At GearLab, we ask a lot of our products in hopes of finding the best of the best. From everyday use to the most bizarre methods, our testing methods try everything possible, and wireless keyboards were no exception. We examined them across the following four metrics, pushing each keyboard to the limits as much as possible.
Connectivity & Ease of Use
This metric measures how well each keyboard connects to a computer and other devices and how easy it is to use. We measured connecting time, connection range, and lag on wake-up. We also considered whether the keyboard connects via Bluetooh or USB dongle, and what operating systems it was compatible with. We paid special attention to the sound and feel of the keys as we typed, taking note of those that provided a pleasurable typing experience and those that felt mushy or stiff.
Features
To test features, we recorded what features every keyboard has and then used every feature. We looked for things like the number of devices each keyboard can pair to, hotkeys, N-key rollover, and backlighting. We also made note of any unique features, carefully considering which were useful, and which we could live without.
Portability
To test portability, we measured the weight and dimensions of every keyboard. We looked at whether a keyboard had any folding capabilities, and if it did we measured it folded as well. We also stuffed it into our backpack, to see how well it fit. The smaller and lighter it is, the higher the portability score it gets.
Battery Life
Some battery lives are expected to last years. Because we don't have that amount of time, we assess battery life mainly based on the manufacturer's claims. For keyboards with a shorter battery life, we do keep a running total of how many hours we used each keyboard, and made note of when they died. However, during the 20-30 hours of testing on each keyboard, none of them ran out of power. We also researched user reviews concerning battery life to get a clearer idea how long each keyboard would last.
