Keyboard Reviews

I have carpal tunnel and need a keyboard that is very sensitive to touch, i.e., will not require a hard "punch" of the keys. By reading the reviews here and elsewhere I thought this would be a great keyboard for me, but I find that repeatedly the letter "t" does not respond to my finger and I keep having to backspace to put it in. I did not have this problem with other keyboards and can only surmise that when they set up variable touch on this keyboard they assumed that everyone has a really strong index finger. (I already dropped a "t" in this review!) Otherwise it seems to be a cool keyboard, and I am hoping I can retrain my left (dropped that t again!!!) index finger can re-learn to hit harder on the t. A disappointment, so that's why I give it (another dropped t!) only 3 stars.

What a great keyboard! A Very light touch is all you need to have this keyboard humming along. The feel is very good and I like the slant of this one. Keytronic even offers a skin to keep cat hairs and the like out of the keys. I would recommend this to anyone. There is no need to buy a more expensive keyboard - THIS IS THE ONE!

This is so cool. It's perfect. Even for a clutz like me who can't type. If I spill my coffee in it, I'll buy another. No reason to look any further. MH

This is a very well built keyboard and looks great on the desk. I can really type faster with the low profile keys that require less force. The USB connectors on each side will prove to be useful.

Being a Windows user, my only complaints are that left Windows key and the left alt key are reversed on this keyboard. There is also a 'blank' key where the right CTRL button should be but the right CTLR is shifted over a bit. These are minor complaints but they cause me several mistypes per day like hitting Windows-tab instead of alt-tab because of the key reversals.

Another keyboard with the similiar low-profile keys is the pricey Logitech diNovo.

This keyboard is awesome. I needed a very low profile keyboard to make my hands feel better and this does the trick. I use Windows 2000 Pro and it was recognized right after plugging it in. The only drawback is that the keys are designed for a Mac and so it's missing PRNTSCRN & INSERT (and probably something else I cannot remember). This isn't a big issue but might make taking screenshots more difficult. Besides that, it looks great, feels great, and works well. If you've found that you like to rest your whole arm on the desk when typing (as I do) this keyboard is for you as your hands will be only slightly elevated and still in a relaxed position. Enjoy!

This is the greatest keyboard ever made, and quite possibly the greatest creation in all of human history. (Yes, it's that good). The action is suberb, the key size and texture is perfect, and your fingers dance and glide over the keys like hippos doing ballet. My typing speed practically doubled overnight. Its look is futuristic yet subdued, and unlike a lot of third party keyboards, there aren't a bunch of junk buttons and extraneous labeling smattered all over the keys. You have to try it to really see how wonderful it is. It may not be wireless (yet), but it's worth another cable to have this, the keyboard of the gods.

Why on God's green earth in this digital age any company would ship an item like this without an AC adapter when they come standard with $10 items is beyond me, but sure enough, it doesn't include one. To top it off, it doesn't even tell you what kind to buy - it tells you to get some obscure coding that the guy at Radio Shack had never even heard of.

Outside of that, which really warrants a rating of 1 star, it is really really cool! My fiance loved it! Definitely a lot of value for the price. Looks like she'll have endless hours of fun with this thing, and it teaches you! Amazing! Lighted keys? Will the madness never end?

This does exactly what it says it will do, has great sound, easy to set up and get started, lots of tones and other options. Overall great product but let me add a few things I wished were different.

More rhythms

Keyboard does not save last tone when you turn it off ( you may be able to do this but I have yet to figure it out)

Many of the songs included are lame

Casio includes a service where you can download more songs but they have like 50 songs there and it seems like a web site that they may have forgotten about since many of the "coming soon" dates are from 2000 and 2001. Also, you cant download the songs directly to your keyboard they remain on your PC.

If these features are not important to you then this is a great buy.

