Keyboards

The keyboard is the device you touch most often, so a good choice is felt every day – when typing, working with spreadsheets, or gaming. Here you will find wired and wireless models, compact and full-size keyboards, as well as sets with a mouse for home and office.

How to choose

• Key type. Membrane keyboards are quiet and affordable. The low profile and scissor mechanism resemble a laptop and are pleasant for long typing. Mechanical keyboards provide clear feedback and last long, but are usually noisier.
• Size. A full-size keyboard has a numeric pad – convenient for accounting and spreadsheets. TKL lacks a numeric pad and frees up space for the mouse. The 75%, 65%, and 60% formats are even more compact and suitable for small desks.
• Connection. Wired models are simply plug and play. Wireless ones work with a small USB receiver or Bluetooth. Models with multiple modes switch between computer, tablet, and phone with one button.
• Ergonomics. Ergonomic keyboards with a split or curved shape reduce wrist strain during long work sessions.
• Mouse set. If you are upgrading an office computer, a keyboard and mouse set with a common receiver is the easiest choice.

What to watch out for

• Check if the labels are in Cyrillic – some models only have Latin characters.
• For wireless models, see if they charge or use batteries and how long they last.
• A low keyboard with a wrist rest is more comfortable for long typing than a high one without support.
• Multimedia keys for sound and music save time if you use them often.
• Key backlighting helps when working in the evening and in darker rooms, but in wireless models, it drains the battery faster.
• If you type a lot, try different types of keys – comfort is personal and does not always match the price.

Compatibility

Keyboards work with Windows, macOS, and Linux immediately after connection. Bluetooth models connect to tablets and phones, while multi-mode ones remember several devices. On Mac, some keys have different functions, so if you primarily work with Apple, look for a model with a layout for macOS. Wireless models with a USB receiver usually work in BIOS as well, even before the system loads, while Bluetooth keyboards typically connect only after that. If you game, check out gaming keyboards, and for a complete set, add a suitable mouse.