Types of computer keyboard on the market today comprise the original wired keyboard and the Wireless keyboards. The latter do away with the wires and come in two flavors: Bluetooth and RF (WiFi). Both types come with their pros and cons as we are about to find out.
These two types of computer keyboard actually go neck and neck when pitted against each other. Each has its own unique attributes which endear users. Wired USB keyboards are everywhere, so much so that we don’t give them much thought. We just use them by default, the same way we use 5400 RPM hard drives that ship with our computers as it’s what’s there already. Below are some the reasons they differ:
Clutter/Mobility [1-0]: The most obvious relief you get once you cut the umbilical cord attaching your wired keyboard to your computer is a clutter-free workspace. Say bye-bye to entanglements exacerbated by even more wires for those who also own wired mice. An added bonus is the extra reach a wireless keyboard has on its wired cousin. The mobility means that you don’t always have to be within striking distance of your PC to get any work done.
USB ports [2-0]: Save the case of built-in keyboards on laptops, a wired keyboard decommissions at least one USB port at all times. The addition of a wired mouse will take that two USB ports gone before you even get started. This doesn’t leave much room for plugging in other peripherals you might require in your line of work. A wireless Bluetooth keyboard wallops its wireless RF cousin along with the wired USB variant hands down.
Lag/Latency [3-1]: You’ll soon get acquainted with by words such as lag and latency if you frequent gamer forums. These two are a big deal where split-second reactions are a matter of life and death (or one of many lives). In this round, we’ll call a tie with the wired USB keyboard. Cheaper wireless keyboards are often not up to scratch when it comes to latency and lag. Many commentators in forums though are often feeding on old expired info-dumps, but sorry to break it to you, the new-age wireless keyboards, for the most part, have no noticeable lag, as far as we can tell. Technology has come a long way and this is one aspect it has shone a glorious light. For this reason, each gets a point. Hurrah!
Interference [3-2]: Most wireless RF keyboards use a radio frequency of 2.4GHz same as wireless mice and other various devices. At some point, there’s bound to be some interference. The same thing applies to Bluetooth keyboards. While a rarity, it can’t be ignored when it does happen. A wired keyboard faces no such limitation. This once-in-a-blue-moon interference shouldn’t be an issue for regular wireless keyboard users. But to a gamer, that’s second after second of eternal agony.
Power Usage/Batteries [3-3]: Any wireless device requires a power source as we very well know. This can be in the form of rechargeable/non-rechargeable batteries. A simple act such as recharging a wireless keyboard can become a chore especially if you’re as forgetful as I am. As for non-rechargeable batteries, those are just darn annoying. What’s to stop me from going mental and hurling the offending wireless board when it runs out of batteries when I need it most? At this point, wired keyboards don’t even need to up their game to properly woo me back.
Cost/Price [4-4]: Wired keyboards are dirt cheap, same as wired computer mice. After all, computer manufacturers have to draw a line somewhere and they do depend on you using their devices. However, wireless keyboards are fast catching up, that the prices won’t be much different for entry-level keyboards. However, as is the way of the world, quality improves greatly once you get device manufacturers to smile their way to the bank. Looking to get a good computer keyboard? Remit some money and whether wired or wireless and you’ll experience true artisanship.
To sum up, the pros and cons of a wired and wireless mouse are as following:
Wired Keyboard:
Pros:
Cons:
Wireless Keyboard
Pros:
Cons: