The
keyboard is the thing we interact with most when using a computer or laptop.
All job and entertainment tasks thirst for constantly clicking keys, writing
reports, emailing, chatting, creating presentations, gaming, and many other
tasks that force us to type. So, choosing the right keyboard is very important
to help you write and be more productive. At the same time, you will not be
bound by a laptop keyboard if it turns out that it is not comfortable for your
wrist and hands while typing and you wish you could get rid of it. We will
discuss with you the most important criteria that you would like to hear to
choose the right keyboard for your use.
1-Keyboard Switches
The
keyboard buttons come in either a rubber or mechanical dome shape. Rubber dome
switches last for 5-10 million clicks, and require a full tap of the switch to
push it down to respond. While the mechanical buttons last up to 50 million
clicks, they do not require a full click in order to execute the command.
This
means that the mechanical panels last for longer periods of time, and help with
your writing comfort because they don't put too much pressure on your hands and
arms. Among the specifications that the mechanical panels have are their loud
sound and the noise caused by clicking on their buttons, which is in fact one
of the advantages that attract most users. It gives you the feeling that the
movement of your fingers has a tangible reaction and the suggestion that you
actually managed to perform the click.
While
mechanical keyboards vary between business and gaming, the Cherry MX button
combination is the most popular and widely used type of switch, as well as the
most popular. But even Cherry MX switches are categorized according to several
criteria, the most important of which is their color. It is divided into three
sections: Linear, which you see in advertisements under the name Linear, the
tactile that comes under the name Tactile, and Clicky, which is called Clicky.
Linear keys mean that the more a key is tapped, the more downward it is
pressed. While the tactile keys mean that when you tap the key, you will
immediately notice that it has a strong reaction. Click keys make a clicking
sound when they are clicked.
Cherry
MX red switches: might be the best for gaming,
as they give the quickest response to just tapping the switch even before
halfway down, that is, it's a tactile switch because it plays on the
time-saving factor and takes less time to execute, but it's great Even for
those writers and editors.
Cherry
MX Black Switches: The black buttons require
stronger pressure to execute a command, and are a favorite for those who prefer
a hard push on the switches. However, it can strain the hands and wrists, so it
is only recommended for hardcore gamers.
Cherry
MX Blue switches: Provides louder noise and
high fidelity response, so it's not a favorite for writers looking for a quiet
element, or business owners surrounded by a lot of people around them due to
the mental confusion it can cause them.
Cherry
MX green switches: They are also louder, but
slightly lower than the volume produced by the blue switches. It is recommended
when performing various functional tasks and for those users who feel that
their traditional panels are too sensitive to touch and are looking for those
that require more effort when clicking.
Cherry
MX brown switches: For typing, tactile
execution, quick commands, and tactile feedback, but requires a little more
force on tap.
Cherry
MX white switches: Exactly the same as brown
switches but with a little more force to activate. If you are facing the
problem of frequently misclicking the keys, this is the best for your use, as
it does not provide an instant response to just touching the key. And perhaps
the extra strength is just what is needed for some writers to be able to write
properly.
2- Keyboard layout
The
traditional keyboard layout is the QWERTY layout, where 32% of the keystrokes
are in the home row and is the left-handed layout most commonly used, and is
most likely the layout on your keyboard. The DVORAK chart was created using 70%
of the keystrokes in the house row and for the right hand to dominate, but it
is rare because it is somewhat in demand.
3- Design
The
common layout for keyboards is QWERTY, which is what Windows laptops ship as.
This layout contains letter keys, system keys, edit and navigation keys, and
regular keys, and may or may not include the right mini-numeric keypad. While
smaller keyboards may not have mini-number keys, they may forgo many function
keys and don't have duplicate keys like Ctrl, for example. The compact design
is best suited for small workspaces because it provides more room for the mouse
and any other accessories or supplies that can be placed on the desktop.
4- Wired and wireless panels
Wireless
keyboards operate over the Bluetooth range and you always need to make sure
that they are charged sufficiently. While wired panels have a faster response
rate. Wireless keyboards offer great benefits such as the flexibility of remote
users and the elimination of wires. But it is a little late in its response
time to commands compared to wired switches.
This
means if you are in the gamer category, you need a wired keyboard. Fortunately,
BlueTooth keyboards are getting better and their response time is getting
better. But another weakness that cannot be forgotten is its battery operation
in order to work remotely.
5- gaming keyboards
This
type of keyboard is designed with a focus on boosting its response time as soon
as you tap it. While you may not notice the difference between it and any other
keyboard, it is a must-have factor for fiercely competitive network gaming
enthusiasts. It also comes with a mini number pad or sometimes without it, it
is up to personal preference and the space ready to receive it on the desktop.
Some of its most important advantages are that it always has an aesthetic
appearance that may suggest power, RGB/LED backlighting, wrist support,
replaceable keys, and some functional programmable as desired, often mechanical
panel style.
6- Travel and transportation plates
Often
or perhaps always they are wireless panels, some of which are foldable to fit
in a suitcase. In order to save more space, it sometimes abandons some of the
main function keys and the right-hand number pad. The only problem with it is
the need to ensure that it is always charged with power, in addition to the
point of its inability to provide some function keys.
7- Function keys
The
more time you use the keyboard and type, the faster you can navigate its buttons
and perform faster. Some keyboards have function buttons for controlling
brightness or volume and media manipulation. There are many motherboards that
do not provide those functions. If you are working on an application that has
its own built-in functionality, you may need to access the operating system
settings to turn off the softkey feature. You will then be able to manipulate
the app's built-in functions by pressing and holding the fn key and then
pressing the intended function key.