Buying a keyboard may not seem like a difficult task, but trust me not all keywords are the same. It really doesn't matter whether you're buying a wired keyboard or keyboard and mouse combo there are certain things you need to understand so that your experience with your new keyboard is a good one. Not all keyboards are made the same, there are many combos that are it expensive and come with a wireless mouse and keyboard and lack the power to give you much range with your wireless option. Some models have others options such as key placement, extra keys and more things to consider. For this reason I recommend that you do not purchase keyboard online until you go to your local computer store or big-box store and check out some of the options. Most or big-box stores such as Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot and many others will have 6 to 10 keyboards out for display that you can touch and feel. Check out the keyboard first in the store to make sure that it firs your hand and has the options you want, then go online and check out the reviews and prices before you purchase. Do not be impulsive just because the salesman says is a bestseller. Over the last 25 years I have learned that keyboards are very personal part of your computer and if they don't work right they are just plain torture to use.

The Feel: What I mean by the feel of the keyboard, is what it feels like you type on the keys. Some keyboards will have large keys, some keyboards will have small keys, some will have a big enter key, and some have a very small one. Most of you will understand what works for you and what doesn't. Another consideration is the actual feel the keys, some people like a nice stiff click, which is hard to find these days, and some people like a very soft touch. Once again go to big-box stores or your local computer store and check it out for yourself. You're in a spend a lot of time with your keyboard and you want it to feel right for you.

Options: Another few things you might want to consider is the options on your keyboard. Some people like a keyboard that is wireless and some people like a wired keyboard. You might want to use your keyboard on a couch in front of a a big-screen TV, make sure it has a range of the least 20 to 25 feet. A lot of the smaller keyboards or less expensive ones don't have a range more than 10 feet and cannot be used in a family room or living room. Don't skimp on the money for your keyboard/mouse combo. To get a good set you're going to have to spend at least $40-$60. Also does the keyboard you're looking at have the right look or feel, is it really light and moves around as you type, do the extra keys to get in your way? Think about these and other options as you look at the keyboards. Some options such as backlit keys for gamers are hard to come by, and your keyboard choices are few. So consider which options you really have to have and go out and do some shopping. Once you've found a keyboard that you feel work for you, come home and do some research to see if there's any major problems, also check online to see if you can get a better price. One last thing to consider when buying a wireless keyboard is whether it has two, four or six batteries, and also how long they last. I've seen some large keyboards with lots of bells and whistles and six batteries, and you think the batteries will last a long time, and then you find out your putting in new batteries every other week. Once again do the research, do the research, save yourself a lot of headaches.

In conclusion buying a keyboard is really about what works for you, it doesn't matter if you're buying a combo or keyboard by itself, it must work for you.

Check out Newegg.com they have lots of Keyboards and detailed specification on each.

Coming Soon
Panda Computers Newsletter