Apple Keyboards – Wired vs Wireless

While most of the world is going wireless, I’ve recently switched back to my wired-up, fully extended keyboard. Here’s a rundown of the pros, cons, and why I did it.

Apple Wireless Keyboard

The wireless version is the default choice when purchasing a new desktop Mac. While I could have opted for the wired version, I kept the wireless expecting to reap all the benefits of joining the wireless world. What are those benefits?

Pros

• No wires
• Sleek, Shexshy, and responsive

Cons

• Missing a ton of features the full keyboard has

The supposed benefits are increased flexibility/mobility, and reducing clutter. Since I don’t move the iMac at all, and a sleek white wire hardly adds to my desktop clutter, neither can be considered a true benefit.

Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

When I upgraded to the low profile, aluminium Apple keyboard (from the earlier Apple Pro Keyboard) I thought I’d found keyboard heaven. I did. Here’s why:

Pros

• Sleek, Shexshy, and responsive
• Dedicated numeric keypad with basic math operators
• Dedicated forward delete
• No need for a fn key
• f13 – f19 keys
• Control/Option/Command/Spacebar symmetry
• Two extra USB connections (unpowered)

Cons

• Unsightly wire
• Can’t type 25ft away from my desk

Conclusions

I honestly can’t see a scenario where a wireless keyboard is better when using a desktop computer. The limited functionality just can’t be compensated for. So I’m back to being a fully wired, happy typing camper.

Now, if I can just figure out how to get this wireless version to connect to this iPad…