In my mid-30's I decided it was time to finally learn to play an instrument - and the Casio LK55 fit the bill (my husband requested I pick an instrument that could be used with headphones!).
The keyboard has realistic sounding instruments, and a pleasant piano sound. Keys are full sized, and the lcd display is very useful once you figure out what the general functions are.
It has a good range of built in songs that you can play along with - I found as a beginner that most were too complicated but I'm working on it.
I've actually found that I don't use the key lighting as much as expected. Don't expect this keyboard to 'teach' you how to play. You really need to purchase some good instructional materials and learn the old fashioned way (lots of practice!) but it is fun and gratifying to play along with the built in songs in-between regular practice. My only complaint is that if you want to learn a built in song using the key lighting - you can't learn both hands at the same time. You learn the right and left hands seperately - which I can understand as the lighting might be confusing otherwise, but it would be nice to have the option.
I'm extremely pleased with the keyboard, but it will take a while before I'm competent.
I highly recommend the book "Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic" by Willard A. Palmer. It's been extremely useful for learning the basics (such as How To Read Music!).

Pluses:
1. Portable (can use batteries or power)
2. Key lighting is great
3. Large selection of built in songs
4. Full size keys
5. Can connect to computer

Minuses:
1. Can't magically transform me into a concert pianist
2. Headphone jack is at the rear of the keyboard & is awkward to access
3. Can't learn both hands simultaneously

PROS:
1. The spacing between the keys and the feel of each key-press are both engineered very well and allows me to type quickly with just two thumbs
2. The keyboard fits perfectly under my h2210 -- there is no rattling, it won't detatch accidentally, and it attaches relatively easily
3. The software and hardware installation was complete in under 2 minutes
4. I haven't tested this with all programs, but the gameboy/SNES/etc emulator MorphGear allows you to map the hardware keyboard buttons to the controller buttons within the program -- this means you'll have enough hardware buttons to play SNES games

CON:
1. The thickness of the keyboard is a little more than i had expected -- it seems like it's about 1.5 times the thickness of the iPaq 2210, which destroys the sleekness of the iPaq with the keyboard attached

I purchased this keyboard to be used with my iPAQ 3835. I've had this keyboard for almost two months and it has worked very well--the keys are easy to press, typing speed increases as you get more used to it, and it does not add too much more to the length and thickness of the unit.

Using the numeric keys takes a little to get used to, as the num-lock key needs to be enabled and sometimes it's easy to forget to unlock it since there is no on-screen indicator. All the numbers are on the top row of the keyboard and are not laid out in a "numeric keyboard" layout. Also, for those who have previously used the Targus keyboard with their iPAQs, you need to uninstall the Targus software to allow this keyboard to work--hence, you will be unable to use your old keyboard. An added plus is that the keys and the hot-keys will not turn on your iPAQ directly, preventing accidental use.

Also, I use the pharos GPS system and the software of the keyboard also messes with the GPS software--you would need to shut off the keyboard, then do a soft-reset prior to using the GPS device.

Overall, this is an excellent piece of hardware for the iPAQ, it substitutes well for the on-screen input methods in accuracy and allows for quicker input. I would have given it 5 stars if it did not conflict with the other software programs--something that should have been considered, especially coming from HP.

I own the Ipaq 4155. I am using this keyboard to write this review. Set up was so simple and the layout is easy to learn. I used this keyboard to send an e-mail within 10 minutes. Much much faster than block reckognizer. I had planned on purchasing this keyboard when I first got my 4155 but delayed a coulple months and just used block reckognizer. How sorry I am that I waited. I write more e-mail and take more notes now. This is a must have accessory.

I read the recent review from PowerBook G4 user and got confidence about the compatibility of this product. Now, I can't use the right button for backwarding a slide in my powerpoint presentation. Tried to install OS 9 MouseWare software came along with the product. It didn't work. I contacted technical support of Logitech, but they just simply said that this product is not compatible with Machintosh computer. Then, why they put that OS version MouseWare in their CD? Going back to the review that I read, what that user downloaded from the internet and could get it work? Did the right button work properly? You may want to check the review from Chile to see what I mean.

Even though with this partial functionality, this device is really must-have item for anyone who wants to present in speedy and smooth way. That is why I am still trying to find any way to make it fully functional.

