Guide
How to clean your keyboard and mouse properly
by Raphael Knecht
Keyboards explained: which keyboard is right for you
4.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
Gamers, programmers, frequent typists and couch potatoes - we all need the right computer keyboard for us. But which one is it?
Ergonomic keyboards
Mechanical keyboards
The lifespan of these keyboards is also significantly longer than that of conventional keyboards. For high-quality models, manufacturers claim around 50 million keystrokes and more per key. In comparison: conventional keyboards achieve around five million keystrokes. The mechanics result in a higher weight and therefore better stability. This design has only one disadvantage: typing is quite loud due to the mechanics.
Rubberdome keyboards and scissor switches
Scissor switches are a special variant of rubber switches. Put simply, the buttons are attached to the base by plastic levers. In cross-section, this would look like an X or like a pair of scissors that close when pressed and open when lifted. The rubber funnel sits in the centre. This mechanism is mostly used for keyboards that are built into laptops and is somewhat more expensive due to its design.
Flat and chiclet keyboards
The super flat keyboards look stylish. And they also have an advantage thanks to their design: They are particularly quiet. This is due to the very short stroke of the keys. I have also heard from some frequent typists that they can type much faster with flat keys. However, this doesn't apply to me personally; I prefer the feeling of a real pressure point and more travel. Technically speaking, the rubber dome mechanism is also often used in flat keyboards.
Chiclet keyboards are flat keyboards whose keys look like the American chewing gum "chiclets". These are small squares with rounded corners and straight edges. These keys used to be high. Today, we use this term to describe keyboards with flat keys that are separated from each other by an edge or bar. This has the advantage that the keys are easier to feel because they are a comfortable distance apart.
Conclusion: general buying tips
If you have found yourself in one of the four categories, you have already taken the first step towards buying a new keyboard. Depending on the manufacturer, there are now many additional functions such as illuminated keys. Some gaming manufacturers even link all devices via software so that the mouse, keyboard and PC case shine in the same colours and, in the best case, even react to what is happening in the game.
Many keyboards are available in a wireless Bluetooth version. These either run on a rechargeable battery and need to be recharged from time to time or work with standard batteries. However, if you want to transmit every keystroke on the keyboard completely reliably, you should choose a model with a cable to be on the safe side. There can always be interference factors with signals transmitted wirelessly.
If you have little space on your desk, a compact keyboard without a numeric keypad may be worthwhile. Or you may want more buttons on your keyboard, for example to control the volume of the system directly. Perhaps you need freely programmable keys to customise the device to your needs.
In the end, the most important thing is your personal preference. So if you buy a keyboard, spend a few days with it and change it again if it doesn't feel right. Whether super-flat keys, mechanical keyboards or ergonomically shaped models work best for you is purely a matter of taste. <p
Most of the time I'm living between bits and bytes, testing alternative Android operating systems and trying to make my life smarter with Open Source technology - always with a focus on privacy and data protection. When I'm not testing cool gadgets, I'm developing video games, writing stories and playing the accordion.
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