Where to buy computer keyboards online

If you are currently working from home due to coronavirus, a good quality keyboard can be a great way to improve your productivity. Whether you're looking to upgrade your PC's existing keyboard or you need to connect to a keyboard-free tablet, there are plenty of affordable options at online stores like Amazon and eBay. Here's where to get the best deals.

Where can you buy keyboards online?

eBay

eBay has an extremely user-friendly dedicated Keyboards & Keypads portal that lets you search by brand, connectivity type or popularity with customers. You can regularly find keyboards for under $20.

• Free delivery on eligible items with an eBay Plus membership
• New products added daily
• Shop by guaranteed delivery date

Go to eBay

The Good Guys

Consumer electronics store The Good Guys sells a range of keyboards suitable for business and gaming. If you also need a mouse, combo packs are available from Dell, Logitech and others. The Good Guys also offers a price match guarantee. Prices start at $19.

• Free delivery on orders over $55
• Frequent deals
• Click and collect available
• Premium delivery option includes unboxing and connecting the product

Go to The Good Guys

Bing Lee

Consumer electronics store Bing Lee has a range of Logitech keyboard models available, including wireless and mechanical options. Prices start at just $12.

• Price match guarantee
• Two-hour click and collect available
• Live chat available seven days a week

Go to Bing Lee

Kogan

Kogan sells its own branded products, including mechanical keyboards. You can also buy third-party keyboards from major manufacturers at competitive prices. Prices start at $19.

• Free delivery on eligible items
• Exclusive discounts and free delivery on all items with a Kogan First membership
• Earn and use Qantas Frequent Flyer Points

Go to Kogan

Microsoft Store

Microsoft is one of the most recognisable names in the computers and electronics market. You can find a range of keyboards at its official store, from Surface Pro type covers to Razer gaming keyboards. Prices start at $49.95.

• Free delivery on all orders
• Students save up to 10% on Surface devices
• Click and collect from the Sydney store

Go to Microsoft Store

Apple

Apple sells a range of keyboards for iPad and Mac devices, including the so-called "Magic Keyboard", which features wireless connectivity and a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for up to a month. You can also get third-party keyboards from Apple's partners.

• Free delivery on all orders
• Shop refurbished products at discounted prices
• Trade in old devices and put the credit towards your new purchase

JB Hi-Fi

As one of Australia's largest retailers, JB Hi-Fi is a go-to store for all your electronics needs. Not only does it stock a large selection of keyboards, but it also runs weekly deals that can help you save some serious cash.

• Price match guarantee
• Express delivery available
• Click and collect available

Which of these retailers offer free delivery?

• Amazon: Free delivery on eligible items with an Amazon Prime membership
• eBay: Free delivery on eligible items with an eBay Plus membership
• The Good Guys: Free delivery on orders over $55
• Kogan: Free delivery on eligible items and with a Kogan First membership
• Catch: Free delivery with a Club Catch membership
• Microsoft Store: Free delivery on all orders
• Apple: Free delivery on all orders
• Officeworks: Free delivery on orders over $55

How much do keyboards cost?

New keyboards range in price from as little as $12 to several hundred dollars. Unless you're an avid gamer, there's no need to spend top dollar on a computer keyboard. A good corded model for the home office shouldn't cost you more than $50.

If you need to buy multiple computer accessories, a bundled package can be more cost effective. These typically include a mouse and an ergonomic wristrest attachment.

Extra features and size

If you're willing to spend a bit extra, you might want to consider extra features like spill proofing, backlit keys, dedicated media buttons and ergonomic design. Naturally, you should also decide on what size you need. If you don't require a numerical keypad or extra hotkeys, getting a smaller keyboard will help to save space on your desk.

Corded or wireless?

A wireless keyboard will help to reduce cable clutter on your work space. They are also more versatile, allowing you to type on your lap while sitting on a couch, for example. Wireless keyboards connect to compatible devices via Bluetooth. If your PC does not have inbuilt Bluetooth, you will need a dongle/receiver to enable wireless connectivity. For larger wireless keyboards, this is usually supplied in the box.

Corded keyboards connect to your device with a physical cable, usually via USB. (Older models use PS/2 connectors but these aren't compatible with tablets or laptops.) Entry-level corded keyboards are generally less expensive than their wireless equivalents. On the downside, they require you to give up one of your USB ports, which are usually in short supply on modern laptops. For this reason, we recommend getting a USB hub. Read our buying guide for USB hubs.

Membrane vs mechanical

Membrane keyboards are the most common keyboard type on the computer market – nearly all laptops and PC desktops come with them. As the name implies, they comprise of a plastic membrane attached to a single plastic keytop for typing. Membrane keyboards aren't as accurate as mechanical keyboards and they don't last as long, especially at the lower end of the market. On the plus side, they are lightweight, less noisy and cheaper.

Mechanical keyboards contain dedicated spring-loaded switches underneath each key. They provide a higher degree of accuracy than traditional keyboards, tend to have a longer lifespan and can be customised with new keys. However, they are considerably more expensive, with prices starting at around $100. Some versions are also quite noisy during typing.

You can learn more about the difference between mechanical, membrane and other keyboard types in our in-depth comparison guide.

Further reading

Best gaming keyboards in Australia for 2020

If you're looking for the best gaming keyboards, we've got you covered.

Read more…

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