Browsing as a guest
Hello! You are currently browsing this thread as a guest, If you would like to reply to this thread, please
or Register


katos
[TechRadar] Updated: Best keyboard: top 10 keyboards compared
#1
Updated: Best keyboard: top 10 keyboards compared

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/pc_peripherals/Cooler%20Master/novatouch-tkl-470-75.JPG" alt="Updated: Best keyboard: top 10 keyboards compared"/><h3>Introduction</h3><p><strong>Update: </strong><em>Ever think your keyboard should have apps? Startup company Das Keyboard evidently does, as its launched </em><a href="http://www.techradar.com/us/news/computing-components/peripherals/this-cloud-connected-das-keyboard-does-so-much-more-than-type-1324214">its first Kickstarter</a><em> for a cloud-connected keyboard it calls the 5Q.</em></p><p>Keyboards matter more than you might think. Sure, they are among the most prosaic of peripherals, so we tend to take them for granted. But given the sheer percentage of our lives that we spend clicking away away at them, finding the right ones can be surprisingly beneficial – may even chip away at the rough edges of our daily grind.</p><p>When you set out to buy a keyboard, you'll be confronted by a surprising amount of diversity – there are cheap and pricey ones, mechanical and membrane ones, wired and wireless ones, wacky ergonomic ones and downright retro ones on sale. So we've picked out ten of the best, designed to suit multifarious needs and pockets. </p><h3>How to select the best keyboard</h3><p>It's worth noting that if you demand the feel and feedback only offered by keyboards with mechanical keys, rather than keys that press a membrane, you might want to peruse our top 10 <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/10-best-gaming-keyboards-1295703">best gaming keyboards</a> round-up.</p><p>Gamers more or less demand mechanical keys, but mechanical keyboards tend to be very noisy, so can be frowned on in office environments – hence the fact that most non-gaming keyboards take the membrane route.</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/pc_peripherals/Cooler%20Master/novatouch-tkl-420-90.JPG" alt="NovaTouch TKL" width="420"></img></p><h3>1. Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>Topre switches with a Cherry MX twist</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Wired | <strong>Keyboard backlighting:</strong> No | <strong>Programmable keys:</strong> No</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Novatouch%20TKL deals_link: "><p><a href=" ">See more Novatouch TKL deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Topre switch great for typing</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Cherry MX compatible keycaps</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Compact</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Bland design</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> No backlighting</div><p>Cooler Master has achieved a number of firsts with the NovaTouch TKL. It's the first affordable keyboard to use topre switches, a hybrid variation that feels halfway between using a membrane and mechanical keyboard. </p><p>Though linear, rather than tactile, the NovaTouch TKL's keys have a typewriter-like quality and make 'bottoming out' (striking the key so it depresses all the way down) curiously satisfying. </p><p>It's the first affordable topre keyboard, with other models retailing at twice the price. It's also the first of its type to use stems compatible with Cherry MX keycaps, allowing you to chop and change keycaps at your leisure. We're quite keen on the stock ones, funnily enough, but the choice is great to have.</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/keyboards/cherry/MX30/cherry-mx-30-420-100.JPG" alt="Cherry MX 3.0" width="420"></img></p><h3>2. Cherry MX-Board 3.0 Wired Professional Keyboard</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>One of the best keyboards for long typing sessions</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Wired | <strong>Features:</strong> Cherry MX Red or Brown switches, low-travel design, Included wrist rest</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Cherry%20MX-Board%203.0%20Wired%20Professional%20Keyboard deals_link: "><p><a href=" ">See more Cherry MX-Board 3.0 Wired Professional Keyboard deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Cherry MX switches</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Wrist rest included</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> No media controls</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> No backlit keys</div><p>Some keyboards just ooze class, and the Cherry MX-Board 3.0 is one of them. Its low profile makes it much more suitable for marathon typing sessions than conventional mechanical keyboards, and comfort is increased by the included wrist rest. With Cherry's MX Red or Brown switches under the keycaps, you're given a choice between linear and non-linear offerings with a range of actuation points. </p><p>It's a poor option for media enthusiasts due to a lack of dedicated keys, and its lack of backlighting is unfortunate. But if those aren't deal-breakers, the MX-Board 3.0 is one of the best keyboards for ardent typists.</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/pc_peripherals/Logitech/logitech-k380-420-90.JPG" alt="Logitech" width="420"></img></p><h3>3. Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>A comfortable multi-device keyboard</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Bluetooth | <strong>Features:</strong> 24-month battery life, LED indicator lights, special keys (Home, Back, App-Switch, Contextual Menu, Easy-Switch), 10m wireless range</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Logitech%20K380%20Multi-Device%20Bluetooth%20Keyboard deals_link:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techradar.com%2Fnews%2Fcomputing-components%2Fperipherals%2Fwhat-keyboard-10-best-keyboards-compared-1028011 "><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/peripherals/what-keyboard-10-best-keyboards-compared-1028011">See more Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Versatile</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Long battery life</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Very plasticky</div><p>These days it's normal for households to own several devices, usually consisting of a combination of laptops, tablets and smartphones. </p><p>Logitech's K380 solves the conundrum of having to pair different keyboards to different devices, allowing you to switch between three different pieces of hardware using dedicated &quot;EasySwitch&quot; buttons on the top-left hand side. Naturally, this makes the keyboard shareable among family members, or convenient if you own multiple devices. </p><p>The K380 is comfortable to type on thanks to its round buttons, which possess a decent amount of travel and are slightly curved for comfort. Better yet, two AA batteries keep it powered for up to two years.</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/pc_peripherals/Logitech/logitech-k400-420-90.JPG" alt="Logitech k400 Plus" width="420"></img></p><h3>4. Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard k400 Plus</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>A competent solution for sofa surfers</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Wireless (with receiver) | <strong>Features:</strong> 2.4GHz wireless; vertical storage; 3.5-inch trackpad</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Logitech%20Wireless%20Touch%20Keyboard%20k400%20Plus deals_link: "><p><a href=" ">See more Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard k400 Plus deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Comfortable keyboard</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Lightweight</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Media keys</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Plasticky touchpad</div><p>While it's possible to hook up a wireless keyboard and mouse to your TV for surfing the web from the couch, it's not exactly a comfortable experience. </p><p>Designed to control your media device, the Logitech Wireless Touch k400 Plus is a no-frills solution that pairs a tactile membrane keyboard with a trackpad just big enough for swiping and scrolling. It has two dedicated trackpad keys signaling left and right clicks, and its three media keys above let you control the volume without having to reach for the remote. Decked in a two-tone grey and yellow, The K400 is easy on the eye and pleasantly lightweight on the lap too.</p><p><img src="http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/tablets/Microsoft/Microsoft%20Universal%20Foldable%20Keyboard/DSCF7008-420-100.JPG" alt="MS Foldable Keyboard" width="420"></img></p><h3>5. Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>A compact, Surface-like keyboard</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Bluetooth | <strong>Features:</strong> Compact, USB charging, works with Android, Windows Phone and iOS</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Microsoft%20Universal%20Foldable%20Keyboard deals_link:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techradar.com%2Freviews%2Fpc-mac%2Ftablets%2Ftablet-accessories%2Fmicrosoft-universal-foldable-keyboard-1286634%2Fprice-comparison "><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/tablet-accessories/microsoft-universal-foldable-keyboard-1286634/price-comparison">See more Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Compact</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Comfortable keys</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Unsuitable for laps</div><p>Like a Surface Pro 3 Type Cover that can convert to a tent, Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard is among the most &quot;fun-sized&quot; on our list. Fold it closed and you have one of the most travel-friendly Bluetooth keyboards around, barely larger than a pack of cards. </p><p>Also reminiscent of the Type Cover, the Universal Foldable Keyboard is equally uncomfortable for typing on your lap (then again, most keyboards are). Nevertheless, USB charging and simple Bluetooth syncing makes the Universal Foldable Keyboard a preferred option over touchscreen display inputs – so long as you have a flat surface handy.</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/keyboards/10%20best%20keyboards/K750-420-100.JPG" alt="K750" width="420"></img></p><h3>6. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>A bright idea</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Wireless | <strong>Features:</strong> Light-powered, Streamline design, Power monitor app, Six-on-one wireless receiver, 2.4GHz wireless, plug-and-play</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Logitech%20Wireless%20Solar%20Keyboard%20K750"><p><a href=" ">See more Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Solar-powered</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Thin</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Lacks macros</div><p>If freedom to sit back from your PC and perch your keyboard on your knees, say, is what you seek, a wireless keyboard is ideal. But there's a downside: wireless keyboards are notorious for munching through batteries. </p><p>However, that's not a problem for this clever effort from Logitech, which has built-in solar panels that can recharge the K750's juice, even under interior lighting. Even though it's a membrane keyboard, it has a decent amount of feel, and the wireless dongle can accommodate other Logitech devices (such as a mouse). Quite keenly priced, too.