Suppliers are developing slim units to expand into the popular tablet PC line.

Bluetooth and streamlined designs are the buzzwords in China’s wireless keyboard industry. Makers, particularly those setting their sights on the tablet PC sector, are highlighting these trends to cater to requirements in slim computers.

	Newroad’s model NB104 Bluetooth keyboard supports Micro-USB and boasts a 10m operating range.

Suppliers incorporate Bluetooth connectivity in their releases to ride on the standard’s widening adoption in tablet PCs. Newroad Industries Co. Ltd’s wireless keyboards are now Bluetooth-enabled and come with a Micro-USB port and a Li-ion battery.

A growing number of manufacturers are adopting scissor keycap technology to develop more compact models. Shenzhen Victory Electronics Co. Ltd and Newroad have recently launched variants with this specification.

Ergonomic design is likewise emphasized for enhanced user comfort.

Cordless units are gaining steam on the back of a broadening user base as more PCs are equipped with Bluetooth capability. Shenzhen Victory’s yield of the variant jumped by 20 percent YoY in 1H11. The company plans to boost output of this type to take advantage of growing demand.

Falling chipset expenditure has likewise spurred production. The cost of the component slid by 20 percent in the past 12 months.

Wired computer keyboards, however, still dominate yield, accounting for 85 percent of the global turnout. Aside from its high cost-to-performance ratio, the version is preferred because it is less expensive than wireless kinds, which usually include built-in batteries.

China’s international shipments of PC keyboards rose 1 percent to 44.8 million units in 1H11. Export value, meanwhile, increased by 10 percent compared with 1Q10.

2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth keyboards

China’s wireless keyboard line consists mainly of 2.4GHz RF and Bluetooth kinds, with the first constituting 90 percent of total yield for the segment. Listing between $6 and $8, these are typically bundled with wireless mice. Bluetooth units, meanwhile, are $7 more than 2.4GHz RF types.

Mainland China makers also offer scissor keyboards. Demand for this variant, however, is weak given its steep price, which is $3 higher than other cable-free models. Meanwhile, companies have slowed down production of 27MHz RF units, citing technical drawbacks such as interference, short transmission distance and elevated power consumption.

The key components used in the manufacture of wireless keyboards are chipsets. Players turn to US and Taiwan providers Elan, Holtek, Sonix and Sunplus.

Suppliers expect prices to remain at current levels in the months ahead, thanks to stable raw material and labor outlay.

Product gallery Newroad Industries Co. Ltd Model: NB104 Description: Bluetooth 2.0; 10m operating range; 84 keys with 13 multifunction keys; Micro-USB; intelligent power management, multimedia control in iPad picture frame mode, screen lock, volume control; Li-ion battery

Newroad Industries Co. Ltd Model: NB110 Description: Bluetooth 2.0; 10m operating range; 49 keys; Micro-USB; intelligent power management; LED indicator; Li-ion battery; 3 to 4hr charging time; for iPad, iPhone, smartphones, HTPCs, PCs, iPS3

Shenzhen Victory Electronics Co. Ltd Model: VKL-290W Description: 2.4GHz RF; 8 to 10m operating range; 16 hot keys; arm muscle rest, high-quality membrane key switch; water-resistant, anti-interference; multilanguage versions available; 461x197x22mm; CE, FCC, RoHS, WHQL

Shenzhen Victory Electronics Co. Ltd Model: VKL-580W MOQ: 2,000 units Delivery: 25 days Description: Scissor keycaps; low noise; no drivers needed; multilanguage versions available; 287x124x21mm; CE, FCC, RoHS, WHQL

Shenzhen W. Rider Technology Co. Ltd Model: RD-APK892 Description: 2.4GHz RF; 10m operating range; 10 million keystrokes; power saving function; two AAA 1.5V batteries; ABS

Shenzhen W. Rider Technology Co. Ltd Model: RD-RFKM5099 Description: 2.4GHz RF; 10m operating range; 10 million keystrokes; power saving function; two AAA 1.5V batteries; ABS

Note: This article " Bluetooth, compact wireless keyboards emphasized" 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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