I own a Apple powerbook G4 12 inches screen and I didn't have to install any additional software, just download some from the internet and it worked flawlesly every time I used it. Leaves the presenter with freedom to move across the room with no need to ask someone to change the slide (at last). The laser works very well, it is located in such a place that you don't have to look at the device to find it...good thinking.
I recomend this device to anyone who makes presentations regularly..it is jaw-dropping to the audience, leaves them wondering how do you change the slides...jajaja.
Top of the line...good thinkig Logitech

I read a whole bunch of rather positive reviews both at Amazon and online, but I have to say that I am even more amazed at how this product performs. First of all it requirs "zero" installation. I have tried it on 4 diffrent systems, from notebooks to desktops and it install and runs with no problem and no effort whatsoever on all of them. Plug it in, press the buttons on the USB controller and the mouse, wait 5 seconds and you are up and running. And once the Bluetooth connection is made, it is never interrupted! I use in class at USC where I teach computer science and it has changed the way I can teach the class. I wished I had found it before. I also use it for business presentations and again it has performed flawlessly all the time.

Highly recommended!

I bought this because it is sturdy, easy to grab with one hand, allows for springboard modules, and it swivels. I do have to be careful when sitting down sometimes, though, as it can get caught on corners pretty easily. While the clip is sturdy (and the quick release very convenient), I feel that the designers might have been able to make the axis 1/4 inch shorter so the unit does not stick out so far. While I haven't tried any other holsters, this also has been great for the Digital Link cell springboard that I keep on my Visor. Get this piece while you can - Handspring no longer makes these babies!

I bought one, fully expecting to have to make modifications mentioned in other reviews, but it looks like Handspring beat me to it. The case is now made of sturdy plastic with a plastic swivel molded onto the back. The whole thing then clips into a sturdy clip on your belt. Best case for use with Visorphone.

I'd heard from a few people that this or a similar item didn't hold the Visor in place and resulted in their dropping it. If that was regarding this item, it's clearly been redesigned.

The holster holds it in place and does not add much weight. It protects the screen because the Visor goes in backwards--the screen is facing the holster, not the open air.

You have to be deliberate about removing it from the holster, but this is not at all difficult.

The only reason I didn't give this product five stars is that I personally don't care for the swivel clip--I wear jeans most of the time and the free motion of the holster against the rivets of my jeans is an annoying sound.

I purchased this keyboard after my wife spilled water on my old one and shorted it. It's proven to be very reliable, not super quiet, but not noisy either. Even though I eventually upgraded to the Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro (and drinks are now banned from the computer room), I still use the Logitech at work with my laptop, and it's still going strong. Not much else you can say about a basic 104 key keyboard, but essentially it boils down to comfort and reliability, and this keyboard delivers strongly on both counts.

Well, reviews for keyboards aren't that important anyways because there really can't be a "bad" keyboard, unless it doesn't work. Well, this one works, and it works well. Infact, I'm typing this review with it. It's "quiet, tactile" key action is quite true; this is the quietest keyboard I've ever used. Very good at not waking anobody next door, while keeping its nice responsiveness. (This isn't one of those quiet keyboards where the keys kind of sink and don't have that distinct typing noise, this one is just, well, "perfect") The font on the keys are more attractive than other fonts, just my opinion, and the palm rest is indeed very comfortable. Very elegant design too. I don't know if it's "really" spill proof yet because to tell the truth, I've never really spilled anything on it. Well, guess I'm overobsessing. Its is just a keyboard after all.

Hey ... it's cheap and it works. It's been working fine for me for over a year now, and I would say even that much use is worth less than $20.00. Need a cheap keyboard that's reliable ... look no further.

I bought this mouse earlier this year when it was exclusive to Best Buy and before the blue one was out. I've been very happy with it so far. Very quick & responsive. Best mouse for gamers and quicker and more reliable than wireless, with no need for batteries or recharging!! Set-up was a breeze. I like the forward/back buttons on the side and the customizable buttons on top, makes surfing the net easier and more fun. My sole complaint is it lacks the little red LED my old microsoft mouse had, but that's just a cosmetic/design issue. The MX 510 is very smooth and fits my hand comfortably. Amazon has a great price w/ free shipping too! Highly Recommended.

I mean, I've been comparing Logitech MX 510 Performance Optical Mouse and the Microsoft tilt mouse, but this mouse recovers the fact that it can't tilt, but only on spreadsheets do u need t hat ability.. u can change between documents without using Alt+Tab!! wow

Having been a computer gamer and user most of my life, I've come in contact with many different mice. The mx510 is the best.

