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.
Multi-Device
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.
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.
Switch resource
Keyboard switch durability is measured by the number of presses the keys can withstand before they begin to show signs of wear or malfunction. Switches can have a lifespan of several million to tens of millions of clicks. In laboratory conditions, this parameter is checked using special testing machines, which diligently press the keys the required number of times, on the basis of which a verdict is made regarding the approximate service life of the switches.
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.
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.
Battery time
The operating time in this case is quite approximate: it is indicated for a certain average mode of use, and the actual battery life may turn out to be either less or more than the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the application. Nevertheless, this is a fairly reliable indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate different battery models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in real battery life.
Separately, we note that the operating time for battery keyboards is generally less than for battery-powered models, so this parameter is indicated in days, not months.
Replacement keys included
The presence of interchangeable keys — more precisely, caps for keys ("keycaps") — is included in the package of the keyboard.
This feature is found mainly in
gaming keyboards(see "By Direction"). Replaceable in them are usually made only individual keys, the most significant in games — in particular, WASD and arrows. For such keys, two sets of keycaps are provided — ordinary ones, in tune with the rest of the buttons, and gaming ones that stand out from the general background. Thanks to this, you can adjust the keyboard to the current format of use: for example, in games, the keys that stand out by colour are very convenient, and when typing, they can be confusing.