People whose work is closely related to typing, are very familiar with the situation when excessive keyboard noise during its active work causes considerable discomfort. Especially when it comes to working at night, when any rustling is undesirable, the issue of noise becomes paramount. And one of the solutions to this problem is newfangled flexible keyboards.
The manufacturers of this futuristic gadget promise you the perfect silence at work, small dimensions and weight, compactness and spectacular appearance, to achieve which some models even provide backlighting with a silicone flexible keyboard. Let's check whether such gadgets are effective in practice?
Compactness
The above photo clearly shows one of the most obvious differences between a flexible keyboard and the one that we most often see in everyday life. She owes this ability to a case made of an elastic synthetic material resembling silicone in its properties. However, unlike the more well-known analogue, the case material is much more wear-resistant, which significantly prolongs the keyboard's life. Another advantage of silicone is a different structure of the material, in comparison with the usual plastic. Therefore, as a result, the device becomes easier. The keys are made of the same material, which, in essence, are membranes, the same as on conventional keyboards. The only non-flexible element of the device is the electronics block, in which all signals received from keystrokes are processed and converted into binary code.
However, this design has a significant drawback - this is an exceptional attachment to a rigid and even work surface. In other words, the silicone keyboard will not work properly without being, for example, on a table or other flat surface. This is due to the flexibility of the design.
Typing
Those who seek silence will find it. Silicone keyboard really provides a minimum level of noise when typing. All this thanks to the silicone case, in which each of the moving parts is flexible enough to dampen any vibration.
But, when preparing for a purchase, you should know that a flexible silicone keyboard will require some getting used to. In connection with its design, for the keys to work correctly, you will need to be more careful in positioning your fingers when printing, by pressing them exactly in the center of the key.
Among other things, it must be borne in mind that on some models, such as the one shown in the photo above, some of the keys are arranged in an unusual way. In this case, the keyboard has a separate space bar, but there are more unusual layout options. For the most part, this is inherent in more compact models, where in order to comply with smaller dimensions you have to go to tricks.
Cleaning
Studying forums and reviews of various models of flexible keyboards, you will often come across a statement that the silicone keyboard is not afraid of water, that without fear, it can be washed under running water and even washed in a washing machine. Nevertheless, we advise you not to check the latter, but otherwise it’s the pure truth. Absolutely all silicone keyboards are seamless and completely sealed, so when the next portion of hot sweet tea spills on your device, you won’t have to get upset. Is it because of spilled tea, of course.
All you have to do is blot the keyboard with a towel, then rinse under a stream of clean water, dry dry. And your silicone friend is ready to return to duty.
By the way, the keyboard will have to be washed quite often - this is its significant drawback. The fact is that silicone quite easily retains dust, dirt, sweat and wool on it, so at the end of the working day, even while in a very clean room, there is a great chance to find that the silicone keyboard is in a very unpleasant way to the eye.
Total
The flexible keyboard has both unconditional advantages, in comparison with the usual “hard” keyboard, and very significant disadvantages. It is very compact and lightweight, but it is impossible to work with it on a hard and even surface. Typing on it is silent, but requires special care from you. It is easy to wash, it is not afraid to be soaked, but water procedures will have to be done quite often.