Most of the time people do not pay a lot of attention when they buy a keyboard for a PC or Mac. They look at the size, color, and price. Everything else mostly does not matter. But nowadays modern keyboards offer lots of additional features. If you spend some time researching how to choose the best keyboard for a PC or Mac you will end up with an awesome, comfortable, and feature-rich keyboard that will serve you for a long.
In this shopping guide, we gathered some tips for buying a keyboard. Pay attention to these and you will make no mistake when buying a keyboard for a PC or Mac.
Who doesn't love keyboard shortcuts? Assuming you can remember them, these handy little shortcuts let you do all sorts of things without lifting your fingers from the keyboard. We've assembled a list of keyboard shortcuts that you can use for the Messages app on your Mac. So, bookmark this page and get ready to maneuver your messages like a. The first and most obvious is that a Mac keyboard doesn't have a Windows key. More accurately, it doesn't have a key with the Windows symbol on it, but the one marked command or cmd acts as one.
How to Choose a Keyboard for a PC or Mac – Brand
Even if you are looking for the cheapest keyboard for a PC (Dell KB216 is a good pick), avoid buying accessories from unknown brands. Well-known manufacturers offer lots of different options for every price point. Thus, you will get a 100% working and reliable keyboard with a warranty and a good service.
If you want to buy the best keyboard for home or office use, look at keyboards from Logitech, Microsoft, or Apple. These companies have a wonderful reputation in this segment, and they produce awesome keyboards.
For those who want to buy the best gaming keyboard, we recommend accessories from Razer, SteelSeries, or Logitech.
Which Keyboard Size is the Best?
When shopping for the best keyboard for a PC or Mac, you will notice that some keyboards are shorter or longer. There are different options for different needs. If you have enough space on your desk and don't mind using a full-size keyboard (like Microsoft Surface Keyboard, Apple full-sized keyboard for Mac, or more affordable Logitech MX Keys), go for a traditional keyboard. The number pad, arrows, and additional function keys will come in handy. If the space is limited or you just want a more minimal look of your setup, the TKL keyboard (full-size keyboard without a number pad) or 75%/60% keyboard will do the job for you. Our favorite 75% keyboard is the affordable Logitech K380 — compact and insanely quiet.
If your work includes typing lots of numbers, be sure to buy yourself a keyboard with a number pad. Alternatively, you use a more exotic approach. For example, buy a 'short' keyboard with a separate number pad. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless is a 75% keyboard with a separate number pad.
Use Mac Keyboard On Pc
There is also a special type of keyboard called 'ergonomic keyboard', like the Logitech K860, Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, or more affordable wired Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard. In such a keyboard layout is slightly 'twisted' for the more natural posture of your hands. This reduces strain and makes working with a keyboard much more comfortable. Just be aware that these keyboards usually are not that good for gaming and require some time to get used to. But once you do, your hands will thank you for investing in this type of keyboard.
Which Keyboard Mechanism is the Best?
The keyboard mechanism is another important aspect you need to consider when shopping for a keyboard for a PC or Mac. There are chicklet keyboards and mechanical keyboards. Your choice will depend on what you do at your computer and how deep your pocket is.
Mechanical keyboards (like Razer Huntsman or SteelSeries Apex Pro) are good for games because they have a much better response time. Their mechanism resembles old typewriters; thus, you need to accept quite a noise from these keyboards. Also, they are usually much larger and heavier.
Chicklet keyboards are more portable, lighter, and cheaper. This mechanism allows the creating of ultra-thin keyboards (like Logitech K580) with a very low noise level. Are you looking for a quiet keyboard? Chicklet is the one to go. Also, they are very cheap. You can get one for like $10 or even less while mechanical keyboards are usually much pricier.
Which Keyboard Connection Type is the Best?
In the past, keyboards used the PS/2 interface. Nowadays keyboards use USB or wireless technologies. PS/2 is good in terms of latency (it is connected directly to a CPU), but manufacturers ditched it in favor of USB and wireless. Wireless keyboards are nice to keep your desk clean, but you need to be aware that they have higher latency and a bigger chance to encounter lag. Also, you need to charge these keyboards or replace batteries. Battery life will depend on features and whether a keyboard has backlight or not.
