How to choose a keyboard?

Computer keyboards are not fundamentallyhave changed since the time of their invention. True, now they can perform many more different functions. Keyboards, besides standard keys, now also contain multimedia keys, which allow you to launch various applications from the keyboard, perform various actions with multimedia files.

So, let's start choosing a keyboard. What is important to consider? First, the choice of this or that keyboard model is affected by the range of tasks for which it is intended. The keyboard, which contains only standard keys (alphabetic, numeric block, functional F1-F12, etc.) - the most "simple", but also the most inexpensive. This keyboard is great for solving most common tasks: typing, working on the Internet, etc.

Multimedia Keyboard, as already mentioned, makes it easier to work with differentmultimedia applications, because it contains sound control buttons, for example, or the "scrolling" buttons for video files. Standing like a keyboard is more expensive than standard ones.

Game (gamer) keyboards optimized for work in game mode. Such keyboards can contain keys useful for the gamer and even a small screen on which useful information will be displayed.

The next factor that influences the choice of the keyboard is its technical parameters. For example, the mechanism of the keyboard keys. There are three main types of key mechanism:

• membrane


• mechanical


• semi-mechanical

Act membrane keyboards based on the closure of two membranes when pressedkeys. The return of the key is due to the rubber dome. This design protects the keyboard contacts from spilled coffee, for example, since they are all located on the inside of a special plastic film.

AT semi-mechanical keyboards more durable metal contacts are used than in membrane ones. The key is also reset using a rubber dome.

Mechanical Keyboards The least protected from spillage of liquids or dust. The return of the keys in them occurs due to the action of the spring. The advantage of mechanical keyboards is their durability.

Directly for the user, it may not be the mechanism of the keys themselves, but the tactile parameters of the keyboard, such as the stiffness of the keys and the stroke length.

Hardness of the keyboard is determined by the force with which to press onkey for its operation. The optimum value is 55 g. If the keyboard is excessively hard, then typing the text on it is inconvenient - you have to push too hard on the keys. A too soft keyboard provokes a set of extra characters even with a slight pressure on the keys.

For many users, the presence of so-called keyboard clique - a characteristic click when you press the keys. This click is convenient for typing, because it allows you to accurately feel the keystroke.

Interface connection keyboard to the computer - another importantparameter. The standard port for connecting the keyboard is PS / 2. The USB interface is also used. For some users, a special wireless keyboard will be useful.

Ergonomic keyboard is also important in terms of ease of use. The so-called ergonomic keyboards contain the same standard set of keys as the usual ones, but they are performed taking into account the maximum convenience for the dialer. This problem is very relevant, because people who type large volumes of texts often suffer from diseases of the hands - from their uncomfortable location.