Keyboards, Mice and Desk Accessories

Gaming or office desk: the first split in this aisle

The area breaks into a few clear branches. Keyboards divide into gaming boards, with fast switches and lighting, and office boards built for quiet, comfortable typing; see gaming keyboards for the first kind. Mice split the same way, with ergonomic and wireless models for long workdays in wireless and ergonomic mice. Mouse pads, wrist rests and KVM switches complete the desk. Decide whether you type all day, play fast games, or share one set of controls between two computers.

Layout, switch feel and wireless type decide daily comfort

Three choices repeat across the area. Layout runs from full-size, with a number pad, through tenkeyless to compact boards that move the function row or arrow keys onto a second layer. Switch feel is linear, tactile or clicky, and membrane boards are quieter and softer than mechanical ones. Connection is wired USB, a 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth; dongles give lower delay than Bluetooth, and Bluetooth saves a USB port. Match the mouse to your hand size and grip, and a pad to your desk space.

Questions about Keyboards, Mice and Desk Accessories

What does tenkeyless or TKL mean?

It is a full keyboard without the number pad, which gives more desk room for the mouse. Smaller compact layouts also drop some navigation or function keys, which then move to a second layer reached with an Fn key.

Is wireless good enough for gaming?

A 2.4 GHz dongle connection has low delay and is widely used for games. Bluetooth usually adds more delay and is better for office work or switching between devices. Wired remains the simplest option with no battery to charge.

When do I need a KVM switch?

When two or more computers share one keyboard, mouse and monitor. Check that the switch supports your video standard and resolution, and that it has enough USB ports for the keyboard, mouse and any other shared devices.