There are many options, and you’ll need to find something that fits your needs and budget.

Ergonomic keyboards might also include wrist rests and the ability to raise or lower the gear.

Wired or Wireless?

hands typing on ergonomic keyboard

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Most keyboards use either USB or Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity.

If you’re going the Bluetooth route, ensure your rig has built-in Bluetooth compatibility.

You will need to pick up a Bluetooth receiver and pair the machine if it doesn’t.

Gamer keyboard

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you might recoup the cost by never again needing to purchase batteries.

Hotkeys and Media Keys

Most keyboards come with various hotkeys and media keys.

Similar tokeyboard shortcuts, these keys allow you to perform tasks quickly.

iClever Portable Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

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If youre a desk jockey, these hotkeys can save you time.

Larger keyboards go hand-in-hand with ones that have more hotkeys and media keys.

Computer Keyboard Variations

Several additional kinds of keyboards exist.

They look cool but also offer some usefulness.

The individual keys are pressure-sensitive, and there’s no space between the keys.

Mechanical Keyboards

Mostmechanical keyboardsare designed to look like, or at least feel like a classic typewriter.

They often produce a more tactile and audible click as you pop in.

Numeric Keyboard

These tiny add-on keyboards often resemble a calculator but without a display.

Their purpose is to add a numeric pad to your setup if your keyboard doesn’t already have one.

Who Should Buy a Computer Keyboard?

People use keyboards in different ways.

Gamers look for advanced features that an office worker, for example, doesn’t need or want.

Determine why you need a keyboard, and you’ll be able to narrow down the choices more quickly.

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If you’re a gamer, look for keyboards labeled as gaming keyboards.

This way, you might fast-forward and rewind from the comfort of your couch.

you’re able to find mini keyboards designed specifically for media users; they resemble large remote controls.

Do yourselfand your wristsa favor and invest in an ergonomic keyboard.

Ergonomics isn’t a one-size-fits-all science, and some keyboards claim to be ergonomic when they are not.

If you could, test out a friend’s ergonomic keyboard before you buy it.

If this isn’t an option, look for features like curved keys and elevated wrist rests.

Fret not; they make keyboards with truncated key counts just for you.

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Typically billed as lightweightand sometimes even foldablethese portable keyboards usually forgo the right-hand number pad to save space.

However, just because it’s small, don’t expect it to be cheap.

These portables can cost you more than your run-of-the-mill wired standard keyboards.

If it’s wired, plug it in.

If it’s wireless,sync it up with your box.

Once it’s working, open up a word processor and start typing.

Pay attention to how it feels to use.

Is there proper give and resistance with the keys?

Ensure that it’s convenient to pack it up if you plan to carry it around.

A can of compressed air or a soft and damp microfiber cloth will also do the trick.

On a Windows PC, pressCtrl+Alt+Deleteto pull up the Shut Down, Restart, and Sleep options.

On a Mac, pressControl+Powerto pull up the Shut Down, Restart, and Sleep options.

you’re free to also selectControl+Command+Powerto force your Mac to restart immediately.

you could use your keyboard totake a screenshoton a PC by pressing theWindows+PrtScn.

On a Mac, thescreenshot keyboard commandisShift+Command+3.