Do Wireless Keyboards Wear Out?


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Wireless keyboards are one of the newest technological advances to be present in the home. While they are useful, they have to be taken care of so they have a prolonged life and you get the most use out of them. 

Wireless keyboards start to wear out after about three years. Depending on a number of factors, such as their battery life and how well they’re taken care of, they can last for even longer, up to five years. There are signs that tell you why and when they are wearing out.

The following article is a more in-depth explanation about why wireless keyboards go bad. It also includes explanations of what can be done to fix them and make them last longer. Finally, there is a short list of highly rated wireless keyboards that you can purchase. 

Do Wireless Keyboards Go Bad? 

Wireless keyboards have a certain lifespan on them, just like any other piece of technological equipment. When they have been in use for many years, they start to tire out. 

How Can I Tell When My Keyboard is Going Bad? 

There are three key signs that will tell you when a wireless keyboard is about to be ready for the trash. These signs include: 

  • Dust and other debris buildup 
  • Unresponsiveness 
  • Physically falling apart 

Dust and Other Debris Build Up

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A keyboard that has been sitting in one place for a while will start to build up dust and other debris around it. For example, if you pick up your keyboard and see a rectangular dust print left behind, then you’ve probably had it for a long time. Dust can also get onto the keys and start falling off whenever you move your keyboard. It can even start showing up on your fingers as you type. 

Dirt and grime can also build up underneath the keyboard keys. To check if you have any grime, pop off a few keys and see if there’s any dirt and grime build up underneath. That could be a possible explanation for why your keyboard hasn’t been working properly. 

Unresponsiveness Indicates a Problem 

When a keyboard starts being unable to register all of your key types, it can be because of the reason above or because it’s reaching the end of its lifespan. If you’ve had your keyboard for 3-5 years and it starts being unresponsive, then it’s probably time to get a new one. 

It’s recommended that you double check for any debris build up underneath the keys before you toss the keyboard. The unresponsiveness might be due to this, and a quick clean will solve the problem. If not, then it’s time to get a replacement. 

Physically Falling Apart

This is a sure-fire sign that it’s time to throw out the old keyboard and bring in a new one. For example, if you pick it up and a key or two falls off, the keyboard is past its prime. A more obvious clue is if the keyboard has endured a physical obstruction, such as being dropped, and has fallen apart. If that occurs, then it’s best to throw it out immediately and purchase a new one that works. 

How Long Can Wireless Keyboards Last? 

As mentioned before, the standard length of time for a wireless keyboard to last is three years. But there are some methods you can use to make it last for five years, or for even longer. 

How Can I Make My Wireless Keyboard Last Longer? 

The main things that involve making the keyboard last includes keeping it clean and stretching the battery life as much as possible. A few methods you can use to accomplish this include keeping the keys and body clean and turning off the keyboard when you’re not using it.  

Keeping the Keys and Body Clean

First and foremost, clean the keyboard at least once a week. This includes wiping with a cleaning wipe and air dusting between the keys and all around the body of the keyboard. If you want to get a deep clean, then popping off each of the keys and giving their undersides a good wipe down is recommended. 

Keeping the keyboard keys and body clean and debris free will help it last longer by keeping the keyboard in top shape at all times. The more in shape it’s kept, the less likely it will decay and go bad. Therefore, the longer you will be able to use it. 

Turning Off the Keyboard When You’re Not Using It

Turning off the keyboard whenever you aren’t using it, such as while you’re sleeping or leaving for the day, can help extend the battery life. The less battery life the keyboard uses up while staying on and idle, the more battery life it will have when it is being used. 

Most keyboards have a small switch on the side or bottom of it that you can flick to turn off. If you can’t find one, then your keyboard might automatically go into sleep mode after a certain amount of time. Checking the owner’s manual for one of these features is recommended if you’re unable to figure out how to turn the keyboard off. 

What Are Some Good Long Lasting Wireless Keyboards? 

The main brand that is known for making wireless keyboards that last for a long time is Logitech. Logitech makes a variety of wireless keyboards designed to fit any lifestyle and computer size. The two most popular wireless keyboards they make are the MK335 Wireless Keyboard and the G915 RGB Wireless Keyboard

Logitech MK335 Wireless Keyboard

The Logitech MK335 Wireless Keyboard is one of the most diverse keyboards that Logitech has to offer. It can be used by a multitude of computer types, including: 

  • Laptop
  • PC

With a long-lasting battery and durable design, this keyboard will be able to work properly for the computer types mentioned above and still last for a long time. While the design is durable, it is also very thin and sleek which makes it easy to clean. The ease of keeping the keyboard clean along with its durability and battery life guarantee that it will last for years to come. 

Logitech G915 RGB Wireless Keyboard

The main thing that differentiates the Logitech G915 RGB Wireless Keyboard from its companion above is that this keyboard is rechargeable. It comes with a USB cable that can be plugged into your computer that gives the keyboard up to 40 hours of charge with only a 2 hour charging time. Without the need to buy batteries, all you have to worry about is keeping the keyboard in good shape. 

Doing so won’t be hard with this keyboard either, as its design is very similar to that if it’s above companion. Its lightweight and slim design provides an easy way to get in between and underneath the keys, so you can deep clean it without having to spend extra time popping the keys off. 

Final Thoughts

Wireless keyboards need to be taken care of and handled properly if you want them to last for a long time. As with any technological piece of equipment, the better it’s taken care of, the better it can work. And if it works well, then it will last longer. There’s nothing you can do to make the keyboard last forever but taking good care of it ensures that it will last for a few years and prevent you from having to buy multiple keyboards. 

Websites: 

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK520-Wireless-Keyboard-Mouse/dp/B003VANO7C#:~:text=The%20MK520%20combo%20has%20a,the%20included%20Logitech%20Unifying%20receiver.

https://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/3-warning-signs-you-need-a-new-keyboard/#:~:text=Sometimes%2C%20keyboards%20start%20going%20bad,happen%20after%20long%2Dterm%20use.

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/improve-battery-life-wireless-keyboard-mouse

John Hammer

Hi i'm John Hammer, Founder and Author of Gizbuyer Guide. Ever since the original Xbox, PlayStation, and iPhone I've purchased and worked on all kinds of consumer tech products, gaming gadgets and operating system softwares. To this day my curiosity has never left, and my aim is to guide and share my knowledge on technology as I continue to experience the latest of the consumer electronics industry.

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