{"id":36469,"date":"2023-12-19T00:10:36","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T00:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/?p=36469"},"modified":"2023-12-19T00:10:39","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T00:10:39","slug":"computer-keyboards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/computer-keyboards","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Computer Keyboards"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"36469\" class=\"elementor elementor-36469\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-952a855 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"952a855\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4249030\" data-id=\"4249030\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fef9a73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fef9a73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The modern computer keyboard is an evolution of the typewriter, first patented by Christopher Lathan Sholes in 1867. Along with Samuel W. Soule, Carlos Glidden and John Pratt, Sholes is credited with also inventing the QWERTY keyboard layout that anyone with a computer will be familiar with.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The QWERTY layout was designed to reduce the chance of typebars jamming when a key was depressed by separating characters that often appear close together in words. Although this isn\u2019t necessary anyone, the QWERTY format has remained a mainstay of computer keyboards.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since the invention of QWERTY, there have been other keyboard layouts designed to increase typing speed and accuracy. Examples of other computer keyboard designs include Colemak, Workman and AZERTY, all modifications of the QWERTY base with some letters moved to reduce the amount of travel fingers have to make to type common words, and Dvorak which is an entirely alternate layout with only two letters in the same position as QWERTY.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite the fact that there are no longer typebars or hammers that can get stuck, and a plethora of alternate keyboard layouts, QWERTY is still the most popular computer keyboard layout in the English speaking world.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-040b64a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"040b64a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-72e023f\" data-id=\"72e023f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-044f0ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"044f0ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Types of Computer Keyboards <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-498976c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"498976c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-29db209\" data-id=\"29db209\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a1c28d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a1c28d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW262905716 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW262905716 BCX0\">There are multiple different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/computer-keyboard-glossary\">computer keyboard<\/a> technologies in the market, from thumb boards to projected laser keyboards <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW262905716 BCX0\">and ultra compact <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW262905716 BCX0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chorded_keyboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chorded keyboards<\/a>. That said, the market is dominated by four styles of computer keyboard \u2013 Chiclet, Mechanical, Membrane and Opti<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW262905716 BCX0\">cal.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW262905716 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e9e934a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e9e934a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-bc98b32\" data-id=\"bc98b32\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d72723b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d72723b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chiclet Computer Keyboards <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-23554bc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"23554bc\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cc5939f\" data-id=\"cc5939f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7863d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f7863d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A chiclet keyboard is a type of computer keyboard known for its flat, square, and evenly spaced keys that resemble gum in shape. Chiclet keyboards are typically characterised by a low-profile design and are most commonly found on laptops and in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/computer-accessories\/mice-and-accessories\/Satechi-Slim-X3-Bluetooth-Keyboard-DATA6031\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">slim desktop keyboards<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chiclet computer keyboards typically use either membrane or scissor-switch technology. In either case, the keys work based on electrical contact when a key is pressed. In membrane-based chiclet keyboards, under each keycap there is a rubber dome switch that collapses, making electrical contact with a circuit layer beneath it each time a key is pressed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scissor-switches feature a mechanism that resembles two interlocking pieces forming an &#8220;X.&#8221; When a key is pressed, these pieces pivot, allowing electrical contact and key registration.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e295b06 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e295b06\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-103fc36\" data-id=\"103fc36\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f0c609 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8f0c609\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ergonomic Computer Keyboards <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9319f26 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9319f26\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ea957b3\" data-id=\"ea957b3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8503ee8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8503ee8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An ergonomic keyboard is a specialised computer keyboard designed to provide a more comfortable and natural typing experience while reducing the risk of discomfort or injury, such as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or carpal tunnel syndrome.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These keyboards are designed with a layout intended to minimise strain on the wrists and arms. They often feature a split or curved design to encourage a more natural hand and wrist posture, reducing the need for awkward bending or stretching while typing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mechanical and membrane ergonomic keyboards are readily available. They are typically more expensive than non-ergonomic keyboards and are only suitable for touch typists.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9b86029 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9b86029\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a0715c9\" data-id=\"a0715c9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3c44b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f3c44b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mechanical Computer Keyboards <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a6dc89a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a6dc89a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d839fff\" data-id=\"d839fff\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-843b923 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"843b923\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mechanical keyboards use switches that utilise a plunger within a housing. When the plunger is depressed a certain distance (to the actuation point), a terminal on the plunger and housing meet to indicate the key has been pressed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mechanical keyboards come in various switch types, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular mechanical switch brands include Cherry MX, Razer, Gateron, Kailh and more. The specific type of switch used determines the feel and performance of the keyboard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mechanical switches can be divided into three main categories \u2013 linear, tactile and clicky.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Linear Switches<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: These switches travel up and down smoothly with no change in pressure or feel at any point of travel. Tactile switches are quiet.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tactile Switches<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Tactile switches have a noticeable bump in the middle of the keystroke, supplying feedback to the user that the keypress has been registered. The tactile bump makes no sound, leaving tactile keys silent.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clicky Switches<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Clicky switches have a tactile bump as well as an audible &#8220;click&#8221; sound at the actuation point. Clicky switches are generally quite loud and are not generally welcome in office environments.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can think of mechanical keyboards as being the luxury cars of the keyboard world \u2013 they generally offer the best performance and experience available, but with a higher price tag as a result.