Keyboards are an essential part of a modern computer system. They’re used in offices, schools and universities. They’re used for typing documents, answering oral questions and performing calculations.
There are several types of keyboards: the so called “standard” keyboard, the laptop keyboard and the wireless keyboard.
All these keyboards are different. It is important to know what kind of keyboard is used in order to make the right decision when buying a new one.
The standard keyboard is the most common one. It is found in office buildings, schools and universities. It’s usually connected to the computer with a wire or using the usb port.
However, your keyboard may become worn out over time and lose it’s effectiveness. It’s keys may stick, stop working or maybe even malfunction over time. This might even make you wonder to yourself, “How long should a keyboard last?”
How Long Should a Keyboard Last?
The life of a computer keyboard is directly related to the quality of the material it is made from. There are several types of materials used in the construction of a keyboard. Some good examples are plastic, and steel.
The older the keyboards are, the lower will be the quality of materials used in its construction. Try to buy a new model instead of an older one if possible because you will improve your computer system’s performance by using quality keyboards.
Factors that determines how long a keyboard will last
1. Usage
One of the most common factors that determines how long a keyboard will last is the usage of keyboards. So, if you use your keyboard less often, it will last longer. The more you use it, the shorter its lifetime.
If the keyboard has a touchpad or any other buttons, the usage frequency will be higher. For example, if you use your keyboard often when typing documents, you should buy a good quality keyboard without a touchpad and without any additional buttons because it will last longer.
2. Maintenance
Another factor that may influence how long your keyboard will last is the maintenance of the computer system. If you don’t take care of your system properly, it won’t have an optimal performance and productivity.
In order to maintain a good system, you should clean it regularly. If the keyboard is dirty, clean it with a dry cloth. This way you will increase the life of your keyboard.
3. Type and Quality of Keyboard
The type and quality of the keyboards is another factor that determines how long it will last. There are several types of keyboards but the standard one is the most common type in offices, schools and universities because it’s an universal model that fits any computer system.
Some good examples are mechanical keyboards, ergonomic keyboards and gaming keyboards.
4. Quality of Material
The quality of material is another factor that determines how long a keyboard will last. The first step towards improving the quality of material is its selection.
In order to make sure you have chosen the best quality material, you should go through several tests performed by specialized persons and by testing it yourself as well. This way you will be able to notice any defects or problems before you begin using the keyboard.
5 Ways to Increase the Life Span of a Keyboard
There are several things you can do to increase the life span of a keyboard. Here are some useful tips that will help you increase the lifespan of your keyboard
1. Have a Good Storage Location
There is one very important step to improve the lifespan of a keyboard: place it where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight. If you keep your keyboard in an area where it’s exposed to direct sunlight, its lifespan will decrease.
The areas that are in direct sunlight are kitchens, study rooms and bathrooms. Make sure you place your keyboard away from these areas. If you keep your keyboard in a room where it’s exposed to indirect sunlight, it won’t have an optimal performance.
There is not too much of an impact on the lifespan of a keyboard when it’s exposed to direct sunlight. To increase the lifespan of a keyboard that is exposed to direct sunlight, you should buy a new one since this will reduce its lifespan more than bettering the quality of its material.
2. Keep it Away from Water
In order to increase the lifespan of a keyboard, you should avoid using it in water or wet areas. This will reduce its lifespan. If you use your keyboard in water, make sure you rinse the keyboard with a dry piece of cloth before using it again.
The keyboard will have a shorter lifespan if you use it in water since it’s made of plastic material.
3. Keep your Keyboard Clean
If you are not satisfied with the performance of your keyboard, you can clean it and improve its performance by yourself. Try to clean your keyboard once or twice per week and keep the computer system clean.
This way you will increase the lifespan of your keyboard. Avoid using water when cleaning the keyboard.
4. Avoid Food Spills
Another thing you can do to increase the lifespan of your keyboard is not putting in it anything that may be potentially unhealthy for it. You shouldn’t put any type of sweet or oily food directly in the keyboard because these foods are toxic and they will make the material deteriorate.
To avoid using this substance, look for a thick cotton cloth that is 100% cotton and don’t put anything that has a form of oil inside.
5. Use a Protective Case
Another wise way to increase the lifespan of a keyboard is by using a protective case. This way you will protect it and you will reduce the negative effect of different types of substances such as dust, dirt, and water.
This is one of the most important things you can do to increase the lifespan of your keyboard if not one of the most important. Make sure you use a piece of cloth like cotton to avoid damaging your keyboard by machine washing it.
How Long Should a Keyboard Last – Final Thoughts
So, how long should a keyboard last? The lifespan of a keyboard depends on several factors. If you want to increase its lifespan, you should access the type and quality of the keyboard and its material.
The main purpose of this article was to guide you through some techniques that will help you extend the lifespan of your keyboard. Use these techniques and make your computer system more productive, efficient and healthier by using a good quality keyboard without any defects at all.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our “Do Laptop Keyboards Wear Out?” article here!
