Want to buy a new keyboard? From wired to wireless, rubber dome to mechanical switches, and everything in between, here's what to look for.
The best modern keyboards are more comfortable and responsive than ever, but the sheer variety and customization options can make buying a keyboard feel rather opaque. Fortunately, with a little know-how, you can learn how to buy a keyboard in no time, whether you’re wanting a high-end gaming keyboard with fast switches, an accurate mechanical keyboard for typing, or something ergonomic to improve your wrist health.
You’ll find variations on all of these designs, so consider a subtype if none of these quite fit your needs. But look out for a keyboard that has the keys you’ll need and few others, because you’ll end up with a more space-saving design. Scissor: A common switch type on laptops and some desktop keyboards, scissor switches utilize a pair of arms in an “X” configuration, which are both activated when pressed to drive the key down to actuate the switch. They are low-profile and responsive, making them quite fast for gaming and typing. However, they tend to be harder to clean than other designs, and aren’t as durable as mechanical switches.
Keycaps The keycaps your keyboard uses tend to be a feature of its price more than anything else, but you may want to target one keyboard over another for its keycap type. They tend to come in two options: Backlighting Backlighting was initially designed to make keyboards usable in the dark, but it’s since evolved to the point where you can set each individual key to a specific color, and they can even change automatically to show animations, or give you information about an app or game you’re using.
Some manufacturers let you unify your keyboard lighting with other peripherals and accessories, too. If you already have hardware from one company, consider buying a compatible keyboard to make your lighting uniform.
Buying Guide Hall Effect Keyboarc Mechanical Optical
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