The design is the same as the mx500, mx700, and mx900 series, a somewhat tried-and-true style. The forward and back buttons (on the left side of the mouse) are close enough to use easily, but aren't in danger of being accidentally clicked. The up and down buttons (positioned above and below the scrollwheel) take some getting used to, but are useful enough to outweigh this. The up button *isn't* the most natural button, but I'm able to click it with my forefinger easily (despite reviews to the contrary), and my hands are average sized.
The switch application button seems to be the only downfall of the mouse. It isn't as easy to reach as the other buttons and its usefulness is questionable. A friend of mine with the mx700 (same design, just a little older and wireless), however, swears by that button and says he couldn't be happier that it was included. Even in the case of someone who doesn't like it, it really doesn't take away from the mouse; you'd don't have to use it if you don't want to.
Note: I would not recommend this to anyone that uses a mouse with their left hand.

The optical engine is newer and supposedly better than the older mx500s and mx700s. I, however, haven't really noticed a difference, having used an mx700 before. Despite that, it's amazingly smooth. I have heard people online and in person complain that it "jerks" or is "twitchy," but I'd venture a guess that most of those people either do not have quality mousepads or have incorrect sensitivity settings in their OS. One person who mentioned the twitchiness to me in person showed it to me, and then was surprised when I fixed it easily by turning on "Enhance pointer precision" and lowering the sensitivity. The mouse will track on virtually anything: fabrics (if you're using a laptop while sitting on the couch), just about any hard shiny surface (that traditional trackball mice have difficulty with), plastic, paper, metal, you name it.

The software included is easy to use and has never had a compatibility issue that I've seen. Remapping *any* of the buttons to a variety of different controls is easy. For example: I was able to map the up and down buttons to "next song"/"last song" in Winamp, which is one of the coolest things I've seen a mouse do.

Overall it is a wonderful product and a great deal for someone looking for a new, stylish, light, and feature intensive corded mouse.

This keypad has a PS/2 connector. The box celebrates the KP17B numeric keypad is designed for Windows 95--and compatible with DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows NT. Can't say whether the keypad works with Windows XP--because my Sony VAIO notebook doesn't even have a PS/2 adaptor. Buyer beware.

This is a purchase I wish I had made a very long time ago. Anyone who principally relies on a notebook computer and has any amount of financial information to input is well-familiar (and probably equally frustrated) with the "imbedded keypad". It is a pain to use and a major impediment to efficient working. A separate numerical keypad is incorporated on PC keyboards for a good reason.

I particularly like this version of numeric keypad because it simply plugs into the keyboard socket and does not use up a USB port. It requires no installation software. Plug it in, boot up and go.

Well worth its meager price. Will also pay for itself in the money saved not buying antacids.

This keypad saved my sanity. I have a laptop and hate not having a real numeric keypad. The built in one is unusable. This attachable keypad gives me the functionality I love. The description should say PS/2 so people are aware it's not USB though.

I love this type of keyboard. Having been born with large hands and wide shoulders, regular keyboards just cramp up my hands trying to type, not so with this model. My hands can type for hours. I agree there is an initial time period during which the user will be adjusting to the split keyboard layout, but once this is over you will never want to use another. Is greatest gift to large handed people ever.

I've been using this keyboard for 4 years. While typing at work with it, it allows my wrists to stay in their natural position and my carpal tunnel from acting up. Though at home, I have a regular keyboard and hurts my wrists after typing for hours. Now, I am buying one for home since I've started typing more at home. Granted, it takes some getting used to it but, your wrists will thank you and you will become a better typist. It forces you to use the correct fingering for those number keys. No cheating! I can never go back.

As for the mouse, the scroll wheel is the greatest advancement in mouse design. Keeps you from banging around and wearing out your arm. Though, the mouse itself is poorly shaped and ... (That's why its packaged w. the keyboard). My advice, if your wrists are important to you, buy any mouse with a high back design (e.g., Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer) which is more natural for your hand. If you don't believe me, try keeping your wrists bent upwards for 10 minutes.

is microsoft the only manufacturer that realizes this keyboard design takes a lot of pressure off the hands and wrists. You would think the others would be smart and start selling similar keyboard. Unless other manufactures start putting out keyboards of this design, microsoft will be the only people i purchase my keyboards from.