</p><p><br /><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/keyboards/10%20best%20keyboards/cherry-big-420-100.JPG" alt="Best keyboard" width="420"></img></p><h3>7. Cherry G80-3000</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>Tanks a lot</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Wired | <strong>Features:</strong> Durable build, Gold Crosspoint contacts (MX Technology), Codset 3 support, High service life of individual keys</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Cherry%20G80-3000"><p><a href=" ">See more Cherry G80-3000 deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Durable build</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Comfortable key press</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Compact</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Pedestrian design</div><p>As keyboards go, Cherry's G80-3000 is considered to be something of a classic. There's nothing flashy about it whatsoever, but it does use Cherry's own MX mechanical keys, generally held to be the best available (and beloved of the gaming keyboard fraternity). </p><p>The G80-3000 is fairly compact, too, despite having a complete arrangement of keys including a number pad. It's not offensively ugly, it's built like an absolute tank and, most importantly, the G80-3000 is fairly cheap. It'll last for years, and shouldn't ever let you down unless you subject it to the most extreme mistreatment.</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/keyboards/qwerkywriter-420-100.JPG" alt="Qweerkywriter" width="420"></img></p><h3>8. Qwerkywriter</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>One for the retro crowd</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Bluetooth | <strong>Features:</strong> Retro design, mechanical switches, Macro Return Bar, Vintage inspired key caps, Aluminium metal construction, integrated tablet stand, Windows, Mac, iOS and Android support</p><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Retro design<br /></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Comfortable to type on<br /></div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Loud keys<br /></div><p>Qwerkywriter costs a bomb, but if you're into your retro-themed typewriters then you won't care. Its steampunk-style design is enough to catch anyone's eye, but it's the keyboard's squishy mechanical keys, which make a satisfying clackety sound when actuated, that really impress. </p><p>Qwerkywriter's Macro Returns Bar only adds to its write-a-novel-in-a-dark-room appeal, and if you want to give it the modern touch, its integrated stand lets you slide in (and wirelessly connect) a tablet. It possesses a reassuringly weighty feel, but its rounded keycaps and price tag - which makes it cost more than many decent mechanical keyboards out there - means it's one for retro purists only.</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert widget_type:link model_names:Qwerkywriter widget_title:Buy%20from%20Qwerkywriter"><p><a href="http://www.qwerkywriter.com/products/order">Buy from Qwerkywriter</a></p></div><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/keyboards/10%20best%20keyboards/version-4-420-100.JPG" alt="Best keyboard" width="420"></img></p><h3>9. Matias Tactile Pro 4</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>Don't look Mac in anger</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Wired | <strong>Features:</strong> Aps Mechanical Switches, Mac-friendly keys, Easy symbol reach, Laser etched keys, Sculpted keytops, 3-port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hub, Anti-Ghosting Circuitry</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Matias%20Tactile%20Pro%204"><p><a href=" ">See more Matias Tactile Pro 4 deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Retro cool</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Mechanical keys</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Looks a bit weird</div><p>Matias's Tactile Pro 4 might just be the oddest keyboard money can buy. Although designed exclusively for use with Apple Macs, it has Alps mechanical keys, and is modeled on one of the first Mac keyboards.</p><p>So if you're a Mac user and feel you must have a mechanical keyboard, it's pretty much the only one that's officially supported. And adding a retro touch to a Mac is an interesting idea (although we can't see it taking off with many of Apple's users). </p><p>Whatever will they think of next? A Mac mouse with more than one button?</p><p><img src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/pc_peripherals/Logitech/logitech-keys-to-go-420-90.JPG" alt="Keys to go" width="420"></img></p><h3>10. Logitech Keys-to-Go</h3><div class="subtitle _hawk"><p>The thinnest and lightest keyboard around</p></div><p><strong>Interface:</strong> Bluetooth | <strong>Features: </strong>Works with all iOS devices and devices with Android 4.1/Windows 7 and higher</p><div class="hawk-widget-insert _hawk widget_type:price model_names:Logitech%20Wireless%20Touch%20Keyboard%20k400%20Plus deals_link: "><p><a href=" ">See more Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard k400 Plus deals</a></p></div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Highly portable</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Superb battery life</div><div class="icon icon-plus_circle _hawk"> Easy to clean</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Not very tactile</div><div class="icon icon-minus_circle _hawk"> Slips on some surfaces</div><p>Keyboards don't come much more portable than Logitech's Keys-to-Go. You aren't going to want to use it as your permanent keyboard due to its extremely shallow keys, which are only slightly more tactile than typing on a touchscreen. However, they allow the keyboard to be ultra-thin and light, making it perfect for taking on the road to pair with an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet - or even your laptop.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~4/ZrjQgB7_cFE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar...FE/1028011
Reply
Browsing as a guest
Hello! You are currently browsing this thread as a guest, If you would like to reply to this thread, please
or Register