9/26/2019 Best Keyboard Mouse Combo For Mac Sierra
Try out one of these wireless mouse and keyboard combos The 6 Best Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Combos for All Budgets The 6 Best Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Combos for All Budgets These wireless keyboard and mouse combos will help you work and/or play without having to deal with extra clutter on your desk.
Tom Brant John Burek The Best Keyboards for 2019 Hold up your fingers: Want all 10 to be happy? Whether you're working or playing, the right keyboard is the most important part of your desk set.
Here's how to buy the right one, along with our top picks based on our latest deep-dive reviews. Put Your Finger on the Right-Fit Keyboard Maybe your trusty old keyboard has typed its last letter or absorbed its last bagel crumb. Perhaps your gaming ambitions have outstripped the mushy, mediocre typer that came with your PC.
Or maybe your hands are simply shouting: Hey, cut me some slack here! Whatever the reason, anyone can benefit from a better keyboard. After all, is any part of your computer more hands-on? Before you go shopping, though, it pays to know what makes a keyboard a good fit.
Modern models come in a bunch of subtypes, from boards optimized for typing efficiency to sculpted ergonomic designs that cradle your hands and relieve stress on the joints. Let's dig into the features to look for. Connectivity Options: Wired and Wireless The simplest way to connect a wired keyboard to your PC is via a standard USB port.
Non-gaming keyboards are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install, meaning that plugging in the keyboard cable is all the setup you'll need. Gaming keyboards, the exception, will typically work as soon as you plug them in, but come with their own software that lets you adjust features such as onboard RGB lighting and the assignment of macro keys. (More on that in a bit.) Besides transferring your keystrokes to the computer, a USB connection also powers the keyboard, so there are no batteries to worry about.
A few expensive gaming models with lots of customizable buttons and lights come with two USB cables, one for power delivery (and/or to feed extra USB ports on the keyboard itself) and one for the data connection, which means it will occupy two available USB ports. This isn't usually a problem, since you'll likely be connecting one of these keyboards to a large gaming desktop with many available USB ports.
If you want more freedom and less cable clutter on your desk, however, it's hard to beat a wireless keyboard. Wireless models transmit data to your PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a tiny USB dongle, or via a Bluetooth connection with no dongles required. Both have their pros and cons. But if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and gain the flexibility to use your keyboard at a distance—whether that be on your lap at your desk, or from across the room—wireless is the way to go.
Most wireless keyboards that use USB dongles transmit over the same 2.4GHz wireless frequency used for cordless phones and Wi-Fi routers. The dongle itself is usually a tiny rectangle—small enough to plug in and forget about. Not only is the dongle unobtrusive, but we find that the 2.4GHz signal tends to offer more stable connectivity than Bluetooth. Note that in some situations, these USB dongles can provide connectivity to more than one device, meaning you can use the single adapter for your wireless keyboard as well as a wireless mouse, assuming that both are the same brand and both support the same scheme. (Logitech, for example, refers to this single-dongle arrangement as 'Logitech Unifying'; some, but not all, of its peripherals support it.) Bluetooth options make sense in certain situations; they don't monopolize a USB port, and newer versions of Bluetooth—the current one is 5.0—are stable, easy to manage, and offer compatibility with more mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you roughly 30 feet of wireless range; we find, however, that Bluetooth keyboards tend to not match devices with a USB dongle on battery life. New innovations, including hand-proximity sensors, improve the battery life versus older Bluetooth devices, which maintained an always-on link, draining battery quickly.
Among the only major drawbacks of mainstream wireless keyboards is that few of them feature key backlighting, which hampers one of their most useful roles: controlling a home theater PC in a softly lit living room. If you do find a wireless model with backlighting, be prepared to change its batteries or recharge it frequently. Layout and Ergonomics Not all keyboards are created equal.
