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So, if you’re not too sure what type of keyboard is best for you, then check out Comet’s top keyboard buying tips below.
What type of keyboard is best for me?
A keyboard can make an enormous difference to your computing experience. In fact, a good, high-quality keyboard can even protect you from injury (e.g. repetitive strain injury).
The key is to find one that suits your style of typing and what you’ll be using it for (e.g. office work, gaming etc).
Wired vs wireless
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is between a wired or wireless keyboard.
Which option is right for you? Well, it very much depends on what you’ll be using it for!
If you’re going to be spending your time working at a desk, typing throughout the day, then it’s often easiest to buy a wired keyboard. They are typically at the cheaper end of the price spectrum and don’t require you to find batteries or charge them up.
Here at Comet, you’ll find wired keyboards from a whole host of brands; HP, Kensington, Veho, and Cherry are just a few of the brands on offer.
But, what about wireless keyboards? They have a number of benefits, a) they help to eliminate clutter from your desk space b) they’re easier to pick and take with you if you often work on the move, and c) can be easier to position for ergonomic comfort.
Whilst the price differential is less than it used to be, wireless keyboards are often more expensive than their wired counterparts.
Mechanical vs membrane?
Another important decision you’ll have to make is whether you want a mechanical keyboard or a membrane keyboard. And, there’s a BIG difference between the two!
Membrane keyboards have pretty much been the ‘default’ keyboard across the home and office computing industry for the past decade.
As the name suggests - membrane keyboards are keyboards that use two sheets of rubbery material pressed together. In between the two sheets are small cavities - on each side of which are parts of a circuit. When these cavities are depressed (by a key above), the connection closes and thus the computer receives a key input.
That’s a bit technical, isn’t it? To put it more simply, membrane keyboards are keyboards that don’t have keys in the traditional sense - they instead have pressure pads that interact with the membrane below.
The benefit of membrane keyboards is that they are cheap, have little to no parts that can break, and are often pretty resistant to dust, detritus and other bits that can make their way into keyboards.
Sounds good, but what’s the drawback? Membrane keyboards don’t really offer a tactile, enjoyable typing experience - many people describe them as ‘squishy’ or ‘bouncy’.
That’s why recent years have seen the re-emergence of mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards differ from membrane keyboards in that they use ‘mechanical switches’ to activate the keys. This provides a very tactile, ‘clicky’ typing experience that is favoured by writers and gamers alike.
These mechanical switches operate on the basis of two copper contacts. These are positioned next to each other - and when the keys are not depressed - they are separate. However, when a key is pressed, this pushes a piece of plastic down (known as the stem) which causes the copper contacts to touch - thus completing the circuit. Once the key is no longer depressed, a spring returns it to its original position.
Here at Comet, you’ll find both membrane and mechanical keyboards. Simply check out the product description to see what type you are looking at!
Keyboard design
You’ll no doubt have noticed that keyboards are available in a number of different designs, shapes and dimensions.
This is deliberate.
In addition to your standard, traditional, full-size rectangular keyboards, you can buy a number of other types:
- Ergonomic keyboards - ergonomic keyboards are designed to provide maximum support to the user’s hands and wrists whilst typing. Their design will typically see the keys split and angled into two distinct sections. These keyboards often have a raised and gently curved area below the keys to provide further wrist support.
- Mini keyboards - as the name suggests, these are like scaled-down versions of regular keyboards. They are ideal for people who often compute on the go and need a separate keyboard they can stash in a bag.
- Folding keyboards - similar to mini keyboards, folding keyboards are designed to make travel easy, allowing the user to quickly put the keyboard away when needed.
Keyboard and mouse sets
Don’t overlook the fact that many brands offer amazing-value keyboard and mouse sets!
With a keyboard and mouse set you’ll not only save money, but you’ll ensure you get a keyboard and mouse that are perfectly compatible with each other (they’ll also share the same aesthetic, keeping everything consistent).
And, don’t think that keyboard and mouse sets are restricted to cheap membrane keyboards and wired mice. It’s now possible to buy great-quality wireless keyboard and mouse sets that’ll keep your desk space looking minimalist and sleek. So, if you’re looking for the best wireless keyboard and mouse set, you needn’t look any further!
Comet: the one-stop keyboard shop
Make typing a joy with a new keyboard from Comet. From budget to premium, we’ve got keyboard options for all wallets - encompassing brands as varied as Logitech and Targus to gaming giants like MSI and Cherry.
But, aside from that - we make it easy for you to pick up your perfect keyboard with our flexible payment options. Choose PayPal Credit or Klarna Pay in 3 and spread the cost over three, interest-free payments.
And, if you want your new keyboard sooner rather than later, choose our express delivery option.
Oh, and before you go, have you signed up to our mailing list? If you do, you’ll be the first to hear about our exclusive deals and discounts…