Whether it's for text entry or video games, computer keyboards have a huge impact on our overall computing experience. So if you're starting to experience finger fatigue with your current keyboard, it may be time for a new one! Buying a new computer keyboard, however, can be a complicated task. This guide will help you find the model that best suits your needs.
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Our selection
"The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a computer keyboard that impresses in several ways: its mechanical-style typing action is precise. It is designed for multimedia playback…"
"The KLIM Chroma is a computer keyboard that features highly responsive membrane keys, excellent typing quality, quiet operation and effective anti-ghosting. All this at an…"
"The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the G910 Orion Spark, while reducing the size. This translates into a more…"
"In addition to protecting your wrists from fatigue, the 3RA-00004, Microsoft's ergonomic computer keyboard offers great typing comfort in a stylish package as well as…"
The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a computer keyboard that impresses in several ways: its mechanical-style typing action is precise. It is designed for multimedia playback and everyday use.
47,96 £ on AmazonThe Logitech G213 Prodigy is one of the best value computer keyboards. It has an impressive collection of features. In the upper right corner, there are a series of multimedia buttons, a volume rocker, a game mode rocker and a button to turn the lights on or off. This model is splash-proof and includes a sturdy, braided cable for connection to the computer.
The Logitech G213 Prodigy features lighting made up of RGB LEDs that can be customized to five different zones, and it includes a wrist rest. The overall design is sober, without frills. In that sense, it's suitable for both gaming and work. The buttons on the Logitech G213 Prodigy are tall and heavy. In this respect, they are very similar to most mechanical keyboards, even though this is a membrane keyboard.
The KLIM Chroma is a computer keyboard that features highly responsive membrane keys, excellent typing quality, quiet operation and effective anti-ghosting. All this at an unbeatable price.
21,58 £ on AmazonThe KLIM Chroma is a wired membrane keyboard that surprises with its performance. With a response time of 2 ms, it is as responsive as a mechanical keyboard. What's more, you can turn off the backlighting of the keys at your convenience. Waterproof, the KLIM Chroma is splash-proof and has a life expectancy of 10,000,000 keystrokes.
As for compatibility, this keyboard is detectable on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Switch, Apple, etc. Apart from that, the French brand offers a robust product made of very resistant ABS plastic. Basically, this is a well-made equipment that will allow gamers with a limited budget to improve their performance in video games without breaking the bank.
The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the G910 Orion Spark, while reducing the size. This translates into a more powerful gaming keyboard that's easier on the eyes and easier to hold.
69,51 £ on AmazonThe Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum is a mechanical gamer keyboard that is almost visually identical to the Orion Spark. It features the same full-size keyboard layout, with a 10-key numeric keypad, an Arx smartphone dock, dedicated media controls, nine macro keys, and three interchangeable profile keys. It also retains Logitech's Romer-G mechanical switches and 113-key toggle.
Compared to the Spark, however, the Spectrum returns to your typical slightly concave keycap design. The second design change involves the Spectrum's removable wrist rest. The Romer-G switches on this Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum are tactile, responsive and relatively quiet. This translates into a smooth typing experience. Finally, the myriad of lighting options allow for different preferences. But overall, the G910 is best suited for hardcore gamers.
In addition to protecting your wrists from fatigue, the 3RA-00004, Microsoft's ergonomic computer keyboard offers great typing comfort in a stylish package as well as a full range of shortcut keys.
76,28 £ on AmazonMany computer keyboards that claim to be "ergonomic" offer wrist rests, tilt adjustments and other accessories to improve grip, but few go as far as the Microsoft 3RA-00004. The keyboard is divided in two. Each part is separated by a giant space in the middle. This one is designed with a bulge towards that forces your hands to move out of the way so that they are not tempted to move freely over the keys. Meanwhile, your wrists stay on a luxuriously soft, oversized fabric wrist rest.
While the whole point of an ergonomic computer keyboard is to make your hands and wrists more comfortable, it also offers excellent typing comfort. The keys hit with a thud, although there is a bit of wobble when you hit the keys a little sideways. The ergonomic keyboard connects via Bluetooth to your PC or MAC.
