Bluetooth vs Wireless Keyboard: Which Is Better and Why?

Selecting between Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard is a difficult decision to make. Each of them has specific features that outweigh the other. Gamers might prefer a 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard, whereas a corporate office employee would consider Bluetooth a better option.

We are here to end the debate and elaborate on all the differences between both technologies. The blog will start with the basics of wireless keyboards and then move towards the hardcore differences. A list at the end of the blog will mention the best Bluetooth and Wireless keyboards. So, continue reading to gain valuable insights!

Quick Tips

● Bluetooth: A wireless data transmission technology that the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) manages. Manufacturers must meet the standards SIG sets to market their devices as Bluetooth. It adds to the additional cost of the device.

● Wireless: 2.4GHz is the most common frequency band of wireless devices. However, some devices may use other bands, but they can be prone to interference. Wireless technologies based on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz are all unlicensed but still regulated by government bodies, leading to lower costs.

● Response Time: Measured in milliseconds (ms), it refers to the delay between pressing a key and seeing the corresponding character appear on the screen. It's a crucial factor for a smooth typing experience and responsiveness in gaming.

● Polling Rate: The number of times the device communicates with the computer or connecting device in a second is the polling rate (Hz). A higher polling rate means better response time.

1. What is the difference between Bluetooth and wireless Keyboards?

Bluetooth and Wireless keyboards gained the market over wired keyboards mainly due to their portability. A tidy tabletop without wires or the headache of cable management marks modern workspace serenity. So let's explore the specification that defers between the two technologies:

Compatibility

It can depend on the operating system or the hardware of the connecting device. A Bluetooth device rarely has compatibility issues as the transmitting keyboard and receiving device use the Bluetooth SIG standard. Similarly, a 2.4 GHz uses a USB dongle device that connects a wireless keyboard to a device. It may pose compatibility issues on some devices compared to Bluetooth.

● Bluetooth: Better Compatibility across Multiple Devices.

● Wireless: Dongle May not Work with Every Device.

Multi-Device Connectivity

Connecting multiple devices is the hallmark of Bluetooth devices. In comparison, 2.4 GHz wireless keyboards can only link to the device with its USB dongle. Bluetooth devices can switch between multiple devices with ease. A typical Bluetooth keyboard can pair with 3 different devices.

● Bluetooth: Pair with Multiple Devices and Switch between them Swiftly.

● Wireless: Only connects with one USB Dongle device.

Connection Performance

2.4GHz takes the crown in connection performance. Due to its frequency band, it is less prone to interference from other devices. Some wireless keyboards have a hyperpolling rate of 8000 Hz, higher than most wired ones. In Bluetooth, 125-250 Hz is the maximum polling rate achievable. It makes 2.4GHz wireless keyboards a superior choice for fast-paced gaming applications. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is good enough for office or home use.

● Bluetooth: Lower 250Hz polling rate suitable for office or home usage.

● Wireless: Extremely high up to 8000Hz polling rate best for gaming and content creation.

Ease of Set-Up

A Bluetooth keyboard can connect with any device with a built-in or external Bluetooth. Bluetooth connections require a Bluetooth receiver, which is now a common feature of most modern desktops, laptops, smartphones, televisions, and gaming consoles. On the other hand, 2.4GHz requires a USB connection to connect the keyboard USB dongle. Without the dongle, there is no possibility of a wireless connection.

● Bluetooth: Connects swiftly to any device featuring a Bluetooth connection without a USB dongle.

● Wireless: Needs a dongle connection to work.

Power Consumption

In wireless devices, power consumption can be a vital decision-making aspect. A Bluetooth keyboard uses low-energy technology for power efficiency and maintains long-term operability on a single charge. However, it leads to lower performance for gaming and fast-paced applications. Bluetooth is good for the environment as it consumes less power, therefore it is an ideal choice if you are just a programmer, corporate employee, or construction worker. While a gamer or a creator should go for a wireless keyboard for performance. Some keyboards save battery life by including Bluetooth and wireless technology, allowing you to switch between gaming or work.

● Bluetooth: Good for energy efficiency.

● Wireless: Needs a dongle connection to work.

Built-In Feature

There are loads of built-in features that vary from keyboard to keyboard. Unique properties like RGB lighting, programmable macros, hot-key, multimedia keys, ergonomic design, and foldable design can be part of Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz-based keyboard. Pick the keyboard carefully, considering the specifications.

● Bluetooth or Wireless: Both technologies can have built-in features depending on the manufacturer's target audience. So pick your product after careful examination.

2. Which Is Right For You?

Still on the edge of the decision between Bluetooth and Wireless? Let's spin the discussion to make things more understandable and direct.

Bluetooth Keyboard

● Best for long working hours and portability.

● Energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

● Connects to multiple devices.

● Bluetooth keyboards can connect with any device with Bluetooth.

Wireless Keyboard

● Best for fast-paced, performance-oriented applications.

● Lower interference with other wireless signals.

● Connects exclusively to one device with a lower chance of hacking.

3. Buyer’s Guide: Best Bluetooth and Wireless Keyboards

Considering all the differences, picking a particular technology can be overwhelming for some buyers. We will make it even easier by offering excellent choices within both categories. And we will make the choice diverse in characteristics.

Best Bluetooth Keyboards

MEETION DUAL-MODE BLUETOOTH 60% GAMING KEYBOARD (MK005BT)

Key Features

● Works with Bluetooth and Wired Connection.

● 60% Layout takes up Lower Desktop Space.

● Powerful RGB Lighting.

● Double-shot PBT keycaps.

MEETION BLUETOOTH FOLDING KEYBOARD (BTK001)

Key Features

● Extremely Convenient Foldable Design.

● 1.5cm Thickness when Folded.

● Type-C Connection with 2-hrs to Full Charge.

● Energy Efficient Auto Wakeup/Sleep Design.

Best Wireless Keyboards

MEETION WIRELESS ERGONOMIC GRAY KEYBOARD (DirectorW)

Key Features

● Ergonomic Design for Typists and Long-Hour Work.

● Bundled with a Memory Foam Wristrest.

● 3 Zone Split Keyboard Layout.

● 10m Coverage Range.

MEETION WIRELESS ULTRA-THIN CHOCOLATE KEYBOARD (WK410)

Key Features

● 6mm Slim 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboard Design.

● 12 Multimedia Keys Using the Fn Key.

● Long-lasting UV Process for Keycap Printing.

● Silent Membrane Switches.

4. Conclusion

Choosing the better Bluetooth and Wireless keyboard depends on the user's requirements. A fast-paced gaming and content creation application requires a 2.4GHz interference-free and high polling rate connection. An office user, typist, or fieldwork specialist will appreciate the multi-device connectivity, low power consumption, and regulated design of Bluetooth keyboard technology.

Ultimately, it's up to the user to decide which is best for them, considering the pros and cons of both convenient keyboard connections. We hope you find the right product after going through our blog. Check out the complete line-up of MEETION products for more versatility in buying options.