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-304d370 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"304d370\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-667788b\" data-id=\"667788b\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2f22a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c2f22a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Membrane Computer Keyboards <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-fe4aab9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"fe4aab9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b60abd7\" data-id=\"b60abd7\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24d14ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"24d14ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A membrane keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that relies on a flexible rubber or silicone membrane beneath the keycaps to register keypresses. The membrane layer contains a series of rubber or silicone domes, each aligned beneath a keycap. When you press a key, the corresponding dome collapses, creating an electrical contact between the top and bottom membrane layers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although membrane keyboards are generally less durable than mechanical keyboards, they can still withstand a substantial number of keypresses before showing signs of wear. Membrane keyboards are often more affordable than mechanical keyboards, making them a popular choice for budget-friendly computer setups. They are the most common keyboards on the market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-365a659 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"365a659\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f300c43\" data-id=\"f300c43\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db41384 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"db41384\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Optical Computer Keyboards<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-221e528 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"221e528\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9dca3e0\" data-id=\"9dca3e0\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-728f5ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"728f5ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Optical keyboards use infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit infrared light below the keycaps. Beneath each keycap there is a light sensor that detects the presence of the emitted light. When a key is pressed, the keycap blocks the infrared light from reaching the sensor. This change in light exposure is detected by the sensor, which registers the keypress.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As they don\u2019t rely on physical contact between components, like mechanical switches or membrane keyboards, optical keyboards are known for their rapid response time and minimal input lag.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5f64c0a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5f64c0a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-65721dc\" data-id=\"65721dc\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d5f964 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9d5f964\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Anatomy of a Computer Keyboard <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3783d0e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3783d0e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f6c7e23\" data-id=\"f6c7e23\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ab3edd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5ab3edd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">Individual keyboards may differ in construction, but <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">most<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\"> keyboards feature<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">\u00a0between three and five of<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\"> the following five components \u2013 the case, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">circuit board, mounting plate, key <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">switches<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\"> and key caps<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW32621352 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW32621352 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a29f0e5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a29f0e5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5b4527b\" data-id=\"5b4527b\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36194b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"36194b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Case <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-96fecc2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"96fecc2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3ed96a3\" data-id=\"3ed96a3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef745c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ef745c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All keyboards have cases. The case of a computer keyboard is both aesthetic and structural. The way a keyboard looks is almost entirely due to the choice of case and key caps. In addition to the aesthetics, the case of a keyboard, along with the mounting plate, also contribute to the rigidity and sturdiness of the keyboard.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rigidity can contribute greatly to both the performance and feel of a keyboard. A rigid case provides a stable platform for the key switches. This stability ensures that each keypress registers accurately, reducing the chances of missed or accidental keystrokes. In contrast, a flexible or flimsy case can result in uneven pressure distribution, leading to erratic keypresses, particularly during fast typing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The rigidity of the case can also influence the sound produced when pressing keys. A rigid case often dampens vibrations, resulting in a quieter and more pleasant typing sound. Poorly made or flexible cases often creak when any pressure is applied.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f7e0adb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f7e0adb\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c9d273f\" data-id=\"c9d273f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc9fcd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bc9fcd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Circuit Board <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5626bf0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5626bf0\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-abf23b2\" data-id=\"abf23b2\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cef220d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cef220d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All keyboards feature some form of circuit board. The circuit board is a critical component that bridges the physical key switches and the electronic input to the computer. A well-engineered circuit board can contribute to a superior keyboard performance and feel, enhancing the overall experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The circuit board is responsible for registering keypresses and transmitting them to the connected device. A high-quality, responsive circuit board ensures minimal input lag, resulting in quick and accurate key recognition.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The design of the circuit board determines the keyboard&#8217;s N-key rollover capabilities, which is the ability to register multiple keypresses simultaneously. A well-designed circuit board with full N-key rollover ensures that all keypresses are detected, enabling complex commands and preventing ghosting.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2caac06 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2caac06\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7212fe0\" data-id=\"7212fe0\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54a2d87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"54a2d87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mounting Board<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f4a34b2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f4a34b2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-426bef7\" data-id=\"426bef7\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a107c51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a107c51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mounting boards are typically only found in mechanical and optical keyboards. The mounting board, also known as the keyboard plate or backplate is a metal or plastic plate with cutouts designed to fit mechanical key switches. A sturdy and rigid mounting board ensures that the switches don&#8217;t move or wobble during keypresses. This stability is vital for reliable and consistent key registration, reducing the risk of missed or accidental keystrokes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The backplate can also affect the keyboard&#8217;s durability. A rigid mounting board can withstand the repetitive stress of keypresses over time, extending the keyboard&#8217;s lifespan. A flimsy or flexible mounting board may be more susceptible to wear and tear.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The mounting board influences the sound produced when pressing keys. A thicker and more rigid mounting board can dampen vibrations and reduce keypress noise, resulting in a quieter and more controlled typing sound.