In the age of constant technological advancements, our tools are becoming smarter and more versatile. Keyboards, one of the most fundamental devices we interact with daily, are no exception. Recently, keyboards with integrated displays have started to capture the interest of professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. But can keyboard with display truly boost your productivity? Let’s explore the potential benefits and limitations of these innovative gadgets.
What Are Keyboards with Displays?
Keyboards with displays are a type of input device that combines a traditional keyboard with an integrated digital screen. These screens can be used to display additional information, such as shortcut keys, notifications, system status, or even custom macros. Some of the most well-known examples include the Logitech G915 with its customizable keys, and the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, which features a mini-screen for displaying system info or other dynamic content.
The core idea behind these keyboards is simple: to enhance the user experience by providing more functionality at your fingertips, improving efficiency in various tasks.
How Can Keyboards with Displays Improve Productivity?
1. Instant Access to Custom Shortcuts
One of the main productivity benefits of keyboards with displays is the ability to create custom shortcuts for frequently used commands. Whether you’re a graphic designer, coder, or data analyst, having your most-used shortcuts visible and accessible can significantly reduce the time spent navigating through software interfaces or complex commands.
For example, instead of manually searching for a tool or setting in Photoshop, a customizable display could show icons of tools you use most often, allowing you to switch between them with a single keystroke. This eliminates the need for extra mouse clicks, which is especially helpful for tasks that require quick adjustments.
2. Real-Time Notifications and Alerts
Another way that keyboards with displays can boost productivity is through real-time notifications. These keyboards can show you notifications such as incoming emails, system performance metrics, or task reminders. By having these alerts right on your keyboard, you can stay focused on your work without constantly checking your phone or desktop screen.
For example, if you’re deep into a coding session, you could configure your keyboard’s display to show errors or warnings in your code, helping you catch issues as they arise. This can be a game-changer for professionals who need to keep track of many moving parts simultaneously.
3. Enhanced Multitasking Capabilities
In today’s fast-paced work environment, multitasking is essential. Keyboards with displays can streamline multitasking by allowing users to manage multiple applications or tasks from a single input device. For instance, some advanced models can show live data feeds, system metrics, or even social media notifications on the display, giving you an at-a-glance view of various tasks without switching between multiple windows.
By reducing the need to constantly toggle between apps, you can maintain a steady flow of work and prevent context-switching from slowing you down.
4. Personalization and Customization
The level of personalization offered by keyboards with displays can also contribute to productivity gains. By allowing users to customize key layouts, macros, and even the content displayed, these keyboards offer an adaptable workspace. This customization makes it easier to tailor the keyboard to fit the specific needs of your workflow, whether you’re editing documents, coding, or working on complex financial models.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While keyboards with displays offer several productivity benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. There are a few potential drawbacks that you should keep in mind before investing in one.
1. Price
Keyboards with displays are typically more expensive than traditional keyboards. The added functionality comes with a premium price tag, and for some users, the investment may not be justified if they don’t need the additional features. If you’re a casual computer user, a standard keyboard might suffice.
2. Learning Curve
Another consideration is the learning curve associated with customizing the display and key functions. While many of these keyboards come with intuitive software, setting up custom shortcuts, macros, and displays can take time and effort. If you’re not willing to invest time into learning how to maximize the keyboard’s features, the benefits may be limited.
3. Durability and Battery Life
In the case of wireless keyboards with displays, the added screen might drain battery life faster than a traditional keyboard would. Furthermore, the display screen itself might not be as durable as the keyboard itself, potentially causing long-term wear and tear that could affect its performance.
Final Thoughts: Are Keyboards with Displays Worth It?
The question remains: Can keyboards with displays boost your productivity? The answer largely depends on your personal or professional needs. For power users—such as programmers, designers, content creators, and other tech-savvy professionals—keyboards with displays can offer significant benefits in terms of workflow efficiency, customization, and multitasking.
However, for casual users or those who don’t need the added features, the benefits may not justify the cost. Ultimately, the value of these keyboards comes down to how much you would use the additional functionalities to streamline your work processes.
