The answer to this question is that it depends on the type of wireless keyboard you are using, but no modern wireless keyboard (using current communication protocols) is usable beyond 30 metres, but often much less than that.
There’s a lot to talk about here, so let’s take a look at how wireless keyboards work and their maximum range.
What is the difference between a Bluetooth and a wireless keyboard
Generally speaking, there are two main types of wireless keyboards: Bluetooth and RF (radio frequency).
Most people associate the word ‘Bluetooth’ with pairing devices wirelessly over short ranges – starting your car or connecting your headphones to your smartphone.
How far can a Bluetooth keyboard go?
Bluetooth devices are limited to a range of 30-feet (10 meters) and that’s in ideal circumstances.
RF keyboards, on the other hand, function over much longer distances because firstly they operate on a much higher frequency than Bluetooth devices do.
And secondly because RF connections aren’t secured so aren’t hampered by the need to “protect” the signal between your keyboard and computer, or other connected device.
So that means that an RF (or Wi-Fi) keyboard can maintain their signal over distances of up to 300-feet. But please bear in mind that figure is a theoretical maximum and absolutely does not work in the real world.
The same is truth of Bluetooth keyboards – their effective range is roughly 50% of what any manufacturer claims. Again, sometimes a lot less than that.
For example, I have a pair of expensive brand name Bluetooth headphones that drop their signal once I’m no more than 10 feet from my computer.
But an older and cheaper pair of similar Bluetooth headphones stay connected at ranges of at least 20 feet.
Which is better Bluetooth keyboard or wireless (RF) keyboard?
This will depend entirely on what you want or need the keyboard for.
If, for example, you want a keyboard that works with your tablet, smart TV or desktop computer, then Bluetooth is a much better option.
But if you just need a wireless keyboard for day-to-day computer use on a desktop PC, then a standard wireless keyboard will do just fine.
One major advantage that Bluetooth keyboards have other standard wireless models is that the data sent over a Bluetooth connection is encrypted.
So if you’re concerned about anyone snooping on what you’re typing, then Bluetooth is a better option.
Do Wireless keyboards need line of sight?
Contrary to what you might read on some other blogs, neither Bluetooth nor RF wireless keyboards require line of sight to work properly.
That’s like saying that you need to be able to see a radio to hear it or that you need to be able to physically see a cell phone tower to be able to make a phone call.
Line of sight is typically only a factor worth considering if you’re using light to communicate e.g. Infra-red or a laser.
What most people confuse with “line of sight” is physical objects limiting the distance over which RF or Bluetooth keyboards can work properly.
And when we talk about physical objects, that includes doors and walls, both of which will cut the range of any wireless device by anywhere up 50%.
That’s why you should cut the maximum claimed effective range of any wireless device in half if you plan on using in a home or apartment that has walls and doors.
If, some for strange reason, your home is just one big open plan palace, then you won’t need to worry about anything interfering with the ranges of your wireless devices, within reason.
How do you extend the range of a wireless keyboard?
And now some tips for trying to extend the range of your RF/Wi-FI keyboard.
Replace the batteries
The batteries inside your keyboard could be running out of power, and this then affects its range. Try replacing the batteries and running a test.
Remove physical barriers
The first step is to look at everything that might block the signal between your keyboard and its wireless dongle.
Obvious stuff like walls can’t be moved but look at anything else that you might be able to relocate.
Look at everything that might block the signal between your
Limit interference
There are certain electronics devices and household items that can interfere with your wireless (RF) keyboard.
This is because they emit radio waves:
- Microwaves
- Televisions
- Refrigerators
- Routers and modems
- Other computers
Update the drivers
It’s always worth downloading/updating the drivers for your keyboard. There’s a small possibility that a new driver might help with any existing communication problems you have.
Use a longer cable
And if worst comes to worst, use the brute force approach – extend the range of your dongle by attaching it to a 6-foot cable.
Do wireless keyboards have lag?
All wireless devices experience some kind of delay, because they’re part of a broader network i.e. one device transmits and the other receives, also acknowledging that it has receive the signal.
So this “translation” adds an unavoidable delay for you when you’re using a wireless device.
But the actual delay is so tiny you’d need superhuman powers to measure it – it’s no more than 20 milliseconds (MS).
To put that in perspective it takes you between 100 and 300 milliseconds to blink once.
With that said, the delays when using wireless keyboards or mice can become noticeable, so don’t put it down to your imagination. They’re also extremely prone to intermittent drops in communication – your keyboard could simply stop responding for a few seconds.
And that’s the reason why the vast majority of gamers avoid wireless keyboards and mice.
Summary
And that wraps things up on our article on how far a wireless keyboard can go.
We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new today.
