Why You Should Invest in A Separate Keyboard and Mouse

Laptops are great! They are compact, convenient, and easy to use. But suppose your laptop is your primary digital device during your working day. In that case, you know how difficult it can be to comfortably use it for approximately eight hours consecutively, especially if you do not have a separate keyboard and mouse.

Investing in the right peripherals in this tech-savvy era, where our lives revolve around digital devices, can profoundly impact productivity and comfort. And with remote work more permanent than ever, now is a good time to invest in your go-to home office essentials.

And two of the most crucial home office essentials are a keyboard and a mouse. These two items can reduce hand pain and fatigue and increase productivity to a great extent.

In this blog, we delve into why investing in a separate keyboard and mouse is smart and how these peripherals can significantly enhance your workday while highlighting some of our favourite keyboard and mouse sets!

Why Use a Separate Keyboard and Mouse with a Laptop?

Most of us forget about using an external keyboard and mouse because a computer usually has a free keyboard, while a laptop has a built-in keyboard and touchpad. Similarly, laptops come with an in-built touchpad for navigation. These are very convenient if you use your computer for a few hours daily, but not so much if you depend on the touchpad for a whole workweek. Touchpads require you to contort your fingers, which can cause a lot of strain on your joints.

So, why use a separate keyboard and mouse with a laptop? The main answer lies in ergonomics and comfort! Here are just some of the benefits of using a separate keyboard and mouse:

Ergonomics and Comfort: Health Benefits of a Separate Keyboard and Mouse

One of the primary reasons to invest in a separate keyboard and mouse is their improved ergonomics, as not all keyboards and mice are optimised for you and your needs. Unlike the standard bundled peripherals, a separate keyboard and mouse are designed with ergonomics in mind, which directly impacts your comfort and overall health.

Ergonomics is crucial in maintaining a healthy computing experience and overall digital wellness. Look for options with adjustable height settings to maintain a neutral wrist posture, reducing strain on your wrists and fingers. Split keyboards with a separated key layout promote a more natural hand position, minimising the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Similarly, a comfortable and ergonomically designed mouse ensures that your hand and wrist remain relaxed during extended usage. Contoured mice provide better support and reduce the strain on your wrist and fingers, preventing discomfort and potential injuries.

Enhanced Typing Experience: Quality Matters!

The computer keyboard is one of the most frequently used input devices, especially for writing, coding, or document editing tasks. Therefore, the quality of your typing experience can significantly impact your productivity and overall satisfaction with your computer setup.

Investing in a separate keyboard allows you to choose from various options based on your preferences and needs. Mechanical keyboards, for example, offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience that many users prefer over standard membrane keyboards. The distinct tactile feedback and audible click of mechanical keys can improve typing accuracy and speed, making your work more efficient.

Moreover, customisable backlighting on keyboards allows you to type comfortably, even in low-light environments—this feature particularly benefits night owls and professionals working in dimly lit spaces, ensuring seamless productivity.

Additionally, separate keyboards come in various layouts, such as full-sized, compact, or tenkeyless, catering to different user preferences. The ability to personalise your typing experience ensures that you find the most comfortable and efficient setup for your unique needs.

Precision and Productivity: Get Things Done Faster

A separate computer mouse can significantly enhance your precision and productivity, particularly for tasks requiring precise cursor movements or complex actions. Whether you are a graphic designer, video editor, or professional navigating spreadsheets, having a quality mouse is essential.

Gaming mice, for instance, offer high DPI settings that allow for smoother and more accurate cursor movements. These precise movements are vital in graphic design tasks, where attention to detail is paramount.

Furthermore, mice with programmable buttons enable you to assign shortcuts or macros to them, streamlining repetitive tasks and boosting efficiency. This feature can be particularly beneficial for professionals who rely on quick and precise actions in their daily work, saving valuable time and effort.

