Is it just me, or do you also favor wired connections instead of wireless options?
Is it just me, or do you also favor wired connections instead of wireless options?
I’m not convinced by the idea that wireless devices are helpful. In fact, most parts I like to buy—like headphones, hands-free devices, and keyboards—are wired. Wireless options tend to be costly, slow down performance, attract interference, depend on batteries, and are easily lost. Even my favorite wireless earphones are a pain to use. Despite being widely available, they don’t really add value for most people.
Plus one for wired peripherals.
The only good thing about wireless peripherals is their freedom of movement, because you're not bound to your PC with these. In all other cases, wired options perform better.
In a similar way, comparing laptops and desktop PCs, the same applies. The main advantage of a laptop is its portability, whereas desktops excel in most other scenarios.
So, what are you using a laptop for?
Wireless only becomes logical when mobility matters. My primary computer stays on a desktop, while my keyboard, mouse, and headphones remain fixed. Since these parts are wired yet high-quality, extra cost for mobility isn't justified. However, with my second laptop, using wireless keyboards, mice, and headphones makes sense. I frequently move the laptop, so carrying wireless gear is convenient. As my laptop doesn’t require a gaming GPU, I can opt for more affordable wireless options.
My primary gaming and work PC (plus my phone) all share the same keyboard and mouse. They are Logitech Flow (multi-device) capable, which is why I favor them here. I don’t need to have two separate keyboard/mouse pairs on the desk.
Beyond that, I rely on wired connections for several reasons you mentioned. At the office I use a wired setup and store another wired one inside the laptop case.
I also encounter problems when loading into certain systems, like BIOS. In those cases, having a wired device ready is essential. For this reason, I keep inexpensive business-class models in my "PC closet."
To reach BIOS, I keep my old PS/2 KB handy.
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On my Skylake model, USB KB works for BIOS but not on my Haswell version. With Haswell, I need the PS/2 KB if I want to access BIOS. Makes sense.
Completely wired PC with the exception of my headphones (SteelSeries Arctis 7). After accidentally pulling out several USB and 3.5mm cables from their ports, moving the chair over the cable, I really appreciate these wireless headphones. They’re simple to connect for charging, even during gaming, last a week without issue, and have a 40ft range so I can go to the bathroom or make coffee without missing any instructions. Plus, since they’re true wireless and not Bluetooth, there’s no lag at all.
I favor Ethernet over WiFi for better security. At home I have multiple 10GbE connections, an RJ45 internet setup, and a separate fibre optic line kept offline as a precaution. I turn off WiFi in my broadband router so I can install a pfSense firewall before any active devices. For devices like tablets, I use a dedicated WiFi access point.
I tend to use wired headphones when stationary to prevent lip-sync issues while watching TV, but during travel I switched from old noise-cancelling headphones to a Sony headset with dual inputs (wired and Bluetooth).
I still have several vintage mechanical keyboards with big 5-pin DIN connectors, unlike the newer 6-way mini-DIN PS/2 ones. They function with adapters. Both wired and wireless solutions have their uses. I don’t mind the cables around my house; others might see them as unsightly or dangerous.