Yes, but not exactly.
Maybe.
I’ll share two approaches to keyboard and mouse selection — and why at least one aspect of your request is something I’d advise you to avoid.
A good keyboard
Good keyboards don’t have to be expensive. Gaming keyboards are often stronger and last longer, even for everyday typing. Another option is to buy simple, low-cost keyboards and replace them when they wear out. I now prefer wired keyboards and mice, since wireless ones often have small but annoying problems.
Gaming keyboards
Good, solid keyboards exist. Look for those labelled as “gaming” keyboards in particular. They’re typically built more solidly because gamers tend to be harder on their hardware.
As an example, I’m currently typing on a Redragon S101-3 PRO Gaming Keyboard. It’s got a good feel and seems solid enough.
These keyboards often include additional features or appearances (mine has constantly shifting color) that don’t appeal to non-gamers, but the improved resiliency can make it worth it. They also often have software to customize the keyboard (or those colors), but that’s unimportant if all you need is the basic keyboard functionality.
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Going cheap
My alternate approach is to go inexpensive. I might buy an inexpensive keyboard with the expectation that it’ll have problems sooner, and thus expect to replace it more frequently.
I generally have a few Amazon Basics keyboards around. They’re cheap spares to have on hand in case something breaks. They’re also fine keyboards to use regularly, assuming the feel of the keyboard is to your liking. They tend to be “softer” than some of the higher-end keyboards, and I know keystroke feel is important to some.
The issue, of course, is that more frequent replacement means greater e-waste.
Wired, please
I’ve stopped recommending wireless keyboards and mice.
In my experience, wireless connections are often a source of more problems and frustration than the convenience warrants.
Once I switched back to wired connections for both keyboard and mouse, a variety of random and annoying issues went away. That doesn’t solve specific key problems, such as the space bar issue you mentioned, but it resolved several intermittent and frustrating issues. It’s unlikely I’ll ever bother with wireless for my primary machine again. There’s just no compelling reason.
If you do stick with wireless, my recommendations above still apply: gaming keyboards and mice tend to be more resilient.
Do this
I’ve included specific links above to a couple of candidates, but as always, they are a snapshot in time and represent my personal preferences1. Rather than focusing on those specific items, use them as examples for the kinds of keyboards you might be interested in trying for yourself.
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Podcast audio
Footnotes & References
1: For example, keystroke feel doesn’t matter nearly as much to me as it does to some.
I’ve had good experiences using Logitech keyboards and mice. My current keyboard is a Logitech Signature K650, which can use either a USB receiver or Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. I’ve found the USB receiver to be more reliable than using Bluetooth.
I do keep a wired keyboard and mouse around for infrequent use, such as setting up a new machine or reinstalling Windows.
logitech is the worst brand one could ever purchase. i had a logitech wireless mouse and keybord. after about a month whatever i clicked on what was under it it clicked too. the mouse would sleep as soon as i stopped using it. no, i would never buy another logitech accessory again
If your Logitech mouse is acting up, it’s almost always one of two things: either you got a rare lemon, or there’s some local interference affecting the signal. I’ve used Logitech mice and keyboards for about 30 years and they’ve been consistently reliable. And if a device does fail while still under warranty, Logitech is very good about replacing it at no cost.
i`ve had 3 logitech devices and they all failed me. i will never buy another logitech device again.
I agree. I’ve used Logitech wireless keyboards and mice and have been quite happy with them. I buy them as a set, so they only use one USB dongle.
I mainly went with wireless because I was traveling with my laptop quite a bit and wireless made it easier to pack up and go. But I don’t travel as much as I used to, so I might consider a docking station along with a wired keyboard and mouse in the future.
I thought you were going to mention security (kepress stealing, perhaps capturing passwords) as a reason not to use Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless. I’ve found references saying that Bluetooth is secure, but after using wired exclusively, forever, I can’t help but think of security issues with using any wireless protocol.
While technically possible, unless you’re a high value target it’s not something I worry about. The attacker would have to be nearby, OR have some very expensive radio equipment.
Mr. Notenboom,
I been using Logitech wireless keyboards and mice on two of my computers without any problems at all.
One of these combos I purchased new and one used.
Her in Brisbane, Australia, I buy J.Burrows wireless keyboard and vertical mouse at Officeworks. They are cheaper than others but I found them to provide good, long term service for my use. I don’t play games or I would buy a gaming keyboard and mouse.
