Enhanced keyboards typically offer extra features and functionality to make using your computer easier, more ergonomic, and more fun.
A keyboard is an essential part of any computer setup. Whether you’re using one at home or in the office, there are many benefits to using enhanced keyboards over the standard keyboards that came with your system.
The debate between enhanced and standard keyboards continues to rage, with each side making great points about why their preferred design is superior.
Here are 14 of the most important differences between enhanced and standard keyboards so you can decide which keyboard will be best for you!
14 Main Differences Between Enhanced and Standard Keyboards
1) Key Sizes and Placement
One of the biggest differences between enhanced and standard keyboards is the placement and size of the keys. Enhanced keyboards typically offer bigger and more ergonomic keys, improving typing speeds and accuracy.
Backspace, Enter, Shift, Control, Alt, and Spacebar keys are typically larger on enhanced keyboards to make using them easier. Standard keyboards use smaller keys that are spaced closer together to save space.
Enhanced keyboards also place the most frequently used keys in the middle of the keyboard for easier access during gameplay or productivity tasks.
2) Key Sizes
Enhanced keyboards typically offer bigger and more ergonomic keys, improving typing speeds and accuracy. Backspace, Enter, Shift, Control, Alt, and Spacebar keys are typically larger on enhanced keyboards to make using them easier.
Standard keyboards use smaller keys that are spaced closer together to save space.
Enhanced keyboards also place the most frequently used keys in the middle of the keyboard for easier access during gameplay or productivity tasks.
3) Durability
Enhanced keyboards typically last longer than standard keyboards. Enhanced keyboards use premium materials such as stainless steel, alloy metal, high-density synthetic leather, and robust ABS plastic for every part of their construction.
Enhanced keyboard frames are typically made from strong alloy metal rather than plastic, durable and lasting longer.
Enhanced keyboard keys have a higher weight tolerance than standard ones due to the extra strength used in their manufacturing process. This means enhanced keyboard keys will work just as well in the long run.
4) Support and Adjustability
Enhanced keyboards are easily customizable and adjustable to fit your specific needs. Enhanced keyboards offer many options and settings to customize the layout of each key, including the size, location, force resistance, tactile feedback, and feedback type.
Standard keyboard designs often have fewer options for customization but are easier to use out of the box.
Enhanced keyboard design will require more time investment before users feel comfortable with their layout and adjustments. Still, once that happens, adjusting them with a few button presses on the computer’s software or via a USB interface is easy.
5) Ergonomics
Enhanced keyboards are designed with ergonomic functionality in mind. Enhanced keyboards usually feature bigger and more comfortable keys and a longer stroke length, making typing more comfortable and easier than standard keyboards.
Standard keyboards use shorter stroke lengths to save space and reduce weight. Although standard keyboard users can still switch to an enhanced keyboard with a few simple adjustments, enhanced keyboard users will benefit the most from these design elements.
6) Backlighting
Enhanced keyboards typically feature various backlighting effects, including lighting up just the keys, the WASD keys, or both. This makes finding the keys easier and more convenient during nighttime games or work after dark.
Standard keyboards typically do not offer this functionality and will only light up one area at a time to conserve battery life.
7) Number of Keys
Enhanced keyboards typically offer more keys than standard keyboards for a better experience. Standard keyboards have fewer functions on average than enhanced keyboards.
However, some standard keyboard designs may include a few unique features or extra keys, such as a Windows key or multimedia shortcuts.
Enhanced keyboards typically offer more functions and features to improve productivity, like setting up macros and hotkeys to place commonly used commands at the users’ fingertips.
8) Price Differences
Enhanced keyboards are typically more expensive than standard keyboards. Standard keyboards are less expensive because they use fewer materials and simpler designs.
Enhanced keyboard manufacturers must invest in expensive premium materials, engineering, and development processes to build their products. This increases the price of enhanced keyboards, but they offer significantly better functionality and durability.
9) Switch Style
Enhanced keyboards usually feature different kinds of key switches. Standard keyboards use dome or membrane switches, which are inexpensive to produce and common in many computer accessories.
Enhanced keyboards use mechanical or scissor-switch designs that provide better tactile feedback and a smoother feel when typing, gaming, or using other functions. Mechanical key switches also last longer than standard dome and membrane switches.
10) Double Tap Speed
Standard keyboards typically offer two-speed settings, one for typing and another for gaming. Users can adjust their keyboard speed by clicking through the different speed options on their computer’s software or using a USB interface.
Enhanced keyboards usually offer more than just two-speed settings. Most enhanced keyboards offer a variable Double Tap Speed mode that allows users to adjust their gameplay experience in one step on their keyboard.
This allows players to adjust the speed of their movement keys and aim sensitivity based on how quickly they type, making gaming more enjoyable or making typing easier when combined with macros or other customized settings.
11) Keystroke Noise
Standard keyboards use cheaper materials and designs, making them louder than enhanced ones. Enhanced keyboards use premium materials and stronger designs that lead to quieter keystrokes during gaming sessions and intense productivity tasks.
The keystrokes from an enhanced keyboard are typically not audible, even when using the keyboard away from the computer on a hard surface. This can be helpful for people who like to game or work without waking up others in the house at night.
12) Splash Resistance
Enhanced keyboards are typically splash-resistant, providing a layer of protection if any liquid or condensation gets on or between the keys. A splash-resistant keyboard will still work as intended, even if some liquid lands between the keys on your device.
Standard keyboards offer little to no splash resistance, as they can become damaged if splashed with water or other liquid. Standard keyboards are typically more affected by spills than enhanced keyboards because of their thinner and more fragile construction.
13) Size and Weight
Enhanced keyboards are typically smaller and lighter than standard keyboards. Standard keyboard designs will often weigh at least 6 ounces, while most enhanced keyboard brands offer models that are under 2 ounces.
Although enhanced keyboard designs have a few different sizes and weight options, most sizes and weights are within a few millimeters of each other. Most enhanced keyboard designs are 3 to 4 ounces lighter than standard designs.
14) Battery Life
Standard keyboards use less expensive, off-the-shelf batteries that last only a few months to a year without recharging. Enhanced keyboards often use custom batteries and battery packs in their designs that can last up to 3 years on a single charge with proper care and charging practices.
Some devices even feature rechargeable batteries that can be swapped out when they run out of power, providing extra gaming time when working or playing daily. Most enhanced keyboards also have different power-saving features like auto-off timers or standby modes in their design.
Differences Between Enhanced and Standard Keyboards – Final Thoughts!
Enhanced keyboards are typically more than just a standard keyboard with a few extra features. Enhanced keyboards use premium materials and designs that provide better durability, more durable construction, and better performance for various tasks.
These keyboards offer faster responsiveness, more features, and better customizable options than standard ones.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our “Differences Between Mechanical and Non-Mechanical Keyboards?” article here!