Joybuy Insights

Buying a keyboard: how to choose a model that suits your workspace

Looking to buy a keyboard for gaming, working from home, the office or your iPad? It’s tempting to focus mainly on RGB lighting, a low price or a familiar brand name. However, other features have a much greater impact on whether you’ll remain happy with your purchase.

Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

  • The wrong layout: a QWERTY keyboard feels different from an AZERTY keyboard. There are also differences within AZERTY, such as between Belgian and French layouts.
  • A compact size without checking the keys: a TKL keyboard has no numeric keypad. That’s useful for creating more room for your mouse, but less practical for administration or data entry.
  • Wireless doesn’t always mean Bluetooth: some models work exclusively with a USB receiver. This can be inconvenient with a tablet or laptop that has few USB ports.

The key specifications when buying a keyboard

1. Layout: AZERTY, QWERTY and ISO

Before ordering, check both the physical layout and the language description. An AZERTY keyboard is common among French-speaking users, while a QWERTY keyboard is often supplied in US International or English. QWERTY can be practical for Dutch users, but check that the keys for special characters match your preferences.

An ISO layout has, among other things, a different Enter key shape from ANSI. As a result, a keyboard can look similar in the product photo while the key positions differ in practice.

2. Size and numeric keypad

A full-size keyboard usually has a separate numeric keypad. This is useful for spreadsheets, accounting and administrative work. A TKL keyboard omits this section, saving space on the right-hand side. A 60% model is even more compact, but often uses key combinations for the arrow keys and navigation functions.

So don’t automatically choose a smaller model. Measure your desk and consider which keys you use every day.

3. Mechanical, membrane or scissor

A mechanical keyboard uses individual switches beneath the keys. Linear switches, such as red switches, have no tactile click. Other variants provide more feedback or produce more sound. The experience depends on the switch type, actuation and construction.

A membrane keyboard is often simpler and can be quieter. A quiet keyboard with low-profile membrane or scissor keys is better suited to a shared home office than a loud model. Also pay attention to the wording “mechanical feeling”: this does not automatically mean that the keyboard has mechanical switches.

Wired or wireless keyboard?

A USB keyboard usually works as soon as it is connected and does not require a battery. This makes it suitable for a permanent desktop PC or gaming setup. A detachable USB-C cable is convenient for transport, but check whether the cable connects to USB-A or USB-C and whether your device has the appropriate port.

A wireless keyboard can work in two ways:

  • 2.4GHz with a USB receiver: generally easy to use, but you need a free USB port.
  • Bluetooth keyboard: suitable for laptops, tablets and phones without a separate receiver. However, check how many devices can be paired.
  • Combination model: some keyboards support both a receiver and Bluetooth, and can switch between multiple devices.

Also check the power source for wireless models. For example, the Trust Ody II runs on batteries, while the Trust Vaiya has a built-in rechargeable battery. Battery life depends on usage and settings, so treat stated figures as the manufacturer’s product specifications rather than a guaranteed real-world lifespan.

RGB lighting and gaming features: what do you really need?

A gaming keyboard can offer features such as anti-ghosting, programmable keys, game mode and RGB lighting. Anti-ghosting helps register multiple simultaneous key presses, but the number of supported keys varies by model.

A keyboard with RGB lighting is mainly useful if you want to identify the keys more easily in a dark environment or adjust the lighting to suit your desk. Per-key RGB offers more customisation options than general backlighting. Check whether software is required for colour profiles, macros and key customisation.

A volume dial is practical, but it isn’t a reason to choose a layout that doesn’t suit you. Look at the keys, connection and compatibility first. Only then consider the extra features.

Recommended models for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Trust GXT 833 Thado TKL gaming keyboard

Trust GXT 833 Thado - Wired Gaming Keyboard - Tenkeyless (TKL) - PC/PS5 - QWERTY - Black

Why it suits this profile: This compact model is designed for users looking for a simple gaming keyboard with a USB connection and lighting. The QWERTY layout and TKL design are suitable when you don’t need a numeric keypad.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications clearly state that this is a membrane model rather than a mechanical keyboard. They also indicate that the TKL format does not include a numeric keypad.

Key benefit & advantages

USB connection, 83 keys, RGB lighting and anti-ghosting for up to 10 simultaneous key presses according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Corsair K70 CORE TKL mechanical gaming keyboard

Corsair K70 CORE TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - BE AZERTY - MLX Red - Black

Why it suits this profile: This wired mechanical TKL keyboard is designed for users looking for a Belgian AZERTY layout, a compact casing and extensive customisation options.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The layout is listed as BE ISO AZERTY. This makes it less likely that you’ll order a US or French layout without noticing beforehand.

Key benefit & advantages

TKL format, linear MLX Red v2 switches, per-key RGB, aluminium top plate, NKRO and a detachable USB-C cable.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-inch M3 Dutch

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-Inch (M3) - Dutch - Black

Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for iPad Air users who want to type on the go and are looking for an integrated trackpad, protective cover and Dutch QWERTY layout.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Compatibility is specifically linked to iPad Air and certain iPad Pro models. Therefore, check your exact iPad model before ordering.

Key benefit & advantages

Smart Connector, integrated trackpad, 14 function keys, adjustable floating position and USB-C pass-through for charging the iPad.

Suitable for: Low-stimulation home workspaces
Trust Ody II wireless quiet keyboard

Trust Ody II - Wireless Keyboard - Silent Keys - Full-Size Numpad - Spill-Resistant - QWERTY US - Black

Why it suits this profile: This full-size wireless keyboard is designed for home workers and office professionals who want to type quietly and need a numeric keypad.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly mentions membrane keys, a US QWERTY layout and a USB receiver. So you know in advance that this is neither a Bluetooth nor a mechanical model.

Key benefit & advantages

Full-size layout with numeric keypad, quiet low-profile keys, multimedia functions and a range of up to 8 metres according to the product specifications.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying a keyboard

Is a wireless keyboard better than a USB keyboard?

That depends on your workspace. A USB keyboard is ready to use immediately and doesn’t require a battery. A wireless model gives you greater freedom of movement, but requires you to consider batteries, charging and the available connection. Choose Bluetooth for devices without a free USB port; choose a USB receiver if plug-and-play use on a PC is more important.

How long does a keyboard last?

Lifespan depends on the construction, usage, dust and moisture. Manufacturers sometimes state a number of keystrokes, but this is a product specification rather than a guarantee for every user. Keep the keyboard dry, unplug it before cleaning and use a soft, dry cloth. Also check the statutory guarantee and any additional manufacturer’s warranty supplied with the product.

Do I need a mechanical keyboard for gaming?

No. A mechanical model can offer specific feedback, rollover and customisation options, but a membrane model may be perfectly adequate for everyday gaming. Consider the layout, anti-ghosting, connection and available gaming features. For competitive use, adjustable actuation or Rapid Trigger can be interesting options, but only if you’ll actually use those features.