Apple Keyboards – Wired vs Wireless
on December 28, 2011
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…
I completely agree- unfortunately I have a stubborn cat who is obsessed with wires. Thus, I suffer with the wireless… and very much miss my keypad!
I agree with this, it would be nice to see apple bring out a wireless version of the full extended keyboard.
I agree with everything you’ve said. I use the wired one and the cable is a non issue on my desktop. It’s got so much clutter on it anyway that not having a cable going from the keyboard would make pretty much no difference 🙂
And even with the keypad its footprint is still quite small. I moved to the Apple keyboard from the Microsoft Ergo 4000 (which I still have) and it’s tiny compared with that!
The biggest downside to wireless keyboards are the RFs that are \”hot\” even 25 feet away. I\’m switching to completely wired, including telephones. It\’s like stepping back into the 80\’s. Long strings of ethernet and VOIP powered telephone lines now wind down the hall, so that my roommate and I can have our own offices. It\’s worth it, though. No more radio frequencies, and my health is improving.
Hadn\’t thought of the RF issue Sharon. Glad to hear your health is back on track.