Keyboards are very important when you want to select the proper laptop. However, finding the best one can take a lot of time and effort. Because there are so many available on the market. Our experts decided to help you making this process much easier by providing. Some information about all popular types of keyboards and how different they are from each other.
A keyboard with low-quality buttons can produce inaccurate input or become defective after a short period of use. Additionally, users with some disabilities might find some designs more comfortable than others. So, having a better understanding of all available keyboards will help you make the right choice. For disabilities having an option for disable laptop keyboard is important because it can help you to gain independence.
1. Standard Laptop Keyboard
This type is widely used and typically found on most laptops. Its keys are generally flat and closely spaced together. People with larger hands might find them too close. While those who prefer a touch-typing technique can easily strike two or more keys with one finger.
2. Chiclet Laptop Keyboard
As you might guess from the name, this keyboard resembles a grid of separate buttons set into the laptop’s case. Their design makes them very thin and light-weight. Which is great because it allows manufacturers to build thinner and more portable models. However, most users find them less comfortable than standard keyboards especially those who like to rest. Their palms or wrists on the table while typing. Additionally, their square shape can make them feel crowded for people with larger hands.
3. Water-resistant Keyboard
This type is popular among gamers and other users who need to keep liquid away from their removable key-pads as much as possible during spills or heavy use. Their buttons and key-caps are sealed and protected from liquids by a special membrane. However, this design makes them feel stiffer to type on. Which can be inconvenient for casual users. Who don’t require such protection.
4. Programmable Laptop Keyboard
This keyboard is similar to the one found on standard desktop computers. Because it allows you to program its keys for different functions. For example, some laptop models have a special button that allows you to launch certain programs with a single touch. If necessary, most programmable keyboards allow you disable their non-programmed buttons as well. They also come in many variations of configuration. But it’s important to make sure your computer has all required software before buying one.
5. Wireless Laptop Keyboard
This type is popular because it can free you from wires and give you more flexibility during use. They work by sending the input signals through the air, so this means that they need batteries to operate properly. However, wireless keyboards tend to be larger than traditional ones because of the extra components needed for transmitting their signals. Additionally, a technology used in their design might not work well with your computer model. Which will reduce their responsiveness and accuracy until you change them out for an alternative option or upgrade your device’s software .
6. Laptop Keyboards With Numeric Pads
If you often use accounting programs, then a laptop keyboard with a numeric pad will make your life much easier. It allows users to enter numbers into spreadsheets and other software much faster than traditional laptop keyboards. However, such models can be inconvenient for people who don’t require this feature. But want a compact design and one-handed operation. If you often use your computer to fill in online forms. Then you might find that the numeric pad reduces the number of keys available for typing symbols and punctuation marks.
Type of Laptop Keys
1. Laptop Scissor-switch Keys
This type is very common among mainstream laptops, but it’s also found on many of Apple’s Mac products. Each one consists of a plastic key-cap that sits above an elastic scissor-shaped cutout. A stiff rubber or plastic strip is placed below the scissors to provide resistance. When you press each button, which makes scissor switch keys easier to press than standard laptop buttons. However, they are also more difficult to press down with just one hand. Because most models require you to push their buttons towards the center of your device rather than directly downwards.
2. Laptop Membrane Keys
These types are often used by lower end manufacturers, but they can also be found on some high-end devices. Each one has a separate conductive rubber pad placed below each key. They work with electricity to transmit signals when you type . Although membrane keys can be less expensive and easier to repair than other models, they feel mushier and less accurate. When in use because it’s harder for your fingers to distinguish between their buttons.
3. Butterfly Keyboard Keys
This type is often found on Apple’s MacBook Pro computers. It consists of a flat metal or plastic key-cap that sits above very thin rubber domes. When combined, these components allow the button to provide much more tactile feedback than other laptop keyboards. Additionally, the keys require less effort to press down because they collapse under your finger-tips. Rather than pushing outwards like scissor switch buttons.
However, this design can damage itself. If you accidentally let debris slip underneath each key during cleaning, so avoid doing this at all costs. Since their domes are easily damaged by excessive force. Butterfly keyboard keys also feel mushier to use compared with scissor-switch types.
4. Laptop Mechanical Keys
These tend to be the highest quality choice for computer users. They are also the most expensive options when compared to membrane or scissor-switch models. Each one features a key-cap that sits above an individual mechanical switch. Which provides tactile feedback when you press it downwards. However, they have very high failure rates if debris falls into their sliders during cleaning. So be careful during this process. As well as being more durable than butterfly keyboards. Mechanical keys tend to offer superior resistance against ghosting and double typing errors too.
Final Words
So, these are some of the major factors to consider when hunting for your next laptop keyboard. Whether you’re looking for improved tactile feedback. Ergonomic design or better accuracy, you should be able to find a model that fits your requirements by focusing on this important feature alone.
However, there are many other elements to think about before taking the plunge and buying any type of laptop keyboard. For instance, you should also consider its layout, backlighting options and overall value before making a purchase if possible. But this list takes care of all the most important considerations. If you follow it step-by-step during your hunt for a new device.