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Best computer keyboard in 2021
Best entry-level computer keyboard
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Excellent ergonomic/wireless computer keyboard
Your guide :
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| The best | LOW COST | Ergonomic/wireless | ||
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Logitech G213 Prodigy
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KLIM Chroma computer keyboard
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Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
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Microsoft 3RA-00004
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The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a computer keyboard that impresses in several ways: its mechanical-style typing action is precise. It is designed for multimedia playback and everyday use.
|
The KLIM Chroma is a computer keyboard that features highly responsive membrane keys, excellent typing quality, quiet operation and effective anti-ghosting. All this at an unbeatable price.
|
The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the G910 Orion Spark, while reducing the size. This translates into a more powerful gaming keyboard that's easier on the eyes and easier to hold.
|
In addition to protecting your wrists from fatigue, the 3RA-00004, Microsoft's ergonomic computer keyboard offers great typing comfort in a stylish package as well as a full range of shortcut keys.
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Type
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Membrane
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Membrane
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Mechanical
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Membrane
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Use
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Office/Gaming
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Business/Gaming
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Gaming
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Bureaucratic
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Dimensions (L x W x H)
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45.2 x 21.8 x 3.3 cm
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44 x 14.4 x 2.9 cm
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50.5 x 21 x 3.4 cm
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46 x 2.9 x 3.5 cm
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Backlight
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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Connector
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USB-A
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USB-A
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USB-A
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Bluetooth
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There are two types of profiles using a computer keyboard: gaming and office. For example, if you spend more time writing texts, reports or programming, you should choose ergonomic keyboards. Focus on comfort! Gamers will take more care to look at the technical part of the hardware like switches or shortcut keys. The most important thing is to take into consideration the activities you do most often and choose the model that corresponds to it.
For those working mostly with software like Word or Excel, it is important to choose a computer keyboard with 105 keys and a numeric keypad. This way, you will have all the necessary keys at your disposal. Next, you need to consider the ergonomics of the hardware. Some models have a keyboard where the keys are divided into two parts and a design where you have a wrist rest. This particular design prevents chronic wrist pain. However, if you have small hands, opt for the compact models without the numeric keypad. This will greatly improve your working comfort and you will improve your typing speed, as your fingers will be within reach of each key.
This criterion is important when you will have to type pages and pages in a specific language. For gamers, it doesn't matter! So, if you work in the French language, most often, choose an AZERTY computer keyboard. The layout of the letters on the keyboard has been designed to facilitate the composition of words in the language. Whereas if you work in English, the so-called QWERTY layout will better suit your typing style.
A
computer keyboard will outlive you for quite a long time unless you decide to break it. However, it's best to go with products that have metal or aluminum components. Their design allows them to absorb noise, even on mechanical models, compared to plastic shells. Then, if you have a tight budget, opt for membrane mechanisms that are less solid than mechanical ones.
For those who work mainly with software such as Word or Excel, it is important to choose a computer keyboard with 105 keys and a numeric keypad.
This is the part of a computer that is most prone to dirt. Since it is placed in a low position, the surface can be covered with food crumbs if you eat chips or splashed with liquid if you drink coffee while working or playing. A mechanical keyboard can withstand the worst of the abuse, unlike a membrane keyboard. However, it happens that large pieces get stuck in the mechanism and block the operation of your keys.
A computer keyboard is a breeding ground for dirt that needs to be disinfected every month. It is an easy surface cleaning procedure. You need to take a cloth of some kind and moisten it with a disinfectant. Then, pass the cloth over the surface of the keys and of course apply the dirtiest ones. Be careful not to get your keyboard wet.
To clean the inside of the keyboard, you need to unplug it and turn it upside down, or hold it upside down. Using a blower, dislodge any debris lodged between the keys of the keyboard. To help you complete this task, you can shake the keyboard. Another method is to press the stubborn keys to dislodge the debris. If you don't have a blower, simply shake the device.
If you have spilled liquid on your keyboard, you should immediately turn it upside down and unplug it. This is done to prevent the liquid from reaching the system at the heart of the keyboard. If little liquid has been spilled on it, hold the keyboard upside down and notice that no more drops fall. Before putting it back in place, wipe off the droplets from the surface of the material with a cloth, still upside down.
