How do you choose the best keyboard for you?
Which keyboard layout is the most suitable for you?
QWERTZ
A QWERTZ layout of the keyboard is common in German-speaking countries. You have a keyboard like this if the keys of the top row state Q-W-E-R-T-Z. These keyboards are also different from other keyboard layouts like QWERTY because of the umlaut-keys and the "ß". Choose this keyboard layout if you mostly type in German.
QWERTY
The QWERTY layout is the most common layout internationally. You have a keyboard like this if the keys on the top row state Q-W-E-R-T-Y. In contrast to the QWERTZ layout that's popular in Germany, the QWERTY keyboards don't have umlauts and the keys for punctuation marks are divided differently. Choose this layout if you type more texts in English than in German. You can change the keyboard settings on your computer to still type with a German layout in case this is necessary.
Types of keys
Mechanical keys
You don't have to press down mechanical keys (switches) all the way to register a keystroke. A light keystroke will already be registered. Thanks to this, you can type a lot faster and easier. This type of key is suitable for working for hours. There are different types of switches, like brown, blue, red, and black. Blue switches are the most suitable for typing. With a keystroke on blue switches, you'll hear a clear clicking sound that tells you that you hit a key.
- Suitable for typing for a long time back to back.
- Often more expensive than membrane keyboards.
Membrane keys
With membrane keyboards, the key has to be pressed down all the way before the keyboard can register a keystroke. That's because the key is located under a bouncy piece of rubber. The rubber allows the button to bounce back after you press it down. That's why this type of key isn't ideal for typing all day long. But to type a report or email, these keys have a suitable keystroke. That's because you won't use the keyboard for hours back to back with this.
- The price.
- Less suitable for typing for a long time back to back.
Wired keyboards
You can choose a wired keyboard when you don't feel like replacing the batteries all the time. A wired keyboard is more energy-efficient than a wireless keyboard with Bluetooth or USB receiver. But, a wired keyboard has some disadvantages as well. You'll have a cable on your desk that might tangle up with the rest of your cables. In addition, you're limited in the distance from your monitor and desktop due to the length of the wire. If you place your desktop on the ground, the wire needs to be long enough to place it on the desk wherever you want.
- You won't have to replace batteries
- Energy-efficient
- Limited space
Wireless keyboards
With a wireless keyboard, you won't be bothered with an extra wire that creates even more cable chaos on your desk. For example, with cables of your PC speakers, mouse, monitor, and more. You can choose how far away you want to sit from your monitor and desktop yourself. A Bluetooth connection or connection via a USB receiver uses more energy than a wired connection. The disadvantage of a wireless keyboard is that you'll have to replace the batteries once every so often.
- Not limited in space.
- Few wires on your desk.
- You'll have to replace the batteries.
Business keyboards
For the business use of a keyboard, it's important a keyboard has a light keystroke and is ergonomic. In addition, the security of your digital personal information and ideas is also important. At the office, you'll use a keyboard with AES-encryption. A numeric pad is also nice if you work in sheets with a lot of data.
- Suitable for typing for a long time back to back.
- Secure typed ideas (AES).
- Only secured wirelessly.
Ergonomic keyboards
When you're typing all day long at work, you don't want to get wrist and finger complaints. There are specially designed keyboard for this, where ergonomics was taken into account. Think about a wrist rest or a keyboard layout where the keys aren't placed in a straight line or were split.
- Suitable for typing for a long time back to back.
- Prevents possible wrist complaints.
- Takes some time to get used to the new shape.
Multimedia keyboards
In order to easily control music and videos, choose a keyboard with multimedia shortcuts. With these keys, you can control the volume or skip a song with a single keystroke. In addition, a wireless keyboard with touchpad is also useful to control a smart TV. With a touchpad, you can easily navigate through all the series and movies on Netflix. All of this without a remote or mouse.
- Easy controls for media.
- Has a touchpad.
- No numeric pad.
Coolblue's Choice
Can't decide? Check out the keyboards selected by our experts from Coolblue's Choice. These keyboards stand out in their range and also offer the current best value for money.