Embrace Wireless Freedom: Say Goodbye to Cable Clutter

Investing in a separate wireless keyboard and mouse set can liberate your workspace from cable clutter, providing greater flexibility and mobility. Wireless peripherals allow you to sit further away from your screen or move around freely while giving presentations or participating in meetings, promoting a more dynamic and engaging workflow.

Modern wireless technologies ensure minimal lag or latency, offering the same level of responsiveness as their wired counterparts. You can enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free workspace without compromising performance, enhancing your overall computing experience.

What Are the Ergonomic Advantages of Using a Separate Keyboard and Mouse?

• A screen should always be placed about 40cm away from you to reduce eye strain and improve posture. A separate wired or wireless keyboard and mouse allows you to maintain this necessary distance.
• Having a separate wired or wireless keyboard and mouse can alleviate typing-related ailments like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It positions your hands and wrists naturally so you can work safely for extended periods. 
• The keys on a wired or wireless keyboard are much larger than that on a laptop. This is because there is no limitation when it comes to space. Having a separate keyboard will make typing much easier and reduce typing errors.
• This one may surprise you, but research shows that your computer keyboard can be 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. It sounds gross, but it is true. In this era where keeping germs at bay is essential, having a separate wired or wireless keyboard and mouse can help you because cleaning an external device is much easier and more effective than cleaning a laptop. 

Should I Get a Wired or Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for my Laptop?

In terms of external keyboards, the basic models of wired keyboards are usually cheaper. These keyboards do not need batteries as they connect to your PC with a USB cable. On the other hand, wireless keyboards are more popular because they eliminate the need to use a cable that would otherwise be a source of clutter at your desk. Instead, these keyboards use Bluetooth or a small USB receiver. AA batteries or in-built ones typically supply the power.

A wireless keyboard will benefit you if you work with spreadsheets or numbers and do a full day of typing. A wireless keyboard will ensure convenience, ergonomics, and portability while saving you valuable space!

Like keyboards, mice are also available in wired and wireless configurations. The key advantage of the wireless mouse also remains the same – one less cable to worry about. While most wireless mice come with built-in batteries that can be charged via USB, some still use replaceable AA batteries. These can be a bit on the pricier side, too. A wired mouse, however, is less expensive and eliminates the worry of charging the mouse or replacing batteries.

Popular Keyboard and Mouse Brands

Your keyboard and mouse will be the most-used devices while working from home or in the office, so do not compromise. Here are a few of our favourite keyboard and mouse sets:

• Kensington Pro Fit Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set – Providing a full-size, spill-proof keyboard with multimedia keys and a comfortable ambidextrous mouse, the Pro Fit Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set helps create a clutter-free and secure workstation.
• Cherry Stream USB Desktop Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set – The keyboard features a precise, quiet typing experience with Cherry SX scissor technology. The mouse's ergonomic design has been carefully tested to match the sophistication of its keyboard counterpart.
• Q-Connect Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – The Q-Connect Keyboard and Mouse Set ensures optimal performance. The mouse features optical tracking for smooth precision, while the tactile and responsive keyboard ensures comfortable typing.
• Logitech Wired Keyboard and Mouse Set – The slimline keyboard boasts a full-size layout and quiet keys, designed for durability with spill-resistant features and sturdy tilt legs. The sleek three-button scroll-wheel mouse enhances desktop efficiency with a high-definition optical sensor for precise cursor control.
• Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050 Keyboard and Mouse Set – The Microsoft 5050 Comfort keyboard and mouse set features an ergonomic, curved keyboard design for natural comfort and AES encryption. The ambidextrous mouse, equipped with BlueTrack Technology, ensures accurate surface tracking.

Investing in a separate keyboard and mouse is a decision that can significantly improve your computing experience. The advantages are clear, from enhancing ergonomics and comfort, improving typing precision and productivity to enjoying the freedom of wireless connectivity.

You can create a computing environment that boosts productivity and comfort by prioritising your health with ergonomic peripherals and choosing quality products that match your preferences. Explore our wide range of keyboard and mouse sets to find the perfect desktop setup that complements your workflow.

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