If you need a keyboard for gaming (or can't afford a wireless keyboard), go for wired. For other tasks, wireless keyboards will do the job.
When shopping for a keyboard for Mac, you better get yourself a wireless keyboard that supports Bluetooth. Do not buy wireless keyboards that require additional dongles or simply wired keyboards as you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Is there a Difference Between a Keyboard for Mac and a Keyboard for PC?
How To Select On Mac Keyboard Backlight
No, unless a manufacturer makes a specific model for Mac or Chromebook (like Logitech K580 Chromebook Edition). But even in such a case keyboard will work with PC. You may miss some keys or features, so you better double-check a compatibility section. Some manufacturers offer universal keyboards for both Mac and PC.
How To Select On Mac Keyboard Commands
What Additional Features Do You Want to Have Within a Keyboard?
In the past, keyboards used the PS/2 interface. Nowadays keyboards use USB or wireless technologies. PS/2 is good in terms of latency (it is connected directly to a CPU), but manufacturers ditched it in favor of USB and wireless. Wireless keyboards are nice to keep your desk clean, but you need to be aware that they have higher latency and a bigger chance to encounter lag. Also, you need to charge these keyboards or replace batteries. Battery life will depend on features and whether a keyboard has backlight or not.
If you need a keyboard for gaming (or can't afford a wireless keyboard), go for wired. For other tasks, wireless keyboards will do the job.
When shopping for a keyboard for Mac, you better get yourself a wireless keyboard that supports Bluetooth. Do not buy wireless keyboards that require additional dongles or simply wired keyboards as you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Is there a Difference Between a Keyboard for Mac and a Keyboard for PC?
How To Select On Mac Keyboard Backlight
No, unless a manufacturer makes a specific model for Mac or Chromebook (like Logitech K580 Chromebook Edition). But even in such a case keyboard will work with PC. You may miss some keys or features, so you better double-check a compatibility section. Some manufacturers offer universal keyboards for both Mac and PC.
How To Select On Mac Keyboard Commands
What Additional Features Do You Want to Have Within a Keyboard?
Do not buy simple keyboards unless you are on an extremely tight budget. Modern keyboards offer additional keys for multimedia or customization (play, pause, launch apps, mute, skip tracks, etc), backlight, multiple device connection, etc. A feature set will depend on how rich software for a keyboard is. In this case, our top pick is Logitech and its Options software. It provides deep customization that makes the keyboard yours. Also, you can use a feature called Flow to quickly switch between your devices.
Some keyboards also rock built-in trackpad, like Logitech K830 with built-in trackpad and backlight. If you are used to this type of input, it will save you some space on a desk. Just be aware that in these keyboards' trackpad quality is mostly average and drivers are not that good as in laptops.
When it comes to backlight (Logitech Craft or Logitech MX Keys Advanced), think twice whether you need it. The backlight will reduce your battery life significantly (unless it is a wired keyboard). If you are not working in the dark and do not need a gaming keyboard (it is quite hard to find a gaming keyboard without a backlight), shop for a one without a backlight.
Some wired keyboards have additional USB ports for your phone charging or accessories (like Logitech G413). Mac games system requirements. A rather nice touch for improved ergonomics and functionality but more often than not these ports are slow in both transferring data and charging.
Removable or Built-in Battery?
Another aspect we need to mention is the battery. Some keyboards have removable batteries (Microsoft Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard), other use rechargeable built-in batteries (Apple Magic Keyboard). It is not easy to tell which one is better. On one hand, removable batteries save you from battery degradation. You simply buy a set of new batteries and you are good to go. On the other hand, built-in batteries are better for the environment and your wallet but may suffer from degradation with time. Another benefit of keyboards with built-in batteries is the fact that you can charge them via USB cable and use it in a wired mode. Meanwhile, dead removable batteries mean no keyboard for you if there is no pair of fresh batteries around.
Here we need to mention that batteries in keyboards usually last insanely long. For example, Logitech claims their keyboards can work up to 18 or even 24 months on a single set of batteries. This will depend on what features your keyboards has.
That's it. Now you know how to choose the best keyboard for a PC.
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