by William Bartholomew

Created on: May 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 09, 2010

Most would agree that the performance difference between USB & a Serial Port isn't really an issue when it comes to keyboards. Both are fast enough to perform the task at hand. Furthermore, I would submit that price is a small issue at best and the no frills cheapest keyboards are less than $20. As a matter of fact, if you watch the specials around Christmas you can sometimes get them for almost nothing (maybe even free with another purchase). So, those two factors aside, in my opinion the main factors I feel you need to consider is compatibility and flexibility.

In todays electronics, USB is much more widely used and offers you the best option for versatility. Some laptops do not even have a serial port and although I have not noticed a desktop missing a serial port (my suspicion is they're out there), I have bought one without a parallel port. In general a wide array of products are now using the USB for connectivity. A few of the more popular items that use USB are an iPod, Playstation 3, Sony Cybershot Camera, Motorola Razr Cellphone, I even have a AA & AAA battery charger that uses USB. Aside from the Playstation 3 (which can use a keyboard, not sure if it's wired or bluetooth) these products don't need a keyboard but, my point is to show you the direction technology is headed.

In general I don't buy outdated technology when I'm buying something new. The other thing that you should consider is flexibility. A good example would be my own computer workstation. It is a fairly large roll-top desk. Before I switched to a wireless keyboard my wire was not long enough to reach the back of my computer. However, since it was USB it could be plugged into the front where I have 2 USB inputs. The last thing I noticed with my last wired USB keyboard was that it had 2 USB ports on the keyboard. One thing I sometimes used 1 of them for was to plug in my USB powered laptop light when I needed to see the keys but wanted darkness in general. Beyond the keyboard the same reasoning should apply to other peripherals such as a mouse, track-man, printer, external hard-drive etc.

So, the bottom line is. If you want to save a couple of dollars the go with serial (which may change as USB mass production drives down cost). If you're not concerned with a few dollars and want to have more flexibility then go with USB. While your at it, spend some more money and get wireless (that's the current trend).

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