Cable length
The length of the cable that the keyboard is equipped with for wired connection (see "Connection type").
When choosing this parameter, you should first of all take into account the distance from the device to the connection port: a cable that is too short may simply not reach the connector, and a cable that is too long may get confused at hand and create inconvenience. As for specific values, the reference length is 1.8 m. However, there are cables both shorter and longer.
PBT keycaps
Keys made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), one of the most durable and long-lasting plastics for keyboards. Unlike ABS keycaps, they are more wear-resistant, do not become glossy over time, and are resistant to mechanical abrasion. The latter is also facilitated by high-quality application of symbols, for example, by double casting (Double Shot) or laser engraving.
PBT keycaps have a rough texture that is pleasant to the touch and provide a clearer and tactile response when typing.
Volume control
Volume control methodprovided in the keyboard (if such a possibility is provided at all).
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Through Fn. Adjustment using the Fn key (see above): increasing and decreasing the volume is carried out by simultaneously pressing Fn and one of the main keys of the keyboard (usually from the F1 — F12 row), The main advantage of this control is that it allows you not to overload the keyboard with additional controls — this, in turn, has a positive effect on the dimensions and cost. The disadvantage is the need to simultaneously press two keys, which is not always convenient.
— Additional keys.
Control with additional keys specially designed for working with volume. A very convenient and practical option: additional keys are usually clearly labeled, while they take up less space and are cheaper than a wheel or a touch slider (see below).
— Wheel.
Control by means of a mechanical wheel, the rotation of which up and down or left and right provides a change in volume. A fairly user-friendly option — visual, intuitive and accessible even blindly. At the same time, the wheel can take up quite a lot of space, and it significantly affects the cost of the keyboard.
— Touch slider. Management using a touch surface, the movement of a finger in one direction or another. The sensor takes up minimal space
..., looks neat and generally fits well with the overall design of the keyboard, but it is not cheap. Therefore, this option is extremely rare, mainly in high-end gaming or multimedia keyboards. Palm rest
The presence of an additional
palm rest in the design of the keyboard. Such a stand is located in the lower (closest to the user) part of the device and is a kind of continuation of the “board”, providing additional support and increasing the comfort of use. However, comfort is largely a matter of personal preference, and not all users like stands; therefore, most often they are made removable.
Detachable cable
The presence of a removable cable in the design of the keyboard.
This feature provides, first of all, additional convenience in storage and transportation: it is easier to pack the removed cable than to wind and lay the wire attached to the keyboard. Another advantage is that if necessary, the complete cable can be replaced without changing the entire keyboard — for example, if it is damaged or if a longer cable is needed. However, these moments are not so often significant, so there are not so many
keyboards with detachable cables.
Waterproof
Protecting the keyboard from spilling liquid on it. Most
waterproof keyboards do not have a full-fledged sealed case and are designed to remain operational in the event of accidental contact with a relatively small amount of liquid (up to 200 mL) — for example, in the classic case of spilling coffee on the keyboard.