In fact, not all keyboards are even laid out the same beyond the standard QWERTY letter keys. Most mainstream and gaming models offer a 10-key numeric pad, which laptops frequently lack and is a necessity for anyone who needs to tally numbers or enter data into a spreadsheet. So-called 'tenkeyless' models slice off the numeric pad in the interest of space savings and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. Bear that in mind if you're looking at gaming keyboards, as tenkeyless models are a recent trend especially in that subclass. Smaller distinctions include the placement of the directional-arrow, Page Up and Down, and Home and End keys. Additionally, most current keyboards have basic media-file-control features, usually volume, play, pause, and track-change controls.
These are typically dedicated media buttons located above the numeric pad, or built into the top row of Function (Fn) keys as shared-key shortcuts. Bonus points if the keyboard maker implements the volume control as a dial or roller, like on some high-end Corsair and Das Keyboard models. To help users stave off carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury, many keyboards are available with designs that put your hands into a neutral position as you type.
The result is not only greater comfort, but reduced stress to the joints and tendons, ultimately helping you to avoid painful inflammation and the potential for worse: expensive surgery. Ergonomic features can range from the simple (padded wrist rests) to the elaborate (a key layout that is sculpted to curve and slope, or a split design). One very important ergonomic feature to look for is the ability to perform angle adjustment. This is usually accomplished by flipping out two plastic feet on the back of the keyboard to alter its angle relative to your wrists and forearms. Many keyboards—not only models designed specifically to be ergonomic—have these feet, and that it's important to experiment with them until your keyboard is flat or, ideally, angled slightly away from your wrists.
Keys and Switches: The Basics. One aspect of keyboard design that you'll see mentioned in reviews—but about which most people don't give a second thought—is the type of switches used for individual keys. You may not care about the specific mechanisms that reside beneath the keys, but you will feel the difference. The three primary types of switches are silicone dome switches, scissor switches, and mechanical switches. Most budget keyboards, such as those that come bundled with new desktop PCs, use silicone-dome switches, which use two dimpled layers of silicone membrane that form a grid of rubber bubbles or domes as the springback in the switch for each key. The springiness of the silicone rubber makes for a soft, mushy feel as you press each key.
The switch type also requires you to 'bottom out' with each keystroke, pressing the key to the bottom of the key well to type a letter. Because repeated flexing of the rubber membrane causes it to break down, silicone dome switches lose their springiness and responsiveness over time. Some newer keyboards mimic the low-profile, chiclet-style keyboards found on full-size.
While a few of these use plain silicone-dome switches, many use scissor switches, which add a mechanical stabilizer to each key for a uniform feel, and an attached plunger under each keycap allows for shorter key travel. As a result, scissor-switch keyboards have a shallow typing feel, but they are generally more durable than rubber-dome switches alone. Models That Just Click: Mechanical Keyboards Most keyboard enthusiasts, however, won't have much to say for either of the two above styles—instead, they'll be singing the praises of mechanical keyboards.
The switches used in these are a bit more intricate, with a spring-loaded sliding keypost under every key. Lots of variations are available, each tweaked to provide a slightly different feel or sound, but generally, mechanical switches provide better tactile feedback and many emit the 'clickety-clack' sound associated with typing. The sturdy switch mechanisms and springs are significantly longer-lasting, too. These switches can also register each keystroke with a much shorter amount of travel, making them ideal for touch typists. The downside to mechanical switches?
They usually require a lot more vertical space than silicone dome switches, which means the keyboards tend to be thicker. You won't often find them on shallower, low-profile keyboards. That could change now that venerable switch maker Cherry has a new low-profile mechanical switch, but the vast majority of mechanicals are chunky.
