Issue 25.15
Last time we looked at the options available with mice (mouses?). While there is less variety in the keyboard world, it is good to know that there are options that might be interesting to our readers.
The basic keyboard that comes with most new or used computers is pretty cheap but fairly functional. You can replace them with a similar keyboard for under $25 – sometimes as low as $10 from some online sources. Added features usually add to the price and there are quite expensive keyboards out there if you need or want what they provide.
The most common upgrade is the wireless option. These come in a variety of looks, shapes and capabilities. They usually have a small USB receiver and they always need batteries, but it is nice to not have cables all over and be able to sit back a ways from the computer and still type if you have a large screen. Many of the options noted below are also available in the wireless versions, usually for additional cost. A basic wireless keyboard will usually run around $40, but with more bells and whistles you can expect to pay $60 to $100 and I have seen some in the $200 range. Those that use Bluetooth instead of standard wireless are a bit more expensive as well.
Other options include larger, more visible letters on the keys, ergonomic shapes like the “wave” that put less stress on your wrists, lighted keys, split keyboards (also an ergonomic feature that separates the keyboard into two halves – one for each hand), sound and media controls, built in microphones or speakers, trackballs or joystick buttons, touch pads and a variety of function key systems including programmable keys that can execute macros (series of commands or actions) and other fun actions.
All of these cost additional dollars of course and some are hard to find, but if they are important to you, the options are available. The ones I find most useful are the lighted keys (when typing under low light conditions) and the ergonomic features that keep my wrists from getting tired when I have a lot of typing to do.
A couple of other options that are cool and interesting are the roll-up keyboard which comes on a flexible rubberized base that you can roll up and stick in your bag or large pocket, and the new laser sensor keyboard that I saw at a recent electronics show. You simply place a small device on your desk and it projects a keyboard onto the surface. As you “type” where the “keys” are, the device translates that action and sends the result to your computer. It’s like typing on a touch-screen but you can move it wherever you like as long as you have a clear flat surface to place the device and type. The accuracy was pretty good on the one I tried out, but I felt like it was an expensive gimmick at around $200 so I didn’t get one.
As with all optional components that you interact with, I recommend trying it out rather than buying it through the internet. If that is not possible, then you have to decide whether to take the risk that it will work as you wish or if you should wait until you can try one. Happy typing – and always remember to back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.