Nowadays, wireless interfaces will not surprise anyone. Originally used mainly in mobile equipment, they gradually regained their place under the sun and in the environment of ordinary computers. Wireless LANs, wireless headsets, wireless mice and keyboards ... We’ll talk about the latter right now.
A wireless keyboard, in essence, is not much different from a regular (wired) keyboard, at least externally. Manufacturers try to unify as much as possible both the sizes of devices, and the arrangement of keys and additional controls. Therefore, most of what can be written about choosing a wireless keyboard also applies to conventional devices.
One of the main characteristics of this type of device is the type of wireless interface with which the wireless keyboard is connected to the computer. There may be two options: infrared radio module and Bluetooth. The third option - Wi-Fi - has not yet been seen in serial products, although such a wireless keyboard was announced by Hewlett-Packard at the end of 2011. The main advantage of the infrared radimodule is the low cost of implementation. All budget devices are equipped with just such a wireless interface. Of the shortcomings - an extremely small radius of action (1-2 meters, no more) and the need for direct visibility between the keyboard and receiver. A wireless keyboard equipped with a Bluetooth module is devoid of all the shortcomings - a theoretical range of 25-30 meters and a practical range of over 10 meters should be enough for any user. But she has her own minus - a high price.
Recently, you can increasingly find such a thing as a gaming wireless keyboard. A few years ago, the segment of gaming input devices was completely occupied by wired devices. And if wired mice have not yet lost ground, then gaming keyboards are increasingly becoming wireless. Such devices differ from ordinary counterparts by the colored keys often used in games (for example, A, S, W and D), or in general by the presence of a separate “game” unit, as well as by a tighter keystroke compared to a standard device. It will be uncomfortable to type texts all day on such a device, but please play.
Before you connect the wireless keyboard to your computer, take care of the issue of powering a freshly purchased device. There can be two options - standard batteries / rechargeable batteries of standard size AA or AAA, or a "native" battery. The latter option is good in that it does not imply additional costs for batteries, but its drawback is that when the battery fails, replacing it will be problematic. If the device uses standard batteries or rechargeable batteries, they can be purchased at any kiosk or store. Typically, 2 or 4 batteries are used to power a device. Operating time from one set of batteries, as a rule, is indicated by all manufacturers, but you should be very careful about it. Usually one set is enough for several weeks of not the most hard work.
With the very connection of the wireless keyboard to the computer, as a rule, there are no problems. Devices that do not differ in some unique features and have minimal functionality do not even require the installation of drivers or additional software. Devices are more complicated and more functional to reveal their full potential will require a little waste of time, but installing “native” software will not present problems even for an inexperienced user. Manufacturers are well aware that by creating unnecessarily complex "software", they risk scaring off part of potential buyers, and deliberately try to simplify both the installation and operation of their products.
The multimedia capabilities of wireless keyboards are usually similar to those of wired devices. There are many devices on the market in which there is only the necessary minimum of multimedia and additional keys, but there are also models that can satisfy the needs of the most demanding user. A special chic is a wireless keyboard with a touchpad. Such devices are in the assortment of many manufacturers (Logitech, Rapoo, OKlick and others). The difference from a regular keyboard is that, usually on the right, there is a small touchpad on the keyboard, similar to those placed on laptops. In addition to it, several auxiliary buttons can go. Because such devices belong to the middle and upper price range, manufacturers equip them with wireless Bluetooth modules, which provides a large radio range. Thanks to this combination of characteristics, the buyer receives, in fact, the equivalent of a set of "keyboard + mouse". By connecting a keyboard with a touchpad to, for example, your laptop, and a laptop to your home theater, you can control playback from the other end of the room. Convenient, isn't it?