However, if the keyboard has been bathed, you should turn it over and leave it overnight. One trick is to place it upside down in a container filled with rice grains.
In order to get a better idea of what a computer keyboard is, we suggest that you take a short lecture. In this way, you will better understand the functioning of these peripherals that are unknown to us.
This is the most common type of computer keyboard. They are called mechanical because the keys are independent of each other. Under the buttons of each key, you have what are called switches. The main disadvantage of these models is that they make quite a bit of noise, not as much as typewriters do. They are said to be solid, durable, accurate and responsive. These reasons make them the preferred choice for gamers.
The
keys on a membrane keyboard are solid. Underneath the keys, you have a flexible membrane on which you find rubber domes. The number of domes is proportional to the number of keys on the keyboard. In contrast to the mechanical model, their quality/price ratio is excellent. This is why manufacturers are increasingly favoring this type of technology.
For office automation or programming enthusiasts, it is the perfect companion. First of all, it is quiet and the quality of key pressure is comfortable, soft. But they are less durable than their mechanical cousin. Also, since the keys are not independent the fingers are likely to slip on unwanted letters.
Chiclet keyboards are based on a membrane keyboard. The only difference is that this type of computer keyboard has an X-shaped piece between the membrane and the keys. This element allows to stabilize, a little, the keys during the typing and especially it makes the keys more reactive. Secondly, the keys of the keyboard are flat without edges and the element can offer a high quality comfort. It is for these reasons that Apple and other laptop manufacturers have chosen this process.
As the name suggests, a wired keyboard has a cable connecting it to the CPU. There are two types of cables: PS/2 and USB. Currently, more and more motherboard manufacturers are no longer including a PS/2 port on their product. It is therefore advisable to opt for a USB connection. Moreover, there is little latency on a wired model, so it is more responsive and you can use it to troubleshoot another PC. On the other hand, on some products the length of the cable can be a problem.
Wireless models are the current trend. They can be powered by alkaline batteries or a rechargeable battery. In theory, most manufacturers claim an average life of one year for their wireless products. So you'll need to replace the batteries once a year and recharge the keypads regularly with built-in batteries. It's inconvenient, but users are more interested in the flexibility of the installation.
If you don't mind the battery constraints of wireless models, that's fine. They're suitable for both gaming and office use. However, keep in mind that all wireless keyboards, without exception, have latency. The keys will not be as responsive as on a wired model. That's why those who value raw performance should choose a wired keyboard.
Set to the right height
Most computer keyboards have a small tripod at the base. It allows you to adjust the height of the keyboard. Set it at the right height to make it comfortable for you to use. This way, you will avoid the appearance of wrist pain.
Extension cable
If
you run out of cable length, consider buying a USB extension cord. This way, you will have more flexibility in your installation.
Office shortcuts
There
are shortcuts to optimize your use of Office programs. CTRL + C, allows you to copy text and paste it into another file using the shortcut CTRL + V. Also, if you have unintentionally deleted some of your work, simply redo it by pressing CTRL + Z simultaneously.
Full screen mode
Because of an alert, your game has automatically switched to windowed mode? To go back to full screen mode, just press ALT G + Enter at the same time.
PS/2 Keyboard
By
buying a USB adapter available in stores, you will be able to connect your old keyboard to a more modern PC that doesn't have the right port
.
The best computer keyboard depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products out there.
Check to see if the Num Lock button is lit. If not, press it and your keypad should work again. This method is available on both PCs and laptops with keypads.
Remove the USB dongle from your wireless keyboard and plug it back in. If that doesn't solve your problem, check the battery status and try to synchronize it with another USB receiver. If it is not the original, please get a dongle with a better firmware version or reuse the original. If your keyboard is recognized, but no letters appear when you type on it. Repeat the keyboard installation process and update the drivers.
Yes, the best solution is to have a USB or Plug & Play computer keyboard. Once the USB plug is inserted, wait for Windows to install the proper drivers. In case that doesn't work, try downloading a better version of the driver and try again.
Implementing macros via third-party software allows you to emulate a combination of keys in one. This is popular with gamers, as games have multiple combinations to perform an action. Some products come with software that allows you to set up multiple combinations.
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