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Wired vs Wireless Keyboards: Performance Difference

Engadget •
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Yes, but it may not affect you. In our wireless world, with Bluetooth on nearly every device, why do USB wired keyboards still exist? Performance-focused gaming keyboards are least likely to have wireless, underscoring the main issue: Bluetooth latency. Mouse clicks and keypresses over Bluetooth can take extra milliseconds, noticeable in gaming or music production. 2.4GHz is faster and often acceptable for gaming.

If you don't game, ignore this and use whichever you prefer. But for gaming, wired is better. Bluetooth may introduce as little as 8 milliseconds of latency—nothing compared to human reaction of 150 to 250 milliseconds—but can top 200 milliseconds, making games unplayable.

Why keep Bluetooth? Convenience. I use wireless earbuds and a Bluetooth keyboard because I won't notice the drop. Gaming is specialized where convenience becomes a burden. If I miss a headshot due to latency, I die and drop in rankings.