The term ‘wireless keyboard’ is usually used to describe any device that does not need to be connected via cable or smartphone. This includes using your computer with its own internal wireless receiver, having a separate mobile phone interface, or even using a voice-activated speaker like Amazon Echo.
But what if I told you there was a type of keyboard that is both wired and wireless at the same time? What if we took away the touchpad input feature so it is only a standard full-size keyboard?
This article will talk about whether this newer style of Bluetooth keyboards are really worth the extra money. We will look at how they are marketed, and determine if they are truly versatile enough for users.
I would say no, they are not! At least not yet. Let us dive in and see why.
History of the keyboard
Before we get into whether or not buying a wireless keyboard is worth it, let’s talk about how keyboards work! The good news is that you don’t need one to type this article!
Most people are familiar with the old-fashioned “QWERTY” layout for typing. This was the standard design back in the typewriter days and still exists today (though some have changed the order of the keys).
This keyboard style is called direct distance transmission because each key presses down on its corresponding letter directly underneath it. Direct distance transmission was the most efficient way to create an early typist pool since only slightly more effort was needed to hit every key correctly.
Today though, technology has advanced so that individuals no longer need to learn this outdated method. Computers now do the heavy lifting when it comes to taking care of word processing for you!
As such, professional computer users typically use a non-direct distance transmission (NDDT) keyboard style instead. These types of keyboards transmit information via radio waves rather than having mechanical links between each button press and the next letter.
The difference in efficiency can be seen by experimenting with both! If you already know how to type, then there is no benefit from using an NDDT keyboard unless you want to try it out!
Why would someone choose a wired over a wireless keyboard?
Wireless keyboards were originally designed for mobile devices like phones and tablets.
Bluetooth keyboards
Recent trends in technology have led to more portable, wireless ways to connect with your computer or another device. These are typically referred to as “Bluetooth” devices since they rely on Bluetooth technology for connectivity.
Most people use these types of peripherals every day. For example, you may already have one!
A Bluetooth keyboard is almost exactly like an older-style wired USB keyboard. The key difference is that it does not need a separate cable to communicate with the computer.
It works by transmitting data via Bluetooth instead of using a wire connection. This can be much simpler to use than having both a wired and wireless mouse or keyboard.
However, some users find them less flexible than a normal wired keyboard due to the limited number of positions you can place the device in.
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Wireless keyboards
Technically, a wireless keyboard is not considered to be a standard wired keyboard. They are usually characterized by having shorter cables that can transmit data through radio waves instead of via wires.
Mostly, people refer to them as “Bluetooth” or “Wi-Fi” keyboards because of this technology used to connect with the computer.
The difference between the two is just how many devices each type of keyboard connects with. A Bluetooth device needs another one nearby to pair with it while a normal wire-connected keyboard does not.
This may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference for users. Some people do not like using Bluetooth due to this limitation.
Similarities between a Bluetooth keyboard and a wireless keyboard
When you use a Bluetooth device, it usually pairs with another device or system via a process called pairing.
After it is paired, you can then control the second device using commands that are sent through the first device. For example, your computer could send a command to your smartphone asking it to play a song or video.
Differences between a Bluetooth keyboard and a wireless keyboard
While both have similar features, there are some important differences that make each type of device unique. The main difference is how they connect to your smartphone or computer.
A Bluetooth-connected keyboard will pair with your device automatically via a connection tool in the app you use to communicate. You can also disconnect at any time by removing the device from the other one.
A wired (or direct) keyboard connects directly to your phone or laptop without using a middleman like Bluetooth. This removes the need for additional software to sync!
Both types of keyboards can be very helpful when used properly. It all just depends on what you want out of yours and which one fits you best.
Will my Bluetooth keyboard work with my wireless keyboard?
An additional feature that many newer keyboards have is built-in Bluetooth technology! A smartphone or computer must be paired with this device before it can be used to control the software or website you are using.
Some people refer to this as “wireless” typing, because there is no need for a cable connecting your phone to the keyboard.
Are they both safe to use?
Recent reports indicate that some people have experienced issues while using their computer with a wireless keyboard connected via Bluetooth. Some say their computers stop working or even get completely bricked when this happens.
There are several reasons why this could happen.
One of them is due to radio frequency interference (RFI) caused by poorly designed radios in your device or other devices close to yours.
If you’re experiencing such problems, we recommend giving your computer a break until it works again and testing whether these symptoms go away after changing your Bluetooth settings.
You can also try switching off RFI protection if it is available. This can be done in Settings -> System -> Manage Device Connection Settings -> Bluetooth. Then, under “Bluetooth Adapter(s)”, turn OFF Protection for De-authentication, Scan Restriction, and/or Audio Output Mode Change Requests.
Is one better than the other?
The main difference between wired and wireless keyboards is how they are connected to your computer. With a wired keyboard, there must be an exposed port or cable that connects it to your laptop or computer. This allows you to easily access the device at any time!
With wireless keyboards, however, this connection can sometimes get lost during use. If this happens, then you will need to have another way to connect so you do not waste money buying both.
This does not mean, though, that one type of keyboard is clearly superior to the other. They all offer similar features and benefits depending on what you want from yours.
The only major differences are in their convenience. Wired ones require more careful placement and maintenance, while wireless ones can ‘lose’ signal for a few seconds until they find a new receiver.
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