Captain Ratatype
This guide covers everything you need to know before purchasing a keyboard: connection types, build styles, switches, and form factors.
Key things to consider when making your choice
1. Connection type: wired or wireless?
- Wired (USB) — the most straightforward and dependable choice. Zero input lag, and no battery to worry about. Perfect if your keyboard lives permanently on your desk.
- Wireless (Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz) — gives you freedom of movement and a tidy, cable-free workspace. Bluetooth lets you pair with several devices at once, whilst the 2.4 GHz radio connection delivers near-wired responsiveness. The trade-off: you'll need to keep tabs on the battery.
- Combined — certain models offer Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity all at once. Brilliant if you regularly switch between devices.
2. Keyboard build type
- Membrane — quieter, lighter, and more affordable. Rather than individual mechanisms, keypresses are detected through a rubber membrane beneath the keys. Well-suited to office environments, study, and general everyday use.
- Mechanical — every key features its own dedicated physical switch. Expect crisp feedback, excellent longevity, and a far more satisfying feel underhand. Various switch types cater to different working styles and personal preferences.
- Magnetic (Hall Effect) — the latest generation of keyboard technology. Instead of physical contact, it relies on a magnet and sensor. The actuation point can be fine-tuned to within a tenth of a millimetre. Easily the most durable option available.
3. Switch types (for mechanical and magnetic keyboards)
- Linear — a smooth, consistent keystroke with no audible click. Quiet and predictable. An excellent pick for those who prioritise speed and don't wish to disturb colleagues.
- Tactile — offers a distinct «bump» at the point of actuation. Strikes a fine balance between typing comfort and pace.
- Clicky — tactile feedback paired with an audible click. A firm favourite amongst those who appreciate clear, definitive responses from their keys. Do bear in mind they're rather noisy — not ideal for shared or open-plan offices.
- Magnetic — no physical contact whatsoever, with a fully adjustable actuation point and the longest lifespan of any switch type.
4. Form factor (size)
- 100% (full-size, ~104 keys) — the complete package: number pad, function row, and arrow keys included. Ideal for anyone who works extensively with spreadsheets or numerical data.
- 75–80% (~82–99 keys) — a more compact layout that still retains the function row and arrow keys. Strikes a sensible balance between full functionality and desk space.
- 65% (~67–68 keys) — drops the function row but keeps the arrow keys. A popular choice amongst those who prefer a bit more room on their desk.
- 60% (~61 keys) — stripped back to the bare essentials. Frees up the maximum amount of desk space possible.
5. Backlighting
RGB backlighting isn't purely decorative. In low-light conditions, it makes navigating the keys considerably easier. Some models go a step further, with backlighting that responds to the proximity of your hands or adjusts its brightness automatically according to the ambient light in the room. If you tend to work late into the evening, this is a feature well worth having.
The right keyboard can genuinely transform your experience — whether you're working, writing, or being creative. Choose what suits your needs, rather than simply going for the most or least expensive option.
Once you've settled on the keyboard that's right for you, we'd love to see you in a typing speed course on Ratatype!
