Come and discover together what are the main features you should consider when buying a keyboard and which are the most important, based on the use you want to make.

Wired or Wireless

One of the key features in a computer keyboard is the way it connects to our computer. Wired or wireless.

Wired keyboards connect to the computer via a USB port and no other action is required by the user. They do not need a power source since they draw the necessary power to operate from the USB port. Their advantages are stable connection, no interference, and immediate response.

Wireless computer keyboards are divided into two categories: RF wireless keyboards and Bluetooth wireless keyboards.

RF wireless keyboards and Gaming wireless Keyboards come with a USB radio frequency transmitter receiver adapter (usually at 2.4GHz) that connects to a USB port on the computer and wirelessly establishes the connection. Bluetooth keyboards wirelessly connect to devices that have Bluetooth and support keyboards. Of course, all wireless keyboards operate with batteries, while some can recharge their batteries by connecting with a USB cable to the computer. The advantage of Wireless Keyboards is that they offer freedom of movement and fewer cables. However, their disadvantages are that the wireless connection is often not as reliable due to interference, and they need regular charging or battery replacement.

Gaming Keyboards

Gaming keyboards are characterized by the following features:

Backlighting

Keyboards can have backlighting, mainly for those who want to use the computer in low-light conditions. Backlit keyboards have a uniform, soft illumination under the keys, making them visible even in complete darkness. The keys are illuminated with the same color, and you can usually adjust the brightness of the backlight. Gaming keyboards can have more options regarding backlighting. There are keyboards with RGB lighting, where you can choose different lighting effects, as well as more advanced keyboards where you can choose a different color for each key or group of keys! The most complex settings are usually achieved through a program where you can customize the lighting according to your needs.

Macro Commands and WASD

Another feature that gaming keyboards can have is the ability to program macro commands. With these commands, you can program a specific sequence of button presses to occur when you press a key. 

Gaming keyboards also come with different colors on the WASD keys or even on the arrow keys.

The most common types of keyboards are mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards.

Membrane Keyboards

Membrane keyboards consist of a printed electronic circuit on which an elastic membrane is attached. With each press of the keys, the membrane pushes the appropriate point on the electronic circuit and the command is given to print the character corresponding to the key. Then, it returns the key to its original position.

The advantages of membrane keyboards are their affordable price and quiet operation, while their disadvantages are the feedback they provide during typing and the reduced sensation, especially when the membrane wears out over time.

Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have independent mechanical switches instead of a membrane located under each key. These metal switches use a spring to return to their position after the key is pressed.

The advantages of mechanical keyboards are their reliability, speed, and accuracy in typing, as well as the unique feel they provide. Their disadvantages are their higher cost and the noise produced by the keys.

If you decide on a mechanical keyboard, you will need to choose the type of switch. It is the structural element that gives a specific property to the keyboard. They are distinguished by color. The most well-known switch manufacturer is CherryMX and the most common types of switches are as follows:

• Cherry MX Black

It requires an actuation force of 60cN. They are considered the most rigid switches and are therefore not recommended for typing. Their high required force makes them ideal for gaming.

• Cherry MX Red

It requires an actuation force of 45cN. Compared to black switches, they are softer and even more prevalent in the gaming sector.

• Cherry MX Blue

It requires an actuation force of 50cN. They are ideal for typing due to their characteristic noise. The noisy sound is an issue that should be taken into consideration by the potential buyer. The user immediately perceives if a key has been pressed through the sound, making typing more efficient. Once the switch is activated, i.e., pressed to the lowest point, it is difficult to press it again without noticing, avoiding double tapping.

• Cherry MX Brown

It requires an actuation force of 45cN. They are a hybrid model that combines the speed of the blue switch for more efficient typing and the accuracy of the red switch. They are ideal for those who type a lot but also use the computer as a gaming machine.

Size

Another key feature you can choose on a keyboard is the size. Depending on the size of the keyboard, the layout of the auxiliary keys usually changes.

Full Size Keyboards

Full sized keyboards have 104-108 keys. On a full size keyboard, in the top row of the keyboard, we find the F keys which have special functions assigned for each operating system, while on some keyboards there is an additional row of buttons with shortcuts for various functions such as adjusting the volume. On the right side of the keyboard are the arrow keys and, even further to the right on the edge of the keyboard, we find the numpad: a numerical computer keyboard.

Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards

Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards are significantly smaller than a full-size keyboard as they lack the numpad. They usually have 87 keys but still retain the F-Keys and arrow keys on the right side. They are ideal when space is limited on the desk, but not when our work involves the use of numbers.

65% - 60% Keyboards

60% keyboards are the most common of those that use percentages to indicate their size compared to a full-size keyboard. They usually have 62 keys while missing the F-keys, arrow keys, "Home" and "Delete" keys.

Keypad & Numpad keyboards

The keypad are small keyboards with specific keys designed for gaming. They can usually be programmed with macro commands.

The Numpad keyboards are the numeric keyboards for those who want to add it to a laptop that doesn't have one or for more specialized work with numeric keys.  

At Skroutz you will find keyboards with all the above features. You can choose from the category Keyboards or from the category Gaming Keyboards.

Don't forget! Taking into account the above individual characteristics and combining those that suit your needs and usage with your keyboard, you can come to the ideal choice for you. Before you decide, you can also take a look at the reviews of other users, in order to see their opinion and experience, which can help you reach a final decision much more easily.

Did you see the features? See which are the best keyboards for 2024!