In the past, most mainstream mechanical keyboards made use of switches from Cherry Industrial, with the switches coming in various-feel MX Blue, Red, Black, and Brown varieties. (Each 'color' has a slightly different click feel, acoustic aspect, and pressure characteristic; see for a lot more detail on that.) Cherry switches are still popular, but nowadays you'll also see homebrew mechanical switches from leading keyboard makers such as Logitech and Razer, as well as 'imitation Cherry' switches, using the same color nomenclature, from makers such as Kaihua. Deep Customization: Gaming Keyboards While all keyboards offer the necessary QWERTY layout of keys for everyday typing, sometimes typing isn't your main concern. Are designed for competitive use, and they emphasize different things. Gaming boards are equipped for maximum specialization and control, optimized for specific styles of gameplay, and built to exacting standards of responsiveness and durability. They also appeal to the gamer aesthetic, with designs that impress and intimidate with pulsing backlighting and dramatic color schemes.
Premium gaming models almost exclusively use high-grade mechanical key switches and sculpted keycaps, and offer lots of customizable features, such as programmable macro keys, textured WASD keys, and swappable keycaps. Others let you tweak the color and intensity of the backlighting to make finding certain keys faster and to personalize the look of your keyboard. On cheaper boards, the backlight coloration tends to be just one hue, but as you go up the market, you get programmable RGB lighting, sometimes customizable by zone, and at the very top end, assignable by each individual key (so-called 'per-key RGB'). Anti-ghosting is an essential feature, allowing multiple keystrokes hit at the same time to be registered simultaneously—something not all standard keyboards can do. Other extras include pass-through USB ports or audio connections on the keyboard, which simplify the process of connecting peripherals to a desktop PC whose ports may be inconvenient to reach under a desk. Finally, any gaming keyboard worthy of its name comes outfitted with dedicated software and discrete keys for triggering macro commands, letting you pre-arrange complex strings of commands and activate them with a single press of a button.
The number of macro commands that you can save, and the ease with which you can create them, vary from one model to the next; our reviews are handy for summaries of this kind of software. These aren't the sorts of customization features that everyone will use from day to day, but for players who invest time and money into gaming, these keyboards offer a competitive edge. The keyboard market is vast, so start your search with our roundup below of the best keyboards available. In the market for a mouse, too?
Check out our, as well as our. Pros: Highly ergonomic split keyboard.
Cherry MX mechanical switches. Braided cords. Eight programmable keys. Three key tiers. Stores nine profiles. Cons: No dedicated media keys.
Raised feet sold separately. Keys recessed within plastic frame. Poor macro options. Can't remap key to key.
Bottom Line: The price is high, and Kinesis' configuration utility needs more work if the company wants to compete for gamers' dollars, but the Freestyle Edge's ergonomics and Cherry MX switches are truly solid.
Preview Product Things to consider when Choosing the Best Wireless Keyboard There are a few main points that you need to consider when looking at buying a wireless keyboard. What will you be using the keyboard for?
Are you hoping to discover the to go with your ultimate setup? Are you seeking a or just a to make your computing life much more convenient? How would you like your wireless keyboard to connect to other devices? What kind of batteries will it need and how long will it last before needing a charge or replacement? Here are a few things to think about when choosing a suitable wireless keyboard worth your investment: Using Your Wireless Keyboard The keyboard you choose should be determined by the activities you intend to use the keyboard for.
If you’re a gamer with a higher budget, then you may want to look for the best wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that matches your gaming style. Alternatively, a may also be a good starting point. Do you need to find the best wireless keyboard for your office or work computer at home? A Bluetooth keyboard may be more practical for you because they can usually pair themselves with a variety of devices, such as laptops, tablets and phones. Are you a music or video enthusiast? A media center PC may require a radio frequency (RF) keyboard that uses a USB dongle, which generally has a better range than Bluetooth. You may also consider a wireless keyboard with an inbuilt touchpad for added convenience.
No matter what your peripheral needs may be, investing in the best wireless keyboard for your lifestyle is a great first step down the road of wireless technology. Wireless Keyboard Connectivity There are two common ways that wireless keyboards will connect to a device; RF and Bluetooth. Both are easily obtainable in today’s market and are not as expensive as they once were.
