The other day I was buying a mouse and was astounded to find how limited the selection of wired mice and keyboards have gotten in recent years. Am I the only one who just doesn’t see the appeal of wireless mice and keyboards? I mean, my keyboard never leaves the same spot on the desk and my mouse never leaves its pad… And then there’s the batteries needed for wireless. There was also noticeable lag when I used a Bluetooth mouse for gaming probably 5 years ago (although perhaps that’s a non-issue by now).
But really, why are virtually all keyboards and mice wireless nowadays? How in the world are you people using your input devices that you need them to not be tethered by cords?! :dubious:
Interestingly I just bought a wired keyboard off NewEgg. They’re having a sale on a slim wired keyboard. Only 16.99 I think, but you need to visit their Facebook page for the link.
Yes I’m not debating the fact that they don’t exist. I’m stating that if you walk into any store and look at their selection (I like to feel the keyboard/mouse before I buy them), the overwhelming majority are wireless.
For me, using a wired mouse or keyboard (my parents still have a wired keyboard*) is obnoxious. I’m so not used to it, I tend to forget about that the wire is there and end up pulling it off the back of the desk with my feet. I’m so used to wireless/bluetooth input devices that going back to wired is like going from a laser mouse to a mouse with a ball.
*my parents actually just a got a new wired Logitech keyboard, so I know they’re still out there.
The OP is right; I’ve looked at the mice and keyboard selection in Staples, Best Buy, etc and it definitely is mostly wireless devices. And while you can buy stuff online, with something like this, it’s nice to be able to put your hands on the keyboard or mouse to see if it will work for you.
Yes, usually places like the big box office retailers, Best Buy, etc. have demo models of each keyboard and mouse so you can try them. (Of course they aren’t connected to anything, but you can at least get an idea of how well the buttons work.)
I think that’s why Bluetooth has fallen out of favor. Most wireless mice and keyboards sold today use proprietary wireless protocols, requiring the USB receiver sold with the mouse/keyboard. (Though Logitech’s newer products use “unified” receivers, so if you buy a compatible mouse and keyboard, you only need one receiver.)
Personally I like wireless keyboards and mice. It’s two fewer cables that would be cluttering up my desk. Especially for the mouse, it’s very liberating to not have to deal with the cord when moving the mouse. As for battery life, Logitech wireless mice have excellent battery life, usually lasting about a year of daily use (several hours/day). And my new Logitech wireless keyboard is solar powered.
You can’t get beige/pale keyboards either. I like to use them because they are more easily readable if I have the room lights off, my most common state.
I had to buy a backlit keyboard for my new computer, which will be arriving this week. I can’t remember if it’s wired, but I think it is likely to be USB.
I haven’t seen PS/2 keyboards for quite some time, and I’ve never seen the adaptors that go from USB to PS/2 for sale in a store here, although I’m always getting people asking where to get them from.
A large portion of the market for mice is laptops. There’s obvious benefits to that. But really, it’s easier to use a mouse when it isn’t attached to anything. No cord to get caught, and you can easily use it in any orientation. What I mean by that is if I am moving the mouse to the left, it isn’t a straight move. It’s an arc and with a cord at the top the cord pulls in the arc.
Keyboards aren’t really all that different, but hey no wires is better than wired.
One thing (perhaps the only thing) that prevents me from going to a wireless keyboard/mouse combo is that I use a KVM to switch between my Windows and Linux desktops. It has separate mouse and keyboard USB ports, and I’m not sure how it would function with a single receiver.
I would suggest that the vast majority of people just use the mouse and keyboard that came with their computers, which are typically wired. Therefore, the products offered for sale would be mostly those which offer some sort of option that is not included with the default product, such as wireless, an embedded trackball, or some other fancy feature.
You will have to pry my wireless keyboard and trackball from my cold, dead hands. Mine are Logitech, and work absolutely perfectly. I think I have experienced that Bluetooth lag you mention on someone else’s computer, and it sucked. The batteries in mine are slated to last 18 months according to Logitech. I’m on month 9 so far and same batteries going strong. (trackball takes one, keyboard takes two)
And to answer your last question, the next evolution of computer-use for entertainment (for me) includes hooking it up to the entertainment center. Which is the set-up I have. So why do I use wireless? Because I’m typing this with the keyboard in my lap, form the couch, with the trackball next to me on the cushion. I have an open kitchen/living room floor plan, and with the 30-foot range on the mouse, I can take it to the kitchen with me while cooking and whatnot, to change music or movies I’m watching.
Oh, and I think this is spot-on. I’ll bet there are tons of brand-new wired keyboards and mice sitting in closets (such as mine) because people are storing them - just in case - there is a wireless failure.