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-72e4f33 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"72e4f33\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5af34bc\" data-id=\"5af34bc\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1555f23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1555f23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key Switches <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3f99bd1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3f99bd1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1069dff\" data-id=\"1069dff\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10106dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"10106dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Key switches are synonymous with mechanical keyboards but are sometimes used in membrane keyboards to give cheaper keyboards a more premium feel. These keyboards are sometimes referred to as \u201cmecha-membrane\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A key switch is the individual mechanism beneath each keycap on a keyboard that registers a keypress. More than any other component, key switches are the biggest determiner of the both the performance and feel of a keyboard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f7f0b1d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f7f0b1d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-900a2a3\" data-id=\"900a2a3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12f36e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"12f36e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key Caps <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9c80b78 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9c80b78\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7ef4cb5\" data-id=\"7ef4cb5\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d499f91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d499f91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW75269203 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW75269203 BCX0\">Keycaps are removable, usually plastic, covers that attach to the top of a key switch<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW75269203 BCX0\"> and are the part of the keyboard you depress to register a keystroke. Key caps come in a variety of different shape, colours and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW75269203 BCX0\">materials allowing for the customisation of keyboards.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW75269203 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c90408d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c90408d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a00a843\" data-id=\"a00a843\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dae10eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dae10eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Finding the Right Computer Keyboard for your Needs <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-95761ed elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"95761ed\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-87d5d06\" data-id=\"87d5d06\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc306af elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc306af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW226098972 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226098972 BCX0\">Choosing the right keyboard is essential for both productivity and comfort. With mechanical and membrane keyboards being the two primary s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226098972 BCX0\">tyles<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226098972 BCX0\"> on the market<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW226098972 BCX0\">, how do you choose the right keyboard for you?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW226098972 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-93a3d26 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"93a3d26\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-00c7958\" data-id=\"00c7958\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ebabcee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ebabcee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mechanical Computer Keyboards <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1669375 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1669375\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-677d844\" data-id=\"677d844\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c729d67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c729d67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Typing Intensive Tasks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mechanical keyboards are the preferred choice for tasks that involve extensive typing. Writers, editors, programmers, and data entry professionals benefit from the tactile and responsive feedback of mechanical switches. The distinct keypress feel reduces typing fatigue, resulting in enhanced accuracy and efficiency.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Durability and Heavy Usage<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For jobs that involve using a keyboard for prolonged periods, such as customer support representatives or programmers, a mechanical keyboard&#8217;s durability can be invaluable. The individual switches are rated for millions of keypresses, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Customisation and Specialty Keys<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mechanical keyboards offer extensive customisation options. Some models come with added macro keys or programmable buttons, that can help professionals who rely on shortcuts or complex command sequences.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4. Audio and Video Editing<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For professionals working in audio or video editing, mechanical keyboards provide the tactile and audible feedback necessary for precision editing tasks. The assurance that a keypress has registered aids in fine-tuning projects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c237a63 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c237a63\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f1db21c\" data-id=\"f1db21c\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-348d8df elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"348d8df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Membrane Computer Keyboards<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-24faf23 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"24faf23\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-563de62\" data-id=\"563de62\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6537c15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6537c15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Quiet Office Environments<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In shared office spaces or environments where silence is essential, membrane keyboards are the go-to choice. They provide a quieter typing experience due to the rubber dome mechanism, making them suitable for roles like receptionists, secretaries, or anyone working in close quarters with others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Meeting a tight budget<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For cost-conscious individuals or companies, membrane keyboards are more affordable compared to mechanical counterparts.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. General Office Work<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For everyday office tasks such as email correspondence, internet browsing, or occasional document creation, membrane keyboards are a practical choice. Their simplicity and low cost make them suitable for a wide range of office professionals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4. Low Maintenance and Dust Resistance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Membrane keyboards have a sealed design that makes them less susceptible to dust and debris than mechanical keyboards, making them great for users working in dusty or rugged environments, such as warehouses or construction sites.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style3 like-36469 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='36469' data-nonce='80eeeaf3e9' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Did you find this useful?' \/><span class='lc-36469 lc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class='action-unlike'><a class='unlbg-style3 unlike-36469 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='unlike' data-post_id='36469' data-nonce='80eeeaf3e9' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='' \/><span class='unlc-36469 unlc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <div class='status-36469 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are multiple different computer keyboard technologies on the market, from thumb boards to projected laser keyboards and ultra compact chorded keyboards. That said, the market is dominated by four styles of computer keyboard \u2013 Chiclet, Mechanical, Membrane and Optical. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":36471,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,8,1],"tags":[1235,3130,3128,3129,3131,209,3132],"class_list":["post-36469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-productivity","category-uncategorized","tag-boost-productivity","tag-chicket-keyboards","tag-keyboards","tag-mechanical-keyboards","tag-membrane-keyboards","tag-productivity","tag-typing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36469"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36636,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36469\/revisions\/36636"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}