Are today’s keyboards actually better than older ones?
By: Gadget Flow
Tags: Work, Gadgets, Keyboard, Productivity, Workplace

We all want the same things from a keyboard; we want them to be spillproof and practical for easy typing. Considering the decade or so I have spent in the field of online copywriting, these requirements should have been realized by now. Nevertheless, it’s 2018 and my demands are still the same. Even though they’re a key component to our workflow (or gaming), keyboards tend not to be the focus when it comes to upgrading our devices. This is primarily because:

– Typing consistency is all about our comfort zone. Naturally, we don’t want to change our keyboards and get used to new layouts just like we don’t want to reorganize our kitchen drawers or change coffee mugs (how barbaric!).

– Since more and more of us are switching to laptops from desktops, having an external keyboard sounds quite superfluous. Although, it’s proven to be beneficial health-wise.

WhiteFox Programmable Mechanical Keyboard

Despite being in an industry without great demand, keyboards have actually seen a lot of improvement over the years. Yes, there are companies like Razer that cater towards a large gaming audience but the general user-centric manufacturers like Logitech have also been innovative in their designs. From being spillproof to completely foldable, present keyboards are making an effort to be an integral part of your everyday life.

Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

How innovative can they be?

Remember the keyboards of yesteryear? The ones that came with your massive desktop computer? Those keyboards, with their big clunky keys, could be heard a mile away. Luckily, there has been a lot of variety and innovation in this space to help maximize your workflow and multitask your way through the day.

Logitech Craft Advanced Smart Keyboard — The creative input dial gives you control over your craft. It works beautifully in the Adobe suite including Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, and InDesign CC. Compectus Rollable Keyboard with Speakers — This portable keyboard isn’t just compatible with your computer or smartphone. It also doubles as a set of Bluetooth stereo speakers. Plus, it’s rollable! WhiteFox Programmable Mechanical Keyboard — Totally compact, this keyboard gives you fully programmable keys to suit all of your needs. With open source software, the options for each key are endless. Ultimate Hacking Keyboard — It is a fully programmable, split mechanical keyboard for extreme productivity. The keyboard utilizes Cherry MX-style switches you can customize based on your needs. Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard — Working with your smartphone and tablet, this exceptional keyboard offers quiet yet comfortable typing with a full set of keys even down to a numeric keypad. Tap Wearable Keyboard — The beauty of this keyboard lies in the fact that it can turn anything you can touch into a typing surface. In other words, Tap transforms the tactile world into a keyboard.

Form over function

For some, a great keyboard isn’t just about the sound of the clicking or the multi-functionality. Sometimes, all you need is for your keyboard to look great in your workspace while working just as it should. For people like that, there are also plenty to choose from:

lofree Typewriter Inspired Keyboard — No matter how noisy those retro keyboards may have been, they still had a certain je ne sais quoi. If you want to keep that classy look on your workspace without the noise, this is the keyboard for you. Penna Retro Bluetooth Keyboard — In addition to the retro aesthetic, the Penna Keyboard uses cherry key switches to give you superb tactical feedback as well as fast and accurate typing. Plus, there are macro bars to enable the most frequently used keys. Azio Luxury Vintage Bluetooth Keyboard — Combining old and new, this retro keyboard features backlit keys and a genuine leather surface. Isn’t that a luxurious treat for your workspace? Orée Board 2 Wood Keyboard — A wood keyboard might just sound too cumbersome for typing but this one’s just the opposite. It’s been carved out of a single piece of premium walnut wood and it’s complete super soft keys.

Are wireless keyboards safe?

No less than two years ago an Atlanta-based startup Bastille found that wireless keyboards are not completely hackproof. They have a design flaw which could allow hackers from as far as 90 meters away get into your keyboard and hack your computer. It’s called mousejacking and is such a big deal because even keyboards from big companies like Logitech and Dell were under threat.

However, this flaw is only confined to wireless keyboards. In order to stay safe, make sure you follow the necessary wireless security protocols in a public zone. Or, you can just stick to a wired one.

Razer and Apple are still the big players

While Razer caters to the large gaming industry with their ever-so-popular mechanical switches, the Apple keyboard still provides the smoothest typing experience for Mac users.

No matter which game you play, Razer keyboards are known for their full key travel and responsiveness. The soft-cushioned touch gives maximum gaming comfort whereas the innovative designs with LED backlighting cater to your entertainment needs. From key placement to lighting, Razer keeps the gamer’s efficiency in mind with every design.

Apple keyboards, on the other hand, have a stable scissor mechanism beneath each key for a seamless experience. Plus, you won’t just enjoy the typing experience but also the fact that it connects automatically to your Mac. Another big boost is the battery life. The keyboard lasts about a month between charges.

Apple Wireless Keyboard

While they’re not the first feature that we dream about, keyboards have been evolving for years. I may not have been avidly looking for a change in the way I type, but a keyboard that makes typing across devices easier is certainly worth it. Which features are a must-have for your typing experience?