It’s difficult to imagine using a computer without a keyboard. It is probably one of the most important peripherals on a computer. From your desktop and laptop, computers to smartphones you’ve probably used one.
Traditionally, the keyboard comes with a direct wire to connect to a computer via a USB port. Older keyboard connected via a PS/2 port which is a 6-pin mini-DIN connector used for connecting keyboards and mice to a PC.
However, with the invention of wireless keyboards, the keyboard space has never been the same again. Wireless keyboards generally come in two types the RF and Bluetooth.
RF keyboard where RF stands “Radio Frequency” uses 2.4Hz radio frequencies to transmit information to the computer. The Bluetooth keyboard also used radio frequencies to transmit data to the computer. The difference is the availability of technology. Bluetooth is a proprietary technology overseen by the Special Interest Group (SIG). This means the SIG group has a right to maintain it. On the hand, RF technology is available in a public domain
Choosing between RF and Bluetooth keyboards will depend on a number of factors. A number of which will come down to personal preferences because the two have very similar features. With that said, let’s see how different these two keyboard types are.
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Difference between RF Keyboard and Bluetooth Keyboard
Latency/Lag
Lag or what you would call latency is the delay you will experience when you press a key on the keyboard. The Bluetooth keyboard appears to have slightly more lag as compared to the RF keyboard. However, much as there is a difference in the lag, for an ordinary use such as typing documents the lag may not be a matter of concern.
But for the specialized use such as gaming where a fraction of a second can decide whether you lose or win, and for music production where keystroke needs to be perfectly timed or the result will be offbeat. The latency factor is a very big issue you should consider.
Power Usage
Both the Rf and Bluetooth keyboards do not connect to the PC Through a wired connection. Then how do they receive the power they require to operate? Well, that’s a good question. Both Bluetooth and RF keyboards have an in-built chargeable battery.
However, if you are familiar with Bluetooth devices then you know that they require two-way communication to function. This means that the Bluetooth keyboard needs to stay on for longer periods of time in order to maintain the connection. Some cheaper low-end Bluetooth keyboards might have a hard time maintaining a connection to your computer on waking up from sleep. For the RF keyboard, it maintains a single connection even after waking from sleep.
Interference
Much as RF and Bluetooth are different technologies, they use the same 2.4GHz radio frequency to transmit signals. This means that they are both susceptible to interference.
The interference comes when you operate the wireless keyboard near devices like a microwave oven and cordless phones. This happens because these (microwave ovens and cordless phones) emit there own radio frequencies.
The Keyboard can easily confuse the signal and interruption can occur as a result. So interference should be expected when your microwave is powered on working.
Ports Used
Much as wireless keyboards help you reduce wires and clutter, you are still connected to the computer via a USB. Much like the wired keyboard-only this time, the connection is not wired. For the RF keyboard, a USB transmitter is connected to the receive the signals from the keyboard.
As with the Bluetooth keyboard, some have this USB transmitter for computers without a Bluetooth connection. For computers with Bluetooth built right in, you only need to pair it to the Bluetooth keyboard.
Cost
As we pointed out the difference earlier, RF technology is available in a public domain. Meaning that anyone can use it and make changes to it to suit their needs. Bluetooth technology, on the other hand, is a proprietary technology that is maintained by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). For that reason, the Bluetooth keyboard tends to be more expensive compared to RF keyboards. This is SIG Sets and maintains the standards for Bluetooth.
However, with Bluetooth technology evolving fast, Bluetooth keyboards are becoming cheaper with time.
Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
For those of you who can not choose between RF or Bluetooth keyboards but still what the feel of wireless technology is, I recommend buying a Dual Wireless Keyboard with both Bluetooth and RF capabilities. Much as the cost for acquiring one is a bit higher than getting either Bluetooth and RF keyboard, they are pretty handy.
Dual Wireless Keyboard Wireless Keyboard wireless keyboard allows you to connect to not only your computer but also your phone at the same time. Allowing you to switch from one device to another with just a push of a button.
Conclusion
If you use the computer for timing critical tasks like gaming, I would recommend getting an RF keyboard. RF keyboards have less latency compared to Bluetooth keyboards.
If you looking for a cheaper option, then i recommend the Bluetooth keyboard.
However, for those willing to spend some extra cash a multi-device keyboard will be perfect for you. It will increase your productivity when working with more than one device.