The ever-growing popularity of laptops has led to manufacturers creating thinner, lighter models that do not have built-in keyboards. Rather, these thin-profile computers use peripherals such as touchscreens or external keyboard/mouse combos to offer full functionality.
In fact, many laptops now rely almost entirely on using an internal touchscreen input device along with only one dedicated button for navigation or exiting out of applications. More advanced devices even completely eliminate the need for a mouse by allowing for seamless cursor movement and clicking via your finger!
However, because these mobile computer solutions typically lack a traditional keyboard, there are sometimes issues when users want to take their laptops somewhere where they cannot connect to a wired network. This is particularly true if the user wants to actually type something or perform other tasks that require fast typing.
Fortunately, technology has found a solution to this problem – wireless keyboards! A wireless keyboard does not attach directly to the laptop like a normal keyboard would, instead transmitting data through a wireless connection. Technically speaking, some describe them as being “self-contained” since they do not depend on connecting to another device.
This article will talk about what types of wireless keyboards exist, why people may choose one over the other, and whether or not either is better than the other.
Wireless keyboards can be cumbersome
With every new technology, there are always initial costs to adopt it. This is particularly true when investing in durable, heavy equipment that you will need to use frequently. Luckily, wireless keyboard options have become very accessible recently!
Mostly, these consist of paying an extra price for a pre-packaged deal or buying directly from the manufacturer’s website. The cost is usually around the same, if not less than what you would pay at a brick-and-mortar store.
This article will discuss some important features of wired versus wireless keyboards so that you know which one is right for you. However, before reading, make sure you have done your research and read our article about why people begin using remotes.
Wireless keyboards have a shorter battery life
Recent developments in wireless technology have allowed for thinner, more lightweight laptops with integrated touch-capacitive screens that do not require an attached keyboard to work. Because these laptop computers already have an input device (the touchscreen), manufacturers now include a separate Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-connected keyboard so you can use it when you don’t have access to a computer.
These are sometimes called “wireless” keyboards because they transmit data via either Bluetooth or WiFi connections instead of requiring a cable to connect to a nearby computer.
Because they are designed to be used close to your computer or other equipment, they usually have longer battery lives than thicker, heavier-wired models. This means you will need to reattach the keyboard-less frequently, making them more practical if you are only using it occasionally.
USB keyboards are heavier
Many people use their computer with their hands so they need a good quality keyboard to type comfortably. Because most wireless keyboards are designed to be used closer than 15 inches from your laptop or desktop, they do not require an additional cover for typing as older wired models did.
USB keyboards typically have thicker cases due to all of the extra components that go into them. These include batteries, circuit boards, and radio transmitters. A case this thick is heavy which can make it difficult to take the device out every time you want to use it.
This could become very annoying if you wanted to use the keyboard frequently while working or gaming. The weight can also cause hand fatigue as users will be holding the unit longer.
Wireless keyboards have a higher price tag
While some people may consider the additional cost of a wireless keyboard unnecessary, most use it at least twice a week! That is why there are so many varieties to pick from.
Mostly, they are designed to connect directly to your computer or laptop via Wi-Fi. This makes them way more convenient as you do not need to find an outlet to charge them nor does someone else need to be near a computer to use them.
Some can even be used without being connected to a device, but this will limit how long it can work before it needs to be recharged.
They both have the same functionality
There is not much difference between the two. Both can be used to connect to a computer or device and use as a keyboard. The main differences are in how they are connected to your computer or device and if they have built-in wireless capability.
A wired keyboard connects directly to your laptop or desktop via an input port. This allows for faster connection but may require you to have access to a cable of some sort.
Wireless keyboards do not need a direct connection with your computer or device. Instead, they transmit signals through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology.
USB keyboards have a higher quality
Some people believe that wireless keyboard and mouse sets are better than wired ones because they say you do not need to connect a cable to use them. However, this is only true if you expect to use the device for a short time.
The reason why most people get this false impression is the fact that expensive wireless equipment can seem very attractive.
Mostly, these products contain a dongle that connects to your computer via USB or Bluetooth. This allows it to be used as a peripheral but also needs to be recharged after using it for long periods of time.
Wireless keyboards require a signal
Recent developments in wireless technology have allowed manufacturers to create truly wireless (no cable connection needed) keyboards. These are typically referred to as Bluetooth-capable or Wi-Fi capable, but sometimes they are just called “wireless”.
Many people use these types of keyboards every day due to their ease of use. All you need to do is pair it with your device using Bluetooth or WiFi and you are ready to go!
Most people know that there is an expensive premium keyboard market segment that includes backlit models and mechanical switches. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford this type of keyboard, so most users will be using either the very cheapest version or no keyboard at all!
There is one more level beyond expensive though, and that is the wireless model. A wireless keyboard does not require a cable to work, making it easier to put away when it detects that you are done typing. Some even have integrated screens that make viewing content much simpler.
This article will discuss the different types of wireless keyboards and what features they offer.
USB keyboards have a higher portability
There are two main reasons why most people choose a wireless keyboard over a wired one. The first is size. Most wireless keyboards are much thinner than wired ones, making them more portable. You can also easily pack your computer bag without having to check if your wired keyboard goes with it!
The second reason is convenience. Many of these products connect directly to your laptop or computer, so you don’t need to find an outlet to use them. They usually work pretty well too, as they aren’t connected via cable to a base station like a desktop mouse would be.
However, there is a difference between wire-free and totally wireless mice and keyboards. A few companies still offer wired versions of their product, which we will discuss shortly. These are referred to as “wireless” because they communicate using radio waves instead of cables, but they lack some features that make their design special.
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