To describe wireless keyboard vs Bluetooth in simple terms, note that the wireless keyboard does not have wires, resulting in a workplace that is less cluttered.
However, Bluetooth keyboards are connectivity-type keyboards. Let’s discuss additional details about wireless keyboards.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Features | Wireless-Keyboard | Bluetooth Keyboard |
| Connectivity Range | 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency | 2.4 to 2.5 GHz Radio Frequency |
| Additional Hardware | USB Nano Receiver Needed | Does not require any unless the device does not have Bluetooth |
| Latency | Low to moderate | Low to moderate |
| Compatibility | Devices with USB-Ports | devices with Bluetooth support |
| Multi-devices Connectivity | Not possible | Possible |
| Battery Life | 3 years | 4–5 years |
What Are the Differences Between Wireless Keyboard vs Bluetooth?
The main difference between wireless keyboard vs Bluetooth is the possibility of multi-connected devices and their consumption power. In wireless keyboards, connecting multi-device is not possible. However, in Bluetooth keyboards, it is possible. Moreover, Bluetooth keyboards consume more power than wireless keyboards.
What Is a Wireless Keyboard Best For?
A wireless keyboard is best for devices with USB ports, such as laptops, computers, etc. That is because wireless-keyboards require a connectivity device to work. Moreover, they are best known for their consumption power as they utilize less power.
– Advantages and Disadvantages
Now let’s check the advantages of this keyboard:
- These wireless mechanical keyboards do not lag.
- Uses Radio Frequency. Thus, fast in speed.
- Lightweight Keyboard.
- Has a fast setup timing.
- Free from disorganized wires and cluttered desks.
- These keyboards are less expensive.
- Suitable for gaming purposes.
And the cons are as listed below:
- Slower than regular wired keyboards.
- Not usable with devices without USB ports.
- Require a USB dongle.
– Pairing Devices
It is essential to know the compatibility of the wireless keyboard with the device; otherwise, it will not pair with it, and the keyboard will not work. In order to pair a wireless keyboard, a USB port is used to attach a wireless dongle. Moreover, pairing this keyboard takes less time than other wireless keyboards.
– Connection Range
The connection range for this keyboard is 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency. These keyboards need to establish a wireless connection in order to work. The Frequency range it uses is to achieve a better connection to work without lags. Moreover, this range varies for different wireless devices.
Furthermore, these devices can catch other nearby connections. Therefore, signal transduction can occur, and an interruption is caused when the device automatically tries to configure itself with the new connection. However, in the latest versions, this issue has been significantly reduced, but it cannot be resolved permanently as digital technology also has drawbacks.
– Price Factor
Wireless keyboards are only a few bucks cheaper than Bluetooth keyboards. Wireless counterparts are more affordable, and yet they are of equal quality. Whereas, Bluetooth-keyboard is expensive because it is a global brand that comes with set prices.
In the near future, this price gap will decrease due to the rapid evolution of technology. $11.84 to $20 is the limit for Bluetooth keyboards and $5 to $10 is the price range for wireless-keyboards.
– Interference Issues
As stated above, interference occurs between the keyboard and the device it is used with due to other nearby available connections. However, this is not the only reason. This keyboard works at a radio frequency of 2.4Ghz because the 2.4Ghz frequency band is available for free. Thus, multiple devices will be using the signals, and overuse of them will result in slow performance speed.
It is more annoying for wireless users due to interference from Wi-Fi connections and stray waves. However, the latest technology prevents this from happening as manufacturers use their 2.4Ghz bandwidths, which do not interfere with the standard 2.4Ghz connections. Nonetheless, the issue cannot be resolved permanently but can be reduced to a bare minimum.
Logitech’s Lightspeed technology is an example of the latest wireless-keyboards that are not affected by interference. Logitech’s Lightspeed technology is limited to only their gadgets and peripherals. This indicates that it will not be affected by any interference, while other Bluetooth devices will be bombarded by outside signals, which can cause problems.
– Setup Time Required
These keyboards require less time than Bluetooth ones. It only requires plugging in the USB receiver with the USB port of the primary device, and the keyboard is ready to use. There is hardly a two-second wait for the setup to be completed. Moreover, they are easy to use and fast in performance speed.
If using the receiver for the first time on a new device, the drivers and relevant setups will be automatically downloaded and installed. These devices, until damaged severely, can work for more than 20–25 years flawlessly. Another reason why it is faster than Bluetooth is that it does not require multiple attempts to connect.
– USB Port
In comparison to wired-keyboards and wireless ones using USB ports, there is no difference because both use a USB port to function. However, this keyboard uses an RF receiver attached to the USB port instead of a wire. One way or another, the keyboard is still not free from the USB ports, although they eradicate clutter and improve performance.
