Wireless keyboard test 2023
Anyone who owns a PC with which they frequently work, play, surf the Internet or chat naturally also has a keyboard connected to it. Many PC manufacturers supply a classic standard keyboard, which is usually connected to the PC with a cable. However, this is not particularly practical, which is why many PC owners prefer to opt for an alternative wireless keyboard. In our guide below, we will tell you about the advantages of such a keyboard and what you should definitely consider when choosing the perfect wireless keyboard.
The best wireless keyboards 2023
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| 1 |
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Logitech MK295 wireless keyboard and mouse set with ... |
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| 2 |
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Logitech MK270 Wireless Set with Keyboard and... |
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| 3 |
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Hama "Cortino" wireless keyboard (ergonomic... |
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| 4 |
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Logitech K270 Wireless Keyboard for Windows, 2,4... |
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| 5 |
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Rii keyboard mouse set wireless, wireless keyboard with... |
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| 6 |
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cimetech keyboard mouse set wireless, 2.4G... |
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| 7 |
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CHERRY KW 3000, wireless keyboard with... |
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| 8 |
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Wireless keyboard and mouse set, De Layout... |
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| 9 |
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Wireless Keyboard Mouse Set, 2,4G Small... |
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| 10 |
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seenda Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set,... |
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| 11 |
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Logitech MK540 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and... |
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| 12 |
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TECKNET Wireless Set, German QWERTZ Layout, 2.4... |
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| 13 |
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TECKNET Slim wireless keyboard, German layout... |
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| 14 |
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iClever 2.4G Wireless Keyboard, Aluminum Back... |
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| 15 |
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seenda Keyboard Mouse Set Wireless,... |
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A wireless keyboard - what is that actually?
A wireless keyboard is a classic keyboard for the computer, which is also known under the alternative name "keyboard". However, the most important difference between a standard keyboard and a wireless keyboard is the way they are connected. While a conventional keyboard is wired and connected to the PC in this way, a wireless keyboard, as its name unmistakably suggests, transmits data wirelessly. This has the important advantage that from now on there is no more annoying cable clutter on the desk and you can, for example, put the keyboard on your legs while you lean back on your office chair. Theoretically, you could also walk through the room with a connected wireless keyboard and still easily maintain a connection between the PC and the keyboard - with a wireless keyboard you primarily benefit from a maximum of flexibility and freedom.
Radio or Bluetooth?
If you start looking for a new wireless keyboard in a specialist shop or on the Internet, you will quickly notice that there are two variants with different types of reception. On the one hand, there is the classic wireless variant, in which the connection between the keyboard and the PC is actually wireless. But there is also an alternative wireless keyboards that use bluetooth get connected.
These models are also often sold under the name wireless keyboard, which is very confusing, especially for inexperienced users. Strictly speaking, however, this designation is correct, because Bluetooth, like keyboards operated by radio, also uses the same transmission medium - namely high-frequency radio waves. The main differences between the two technologies are in the connection with the desired end device, which is extremely simple in both cases.
When it comes to the question of "radio or Bluetooth", it is important to know that a radio connection is usually much stronger. It reaches a maximum of 10 meters in a radius of 360° and is therefore excellently designed for longer distances. A Bluetooth connection, on the other hand, tends to weaken as the distance increases. On the other hand, interference can occur when using a wireless keyboard if several devices are operated wirelessly in the immediate vicinity, since all devices carry out their work via the same radio frequency.
Connection of a wireless keyboard to the PC
If you buy a classic wireless keyboard, you will find a so-called USB dongle in the scope of delivery. This is a mini USB adapter that simply plugs into an available USB port on your computer. Once this is done, the keyboard will automatically connect to the dongle, replacing the traditional connection with a connector cable. No additional software needs to be installed on the PC and the owner of the keyboard can use it for typing immediately. It should be noted, however, that a USB slot must be permanently available for the USB dongle. If the dongle is removed, no more input can be made via the keyboard connected to it - therefore, ideally, there should be sufficient free USB ports on the PC.
It is also important that the dongle is really extremely small and can therefore quickly get lost, especially when travelling. In some cases, the manufacturer offers a small space on the underside of the keyboard specifically for these cases, in which the adapter can be accommodated. Alternatively, radio sets are now also being sold, which consist of a keyboard and an additional mouse - in this case the small free space is usually under the mouse. If you transport the keyboard frequently, please note that it can no longer be used without the mini adapter - which is why losing the same would be extremely annoying.
A wireless keyboard that is connected via Bluetooth has the advantage over a classic wireless keyboard that it can usually be connected to the PC or the desired end device without such an adapter. However, this is only possible if the computer has an integrated Bluetooth interface – which is by no means the case with every device. If the said interface is not available, it can easily be retrofitted to most devices. However, you need a Bluetooth adapter for this, which is also plugged into the PC via a USB connection - the advantage of a wireless Bluetooth keyboard would thus be eliminated.
How is a wireless keyboard supplied with energy?
If a conventional keyboard is connected to a PC, there is no need to worry about the power supply, as there is a direct connection between the two components via the cable. With a wireless keyboard, however, things are a bit different: In order for the wireless transmission to work wirelessly, batteries are required, which must be inserted into the keyboard.
