Keyboard protector
Keyboard protector, a kind of device which is to be placed on top of a keyboard to serpeate its contact with outer environment, thus to prevent dust entry and can keep the keyboard remain in its very clean state without much cleaning it.
Background
As the recent rise of Apple Computer, Inc. (surely attributed to the huge success of its portable MP3 player iPod), there is a much larger demand for keyboard protectors since Apple's computers (known as Macs) are packed with you-do-want-to-blot white keyboards, which are easily being dirtied and blotted with dust. Since then, keyboard protectors are promoted further to some other Apple's computers such as PowerBook G5, MacBook Pro, whose keyboards are silver in colour and undobtedbly not so vulnerable as the aforementioned Macs. (People always think that the Apple's comuters are artworks.) However, there are similar products for PC too, but their significance are not as far reach as they are in the Macintosh circle.
Composition
A keyboard protector is usually made with plastic or sillicone. Comparatively, silicone is a more protective and stronger substance which cannot be penetrated by liquids (unless they are corrosive alcohol) such as oil and water.
Working principle
A keyboard protector is placed on top of a keyboard to prevent the keyboard's contact with outer environment. Normally, keyboard protectors can protect keyboards against water, oil, dirt, hairs and etc.
Advantages and inconvenience
A keyboard protector is usually washable and can be used immediatedly after purchases. However, computer users who are accustomed to typing without the keyboard protectors will not feel at ease since the keystrokes are dampened and the force needed to apply to the keys are different, too. These factors may affect their typing spped.
Compatability
Since there are several major types of keyboards in the market, whose layout of keys are different, the compatibility of keyboard protectors is also important in order to have the keyboard fully and well protected. There is a comprehesive product line of keyboard protectors for macs. However, for most of the keyboards, a well-suited keyboard protector is usually a bit harder to find.
References
- MacWorld introduction
- iSkin's ProTouch (for MacBook and MacBook Pro) keyboard protector's site
- iSkin's ProTouch XT keyboard protector's site