Computer Keyboard Buying Guide

Like the mouse, the keyboard is an indispensable computer accessory. Whether it is the daily office or e-sports games, the keyboard plays a huge role. So what is a keyboard? What are the types of keyboards? How to choose the right keyboard? In this guide, you will find the answer.

What is computer keyboard?

Keyboard is a kind of instruction and data input device used to operate the equipment, and also refers to a set of function keys arranged by the system to operate a machine or equipment. Keyboard is the most commonly used and the most important input device, through the keyboard can input English letters, numbers, punctuation marks into the computer or tablets  so as to issue commands to the computer, input data, and so on.

Types of computer keyboard

The computer keyboard is developed from the typewriter keyboard and can be divided into 101 keys, 104 keys and 87 keys according to the number of keys on the keyboard.

 At present, there are three kinds of keyboards on the market. The common keyboards are mechanical keyboards. Film keyboard, and capacitive keyboard are not very common.

 In addition, the keyboard is divided into wired and wireless. Wired keyboard is the most common and common connection mode, its advantage is that the price is relatively low, the power supply from the host computer does not need additional power supply, and the signal transmission is stable and not easy to be disturbed. The disadvantage is that the scope of use is restricted by the length of the keyboard connection, it is not convenient to use in some situations, and improper use (such as excessive drag) will cause the internal circuit of the keyboard connection to break or short circuit with the internal contacts of the keyboard.

What are the parts of a computer keyboard?

Keyboard housing.
Some keyboards are fixed in the two parts of the keyboard panel and the base by using the technology of plastic hidden hook to realize the design without metal screws. So be careful not to damage it when decomposing.

Keyboard.
In order to meet the needs of different users, the conventional keyboard has CapsLock (case locking), NumLock (numeric keypad lock) and ScrollLock (scroll lock key) three indicators (some wireless keyboards have omitted these three indicators) to mark the current status of the keyboard. These indicators are generally located in the upper-right corner of the keyboard, but some keycaps use built-in indicators, which makes it easier to judge the current state of the keyboard, but the process is relatively complex, so most ordinary keyboards do not use this design. No matter how the keyboard form changes or the basic key arrangement remains basically unchanged, it can be divided into main keyboard area, Num digital auxiliary keyboard area, F key function keyboard area, control key area, and shortcut keypad area for multi-function keyboard.

Keyboard circuit board.
The keyboard circuit board is the control core of the whole keyboard, which is located in the interior of the keyboard and is mainly used for keystroke scanning identification, coding and transmission interface.

Key cap.
The reverse side of the key cap is the key plunger, which is directly related to the life of the keyboard, and its friction coefficient is directly related to the feel of the key.

In general, there are four techniques for the printing of keycaps:
a. Ink printing technology
b. Laser etching technology
c. Secondary forming technology
d. Thermal sublimation printing technology.

7 things to consider before buying a computer keyboard

1. The touch of the keyboard.

The feel is mainly determined by the degree of resistance of the key press. Judging the feel of a keyboard will be tested from the following aspects: 

- Whether the elastic force of the key is moderate;

- Whether the force of the key is uniform;

- Whether the key cap is loose or shaking, and whether the key range is appropriate. 

Although different users have different requirements for the elasticity and range of keys, a high-quality keyboard should be able to meet the habits of the vast majority of users in these aspects, and the uniform force of keys and the firmness of the key cap must be guaranteed, otherwise it may lead to key jams or make users feel tired.

2. The appearance of the keyboard.

Appearance includes the color and shape of the keyboard, a beautiful and stylish keyboard will add a lot of color to your desktop or tablet  and a staid keyboard will make your work more boring. Therefore, for the keyboard, as long as you think it is beautiful, like and practical.

3. Keyboard workmanship.

The surface and corners of a good keyboard are exquisite and delicate. The letters and symbols on the keycap are usually carved by laser machine  and the hands feel concave and convex. When you choose and buy, carefully check whether the handwriting printed on the key position is engraved on it. It is not the kind of directly printed with ink, because the handwriting of this kind of keyboard will fall off in a short time. Don't have sharp corners of the keyboard. The regular keyboard has three indicators: CapsLock (letter case lock), NumLock (numeric keypad lock) and ScrollLock.

4. Keyboard key layout.

Although there is a standard for the distribution of keys on the keyboard, various manufacturers still have room for manoeuvre on this standard. First-class manufacturers can use his experience to arrange keyboard keys to be more considerate to users, while small manufacturers can only follow the most basic standards, and even make keyboards with poor key distribution because of poor quality.

5. Keyboard noise.

It is believed that all users hate the noise caused by tapping the keyboard, especially those who are still working, playing and surfing the Internet late at night, so a good keyboard must make sure that it only produces less noise when tapping at high speed. It doesn't affect other people's rest.

6. Keyboard key position conflict.

In daily life, we more or less play some games, when playing games, there will be some continuous use of key combinations, then this requires these keyboards to have these game keys do not conflict.

7. The length, width and height of the keyboard. (a must-read for a computer desk).

When we buy a keyboard, measure the length, width and height of the computer keyboard placed on the computer desk before buying it.