I’m also from brisbane Australia and use officeworks for the same purchase
You mentioned the minor convenience of wireless keyboards and mice. In my experience, that’s insignificant compared to constantly fighting with and untangling mice cables. I have a cheap (~$25) Logitech keyboard and mouse combo I bought in Aldi. I’ve been using it for over 5 years.
I don’t mind a wired keyboard, but my wired mice are still in a drawer waiting to be needed.
I can honestly recommend Unicomp keyboards. They are wired keyboards that use the old IBM buckling-spring design, and I have been using them for years. They are solidly built–I have never had one fail. Tactile feedback is very high. However, they are not inexpensive, and some people may find them excessively noisy. Website: pckeyboard.com.
I greatly agree with the recommendation of the IBM keyboards from Unicomp. The key feel & response was like coming home. And they are very solid, reliable keyboards. I’ve kept this same keyboard through 3 new computers.
Basically, when IBM decided to stop making keyboards, the staff at the IBM factory in Kentucky bought the rights, the factory, & the supplies and formed their own company to continue making high-quality keyboards.
Over the years I have used both wired and wireless. I prefer wired for daily use but will use the wireless for occasional use. To my mind having use both on ‘IBM’ machines and Macs, the wired ones are more consistent but may not be convenient to use or have a less tactile response at times. As an aside, there are lots of ‘used’ keyboards in thrift stores etc, for very low prices.
I’ve used numerous Logitech keyboards since 1992 or 1993. I have never had one second of trouble with any of them. Same is true of their mice/trackballs. Currently I have an 8BitDo Retro Keyboard which is flawless.
I use a wired keyboard that came with the PC but I bought a wireless mouse. I never turn off the mouse (switch is under the mouse) so it needs a new battery about every other month. There’s an LED that flashes on the mouse when the battery gets low. I keep my keyboard on my desk. If I used the keyboard on my desk and on my lap, I’d probably use a wireless keyboard.
Also, I use a flexible clear membrane on my keyboard (bought it according to the specific keyboard I use). The clear membrane works like a charm for me. It keeps the dust, hair, and detritus out of the grooves and away from the underside of the keys. If you type with a light press of the keys, a clear membrane is not that great. I also have a clear membrane for my mouse but I cut out a small slit on the membrane so I could use the scroll wheel. Without the slit, I would not be able to use the scroll wheel.
I am the family (and neighborhood) self trained IT guy for about 45 years now. Even offered a job a couple times fixing/repairing machines, virus removal etc. But, hey I’m in my 70’s and retired! Off topic, sorry. Many use the wireless mouse and keyboards and I have seen many that are junk. I personally hate changing out batteries all the time and the blue tooth just don’t seem to function well at all. I much prefer wired, especially since wireless many times won’t work after windows install without finding a driver. I prefer to reinstall Windows without an internet connection, so can be an issue. I have many wired keyboards, but this one, Dell USB 104-key Black Keyboard (L100) is my favorite. All mechanical keys, I like the noise and is bulletproof. Clickety click!
The biggest annoying problem with wireless keyboards is that they don;t have a little light that indicates that the caps lock is on or off. I find that feature to be absolutely necessary.
Some do. Mine does.
Logitech for past 20 years…never an issue. Current Logitech K360 wireless combo is about 9 years old.
Not a gamer, but use the following for everyday use.
Mouse: Logitech Gaming G600/6600 the best mouse ever.
Keyboard: CORSAIR Gaming with all the bells and whistle love it.
I have several Logi USB mice: 3 M325 and a M650. All work flawlessly. My fave keyboard is Microsoft’s natural keyboards, which are no longer sold by MS. It’s wired. I’m lucky enough to have 3 of them, one of which is still new in the box :). The company Incase may be manufacturing and selling these soon.
Not a mention of Trackballs??
I’ve used them for years (Logitech and cheaper versions)….find them very relaxing when at the machine for long periods. I know some folks don’t like them (my wife included) but worth persevering with to get familiar.
On my desktop PC, I use the Aukey KM-G12 RGB Mechanical gaming keyboard, and the Easterntimes Tech T7 RGB gaming mouse.
On my Lenovo Legion 5 15IMH05 laptop PC, I use the built-in keyboard and the GameStart RGB Colorfull glare Gaming mouse.
All three devices are connected to a USB port with a wire/cable, because I prefer not to have to replace or recharge batteries, as well as avoiding the issues I’ve encountered using transceiver or Bluetooth connected devices!
When asked, I always advise purchasing the best quality equipment you can afford! Never choose the cheapest, because you get what you pay for! I find that this strategy saves me money in the long run, not to mention the increased longevity of better quality hardware!
Ernie