multimedia;
- for gamers;
- business.
Universal
Universal keyboards have a standard set of keys. Sometimes they can be equipped with buttons for turning off the power and switching to standby mode. These gadgets will suit everyone.
Multimedia
Multimedia keyboards are equipped with additional keys to control the software player.Usually there is the ability to control volume, play, pause and change the composition.
This model is suitable for music lovers who like to listen to music while working. With it, you can control the player without minimizing the workspace on the computer.
For gamers
Gaming keyboards, like other gadgets and computer accessories, are the most expensive. You can always recognize them by the highlighted bright colors of the letter keys W S A D and arrows, which are most often used in games. In addition, such gadgets are equipped with many functional keys, each of which you can assign a game task. The most modern models allow you to set tasks for different games on the same key.
It is clear that such keyboards are suitable for avid gamers. For other purposes, it makes no sense to buy such an expensive thing.
Business
Keyboard options for business are similar to universal ones. The only difference is the unit with the handset for ip-telephony. It can also be used for calls via skype and similar services. Such gadgets are relevant for owners of online businesses, as well as for those who often call abroad for work.
Common advanced features
A keyboard of any type may have:
- backlight;
- wrist rest.
Some models are equipped with a backlight. The key itself and its outline can be highlighted. If the user is new, the best option would be to highlight each button. In this case, its name is visible. If the user types blindly, a keyboard with backlight illuminating the outline of the keys will help to put your hands correctly.
The wrist rest is comfortable if you work at a computer table. Without a stand, the wrists hang down and pinch the vessels. Long work in this position can even lead to a chronic disease. The wrists rest on the stand, and the fingers run around the keys more freely.
Conclusion
On different types of keyboards, the distance between the keys, tactile sensations when pressed, are different. Therefore, to choose a keyboard, you need an individual approach. If the user is used to the standard option, switching to slim may reduce its typing speed. You will also need to get used to the wireless keyboard, as it does not respond to tapping like a wired one. Before buying, it is advisable to try her work in the store. The purchased uncomfortable keyboard, with all its technical superiority, will bring discomfort instead of benefit.