For this reason, there are plenty of RF and Bluetooth wireless keyboard options to choose from. A RF keyboard connects to your computer via a dongle which plugs into a USB port. It then “talks” to the keyboard using a 2.4GHz frequency to find out which keys you are pressing and then relays the action to your computer. Bluetooth technology is very similar; however, the receiver that it uses is normally already built into your device. This means it won’t take up a USB port on your computer. Bluetooth is also widely used in devices such as tablets and mobile phones. For this reason, people may use Bluetooth wireless keyboards for work so they can control multiple devices at a time.
Wireless Keyboard Battery The majority of wireless keyboards require batteries to keep them powered through extended periods of use. The typical types of batteries they use include alkaline batteries, AA, AAA or the newer technology of rechargeable Lithium-Ion (also commonly found in smartphones).
If you’re a PC gamer or someone who uses a computer on a regular basis, is one of the most prominent components to consider when purchasing any piece of wireless technology. Alkaline batteries tend to last longer than the lithium batteries; however, they may end up costing more for you in the long run as replacements are needed. If your device runs out of juice and you don’t have any spare, you may be out of luck until you can get more batteries – this would be a grievous situation for gamers!
Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have the advantage of chargeability. This normally occurs through a USB port. While you’ll have to take up a USB port space to charge your device, this will only be temporary for as long as the keyboard needs to charge (this means you can have it charging during downtime while you’re away from your devices). If you’re looking for a wireless gaming keyboard, lithium-ion is usually the way to go as they are generally more suitable for longer gaming sessions (if the charge starts to get low, you can quickly plug it in and keep your head in the game). 10 Best Wireless Keyboards 2018 Logitech K780 The Best Logitech Wireless Keyboard with Multi-Device Versatility The Logitech K780 works across multiple devices and you can also use it with compatible Logitech products between different computers.
It’s a great option if you work with a lot of devices; it even has an integrated stand for your phone or tablet. Specs. Connectivity: Bluetooth. Battery: 2 AAA. Battery Life: 2 Years Pros:. Very long battery life.
Full sized keyboard. A stand for tablet and phone Cons:. Heavy. May have response issues. Round keys can take some getting used to HP K3500 Wireless Keyboard The Best Wireless Keyboard with a Lightweight Design The HP K300 is a very affordable wireless keyboard from HP that can connect to 5 Link-5 HP devices at one time.
It also has a sleek, modern design and a built-in number pad. Specs. Connectivity: RF via USB receiver. Battery: 2 AA. Battery Life: Approx. 1.5 Years Pros:.
Sleek and simple design. Lightweight, great for travelling. Large amount of hotkeys Cons:. Unable to use with anything other than Windows PCs. Difficult to replace batteries.
No caps or number lock indication Azio Vision Good Wireless Keyboard with Blue Backlighting The Azio Vision is a unique wireless keyboard that includes blue backlighting with adjustable brightness. It also has several important hotkeys and a rechargeable battery for added practicality. Specs. Connectivity: RF via USB receiver. Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion. Battery Life: 2 Weeks Pros:.
Large print keys. Blue backlighting. Large amount of hotkeys Cons:. Poor battery life.
Heavy. Takes up a lot of desk space Microsoft Surface Keyboard The Best Microsoft Wireless Keyboard with a Sleek Design The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a stylish wireless keyboard that will look slim and clean on your desk. This keyboard is also designed with “optimized feedback” to help improve your typing efficiency.
Specs. Connectivity: Bluetooth. Battery: 2 AAA. Battery Life: 1 Year Pros:. Sleek and stylish design.
Long range. Full sized keyboard Cons:. Expensive. Not good for limited desk space. Fingerprints show up very easily on keys Arteck HB030B The Best Bluetooth Keyboard with Backlighting The Arteck HB030B is an excellent quality wireless keyboard that comes with seven color options for LED backlighting so you never have to type or game in darkness. It’s also very affordable and lightweight, making it a great option for frequent travelers. Specs.
