If you‘re still tethered to your computer with wired input devices, you might be wondering if upgrading to wireless is worthwhile. As a long-time tech product reviewer and wireless technology specialist, I think everyone can benefit. Let me explain why and provide concrete gear recommendations.
Why Ditch the Wires?
First, let‘s briefly tour the history that brought us from cables to radio connections…
Wireless keyboards and mice first started gaining mainstream popularity in the early 2000s once Bluetooth established itself as a standard for short-range wireless device communication. Product developers realized that PC input devices didn‘t require extremely high data bandwidth, making keyboard and mice ideal applications for burgeoning wireless tech.
We‘ve come a long way from those early unrefined attempts! Fast forward to today where we have ultra responsive and featurerich wireless combos.
But why specifically should you go wireless?
Reduce Clutter
Eliminating the cable clutter does wonders for freeing up space for other productive endeavors. I don‘t know about you, but tangled wires around my workspace drive me crazy! Going wireless clears the air.
Roam Free
The flexibility to use your keyboard and mouse up to 30 feet away from your computer also enables better ergonomics. You can kick back on the sofa and still ctrl+alt+del with ease!
Weighing Wireless Options
Keyboard and mice combos now come in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs. But first, let‘s cover the main wireless connection technologies…
Bluetooth
Bluetooth, introduced in 1998, has become the most ubiquitous wireless standard found in keyboards and mice today. It operates on the 2.4 GHz radio band and has gone through several revisions now able to achieve data transfer speeds up to 2 Mbps.
Bluetooth devices can pair together in a simple process called bonding. The pairing only needs to happen once, as bonded devices will automatically reconnect when back in proximity.
RF Wireless
Some manufactuers employ proprietary radio frequency (RF) wireless protocols for their keyboards and mice. These operate in the 27 MHz or 2.4 GHz radio bands. Historical data shows that while Bluetooth and RF wireless are both reliable, RF tends to offer lower latency. However, Bluetooth enables easier pairing with multiple types of devices.
Finding the Right Combo
Ready to make a choice? Let‘s run through my top recommendations across different segments and price points. I‘ve created a comparison table below with key details.
| Product | Connectivity | Battery Life | Range | Extra Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech MK270 | RF Wireless | Keyboard: 24 months Mouse: 12 months |
Wireless range up to 33 feet | Spill-resistant design | $25 |
| Anker Ultra Slim | Bluetooth 5.0 | 15 months | Wireless range up to 32 feet | Rechargable battery, thin profile | $35 |
| Logitech MX Master 2S + MX Keys Mini | Bluetooth | 70 days | Wireless range up to 33 feet | Backit keys, cross computer control | $200 |
No matter your budget or preferences, there‘s something sure to meet your needs. Let me highlight a couple standout choices…
For example, Logitech‘s high-end MX Keys and MX Master 3 offer next-level productivity. The keyboard allows you to easily copy/paste between multiple computers, while the MX Master mouse features hyper-fast scrolling and cross-computer control. At $200, it‘s a premium price but delivers capabilities other combos can‘t match.
On a budget? The Anker Ultra Slim wireless bundle punches above its $35 price point. The full size keyboard and ergonomic mouse can pair via Bluetooth 5.0 to your desktop, smartphone, tablet and more. Pretty impressive value!
Parting Advice
Here are a few closing tips to ensure wireless success:
- Carefully measure the distance from your computer to your desired keyboard/mouse location to confirm the wireless range will sufficiently cover the space
- Pay attention to battery details – is it rechargeable or replaceable AA/AAA batteries? How long between charges/battery changes?
- Look for combos offering multi-device pairing if you regularly alternate between a desktop and mobile devices
- Read user reviews on Amazon and tech sites to identify any quality concerns with specific models before buying
I hope this guide has shed some light on the benefits of upgrading to a wireless keyboard and mouse. Let me know if you have any other questions!
