What To Know
- Are you a casual user, a gamer, a writer, or a professional who works with data entry.
- If you’re on a tight budget but still want a quality external keyboard, the Redragon K552-RGB is a great option.
- It offers a comfortable typing experience, RGB lighting, and a durable build at an affordable price.
If you’re looking to elevate your typing experience and create a truly personalized workspace, an external keyboard is a must-have. But with so many options available, finding the best keyboard for external use can feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you navigate the world of external keyboards, exploring different types, features, and considerations to find the perfect match for your needs. Whether you’re a gamer, a writer, or simply someone who values comfort and efficiency, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding Your Needs: The Foundation of Choice
Before diving into specific keyboard recommendations, it’s crucial to understand your individual needs and preferences.
- What’s your budget? External keyboards range from budget-friendly options to premium models with advanced features.
- What type of user are you? Are you a casual user, a gamer, a writer, or a professional who works with data entry? This will help determine the type of keyboard layout, key switches, and features you need.
- What’s your preferred connection type? Most external keyboards connect via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless receivers.
- Do you need additional features? Backlighting, media keys, macro keys, and ergonomic designs are all features to consider.
Mechanical vs. Membrane: The Switch Showdown
The type of key switch is a major determining factor in keyboard feel and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the two main types:
- Mechanical Keyboards: Known for their tactile feedback, responsiveness, and durability, mechanical keyboards offer a more satisfying typing experience. Each keystroke is distinct, providing a satisfying “click” or “thunk” sound. Mechanical switches come in various types, including:
- Linear: Smooth and consistent, with no tactile bump. Popular for gaming.
- Tactile: Offers a tactile bump, providing feedback without a loud click. Ideal for typing.
- Clicky: Combines tactile feedback with a distinct clicking sound. Popular for writers.
- Membrane Keyboards: These keyboards are typically more affordable than mechanical keyboards, but they lack the tactile feedback and responsiveness. They offer a softer, quieter typing experience, but may feel mushy and less precise.
The Power of Layout: Making the Right Choice
The layout of a keyboard refers to the arrangement of keys. The most common layout is the QWERTY, but other layouts exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
- QWERTY: The standard layout used in most countries, familiar to most users.
- Dvorak: Designed for increased typing speed and efficiency, but requires a learning curve.
- Colemak: Another alternative layout that aims to improve typing speed and reduce strain.
- Ergonomic: These keyboards are designed to reduce strain on wrists and hands. They often feature a split design or curved key arrangement.
Best Keyboards for External Use: A Curated Selection
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of the best keyboards for external use in various categories:
Best Overall: Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard
The Logitech MX Keys offers a premium typing experience with a comfortable, ergonomic design. Its backlit keys, multi-device connectivity, and smart features make it an excellent choice for professionals and creative individuals.
- Pros: Exceptional typing experience, comfortable design, backlit keys, multi-device connectivity, smart features.
- Cons: Relatively expensive.
Best for Gaming: Corsair K65 RGB Mini
For gamers who prioritize performance and responsiveness, the Corsair K65 RGB Mini is a top contender. Its compact design, mechanical key switches, and vibrant RGB lighting make it a formidable gaming companion.
- Pros: Compact design, mechanical key switches, vibrant RGB lighting, excellent performance.
- Cons: Lack of dedicated media keys, no wrist rest.
Best for Writers: Keychron K2
The Keychron K2 is a popular choice among writers due to its comfortable typing experience and customizable features. Its mechanical key switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, and its compact design makes it perfect for a minimalist workspace.
- Pros: Comfortable typing experience, customizable features, compact design, affordable price.
- Cons: No dedicated media keys.
Best Budget-Friendly: Redragon K552-RGB
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a quality external keyboard, the Redragon K552-RGB is a great option. It offers a comfortable typing experience, RGB lighting, and a durable build at an affordable price.
- Pros: Affordable price, comfortable typing experience, RGB lighting, durable build.
- Cons: Membrane key switches, no dedicated media keys.
Best for Productivity: Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard
The Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard is designed to promote comfort and reduce strain during long typing sessions. Its split design and curved key arrangement help to align wrists and hands in a neutral position.
- Pros: Ergonomic design, comfortable typing experience, dedicated media keys, Bluetooth connectivity.
- Cons: Relatively expensive.
Best for Mac Users: Apple Magic Keyboard
For Apple users who value seamless integration, the Apple Magic Keyboard is a natural choice. Its sleek design, scissor-switch keys, and intuitive features provide a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
- Pros: Sleek design, scissor-switch keys, intuitive features, seamless integration with Apple devices.
- Cons: Relatively expensive, no dedicated media keys.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Features
While the core features of a keyboard are essential, additional features can enhance your typing experience and productivity.
- Backlighting: Backlit keys make typing easier in low-light conditions.
- Media Keys: Dedicated media keys allow you to control music playback, volume, and other multimedia functions without interrupting your work.
- Macro Keys: Programmable macro keys allow you to assign complex commands to a single keystroke, increasing efficiency.
- Ergonomic Design: Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain on wrists and hands, promoting comfort and preventing injuries.
Finding Your Perfect Match: A Final Thought
Choosing the best keyboard for external use is a personal decision, based on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, typing style, desired features, and connection type to narrow down your options.
By carefully evaluating the factors discussed above, you can find a keyboard that elevates your typing experience and enhances your productivity. Happy typing!
What You Need to Learn
What’s the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards offer a more tactile and responsive typing experience due to their individual key switches, while membrane keyboards are typically more affordable but lack the same level of feedback.
What type of key switch is best for gaming?
Linear switches are generally preferred for gaming due to their smooth and consistent actuation, allowing for faster keystrokes.
What type of key switch is best for writing?
Tactile switches or clicky switches are often preferred for writing, as they provide a tactile bump or click that helps users know when a keystroke has been registered.
What is a keyboard layout, and why is it important?
A keyboard layout refers to the arrangement of keys. The most common layout is QWERTY, but other layouts exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right layout can impact typing speed and comfort.
What are some features to look for in an ergonomic keyboard?
Ergonomic keyboards often feature a split design or curved key arrangement to promote a neutral wrist and hand position, reducing strain and promoting comfort.
