What is a Wireless Keyboard?

Sometimes sitting close to your computer monitor at a desk can be uncomfortable. Other times, there may be so many tangled wires behind your computer that you are unable to organize them. Regardless of which scenario you find yourself in more often, a wireless keyboard can help.

A wireless keyboard is exactly the same as a normal computer keyboard except for one major difference: it transfers typing data to the computer via infrared beams. A beam of information is sent from the keyboard, as you type, to a receiver, which is plugged into the computer. This allows for a cordless experience, which eliminates the potential for another tangled cord behind your computer. It is also common for many consumers to purchase a wireless mouse to complement a wireless keyboard. This being the case, two wires are now eliminated from the clutter behind your desk.

Wireless technology also allows you to place your wireless keyboard or mouse in a position that the corded-version may not reach. However, the infrared keyboard receiver must be placed in a location that is easily reachable by the infrared beam. This distance may vary from model to model, so check specifications before purchasing a wireless keyboard. If the keyboard is not pointed in the general direction of the receiver, or if the line-of-sight between the wireless keyboard and receiver is blocked, then the signal will not be transmitted to the computer. This can create a problem for the user if someone is walking between the keyboard and receiver or if the keyboard is not angled correctly.