Laser Virtual Keyboard - Yes, it's real

Several weeks ago, we brought you the article Your Keyboard is Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat.  For some of you, cleaning that old keyboard became a top priority and the Clorox wipes probably made an appearance.  For others, it might just have been easier to toss that old keyboard and purchase a new one.  After all, if you’ve been using the same one that came with your computer 5 years ago, you may have other issues that needed attention, like broken or sticking keys.  Or maybe you belong to another group of PC users completely.  Maybe you are just looking for a change or upgrade.  No matter which group you belong to, you should take a minute and read this guide for buying a new keyboard.

Buying a new keyboard my seem like a simple task, but you might be surprised to find that not all keyboards are created equal.  In a recent trip to Micro Center here in Houston, I found myself on an aisle full of these necessary components and honestly, a little overwhelmed.  There were close to 100 different options that ranged from $9.99 to almost $200.00.  I needed a new keyboard to replace my aging, frustrating hunk-of-junk that required 40 pounds of force to press the “a” and “e” keys.  Where should I start?  Why hadn’t I already researched this?  Oh, the choices!

Before stepping foot in an electronics superstore or hitting up Amazon.com, you should go through a checklist of needs and double-check your bank account balance.  Determine what you want and how much you want to spend, then get in and get out.  Here are some helpful topics to narrow down your choices and speed up your decision-making process:

Price

First and foremost, decide how much you want to spend.  If you don’t at least provide yourself a range, you might end up thinking you “need” that $200 keyboard and find yourself in hot water at home.  Buyer’s regret is not fun in a down economy.  Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

• How often do you use your keyboard? – if you only type a couple times a month, get the less expensive one.
• Is the new purchase for home use or business? – small businesses get to write off expenses, like computers and office equipment.  Keep the receipt.
• Who else will be using the keyboard? – are you the only one who will use or abuse this one?  If you have kids, a roommate and/or a spouse who likes to mistreat electronics, you might want to settle on something simple.

Connection Type

Thanks to the always-changing electronic landscape, you will be presented with several options for connection type.  First of all, do you want wired or wireless?  Wireless is more expensive, but will allow you a bit more freedom on your desktop.  Here are a few more questions to help you through connection type:

• What wireless type should you pick?
  • Radio Frequency – The 2.4 GHz bandwidth (a standard for wireless devices) is known to cause interference with wireless networks (WiFi) and other wireless devices like speakers, mice, cordless phones, baby monitors etc.
  • Bluetooth – Before you decide on Bluetooth, you should know that Bluetooth keyboards can sometimes become slower than standard keyboards.  Also Bluetooth connections may pose a security risk of data “eavesdropping.” (taken from wikipedia entry).  Also, does your computer have Bluetooth built in or will you need an adpater?

Key Layout

I cannot fully explain how frustrating a bad key layout can be.  We’re not talking the A-Z keys, but all the other keys that you use on a regular basis, like CTRL, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down…. I have a gateway laptop that is about 7 or 8 years old that I want to throw out because of the built-in keyboard.  Someone at Gateway decided to switch the standard layout by swapping the CTRL and FN keys.  So, for several years now I have been pressing FN accidentally.  Gets me every time.

• What “special” keys do you use most?
• Do you like a number pad on the side (accounting)?
• Do you use programs, like Acrobat, where Page Up and Page Down are regularly used?

Interests

IH-K230MB Keyboard from iHome

I could write about this choice for hours.  Today’s keyboard choices include setups that do much more than allow you to type.  Depending on what interests, activities or profession you have, there are keyboards designed to give you more control over the “additional functions” that you might use.  Here are a few interests that have specialized keyboards.

• Music Lovers – You have the most options by far.  Keyboards can control volume, tracks, play, pause and even contain speakers.  Some keyboards even have buttons for shuffle.
• iPod/iPhone Owners – iHome has a series of keyboards that allow you to dock your iPod/iPhone right there in the keyboard.  While they are pretty expensive, it makes it very easy to keep your device charged, synced and ready to go at all times.  You can even transfer music, photos, videos, applications and more via iTunes.
• IT/Technicians – If you find yourself on-the-go constantly, you might want a keyboard that you can take anywhere.  How about a keyboard you can roll-up and throw in a laptop bag?  Never be without your own (hopefully germ-free) keyboard that you can plug into someone’s PC/Laptop.
• Photogs – For you camera users, there are some keyboards with built in mini-USB connection cords, so you don’t have to pull the tower away from the wall or spin your laptop around to transfer photos.
• Gamers – What can I say.  If you are a gamer, this is nothing new for you.  I’ll let you write the article for that one.

Other

Your needs, along with the topics above, may get you brainstorming on some other things that you might want in a computer keyboard.  Here are a few random ideas to get you thinking and researching before you head out to the store:

• USB plugs -Are you constantly looking for a place to plug in a camera, charger, mouse or other device.  Some keyboards come with 1, 2, 3 or more USB ports for your computing needs.
• Home Entertainment PC’s – Do you have a PC connected to your television or some setup here you want to control the computer from across the room?  How about a Logitech diNovo Mini?  I have one and I absolutely love it.  You can also use it with your Playstation 3 if you want.
• Backlighting – Do you type in the dark or simply a dimly-lit room?  How about a keyboard with back-lit keys?  Wouldn’t that make it easier?

Put together your checklist and decide on an amount, then head out to make your purchase.  For you frugal shoppers out there, don’t forget to check online for price comparisons and reviews.  Personally, I like to “touch and feel” a keyboard before making a purchase, so I head into the store either way.  I can always buy online after “test-driving” it at the store.

What did I buy? My new keyboard is an Agama K-220i.  I bought my Agama because I wanted a Mac-Like keyboard, with sound controls, at a reasonable price ($19.99).  Also, I made sure that the CTRL key was exactly where it was supposed to be.  I love my new keyboard and hope to use it as I write my next 150+ articles.

Tags: Agama, bluetooth, computer, diNove Mini, guide, iHome, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, keyboard, music lover, number pad, PC, photog, purchase, Shopping, typing, USB port, wireless

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 at 9:04 am and is filed under Online Shopping, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.