When it comes to keyboards, there are two camps that are firmly entrenched in their belief as to which one is better.
The first camp, fans of the wired keyboard, note that Bluetooth can lead to lag and that hackers can exploit vulnerabilities and a host of other concerns. The other side of the coin, those in favor of Bluetooth keyboards, are ready to make their case as to why a Bluetooth keyboard is the best decision many computer users can make.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the 8 reasons why buying a Bluetooth keyboard might be right for you.
How Does a Bluetooth Keyboard Differ from a Wireless Keyboard?
Before jumping into specific reasons why a Bluetooth keyboard is right for you, let’s take a quick step back and clarify what exactly a Bluetooth keyboard is. First and foremost, a Bluetooth keyboard unsurprisingly works off of Bluetooth technology and uses this tech to connect to your computer.
This is separate from a wireless keyboard that might use a radio frequency like 2.4GHz to work with your computer through a USB dongle. It’s important to know these two technologies are different and how they work differently as they can easily be confused.
Now that you know how these two keyboard technologies are different, it’s time to jump into the reasons why your next keyboard purchase should be of the Bluetooth variety.
#1: Wide Compatibility
When it comes to a keyboard type that is going to be the most compatible with a myriad of device types, it’s the Bluetooth keyboard for the win. Unfortunately, your wired keyboard, or even your wireless keyboard without Bluetooth, will not be able to connect to your TV, smartphone, tablet, and other devices.
Where a Bluetooth keyboard wins out is that it can connect to all of these devices and more. Best of all, there are many Bluetooth keyboards out there that enable connecting to multiple devices through different preset Bluetooth buttons. This means one keyboard for 3 devices on your desk is not only possible but absolutely awesome to use as it limits the total number of keyboards you need for your work.
At the end of the day, having the ability to quickly switch your Bluetooth keyboard to your iPad, then back to your computer, and then back again all within a span of a few minutes is just awesome.
#2: No Additional Hardware Requirements
While a single cord might not be an annoyance for some people, for others it’s an eyesore when used with an otherwise clean computer setup. For anyone who values a clean computer setup, losing the cord in favor of a Bluetooth keyboard can help you feel less cluttered and allow you to focus on what your next task is and not how to get all of your cords out of the way.
If you’re being honest with yourself, cords are a definite distraction, so choose a Bluetooth keyboard and forget about cords and dongles forever.
#3: Longer Connection Range
While connection range might not be a big deal for computer users who are used to sitting up close to a computer, a Bluetooth keyboard can be a great option for using with a game console. For the most part, a Bluetooth keyboard has a range right around 20-30 feet before the connection breaks.
This means you can comfortably use a keyboard with a television or gaming console without worrying about a pesky cord limiting how close you need to be sitting.
The same goes for a computer. Even if you don’t need to sit as far away as you do with a game console, having the flexibility of no cords will allow you to lean back in a chair with a keyboard in your lap. If you haven’t tried this position before, it’s a wonderful way to be more relaxed while gaming and you don’t have to worry about a cord being yanked out of a desktop or laptop.
#4: Battery Drain isn’t a Big Deal
Wired keyboard owners complain that using a Bluetooth keyboard is likely to make your battery drain faster on a laptop, smartphone, or other devices. The reality is quite different as Bluetooth is not at all a terribly power-hungry resource, so any impact on a smartphone, tablet, or computer battery is going to be limited at best.
At best, most studies of how much battery drain can be had with a Bluetooth keyboard attached to a laptop is right around an extra 1-2% drain. This is hardly likely to be a number that is going to impact your day as, realistically, the difference between 98% and 96% will not have you super worried.
Therefore, the impact of battery drain is unlikely to cause any significant impact on overall battery life, so you don’t have to worry about having a laptop charger close at hand.
#5: Compatibility Issues Are Overblown
There is no question that Bluetooth offers a variety of different technology types, with most devices produced in the last few years running Bluetooth 4.0 to Bluetooth 5.2.
It is true there are some rare instances where some operating systems, like Ubuntu or Windows 7, will not work with older Bluetooth keyboards. However, these are rare examples and not at all going to be what the large majority of Bluetooth keyboard users experience.
Fans of wired keyboards will undoubtedly have you believe that compatibility issues are widespread, but the reality is that most Bluetooth devices can talk and connect to one another with use. Bluetooth is not a perfect system, but any concerns over compatibility shouldn’t even register on your radar when shopping for a new keyboard.
©MZinchenko/Shutterstock.com
#6: Latency Concerns Are Also Overblown
One of the biggest flags that comes up anytime a Bluetooth keyboard conversation starts is that lag is a real concern, especially with a gaming keyboard. Well, there is truth to the idea that a Bluetooth keyboard can lag more than a wired keyboard, but again, the reality is that any lag is going to be minimal. Especially with the newest Bluetooth gaming keyboards, lag is so minimal that it’s almost imperceivable to anyone but the most astute person who understands latency and Bluetooth better than anyone else in the room.
