
What is a Bluetooth Keyboard: A Detailed Overview
Try imagining using a computer without a keyboard. That world is unimaginable, right? Perhaps in the future, that world might be possible; but today, people are looking for easy to maneuver keyboards like a Bluetooth keyboard.
A Bluetooth keyboard is a low-power, low-speed wireless keyboard designed to connect to cell phones, PDAs, and laptop computers for high data transfer speeds. This keyboard uses a wireless receiver to connect and communicate with your device. Unlike wired keyboards, Bluetooth keyboards operate on batteries that require a change every two or three months for the keyboard to work.
Thanks to the growth of technology, keyboards are literally cutting the cord, which has led to the rise and popularity of Bluetooth keyboards.This article will also take a deeper look at how bluetooth keyboards stand out and the features you need to look at when purchasing one. So, let’s go.

What Are the Differences Between a Bluetooth Keyboard and Wireless Keyboard?
With the Bluetooth keyboard being a part of the wireless keyboard family, are there any significant differences between the two? Yes, there are several dissimilarities between the way each function, and it’s essential to what makes each one tick. These differences include:
Built-in Functionality
Here’s a scenario, you’ve noticed that you’ve spent days, without taking a break from work. So you decide to go out. You head over to your favorite coffee shop, take out your laptop, and reach into the bag for your keyboard. You then take out your wireless keyboard only to remember you forgot your wireless USB dongle on the table.
You’ll never know this struggle with Bluetooth keyboards. With Bluetooth technology integrated into most devices today, all you have to do is enable the Bluetooth function on your device and pair it with your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Device Compatibility
Wireless keyboards come with a connectivity device from a well-known manufacturer; to help make it compatible. This means that the keyboard will only pair with devices from that brand manufacturer. However, Bluetooth keyboards are compatible with any device, as long as it has an in-built Bluetooth technology.
Connectivity and Speed
Both wireless and Bluetooth keyboards operate over radio frequencies. The specific radio frequency range of a Bluetooth keyboard is between 2.4 to 2.8 GHz. While there were several lag issues with Bluetooth keyboards in the past, newer devices no longer experience lag problems. This puts both wireless and Bluetooth keyboards at per in terms of connectivity and speed.

What Should I Look for in a Bluetooth Keyboard?
With Bluetooth keyboards clearly taking the day, it’s essential to know what to look for when purchasing one. The factors you should consider include:
The Range of the Bluetooth Keyboard
The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a Bluetooth keyboard is its range. The primary purpose of having a Bluetooth keyboard is to have one that works with it while sitting at a distance with the screen. Therefore, go for a keyboard with long-range functionality (33 feet or 10 meters), as this will enable you to work anywhere in your home without experiencing any lags.
The Keys
While standard keyboards have a standard QWERTY layout, some come with extra keys to help improve performance and productivity. Some functions that these keys perform are media player control, volume control, and browser launching. Some keys also help open specific apps like a calendar, word processor, calculator, and email.
Key Switches
Key switches are an essential part of any keyboard, as they have a significant impact on how you use a Bluetooth keyboard, it affects the device’s usability, responsiveness, durability, feedback, and lifespan. However, not every Bluetooth keyboard comes with key switches. So, if you’re a gamer, touch-typist, or heavy user, go for a mechanical Bluetooth keyboard, as they will help improve your productivity.
Battery Type
Mostly, Bluetooth keyboards require batteries to keep them powered. The most popular types of batteries include alkaline batteries, AA, Lithium-ion batteries, or AAA. If you regularly use the computer, the battery durability and cost are a factor you should consider when purchasing a Bluetooth keyboard.
Alkaline batteries have prolonged durability compared to other battery options available on the market. They are, however, more expensive because you need to replace them regularly.
The Purpose of the Keyboard
Lastly, your Bluetooth keyboard choice has to be determined by the purpose of the keyboard. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you’ll go for a more mechanical Bluetooth keyboard for the best gaming experience. If you work with numeric data, you’ll go for a programmable keyboard that allows you to set macros or commands to specific keys.

Frequently Asked Questions on Bluetooth Keyboards
Is Using a Bluetooth Keyboard Safe?
Yes, using a Bluetooth keyboard is safe. A study done by a Middlebury College Graduate found that it was quite easy to hack wireless keyboards. This raised the alarm and concerns about the safety of Bluetooth keyboards. However, security experts say you have nothing to worry about, as Bluetooth keyboards protect their users by encrypting data sent to computers. This way, even if hackers try to hack the keyboard, all they get is undecipherable data.
Do All Keyboards Have Bluetooth?
No, not all keyboards have Bluetooth functionality. However, they can connect and pair to devices via Bluetooth with the help of a Bluetooth protocol device. Without it, these keyboards become non-functional.
Are Bluetooth Keyboards the Same as Wireless Keyboards?
Despite being a type of wireless keyboard, Bluetooth keyboards have several differences that make them stand out from the other wireless keyboards.

Conclusion
With the world choosing to go wireless, from wireless charging pads to Bluetooth keyboards, it’s high time you switched up your USB keyboard for a more modern look. The best part is that you get to be more productive, as you can pair it with multiple devices. You can use your IPad, tablet, or even an Android device with this keyboard. If this isn’t tech heaven, I honestly don’t know what is.

