Nothing quite makes or breaks the PC experience like a quality keyboard. Sure, that keyboard packed with your PC, (or built in - as in the case of laptops), may be adequate for the basic computer experience so unless you got one of those Macs with that snazzy aluminum keyboards. You may want to think about getting something better... cooler… stronger… faster… Well, step right up – there’s a cacophony of keyboards to choose from: wireless; wired; multimedia; with iPod docks, ergonomic, integrated USB, integrated mics, integrated speakers, even gold plated ones and others made out of wood - you name it, someone somewhere has probably built and sold it.
Let’s get down to business. With a keyboard, you need something that is not only well made and durable – but something that works for what you want to get out of it. When it comes to keyboards, you have Logitech Microsoft, Kensington and then everyone else, but you really don’t need to stick to a name brand to get a quality keyboard – you just need to know what to look for. Does it flex and bow (you’d be surprised)? how do the keys feel when typing? Does it just look good? All important questions to ask and it may be worth it (if possible) to try out the keyboard in person to make sure that it suits you – but even sight unseen you may be able to dig up a review or two to good idea how it’ll work.
Some things to consider when getting a new keyboard:
- Make sure that you get one that works with your computers ports (usually USB or PS/2)
- If going for wireless, Bluetooth is a little more expensive than RF (radio frequency) but if you need more than a six foot range, then go with Bluetooth.
- Extra goodies and features on a keyboard make it that much more functional. Maybe consider a keyboard with built in touch pad or scroll wheel. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll end up using it.
- Flexible membrane keyboards as well as mini keyboards, while cool, are a pain to type on.
- Don’t be afraid of a refurbished keyboards – most were returned more because someone didn’t like that particular keyboard for whatever reason (same with mice).
- If you are a Mac user, modern Apples will work fine with standard Windows PC USB keyboards – though you get that pesky “Windows friendly layout”. Conversely, most keyboards designed for modern Macs will work fine for PCs (but, as always, there are some exceptions).
- If you are a gamer, I’d highly recommend looking at some of the gamer specific keyboards, keypads and mice (usually made by niche companies like Wolfking but even mainstream companies like Logitech have their fair share of gaming keyboards (like their G13 Gameboard). Not really practical for “the rest of us,” but if you’re a gamer these will help you get your game on.
Mice / Mouse
Getting just the right mouse for your computer can make all the difference in the world. While a good keyboard can make or break the “computer experience,” mice run a close second. Standard mice basically come in three flavors: ball mouse (these are the ones that are usually pre-packaged with a PC and that may come in some of the more inexpensive keyboard/mouse combo (kits) optical mouse (so named because it uses an LED light to track movement rather than a physical ball rolling around), and laser mouse / (basically like the optical – but using a laser rather than an LED – they work better on certain surfaces than optical). There are alternatives to the standard mouse, such as a track ball mouse and digital tablets – and some people do swear by them, but they take getting use to.
While many of the same caveats that applied to keyboards also apply to mice there are a few extra things to consider with mice:
- When shopping for a laptop mouse, there are “mini type” mice available. They fit great in a case, but not necessarily in your hand.
- Check the specs on your laptop, it may already have Bluetooth built in. If it does, then getting a wireless Bluetooth mouse just makes sense. If it doesn’t and you want to go wireless, then look for a mouse with a mini adapter that plugs into the laptop (like the Logitech VX Nano mouse – or you can just buy a mini U.S.B blue tooth adapter yourself.).
Even though optical mice work with a variety of surfaces, you may still find that you need a mouse pad (some companies such as Fellowes make mouse pads specifically for optical mice).- Some desktop wireless mice include a recharging cradle – a nice way to save costs on battery replacements.
- Consider buying a keyboard and mouse combo– there’s no better way to assure color and style coordination.
Final Thoughts
Though we all “know” keyboards and mice, it's easy to become overwhelmed when buying upgrades with the bewildering number of choices that are available. It is our hope that with this week's Tech Tip, you’ll find that task a little less daunting and a little more fun! So go! Pimp your PC with a new keyboard and mouse!
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