Nothing can make or break your computer use quicker than a keyboard. If the keys are stiff or unresponsive you will quickly find that you hate to use your computer. But if they keys of your keyboard feel good to the touch and it is responsive, looks good and provides a few extra features to make your computer sessions that much easier, you will discover that you enjoy using your computer just a little bit more. Even the most powerful computer on the planet could be a pain to use if you have a bad keyboard attached to it. However, even an older computer “feels” better to use when you have a nice keyboard hooked up.
Today, we take a look at some of the best wireless keyboards on the market that are perfect for portable laptops or even desktops, for that matter. These keyboards provide you with all the features you need for a truly pleasurable computer typing experience while keeping your desk free from the clutter of cables.
Why Go Wireless
Some people always ask why you should go wireless especially if you are just sitting at a desk. After all, don’t these wireless devices just eat batteries? First, you should know that wireless keyboards do use batteries, but they don’t eat them for breakfast. Your wireless keyboard will last for months or maybe even a year depending on how much you use it. If you are a gamer, plan on going through more batteries as you will use the keyboard more. But in general, you will find that you rarely have to worry about replacing the batteries.
Using a wireless keyboard can remove yet another cable from your desk allowing you to maintain a much neater workspace for your laptop or desktop. Because of this, you will gain a little bit of space that you can use for whatever else you need while you work or game on top of keeping your desk clean and pristine.
Why Not to Go Wireless
Although the mobility and flexibility of wireless keyboards are worth every penny in the right hands, it’s also worth noting that there are potential drawbacks to going wireless if you don’t do your homework. Radio frequency interference from other devices can cause signal to drop in some situations although this can be avoided by getting a keyboard that runs in a different frequency range – 2.5Ghz is the standard used by most devices and your home WiFi, although there are many 5Ghz devices available that may offer improved performance if you find you are dropping signal.
Signal can also drop due to batteries that are running out of power, although this can easily be remedied with a new set. Competitive gamers in particular often shun wireless options due to the potential for delay in signal, although this won’t be a problem for all but the most serious of gamers. Some users swear by wired keyboards and others turn them nose up at the site of ungainly cords – the decision ultimate rests up to you. Either way, with liberal return policies at virtually every retailer, it can’t hurt to give it a shot even if you are a non-believer. You might be surprised at how responsive these keyboards are in action.
Our Favorites
Now we’ve weighed up the pros and cons of taking the dive with a wireless keyboard, it’s time to look at a few of the best options available out there for you. You want to make sure you buy the right wireless keyboard, after all. So browse our list of the best wireless keyboards for laptops so you can find the right keyboard for your needs at a price that you can afford.
This list has been created based on our opinions here at LaptopNinja and we list these tablets in no particular order so don’t think that just because one is at the top of the list, it is any better than the one at the bottom.
Apple Wireless Keyboard
One of my personal favorites, I find this keyboard works great if you have a MacBook or even if you have a PC, assuming you take the time to download the proper drivers from Apple. While it isn’t as feature-rich as many of the others on this list, it does its job well and feels great to the touch. You also get Apples impeccable styling when you buy this keyboard making it the perfect addition to any workspace.
Logitech Solar K750
For those of you who don’t want batteries, but want wireless, the Solar K750 is the keyboard for you. With a model designed for PC and one for Mac, this keyboard is compatible with virtually every modern computer on the market. It is solar powered and will charge off a variety of lighting so you never have to worry about changing batteries ever again. They design is sleek and stylish and the keys feel great to the touch making this an excellent choice office use. It lacks many gaming features, however, so gamers may want to look elsewhere.
Logitech Illuminated K800
While this one from Logitech uses batteries, you can forgive Logitech for not being so green when you take a look at the stylish backlit design provided by this keyboard. It is sleek and very minimalist, if that’s your thing. While it may lack some gaming functionality, it is a great keyboard for casual gamers and artists or movie watchers as you can use it in the pitch black dark if that is your thing.
Microsoft 6000
A respectable entry from Microsoft, the 6000 offers sleek design that is perfect for anyone that needs to do a little typing. The keyboard’s shape allows for a more comfortable position for your hands so you don’t feel those pains in your fingers or wrists after long stretches at a keyboard. Designed specifically for Windows, it offers several keys that can make your Windows navigation much easier over a traditional keyboard.
PNY HP Ultra Thin
If you are going for a true minimalist setup for your home office, but you don’t want to go with the white keyboard from Apple, then the HP Ultra Thin from PNY is the way to go. Designed in a sleek black finish, this keyboard gives you a small form design that still manages to squeeze in a number pad if you need it.
Logitech K350
Logitech didn’t forget those of us who prefer a curved design for added comfort. The Logitech K350 offers a comfortable design with responsive keys that feel good to the touch while also providing a few extras for things like sound control for added convenience. While not a gaming keyboard, it is a great one for casual gamers who don’t want a giant gaming keyboard sitting on their desk.
Microsoft 2000
While definitely nothing fancy, the Microsoft 2000 holds it’s own rather well as a basic wireless keyboard. This keyboard features a slick design that is the perfect balance between oversized and basic, so you can get the best of both worlds in one keyboard. It also still manages to include a few extra keys across the top for added convenience as well and will install easily if you are using a Windows PC laptop.
HP Elite v2
If you like blocky, you will love the HP Elite v2. Its chiclet style keys will make you think this is almost a black version of Apple’s keyboards, only you won’t have to worry about paying Apple prices. Its design is more of a matte styled finish than many keyboards today, but it looks study and perfect for a minimalist design that prefers the chiclet world of typing over traditional keyboards.
Logitech K360
If Logitech is your brand and you love the chiclet style keys, then this is the keyboard for you. The design is sleek and stylish and it is perfectly compact to fit in tighter spaces. Still, it also manages to squeeze in 12 extra keys for things like email and the Internet. On top of that, this keyboard should work and be compatible with both PC and Mac so you shouldn’t have any problems using it no matter what type of system you have sitting on your desk.
Logitech K250
If you are looking for a keyboard that provides basic functionality along with some interesting designs that help you set your workspace apart from the rest, the Logitech K250 should be on your list. It offers unique designs in the corners of the keyboards along with a dark black keyboard that feels great to the touch. If you want something more than just a basically designed keyboard, then the Logitech K250 offers something a little more without going overboard like many keyboards do.
How Do You Choose?
With so many great keyboards to choose from, how do you make the right decision? I won’t lie and tell you it is easy. It’s not. My best advice for you would be to pay a visit to your local electronics store and try these keyboards first before you buy. You want to make sure that you like the way they feel before you invest a single dollar into a new keyboard. Once you do that, then pick the type of style you like out of all of them and try those. After you have made your final decision, you can then make your purchase or order it and have it shipped right to your door.
Sometimes you may have to go through several of the keyboards to find the one that works for you. Don’t get discouraged, with a little dedication, you will find a keyboard that you will love to type on day in and day out. Heck, it may even inspire you to write a book!
Conclusion
Remember, you should never skimp on your keyboard, especially if you are planning on using an additional display for your laptop or especially if you plan on saving on a budget laptop. The better the keyboard, the more enjoyable your laptop experience will be. You will be able to work more or game for longer on a comfortable keyboards that provides you with the best user experience and one that feels just right for you. In addition, you will gain access to many extra features that are designed to make your computing life much easier than it would have been without them. So go ahead and choose any of these great keyboards so you can setup a desk in your home for your laptop that is free from the clutter of cables but provides added comfort compared to just sticking to the keyboard that came with your laptop.