– Consumption Power
Wireless-keyboards consume less power than other keyboards. That is because if they are not in use, the keyboard and RF receiver will stop and not consume the laptop’s, desktop’s, etc. power supply. It detects the system and stops the USB from consuming more power unless the keyboard is used again.
This is why these keyboards have the upper hand over Bluetooth keyboards.
– Lagging Issues: Reason
When any disturbance in the signals or when interference takes place, lagging always occurs. The same is the case with these wireless keyboards. However, wireless keyboards have an advantage over Bluetooth keyboards in terms of latency and lag because they do not work on common Radio Frequency.
What Is a Bluetooth Keyboard Best For?
A wireless Bluetooth keyboard is Best for its flexibility to connect with any digital device because almost all of them have a Bluetooth option. Moreover, they have compatibility with all devices with a quick setup time.
– Advantages and Disadvantages
Check the advantages of this keyboard below:
- Do not require an internet connection in order to work.
- They are portable and easy to use.
- They are also fast in speed.
- It comes with built-in Bluetooth features.
The cons of Bluetooth are:
- Only devices made by the same manufacturer will be able to pair with the keyboard.
- A little time-consuming as Bluetooth connections take up to 5 seconds to connect.
- Due to frequent lag issues, it cannot be used as a gaming keyboard.
– Built-in Bluetooth
The Bluetooth-keyboard is an excellent option for users with limited USB ports, such as laptops or PCs. At first, Bluetooth keyboards required an additional adapter in order to create a connection with devices such as; desktop computers, and laptops. This is because the feature included in the devices had old technology.
However, the latest keyboards, the global brand Bluetooth are manufacturing, have new technology, and the keyboards have built-in Bluetooth adapters. Moreover, both keyboards are easy to use and set. Furthermore, the built-in Bluetooth adaptor is now available for even personal computers. This saves the hassle of buying additional pieces of equipment.
– Useable Devices
The upper hand of these keyboards is that they are not limited to particular devices as they do not need any USB port for the connection. Moreover, almost all digital devices have Bluetooth in them. Thus, it is compatible with all those devices that have Bluetooth.
Furthermore, it does not require the same manufacturer of the devices to create a connection between them. They can connect to any device without checking the manufacturer or the developer. With this in mind, Bluetooth keyboards are more accessible and less complex than other wireless-keyboards.
– Connection Range
The connectivity range of this keyboard is higher than the other, 2.4 to 2.8 GHz Radio Frequency.
These signals create a connection between the Bluetooth keyboards and the Radio Frequency signals in order to work.
Cause of Interruption
Multiple USB devices nearby can cause signal transduction to be interrupted. However, the new technology has reduced it to a minimum, but the problem is still common. When the interruption occurs, the processing speed of the keyboard decreases drastically.
– Setup Time
These keyboards have many advantages over other wireless-keyboards, but one disadvantage is that they have a relatively slow setup time. It takes a long time due to two significant issues. First, it takes at least five seconds to connect the Bluetooth. Second, sometimes it fails to connect, and the process has to be repeated. Doing so takes more time, which is why the setup time slows down.
FAQ
1. Is Gaming Suitable While Using Wireless Keyboards?
No, gaming is not really suitable while using wireless keyboards because it slows down the processing speed when used for intensive gaming. Therefore, it is recommended not to use wireless keyboards for gaming purposes. However, it is perfect for everyday use to perform daily tasks.
2. Do Wireless and Bluetooth Mean the Same Thing?
No, wireless and Bluetooth are not the same thing. They are classified into different categories. Wireless models are classified in RF USB Keyboards and are connected through 2.4 GHz connectivity. In contrast, Bluetooth Keyboards are classified as Bluetooth and use the feature only as a medium for connectivity with their devices.
3. Is Wired-keyboard Considered To Be Better Than Wireless Ones?
It depends on the buyer’s choice. If the person is not patient enough to deal with the lags and interference in the signals, a wired keyboard is best for them. However, if they do not want to deal with wires and want to use the keyboard from a distance, then wireless keyboards are best for them. Therefore, it all depends on their choices.
Conclusion
Once you have a complete understanding of wireless keyboard vs Bluetooth after reading this article, you will know that Bluetooth ones are better than the former. This is because Bluetooth keyboards are compatible with all devices, whereas wireless-keyboards are limited to a few devices that have USB-Ports available. However, both of them offer a good battery life.
It has been noticed that Bluetooth keyboards lag more than wireless ones. Even in the latest versions, the Bluetooth keyboard lags more than the other. Hence, it is recommended to use wireless-keyboards for regular computer tasks instead of gaming purposes. After reading the article, you should be able to buy a keyboard according to your needs.