Free from those pesky restraining cords, wireless keyboards enable you to work on your PC or laptop in a location that’s most convenient to you.
They can help boost your productivity, and keep your workspace free from clutter.
Nevertheless, those handy tools also have their drawbacks. Most notable of these is potential interference if you’re using more than one wireless keyboard.
This can lead to data loss when your keyboard stops responding in the middle of a gaming session or working day.
If you’re wondering if you can use more than one wireless keyboard in one setting, or if wireless keyboards can interfere with each other, this post is for you.
Can Wireless Keyboards Interfere With Each Other?
A wireless keyboard operates through radio signals operating within the 2.4GHz frequency range.
If you have multiple local communication signals sent within the same frequency that could cause an interference problem.
If you work in an office where other people are also using wireless keyboards, or have a home setup where two or more PCs/laptops are connected to wireless keyboards, your keyboard may not work as efficiently as you want it to.
You may think that you’ve bought a defective keyboard, but that’s probably not the case.
The keyboard is likely just having trouble communicating with the receiver in your computer.
How Do Wireless Keyboards Operate?
In order to better understand and solve interference issues, it’s important to learn about the different types of wireless keyboards and the technology behind them.
There are three transmission methods for wireless keyboards: infra-red, Bluetooth, and radio frequency.
Infra-Red (IR) technology powers wireless keyboards through infra-red waves. Although those keyboards are older and need a direct line of sight between the base and the device (similar to TV remote controls), they have a high data transmission rate. They’re compatible with PCs as well as laptops.
Bluetooth is a common technology used in wireless keyboards; it allows for fast and secure data transmission. A Bluetooth wireless keyboard can be used with tablets, laptops, PCs, and smartphones.
However, it’s not the best in terms of interference.
Radio Frequency (RF) wireless technology is the most preferred since it flaunts remarkably low interference, is easy to use although it’ll require a USB port, and has a wider range of up to 100 feet. Its frequency is typically 2.4 GHz.
Most wireless keyboards have an average range of about 30 feet away from the PC/laptop. This range can be extended by reducing interference.
What Are The Signs of Wireless Keyboard Interference?
While working on your computer, you may observe some signs that your wireless keyboards are interfering with each other, including:
- Latency and lag. Your keyboard may start lagging or become unresponsive. The inputs you make through it may be delayed, doubled, misinterpreted, or ignored. The mouse cursor may also malfunction. A lagging keyboard may also be the result of a weak connection between the peripherals and the PC.
- Weakened range or dropped connection. You might notice a drop in the wireless range between your keyboard and USB wireless receiver. The Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi, or ethernet connection may mysteriously drop.
9 Tips to Minimize Wireless Keyboard Interference
Most of the time, using more than one wireless keyboard in the same location can result in radio signal interference.
Save yourself the lost time and effort by following these tips to reduce interference:
- In general, avoid placing your wireless keyboard near other wireless devices that operate using the same frequency range. Make sure there are at least three feet between your wireless keyboards. The required distance may differ based on keyboard make and model. You can also increase the distance using a USB extension cable connected to your keyboard.
- Place your wireless receiver close to the keyboard. Try various positions to find out the best position for lowest interference.
- Connect USB 3.0 devices, such as external hard drives or other removable media, into their relevant ports in your PC/laptop. Do the same with 2.0 devices. Put as much distance as possible between the two to avoid interference.
- Remove any unused Bluetooth devices connected to your PC. Also, make sure the Bluetooth antenna is connected to ensure a strong connection.
- Keep a minimum of eight inches between your wireless keyboard and electrical devices like cordless phones, cell phones, radios, or microwaves. Also, keep your keyboard about three feet away from metallic objects and surfaces, like cables or rails.
- Choose wireless keyboards of different makes and models for neighboring PCs.
- To avoid muddled-up devices during a move, label your different wireless keyboards with their related components.
- Resync the keyboard by selecting an alternative channel.
- Detect and measure interference problems using a spectrum/signal analyzer.
Closing Thoughts
So, can wireless keyboards interfere with each other?
They sure can.
While wireless keyboards are very useful and convenient tools to have, you’re likely to face some interference problems, especially if you’re using multiple keyboards within close range.
We hope this article has helped shed some light on the topic as well as the steps you can take to solve potential keyboard interference.
Wireless keyboards are surely worth the troubleshooting time and effort.
After all, they improve our posture, boost our productivity, and enable us to work comfortably.