#7: Easy Setup
One big plus with Bluetooth keyboards is just how easy they are to set up. While not as quick as plugging directly into a computer using a cable, Bluetooth is so seamless to set up these days that it’s very much a setup-and-forget-it experience.
For the most part, all you have to do is hold a Bluetooth sync button for a few seconds until the device you want to connect to shows the Bluetooth keyboard as available, and then tap or click on the device name, depending on the type of system you are connecting to.
This is it, that’s all you have to do. Just sync it once and then it’s synced forever. Even if the batteries go out or a computer or game console resets, the Bluetooth settings will be remembered so you can instantly start using the keyboard again. Whether you are connecting to a computer, smartphone, or tablet, the same setup process applies all over.
#8: Tons of Options
Assuming you have already made the decision to purchase a Bluetooth keyboard, rest assured that you will have plenty of options available. Between gaming and regular Bluetooth keyboards, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of options available to you at all price points.
Some will have a full set of keys and some will have more ergonomics, while others will have RGB colors and backlit keys. If there is a feature you want on a keyboard, there is a better-than-good chance a Bluetooth keyboard model exists with exactly what you want.
If you want a compact size, there are plenty of models available and if you want a full-size keyboard, there are plenty of options on this end as well. This is the best part about Bluetooth keyboards as you can find different models to customize exactly the layout you want so you can personalize your keyboard experience.
The Best Bluetooth Keyboards Available Today
#1 Best Overall: Logitech K380
- Multi-device Bluetooth keyboard (switch between 3 devices)
- Logitech flow cross-computer typing
- Easy to carry around
- OS adaptive
- 80 keys
When it comes to the best overall keyboard, the Logitech K380 has long been a favorite of Bluetooth keyboard enthusiasts.
As a multi-device Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech K380 is perfect for connecting to a multitude of devices including Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Android, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV hardware.
With three separate Bluetooth connection buttons, you can easily connect to 3 separate devices simultaneously and switch between them with a press of a button.
Best of all, the Logitech K380 defies any belief that Bluetooth keyboards are not battery efficient as it offers a 2-year battery life on a single charge. This means 2 million keystrokes are possible on average before you ever have to worry about recharging. It’s an impressive number to be sure, especially for a compact keyboard that is mobile enough to not only work well at a desk but to be carried with you on the go from home to your office and back again.
Check it out on Amazon here.
Best Full-Size: Logitech MX Keys
- Features backlighting
- Battery: 10 days (with backlighting) to 5 months (no backlighting)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Connectivity: Wireless receiver, Bluetooth
Widely considered the best full-size Bluetooth keyboard around, the Logitech MX Keys is ready to quickly connect and get you going.
Where the Logitech MX Keys immediately shines is with its great typing experience as its spherically-shaped keys are very comfortable to type on. The ergonomic design of the keyboard also assists with comfort as it offers an optimum typing angle so your wrists feel as if they are working from an angle that is completely natural.
As a Bluetooth-compatible keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys is readily equipped to work with 3 different devices at the push of a button. You can mix and match between Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and iPadOS and swap back and forth as often as you need.
Regardless of which operating system you are using, quick-charging the keyboard every 10 days is done by USB-C if you want the backlit keys powered on or every 5 months with the backlighting deactivated.
Find it on Amazon here.
Best for Gaming: Logitech G915
- Pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords
- Creates clean aesthetics for battle stations
- Delivers 30 hours on a single full charge
- LIGHTSYNC technology provides next-gen RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content
- Personalize each key or create custom animations from -16.8M colors with Logitech G HUB software
- Actuation force: 50 gram
- Low Profile mechanical switches offers the speed, accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height
- The GL Tactile switch produces a discernible bump at the point of actuation
- Comes in 3 options: GL Tactile, GL Linear, or GL Clicky
- Beautifully crafted, the G915 uses an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver an incredibly thin but rigid and durable design
- Enjoy 30 hours of game time on a single charge
- Low battery warnings at 15% on the keyboard battery LED and via pop-up notification in the Logitech G HUB software
- Quickly recharges in 3 hours
For gaming keyboard fans, any type of mechanical keyboard is preferable, and among the highest-rated models is the Logitech G915.
Logitech has long been an industry leader and it shows with the Logitech G915 with its outstanding mechanical switches. With an actuation force of 50g, the low-profile mechanical switches are comfortable, accurate, and perform well whether you choose to use the GL Tactile, GL Linear, or GL Clicky style.
Powered by a Bluetooth connection, the Logitech G915 works for 30 hours on a single charge while connecting to any Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, or iOS device. Recharging through USB happens in under 3 hours, which is good because you only want to go so long without your RGB color preference. You can choose from among 16.8 million colors and personalize using Logitech’s G Hub downloadable software.
Check it out on Amazon right here.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, whether you go with a wired or Bluetooth keyboard for your PC, tablet, or console is entirely up to you.
The good news is that you have plenty of choices and those choices are boosted by the idea that Bluetooth keyboards offer a strong feature set that can not only rival their wired counterparts but also beat them feature-wise in many ways.
For this reason and many more, you should confidently pick up a Bluetooth keyboard at any time.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Dan Dragos/Shutterstock.com.
