Wireless vs Wired Mechanical Keyboards: Pros and Cons for Every User

Overview

Mechanical keyboards have mostly been only wired until recently with more availability for tri-mode PCBs that give options for Bluetooth or 2.4gHz connections as well. Both wired and wireless keyboards provide similar sound and typing feel experiences. The differences between the two are usually differences in connectivity, PCB parts, and software compatibility. Let's find out if you would prefer using a wired or wireless keyboard!

Wired

Most of the argument for wired mechanical keyboards is that you're usually not frequently moving the keyboard around from one location to another. Another argument for wired keyboards could be that the software is compatible with QMK or VIA.

Since custom mechanical keyboards have generally been wired up until recently, most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts already have a wired setup or have a custom cable to match their keyboards. Most people are typically at their desk when using a keyboard and not mobile, so there's usually no inconvenience using a keyboard wired unless you prefer to have a wireless setup.

Since wired connections are tried and true, there are several options for universal parts, like universal PCBs and universal daughterboards, so if a component were to break it would be easy to find replacement parts or get support.

Wired custom mechanical keyboard PCBs are usually compatible with QMK and VIA software which allows for lots of customization with plenty of available community support. No need to download any software, just plug in and use the online VIA program.

Wired mechanical could have some inconveniences for some users. If you like to use your mechanical keyboard at different locations, having to carry and deal with wires might be one more thing to worry about.

Pros:

Reliable connectivity
No need to consider battery life and charging
Matching cable / desk aesthetics
PCB software is usually compatible with QMK and/or VIA
Some PCBs are universal, so replacement parts are widely available
Simplicity / no setup required

Cons:

Need to consider cable management
Not possible to connect if the connection port is damaged
Less portable

In stock options for wired mechanical keyboards:

Wireless

The main argument for using wireless mechanical keyboards is the most obvious one, the ability to use it without worrying about wires. Wireless keyboards aren't revolutionary, with several options for wireless Bluetooth keyboards in the market. However, for custom mechanical keyboards wireless keyboards are just now gaining popularity.

Wireless custom mechanical keyboards can be convenient to use since they can be used both wired and wirelessly. If you prefer to use a wire on your desk or wirelessly on the go, mechanical keyboards usually have the capability to do both. If latency is a concern, most of the wireless mechanical keyboards have the option to be connected wirelessly through both Bluetooth as well as through a 2.4 gHz dongle, providing stable latency.

If you primarily use your mechanical keyboard wirelessly, one thing to keep in mind is the battery life. Wireless mechanical keyboards usually have a decent battery life, but unlike wired keyboards they do need to be charged every once in a while.

Wireless mechanical keyboards usually rely on proprietary software for key mapping, although some tri-mode wireless mechanical keyboards are compatible with VIA when used in the wired mode. If you are used to configuring your mechanical keyboard using QMK or VIA, using the proprietary software may not be ideal, alternatively it might be capable of using VIA when wired.

Pros:

Ability to be used both wired and wireless (Bluetooth and/or 2.4gHz)
Portable
Wire-free desk aesthetics

Cons:

Battery needs to be charged
PCB and PCB software are usually a proprietary software (open source ZMK available and continuing to make progress)

In stock options for wireless mechanical keyboards:

Conclusion

Which type of connection is right for you? Like other hobbies, the main factor is preference. So, depending on your use cases you might prefer one over the other. With tri-mode mechanical keyboards becoming more widely available, it might be useful to get a tri-mode PCB for your mechanical keyboard if you can't decide solely on wired vs wireless, since with a tri-mode mechanical keyboard you have the option to use the keyboard in both wired and wireless modes. Some of the bigger names using tri-mode PCBs have made it so they are compatible with VIA as well.

A wired keyboard would be for you if:

You exclusively use your keyboard on your desk
You like to have a matching keyboard cable for aesthetics
You want to have the most reliable connection

A wireless keyboard would be for you if:

You use your keyboard in more than one location
You prefer a wireless desk setup

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Wireless vs. Wired Mechanical Keyboards: Pros and Cons for Every User

Overview

Wired

Pros:

Cons:

Wireless

Pros:

Cons:

Conclusion

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