| I bought this keyboard because it looked like a laptop keyboard and it had a standard key layout (single line enter key, double width backspace, 1.5 width backslash, 3x2 Insert,Del,Home,End,Page Up/Down). The keyboard also has the slim keys like a laptop, but it DOES NOT use the scissor switch keys (which I knew before I bought it, so I won't count that against it). I like the scissor keys of a laptop because they're generally easier to type on, requiring less finger force while providing a good amount of clickiness.
I have used this keyboard extensively for about 2 weeks, playing games (World of Warcraft, Assassin's Creed), chatting, typed up a few emails, and to write this review, and I can say that I am very satisfied with this keyboard. Even though it is using the regular old plunger keys, the amount of force necessary for pressing the keys is not that much more than a laptop keyboard. It also doesn't have the same clickiness to it, but the feel of the keys are consistent. The key action is a bit squishy, not that squishy is necessarily a bad thing; it makes for a quieter typing experience, but I've know some who can't stand it. The slim keys mean that it takes less travel before the key press is registered, which may help you in gaming. With typing, I feel like I'm typing a little faster (but it may be in my head). The key surfaces are a little slippery, but that will probably wear down over time (it feels a bit icky, but it doesn't hamper the typing experience). There is a top row of potentially useful media buttons that I'll never use, and a very useful volume dial and mute button, that worked for me instantly without the need of any drivers. The volume dial is a little stiff and will likely move your keyboard around while trying to turn it, but it's very convenient to have.
So far, I do not have any complaints about this keyboard. It is very light and you will find yourself inadvertently knocking it around if you put any pressure on the keyboard that is not downward, but that is an extremely minor annoyance. Even the plunger keys I can forgive; one benefit is that it is much easier to clean than scissor keys, if you get something stuck under a key, just pluck off the key with a screwdriver and push it back it when you're done. I don't even know how to remove scissor keys and I'm actually pretty afraid to. My cat tore off a few of my laptop's keys once and broke one of the scissors switches (which I was able to fix with some super glue). I got a look at the scissor mechanisms and they looked pretty fragile.
If you are dead-set on getting a keyboard with scissor keys, I can recommend the Logitech UltraX OEM keyboard. Because it's OEM, you'll have a hard time finding it in stores. One thing you have to be careful about is that the key layouts don't seem to be the same on all the keyboards. If you search eBay or another retailer, you'll likely find multiple keyboard layouts for the same item (I've seen 3). I own one of these and it is my favorite keyboard. Mine has the exact same layout as the Targus, which is what made my want to get the Targus. The only problem with it is that I have a bunch of crumbs stuck in the Logitech keyboard, and as I said, I'm afraid to remove the scissor keys. I've resorted to using compressed air to blow them into a corner and/or smashing the crumbs into oblivion by pounding on the key the crumbs are under.
| | Basic, small footprint keyboard |
| The primary plus for this keyboard is it's small footprint. I was trying to find a keyboard that would leave enough room for both a mouse and trackball in my keyboard drawer, and this one manged it just barely. This keyboard has a soft feel and short key travel. Keys are slightly closer than other keyboards but still bigger than most laptops.
| | Ordered through work as my standard desktop keyboard. First impression...cheap. Way too light, button layout is odd..seems too tightly laid out. Volume control failed to work.
Going to throw this in a drawer and re-install my Logitech.
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