A few days ago I took a look at the Illuminated Flexible Keyboard from our friends at Brando WorkShop, and I said that I would have this review up shortly, but due to personal things going on in my life that are beyond my control I’m a bit behind in my work….
Flexible keyboards have become very popular, even being featured in big budget movies, so it’s no surprise that there seems to suddenly be an abundance of them floating around everywhere now because of their co-starring role in Die Hard. Most you’ll see are the corded kind, but today I’ve got the cordless version for review, called the Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard, and it’s essentially the same as the corded version, but I was curious as to how it performs compared to other wireless keyboards. So read on to check it out and see what I learned…
Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard Review
Author: Kristofer Brozio
Sponsor: Brando WorkShop
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard from Brando WorkShop
Product Code: UKEYB000700
Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard, which is strong, silent and indestructible, is made of a high quality silicone material. It is also storable and portable that users can roll it up and bring it everywhere. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design can be used for travel, school, or any other working environment. And, it is water resistant and dustproof that users can clean it easily. Its flat design also offers an easy typing that prevent your wrists getting stress.
Price: US$29.00
–Features:
-2.4GHz Radio Frequency (RF) wireless transmission technology
-Maximum transmission distance: 30ft (approx.)
-Well-arranged 104 keys
-18 keys for multimedia function
-Virtually indestructible
-Strong and silent
-Washable and hygienic
-Portable and storable
-Dust-proof and water-resistant
-Simply wipe up any spilled liquid with a damp cloth
-Lightweight, ultra-slim and compact
-Fits in your briefcase, backpack or notebook carrying bag and you do not have to worry any sharp edges
-Size: 435x145mm
-Weight: 273g
System Requirements:
-Windows 98/2000/Me/XP
-Available USB Port
Package Contents:
-Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard
-USB Transmitter
-Drive CD
-AAA batteries x 2
-User Manual
A Better Look at Things
:
If you read my review of the Illuminated Flexible Keyboard then you’ll recognize the packaging for the Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard, it’s pretty much exactly the same with some minor differences when it comes to the features of this keyboard. This keyboard features multimedia buttons on it, so that is highlighted on the packaging…
The first thing that struck me about this keyboard was the color, bright white, I mean Gack! Why would anyone want a bright white keyboard is beyond me… Included with the keyboard is a driver disc to access the multimedia functions in older operating systems, batteries for the keyboard, wireless USB receiver, and a brief instruction manual. Interestingly, the USB dongle is itself rubberized just like the keyboard… The batteries get installed on the left side of the keyboard under a rubber pop off cover.
Looking at the keyboard, it’s white, and the letters are black. It’s basically your standard layout with the special multimedia keys going across the top. Multimedia keys is not quite the term I’d use as they are more than media related keys, which is a good thing, there are keys for mail, search, browser functions, calculator and My Computer.
The bottom of the keyboard is semi-transparent so you can see the circuits, and there is a ‘connect’ button as well if it is needed to connect to the USB receiver, I found that it connected automatically during my testing.
Installation, Testing and Comparison
Here’s a quick shot of the battery compartment, obviously you’ll need to install the batteries if you wish to ever use this keyboard…
The USB Dongle has a bright blue LED in it and has it’s own ‘connect’ button as well if need be.
From my experience with Flexible style keyboards you won’t be typing fast on them for quite a long time, the spacing is very different than that of a standard keyboard and it being perfectly flat is also something to get accustomed to. The flexible style keyboard have their keys set much farther apart than you’ll find on the traditional keyboard layout, this means there is quite a long learning period to use this style keyboard, and you won’t be speed typing anytime soon.
(Personally I like a bit of an angle on my keyboard, having it lie flat makes it harder for me to type quickly, I guess I’m just old and set in my ways…)
The Wireless Flexible Keyboard is no different in that respect, but it’s actually a good thing here as I found that there is a delay when typing and what shows on the screen. Having reviewed a few flexible keyboards in my time I’ve grown accustomed to them so I’m a bit more proficient than someone who has never used one, and I can get a little bit of speed while typing, but not on this keyboard. At first I thought it was the batteries that were bad, so I switched them out for brand new ones and that didn’t make any difference, if you type fast then look up on the screen you’ll see quite a few letters are missing, apparently the wireless connection is no the best it could be. If you are a hunt-and-peck style typist then this won’t be a problem for you, but just don’t expect to be typing fast with any accuracy and you’ll be fine.
Summary:
Overall this keyboard is fine for what it is, it takes the flexible style keyboard and removes the wires, good idea I guess, but I think someone skimped in the transmitter/receiver department.
The keyboard itself is just like others I have reviewed, it’s durable and very portable, but the wireless part is severely lacking. As I said if you type slow, or not often then you’ll be fine, this keyboard would be great for occasional use where wireless might be needed, but not full time use.
DragonSteelMods gives the Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard a 3.5 out of 5 score.
Pros:
-Wireless
-Flexible and portable
-Lightweight
-Durable, dust proof, liquid resistant
-Full sized keyboard with multi-media keys
Cons:
-Slight delay between keypress and register on screen
-Not for fast typing
I would like to thank Brando WorkShop for the chance to review the Wireless Multimedia Flexible Keyboard and for their continued support of DSM.
Discuss, Questions for the Author HERE
review# 375