Unfortunately, this has two major disadvantages. On the one hand, the inserted batteries contribute to more waste, since they are empty after a certain time and have to be replaced. On the other hand, it can happen that the keyboard batteries are suddenly empty and you don't have any spare batteries at hand. Before these are not used, the wireless keyboard is almost unusable, so this can lead to an annoying forced break. It is therefore well advised to either have a sufficiently large supply of batteries in the desk drawer or alternatively to use rechargeable batteries. Compared to conventional batteries, these are significantly more expensive to buy, but can be used several times - which, in turn, is also good for the environment.
Different types of wireless keyboards
Wireless keyboards are divided into two different variants: On the one hand there is the usual standard keyboard, which is ideal for typical work on the PC. It has a classic QWERTZ keyboard and a number block, and now and then one or the other multimedia key is also on board.
On the other hand, there is the so-called multimedia keyboard: It is usually equipped with a special touchpad that can replace the typical computer mouse - this is already known in a similar way from the keyboard of a notebook. The key and numeric block is usually kept a little smaller than on a conventional standard keyboard, which is why the size of the keyboard itself is significantly more compact. A multimedia keyboard is therefore ideal for connection to a Smart TV or to a Tablet PC, but it can also be used on a PC as well. Ultimately, of course, it's a matter of personal taste and principles as to whether you prefer a standard keyboard or a multimedia keyboard.
Before buying a wireless keyboard, it is best to think about the purposes for which it will be used in the future. Anyone who uses their computer primarily to write a wide variety of texts or to chat with their friends is perfectly served with a classic standard keyboard in most cases.
On the other hand, if you want to mostly surf the World Wide Web, a compact multimedia keyboard can prove advantageous - especially if you don't use it on the PC but on the Internet-enabled television or as a "handy" replacement keyboard on a Tablet want to connect. If the wireless keyboard is permanently on the Table is to be placed, we recommend using the standard variant. On the other hand, if you want to place it on your lap and control the connected device from a greater distance, a compact multimedia keyboard proves to be more suitable.
Special functions of a wireless keyboard: touchpad, trackball, lighting and special keys
While standard keyboards live up to their name, multimedia keyboards often offer their buyer one or two additional features. As already briefly mentioned, there is often a so-called touchpad, which serves as a replacement for a classic mouse. It can be used with fingers to scroll, click and zoom in/out on screen content. An alternative to this would be the so-called tracking ball, which has the shape of a ball and also replaces the PC mouse. He usually has additional buttons integrated, which enable even more convenient handling.
A built-in backlight is also very popular in modern multimedia keyboards. This allows you to use the keyboard late in the evening and still see all the keys perfectly. Of course, bring a keyboard with you Lighting but also optical accents and just looks pretty cool. In addition to models with uniform backlighting, there are now many manufacturers who rely on models with colorful rainbow lighting. Here, of course, your own taste plays an important role in the selection.
The special keys are also widespread on multimedia keyboards. They can easily be linked to a wide variety of commands, so that operation is significantly more convenient. For example, if you work very often with a certain graphics or text program, you can assign the open command for this program to one of the special keys. Special keys are therefore not only interesting for various multimedia applications, but can also prove to be a real help in office work. one or the other sworn fan of a standard keyboard could definitely think about switching to a multimedia keyboard.
Are wireless keyboards suitable for gamers?
Although there are many wireless keyboards that are specifically aimed at demanding gamers, such a keyboard can only be recommended to a limited extent for gamers. The reason for this is quite simple: transmissions via radio can arrive the smallest milliseconds later than is the case with a classic cable keyboard. The user hardly notices this during various online or office tasks.
In online games, however, where every single millisecond can be game-changing, such deviations do play a role. In addition, it can happen from time to time that a radio connection breaks down for various reasons. If this happens in the middle of an important game, the victory you thought was certain is as good as gone - which is why many gamers prefer to rely on the loyal services of their wired keyboard and deliberately turn their backs on a wireless keyboard.
Buying a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse in a set?
Many manufacturers offer their wireless keyboard in combination with an associated wireless mouse at. In fact, acquiring such a set can prove to be an advantage.
If you already have a mouse that you don't want to do without, or if you buy a multimedia keyboard with a touchpad, an additional mouse is not absolutely necessary. In this case, whether you still opt for a set of wireless keyboard and wireless mouse decide is up to you. However, in that case you would have an extra mouse on hand as a backup should your existing mouse die for some reason.
Please note, however: A wireless mouse, like a wireless keyboard, must be operated with batteries or rechargeable batteries.
Wireless keyboard: The advantages and disadvantages in the check
Wireless keyboards have both advantages and disadvantages. To give you a better overview of when a wireless keyboard can be profitable for you, we have put together the pros and cons for you here.
- A wireless keyboard avoids annoying cable clutter on the desk
- Thanks to the wireless connection, longer distances to the PC are possible
- Multimedia keyboards are ideal for Smart TV & Tablets suitable
- In contrast to classic keyboards, wireless keyboards are powered by batteries
- A USB slot is permanently blocked by the inserted USB dongle
- The tiny USB dongle can easily get lost, especially when travelling
- In rare cases, brief radio interference may occur
Conclusion
A wireless keyboard is an excellent solution if you want to avoid annoying cable clutter on the desk, as it works very conveniently via radio and therefore wirelessly - instead of a cable connection, batteries or rechargeable batteries are used in such a model. In addition to classic standard keyboards for writing and surfing, there are also numerous compact multimedia keyboards with additional equipment on the market, which are also ideal for use on Smart TV or on a tablet PC due to their handy dimensions.
