Choosing a Keyboard to Meet Your Needs

Keyboards are relatively simple pieces of technology that are connected to many computers and are used at great length by many people. If you are one such person, who spends hours a day hammering at the thing, you would do well to find a keyboard that suits your needs, providing a comfortable typing experience and keeping you from getting one of those dreaded repetitive stress injuries. Here are a few suggestions and considerations for those of you thinking about getting a new keyboard.

First off, think about how much you want to spend. If your old keyboard broke and you are just looking for a simple, strait forward replacement, you needn't spend much money. You can probably get a replacement for five bucks, or at least ten. Or splurge and get a nice one for fifteen. If, however, you are looking for something a bit fancier, read on.

Most nice keyboards these days seem to be wireless, running on batteries and connecting themselves wirelessly to a piece of hardware that is plugged into your computer's USB port. I personally have never really seen the need for this feature, since keyboards are not something that really need much freedom of movement, but oh well. You will most likely be choosing between wireless keyboards. If battery life is a concern, don't worry. I've had my wireless keyboard for more than a year now, and I am still on my original set of AAs.

Another thing to consider before we get to the actual typing experience is the row of nifty little buttons that runs along the top of most fancy keyboards. These buttons allow the user to navigate the internet, play, pause, and select music, adjust the volume, and launch various programs without ever touching the mouse. These buttons are not plug and play compatible, and need their own software to work. In my experience, they are usually slower than just using the mouse, but then again they do look cool.

Alright. Onto the real factors. The two main factors that affect the feel of a keyboard are the action of the keys and their layout. As far as action goes, different kinds of keys require different amounts of pressure to push, and respond differently when pushed. Some click, some don't, some go down easily, some require more pressure. In my experience, keys that take less pressure are usually better, as they allow you to go faster. However, watch out for keyboards whose keys take too little pressure. Some are such that you are not really sure that the keystroke registered at all. It is nice to have at least enough response to know you hit the key. Try them all.

As for layout, there are a number of considerations. Do you want one of those fancy ergonomic keyboards? You know, the ones with the two separate halves? Chances are you don't. While keyboards like this claim to reduce stress on your hands, they often cause you to modify your technique, in practice having the opposite effect. Of course, you may find you like them. If this is the case, then by all means! Go for it.

Spacing of the keys is another factor to take into consideration. Keys on most desktop keyboards are relatively far apart, with a lot of space in between. Many people who grew up with typewriters like these, as they are familiar. Some people, myself included, however, prefer closer spaced keyboards, like laptop keyboards. Although some find them restrictive, others find it possible to go quicker on them, as the keys are closer together. Many fancier desktop keyboards have closer spaced keys for this reason.

That said, the best way to find out what is best for you is to try them all. Go to a computer store and type on all the demo keyboards. Buy one with a return policy, and see what you think. Get something you like! You will spend a lot of time using it.