Keyboards come with different options, from joint-friendly ergonomic models to those built for typing efficiency. Considering the myriad of products out on the market, you might have difficulty choosing the best keyboard for you. While personal preferences will always be a factor in your decision, the ideal keyboard must have the following qualities.

Ergonomics

To keep carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury at bay, use an ergonomic keyboard. Such keyboards keep your hands in a neutral position while typing. Not only do these provide greater comfort, but they also reduce joint and tendon stress. This prevents inflammation and pricey surgical procedures. Ergonomic features range from simple padded wrist-rests to elaborate curved and sloped keyboards.

Connectivity

If your computer mouse can go wireless, your keyboard can too. Wireless ones are powered by batteries and normally connect to your computer via Bluetooth or a radio frequency, whereas wired models draw power and transmit typed input via a USB connection.

Your choice of keyboard will depend on what you’ll use the keyboard for. Gamers tend to prefer wired over wireless because they don’t have to deal with the lag and interference issues that the latter is prone to. On the other hand, people who like to switch locations or have to work remotely are likely to appreciate the portability of wireless keyboards. Some tablet users may find these to be more affordable or more pleasant to use than the keyboards specifically designed for their tablets.

However, even if your computer is at a fixed location, a wireless keyboard — together with a wireless mouse and wireless headset — is great for creating a clean and modern look. Most models can be connected to your PC via a 2.4-GHz wireless dongle that can also be used for cordless phones and Wi-Fi, providing connectivity to multiple devices at once. And if you have a large enough screen, you can lie on the couch and type from across the room.

The right type of key switches

This aspect of keyboard design is widely mentioned in reviews, yet many people overlook the importance of the type of switches used for individual keys. Although the intricate mechanisms that hide beneath the keys may not excite you, the difference you feel from each type will.

The three main types of key switches include silicone dome, scissor, and mechanical switches. Newer keyboards generally use silicone-dome switches, where two dimpled layers of silicone membrane form a grid of rubber bubbles that acts as the switch for each key. This requires you to press the key hard to type a letter, gradually diminishing its springiness and responsiveness over time.

The newer laptops and ultrabooks use scissor switches, which have a mechanical stabilizer for uniformity. Moreover, under each keycap is a plunger that allows for shorter key travel. This causes scissor switch keyboards to have a shallow typing feel, making them more durable than silicone dome switches.

What keyboard enthusiasts can’t get enough of are mechanical switch keyboards. Their advantages lie in the spring-loaded sliding keypost beneath each key. Several variations are available with slightly different sensations or sounds. Mechanical switches generally provide enhanced tactile feedback and have a clicking sound. Thanks to their sturdy switch mechanisms and durable springs, these keyboards last longer and can easily be repaired. Furthermore, each keystroke registers quickly, making them ideal for touch typists.

It won’t take long to examine your current keyboard and see how well it works. Do not settle for anything but the best. If you need help finding the right keyboard, email us or drop us a line. We’re more than happy to hear from you.

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Ever wish you could get more work done with your iPad? You’re not alone. In fact, one of the main reasons people purchase an iPad in the first place is because they believe it will give them the ability to be more productive while out and about. The reality is that many individuals only end up using it to surf the web or watch Netflix. However, if you still harbour ambitions of making your iPad a productivity tool, here are the three things you need to make it happen.

Keyboard

We understand a lot of people buy an iPad because it doesn’t have a keyboard, but if you really want to be more productive using your iPad then a keyboard is a must have item. With both Microsoft Office and Google Apps for Work now available for use on iPads and iPhones, it means that it is now easy to create and edit documents and spreadsheets from your tablet. And it is far easier and quicker to edit them using a keyboard.

A number of iPad keyboards are available including Apple’s Smart Keyboard which acts as a case as well. Logitech’s Create keyboard is an alternative that will give your iPad the look and feel of a laptop. Both of these options connect to your iPad via the Smart Connector, but you’ll also find a number of Bluetooth keyboards on the market too. The key is finding a keyboard that you find comfortable to use.

Duet Display app

If you have ever worked in an office that let you use dual monitors, you know how awesome it is. Unfortunately, if you have to work from home or out on the road it means you are usually confined to the single screen of your laptop. However, with the Duet Display app, you can connect your iPad to a Mac computer operating on OS X 10.9 or above or a PC running Windows 7 or above and have it serve as your second monitor. Both mirror and extended desktop modes are available so you can capture the same feel of working at the office even if you can’t physically be there.

Stylus

Samsung Note users constantly rave about how much they love using their stylus but Apple continues to lag behind on this front. The software giant didn’t release their first stylus until late in 2015 and the functionality is still fairly basic. However, many third-party developers have stepped in to fill this gap by creating styluses for the iPad and now some heavy hitters including Microsoft are making their apps stylus compatible to increase your productivity options.

That’s great news, but the biggest productivity benefit of using a stylus is probably more of a mental one than any tangible gain. Holding and working with a pen, or in this case a pen-shaped device, feels more like traditional work and gets you in productivity mode. Since you likely use your fingers to navigate your iPad in more casual settings, this mindset can carry over to when it’s time to work. Investing in a stylus can create a clear divide as to when it’s time to work using your iPad and when it’s okay to open up your favorite freemium game and challenge for the high score.

Need more advice on how to boost your productivity when using an iPad? Want to see what work alternatives are available for mobile employees? Contact our experts for answers to these and any other questions you might have.

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