Can I use different keyboards with my computer?
Modern computers and keyboards allow multiple keyboards to be connected to the computer, even at the same time. Today, most wired keyboards use USB (Universal Serial Bus), which supports over a hundred USB devices, which means you could have several USB keyboards connected to the same computer. Wireless technologies like Bluetooth allow multiple wireless keyboards to be connected to the same computer.
Below are some considerations and problems you may encounter when using multiple keyboards on a computer.
Switch between keyboards
The best way to use different keyboards on a computer is to switch between each keyboard you want to use. In other words, on a desktop computer, to switch to a mechanical keyboard, disconnect the current keyboard, and connect the mechanical keyboard.
USB supports hot-swapping, which means you can disconnect and connect USB keyboards anytime without rebooting or turning off the computer.
Leaving both keyboards connected doesn't cause problems, unless the other keyboard keys get used at the same time. We've discovered having multiple keyboards connected causes issues like keys getting mistakenly pressed or held down because something gets placed on the keyboard not actively being used.
Using two or more keyboards at the same time
Two or more keyboards can be used on one computer at the same time as long as different keys are used. Because the computer detects all connected keyboards as a single keyboard, it interprets their input the same. In other words, pressing "A" on both keyboards at the same time may only accept the input from one keyboard.
Also, realize that you cannot have two or more people typing separate things simultaneously on one computer. If two people typed simultaneously on different keyboards, the program combines the inputs, resulting in unclear or garbled text.
Can a laptop have multiple keyboards?
Yes. Laptops can have USB keyboards and wireless keyboards connected at the same time or interchanged.
Laptops often have limited USB ports; if you need more USB ports for a keyboard, consider a USB hub or docking station.
Why have multiple keyboards connected
Someone might want multiple keyboards connected to the computer at the same time for any of the following reasons.
- Gaming - Multiple keyboards can make it easier to have multiple people play a game locally at the same time. Like controllers with a game console.
- Collaborative coding - Computer programmers who work at the same time doing collaborative programming find it easier to each have a keyboard for when they need to make a change.
Multiple keyboards on older computers
Older computers without USB can have multiple keyboards, but the process is more complex. For these computers, you'd need to use all available interfaces. For example, a computer with PS/2 ports could have a keyboard connected to the keyboard PS/2 port and other keyboards connected to a serial port or AT port. If the computer doesn't have other ports available, you can still use multiple keyboards, but not at the same time.
Older computer ports like PS/2 are not hot-swappable, meaning the computer must be shut down and turned off before switching keyboards.
Problems with multiple keyboards
Below are problems you may encounter when multiple keyboards are connected to a computer.
Key conflicts
When using two or more keyboards simultaneously, their input may interfere with each other if the same keys are pressed at the same time.
Keyboard software
Keyboard software that gives access to extra keyboard features may conflict with each other if they are opened at the same time.
Toggle keys
Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Caps Lock states may behave unpredictably with multiple keyboards connected.