Latest releases come in various patterns and compact designs for better visual appeal.

China makers of wired computer keyboards are emphasizing cosmetic enhancements to boost competitiveness. Many are launching variants with chocolate keycaps in pure black or white base, which became popular with the release of Apple’s MacBook Air. The compact keycap design minimizes the accumulation of dust and enables easy operation.

	Shenzhen Lantian’s model LK-835U multimedia keyboard has seven hot keys and supports Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7 OS.

Suppliers are also incorporating different patterns in recent releases through water transfer and UV printing, and silk-screening. The LK-835U model from Shenzhen Lantian Electronics Co. Ltd features a flower motif and comes with arc chocolate keycaps. Golden Technology Group Ltd, meanwhile, has rolled out versions with a leopard print.

Other manufacturers are focusing on slim varieties suitable for both desktop and notebook PCs. Newmen Technology Co. Ltd has introduced the KB-806 model, a scissor-structured unit that is 16mm thin. With function and other hot keys, the product can perform operations similar to those of a laptop. Trenco Electron Ltd’s latest slim keyboard measures only 11mm and comes with a pocket mouse.

Makers also continue to develop variants with special functions to broaden market range. Golden offers versions with gaming control. In addition to the common gaming buttons, its GD-KB110 model’s number keys 1 to 7 can speed up games.

Mainland China’s selection consists of standard and multimedia types. The first has 104, 106, 107 or 108 basic buttons. The second kind has extra five to 20 or more hot keys for Internet, e-mail, search, screenshot, sleep, page up/down and home. These units also support play/pause, stop, previous, next and volume functions. Products connect via PS/2, USB or both. Some are packaged with computer mice for added value.

ABS and HIPS are the mainstream materials used. Flexible versions adopt silicone for water resistance. The major component is the controller IC, which is mostly sourced from Taiwan.

Standard models are between $2 and $4, while multimedia variants are up to $8. Prices are higher for those with special features such as protection against bacteria and water, and chocolate keycaps. The last, for instance, raises quotes by $0.10.

Some suppliers increased rates by about 5 percent recently due to the appreciation of the yuan and elevated manufacturing costs. In coming months, however, many are planning to maintain current quotes to attract orders. This is also to underscore price advantage over cordless versions, which go for $10 to $20. To boost sales, several companies are releasing models with better margins such as LED-backlit units.

Product gallery

Product gallery Dongguan Togran Electronics Technology Co. Ltd Model: TK509 Description: Standard type; USB; Windows 98, ME, 2003, NT, Vista, 7 OS; keys with rubber dome, silicone membrane; 398x140.5x23mm; square keycap layout available

Funtech Enterprise Co. Ltd Model: KB-358C MOQ: 3,000 units Description: Standard type; USB; Windows 98, ME, 2003, NT, Vista, 7 OS; keys with rubber dome, silicone membrane; 398x140.5x23mm; wireless version, square keycap layout available

Golden Technology Group Ltd Model: GD-KB110 MOQ: 3,000 units Delivery: 20 days Description: Gaming type; ABS; water print on surface; 1.5m USB cable; 464x195x28mm; various colors available

G.R.Tech Development Co. Ltd Model: GK-331 MOQ: 5,000 units Delivery: 20 days Description: PS/2; high-quality membrane key switch; Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP, Vista, 7 OS; >2million keystroke life span; full black coating; multilingual versions, various colors available

Newmen Technology Co. Ltd Model: KB-805 MOQ: 3,000 units Delivery: 40 days Description: Ultrathin multimedia type; USB; ergonomic arc keycaps, big keys at bottom line; plug-and-play; 395x123x16mm

Shenzhen Lantian Electronics Co. Ltd Model: LK-836U MOQ: 2,000 units Delivery: 35 days Description: Multimedia type; USB; nine hot keys; Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 OS; ABS

Trenco Electron Ltd Model: X06 MOQ: 1,000 units Delivery: 20 days Description: Multimedia type, with mouse; USB, PS/2, USB+PS/2; 104 to 107 keys, 12 hot keys; Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP, Vista, 7 OS; >10 million keystroke life span; plastic; multilingual; 460x177x11mm; custom colors available

Winstar Technology Industrial Ltd Model: WS-KB-719 MOQ: 3,000 units Delivery: 20 days Description: Slim multimedia type; ABS, steel back cover; 1.5m USB cable

Note: This article "Wired computer keyboard suppliers highlight improved aesthetics" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

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