Get a wireless mouse along with this and never use your media/HTPC keyboard again
This keyboard is a premium typing experience for a pittance. I think makes a really great "media" PC keyboard, and I use it from my couch in conjunction with a wireless mouse. In this use-case, I'd say it EASILY outclasses anything officially sold as a "media" keyboard, for a seemingly impossible price. The reliability of both wireless modes of connecting is AMAZING. I go into this below. Folks doing a lot of word processing might not like the fact that this reduced-format keyboard has the Home and End keys being accessible by the use of the "Fn" key. If you are unfamiliar with reduced-format keyboards, a great example is likely sitting in front of you. If you've got a function key (often shown as "Fn" or "FN"), you've got a reduced format keyboard. This one has its Home, End, and Insert keys accessed by pressing the Fn key in concert with the PgUp and bracket keys. Keys F1-F12 are also accessed via the Fn key, however this arrangement many are likely to find convenient, as they correspond to the number keys. The performance for this keyboard on Bluetooth is excellent, which is as expected, having a rock solid connection in any scenario I could give it. What blew my mind, though, is that the 2.4ghz connection mode (using the included dongle that magnetically attaches to the underside of the keyboard) is also excellent, being able to accurately transmit through my bedroom wall. This level of performance in 2.4ghz mode is absolutely in stark contrast to a vast array of similar devices. I've had even brand-name 2.4ghz keyboards fail to connect over the 6' gap from the dongle to the keyboard, let alone broadcast through a freakin' wall. I actually shouted with surprise when I saw how well it worked. And the good thing about a reliable 2.4ghz mode is that (on PCs, at least, not sure about Macs), this keyboard will operate reliably well in that mode from the moment of powering on. In bluetooth mode, the keyboard will not connect until Windows has started. This means that you can access your BIOS settings and startup options just like a wired keyboard, from the moment of powering on your PC. That said, I primarily use this keyboard in Bluetooth mode, as it reduces the potential for interference with my other bluetooth devices. I also suspect that bluetooth mode makes the batteries last longer. If you are not used to linear key switches, or don't know the difference between the feel of linear key switches (reds), tactile (browns), and clicky (blues), look it up. This is the first linear key I've used and it's a little bit of an adjustment. That said, these keys perform AMAZINGLY for the price. Like this was so inexpensive I thought it had to feel flimsy, but this thing feels solid. It's got good weight to it and the sound is solid, not hollow at all. The videos on here don't really capture the sound well -- it actually sounds fairly muted, not nearly as much treble or echo. If you're really hammering the keys you can hear a bit of ping, but I cannot emphasize enough how solid this keyboard is for the price. It's overall very quiet for what it is, and very well made. It really is a premium typing experience in it's price class, especially for anyone used to "media/HTPC" keyboards. CON: I have the version with mostly blue keys, and when the backlight is off, it is very hard to see the key's markings. I notice that the white keys on my keyboard are MUCH easier to read with the backlight off. ***If you are not a touch-typist, you should get the version with more white keys.*** Read more
