Market Overview

The computing keyboard market refers to desktop keyboards and laptop keyboards used by enterprises across verticals and professional individuals. The computing keyboards are of various types that include a mechanical, membrane, and optical, among others. Most of the keyboards have a similar layout but also include Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards where numeric pads in keyboards are eliminated. Further, with the increase in digitalization in all the sectors, there has been a surge in demand for computing keyboards.

The global computing keyboard market is expected to grow from USD 2.7 billion in the year 2019 to USD 3.4 Billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% in the forecast period.

Technical Advancements Leading to Innovation in Keyboards

In light of the progress of the IT infrastructure, most of the companies shifted their entire processes online, thereby increasing the utilization of computers for daily activities. The keyboard is one of the most essential input devices that allows users of all categories to enter data into the computer. With rigorous research and development by the companies, differential keyboards have catered to a variety of needs of professional users. Every innovation is projected to ease the strain caused to the user by using the keyboard for a longer period. As stated in a report by Microsoft, a study revealed that 50% of the professional observed Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) during the first year of their new jobs. Thus companies have developed keyboards such as mechanical keyboards that have activated key switches, ergonomic keyboards that are curved at certain angles to fit perfectly to the users, and others. Further, the wired keyboards that utilize Bluetooth or RFID technology have also been extensively used by professionals. Thus, technological advancements have led to the emergence of various types of keyboards, subsequently bolstering the global computing keyboards market growth.

Improvements in the Existing Keyboards

The keyboards offered by the companies come in various types, such as membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards, ergonomics, wired-wireless, and compact, among others. The differential improvements in the keyboards have made working a convenient experience. For example, the Cherry Stream Keyboard from Cherry is an extra silent keyboard with quiet keystrokes, making it a fair choice in the office environment. Additionally, the other products comprise of features such as a backlit keyboard, touchpad and trackball integrated keyboard, and smart card reader. Further, the Razer Pro Type — a quiet wireless mechanical keyboard from Razer Inc. allows it to be connected with 4 devices at a single time. The keyboards offer easy switching of devices mechanism with just a click and customizable fully programmable keys that allow the user to add personal shortcuts. Thus, the improvisations in the traditional keyboards have bolstered the growth of the market.

Growing Popularity of Speech-to-Text Converter

Ongoing advancements in technologies have brought forth advancements that enable the user to convert the speech-to-text, which is ultimately a tough competition to the overall keyboards market. The speech-to-text converter is based on the voice recognition technology that was developed in the 1950s. However, the advancements in technology have led to the utilization of approaches such as simple pattern recognition, pattern feature and analysis, language modeling and statistical analysis, artificial neural networks, and others. Further technologies such as natural language processing and cognitive computing are being widely used. However, the ease of getting the speech converted to text has narrowed down the strain and the other health issues. Further, the hands-free technology has appealed to many users that are physically disabled and are unable to utilize the regular input devices. For instance, the Dragon Speech Recognition by the Nuance Group comprises of a speech recognition system that converts sound into syllables and then into words.

Impact of COVID-19

The pandemic has disrupted the smooth working of the value chain of the businesses. The temporary shutdown of all the public places, businesses, enterprises, and travel (domestic and international) has led to an interruption in the supply chain, severely affecting the businesses. Further, the prolonged work from home and the introduction of online classes from children have benefitted the growth of the keyboard market.

Segmental Overview

The wired keyboards hold the maximum share in the Europe keyboard market, owing to their high production by the manufacturing companies, inexpensive nature, and increased demand from the enterprises. Additionally, in comparison to wireless keyboards, wired keyboards are highly preferred by enterprises due to the availability of various types of keyboards that suit the needs of the organization. Besides, the ability to input data without lagging and the massive price difference between the costs of the wired and wireless keyboards have bolstered the growth of the segment.

The enterprise and the institutional levels typically prefer the membrane of the mechanical keyboards that are available in a wired structure. This segment caters to a primary share in the keyboards market as enterprises purchase these keyboards in bulk. Further, the keyboards used for the enterprise level are primarily simple keyboards with all the keys. Low utilization of the differential types of keyboards has been observed in these settings, owing to its cost. However, some of the prominent companies usually provide their employees with ergonomics keyboards to reduce the stress caused. Further, washable silicone keyboards are also provided in hospitals and other places.

Regional Overview

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is accounted for the maximum share, owing to the presence of manufacturing plants in countries such as China and India. The availability of cheap labor and cost-effective raw materials has led to a massive amount of production from this area. Besides, China is considered one of the biggest suppliers of PC shipments. Further, as per the paid database Statista, the keyboard market in China earns the most revenue than the other countries. Also, the exports of the keyboards and the mouse have seen a drastic rise in the year 2019, where the number of exports in July was valued at approximately USD 0.29 billion and reached up to USD 0.37 billion in November. Also, with the advent of digitalization, most multinational companies have set their offices in these regions, thus increasing the demand for the PC and other related devices.

Europe

Europe accounts for a significant share in the computing keyboard market. In the region, Germany leads, while the U.K. is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth rate. Western Europe is one of the largest PC markets in the European region, owing to the presence of the largest companies such as HP, Dell, ACER, Apple, and ASUS. Besides increased digitalization, a large amount of working population, especially in the BFSI sector, Fintech, automotive, and the construction sector, among others, has bolstered the growth of the keyboard market in this region. On the other hand, the number of small, medium, and large enterprises in this region are burgeoning, primarily in countries such as France and Germany. Thus the aforementioned factors have positively impacted the market.

Key Players

According to Straits research, the key players of the global computing keyboard market are Logitech, Rapoo Corporation, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., HP Development Company, L.P., Microsoft Corporation, G.Tech Technology Ltd. (Fuhlen), Lenovo, Ducky Channel International Co. Ltd., Das Keyboard, Trust International B.V, Dell Technologies, Apple Inc., Diatec Corporation, Cherry Americas, and Acer Incorporated, among others.

Recent Developments

• In May 2020, Das Keyboard, the world leader in high-end mechanical keyboards, released the new updates to its 4C Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard for improved quality and efficiency. The new features include PBT Keycaps, Lubed Keys, Cherry MX Brown Switches, N-key rollover, and other convenient features to give users the highest-quality typing experience for years
• In April 2020, Apple Inc. launched a new Maci Keyboard for iPad Pro. This uniquely built device with a backlit keyboard and a mouse trackpad will provide the best typing experience n iPad. The floating cantilevered design will enable smooth adjustments of the viewing angle up to 130 degrees. Its compatibility with the iPad Pro and the other previous generation iPads has enhanced its utilization and strengthened its product portfolio.

Computing Keyboard Market: Segmentation

By Type

• Wired Keyboard
• Wireless Keyboard

By Application

• Enterprise and Institutional use
• Professional Individual Use

By Sales Channel

• Offline Sales Channel
  • Company Dealers/Distributors
  • Wholesaler
  • Value-Added Re-seller
  • System Integrator
• Online Sales Channel
  • Online Retailers
  • Online Marketplace
  • Manufacturer

By Region

North America

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• The U.K
• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• The Rest of Europe

The Middle East and Africa (MEA)

• Saudi Arabia
• Egypt
• South Africa
• The Rest of MEA

Asia-Pacific

• India
• China
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• The Rest of Asia-Pacific

South America

• Columbia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Peru
• Argentina
• The Rest of South America