Connectivity: Bluetooth. Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion. Battery Life: 6 months Pros:. 7 different backlit colors. Very light keyboard. Works with any device that has Bluetooth Cons:. No non-slip feet on the bottom.
Long wake up time. Not as sturdy as other keyboards Rii Mini i28 Great Mini Wireless Keyboard with an Ergonomic Design The RII Mini i28 stands out among the rest based on its ergonomic shape, multi-functional features and large media buttons. It’s also rechargeable and has qwerty backlighting for easier operation in the dark. Specs.
Connectivity: RF via USB receiver. Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion. Battery Life: Varies for use Pros:. Backlight features. Voice capabilities. Small enough to fit in your hands Cons:. May be difficult to type given size.
Battery life may be poor when using voice capabilities with programs such as Skype. Poor range Apple Magic Keyboard The Best Wireless Keyboard for Mac Users The Apple Magic Keyboard features the iconic style that Apple users love and will automatically pair with your Mac computer. This keyboard is also constructed with a low profile to make your computing experience more comfortable and precise. Specs. Connectivity: Bluetooth.
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion. Battery Life: One Month Pros:. Able to plug in and use as a wired keyboard. Sleek and lightweight design. Low profile can help with typing precision and speed Cons:. Expensive.
Up and down keys are half size and easy to miss or wrongly press. Keys are smaller than full sized keys Rii RK901 The Best Budget Wireless Keyboard The Rii RK901 comes in at a very low price point without sacrificing quality and function. It’s designed with low profile keys and can be operated up to 30 feet away from the connected device. Specs. Connectivity: RF via USB receiver. Battery: 1 AAA.
Battery Life: Unknown Pros:. Slim design. Inexpensive. Quiet keys Cons:. No battery indicator. No on/off switch or place to put the USB receiver. Caps, Number and Scroll Lock indicators do not work frequently Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Plus The Best Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad The Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 comes with an integrated touchpad, making it a great option if you want to save space by not using a mouse.
It’s also comfortable to type with and has a 33 foot wireless range. Specs. Connectivity: RF via USB receiver. Battery: 2 AA. Battery Life: 18 months Pros:.
Trackpad. Media hotkeys. Quiet keys Cons:.
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Directional keys are in way of normal key placement. Trackpad may be difficult to use. Not a full sized keyboard Anker Ultra Compact Wireless Keyboard Small and Lightweight Wireless Keyboard Compact design will take up much less space in your work area and makes it easy to carry during travel. The rechargeable lithium battery has the capacity to stay charged for up to 6 months. Can be used with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. Specs.
Connectivity: Bluetooth. Battery: Rechargeable lithium battery. Battery Life: 6 months Pros:.
Very long battery life. Easy to connect with basic knowledge of computers.
Small and light, a good size for comfortable use Cons:. Has a slight lag, delaying the letters before they appear on screen. Difficult for users with large hands to operate Choose the Best Wireless Keyboard for Portability, Function and Comfort There’s plenty of reasons to go wireless. Maybe you’re tired of the annoying cords all over your desk or you’d like your devices to be more portable and versatile.
Whether you need wireless keyboard for gaming, mini wireless keyboard or budget wireless keyboard that will get the job done, there’s a keyboard out there for everyone. If you’re looking for the best wireless keyboard for gaming that’s easy and comfortable to use, consider the Logitech K400 Plus or the Apple Magic Keyboard. If you love backlighting options, choose the Arteck HB030B. If you need the best budget wireless keyboard that still has plenty of features, the Rii RK901 is a great choice.
Investing in wireless keyboard that matches your lifestyle is a great way to save space and time while enhancing your computer productivity. Ultimately, finding the best wireless keyboard means having more freedom to use your keyboard where and how you want. DISCLAIMER: TheTechLounge generates revenue through a number of affiliate relationships including but not limited to Amazon and Walmart. All names, logos, brands and images are trademarks or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. Or its affiliates.
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