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But what about function? My favorite keyboard for the past couple of years has been the Kensington Slimtype, a low-profile and compact 'board that uses notebook computer-style, short-travel, scissor-switch key technology. In fact, the longer I've used the Slimtype, the more I've grown to like it, and I find it easier on my neuritis-plagued hands and arms than any other freestanding keyboard I've ever used. Oddly, it's not a 'board that strikes you as super-comfortable when you first try it out, but it sticks with you and for some reason doesn't fatigue you the way many keyboards do - including ones that feel more comfortable initially.
The new Kensington Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set keyboard is even slimmer than the SlimType, and I was very interested to see if it challenges the Slimtype for comfortable action. The "set" part means that the keyboard comes bundled with a wireless mouse - also low-profile.
This keyboard is easily the slimmest 'board I've used yet, and its key travel is even shorter than the Slimtype's (there simply isn't room for much travel at all), but still with a positive action and soft landing. I still think the wonderful Slimtype has the edge in the comfort context, but the Ci70x 'board seems very good so far.
I like the feel, and because the key caps are only a fraction of an inch above the desk surface level, I can dispense with the palm rest I usually use to keep my hands even with or slightly higher than the level of the keys. There are also a set of flip-down "feet" at the back of the 'board for those who prefer some rake.
With its low-profile design and a footprint 40% smaller than standard multimedia keyboards, the avant-garde styled Ci70x Wireless Desktop Set conserves desk space and will probably fit in your computer bag or backpack bag as well so you can have a real, freestanding keyboard on the road. Its look is definitely more contemporary than that of the retro-themed Slimtype's chrome highlights on glossy white. The Ci170x keyboard and mouse's livery is a tastefully understated matte platinum.
Aside from its full compliment of standard alphanumeric keys (and a non-standard positioned modifier key I'll say more about in a moment, the Ci70x keyboard has two pads of multimedia keys - one above the numerical keypad and the other on the raised console at the back of the keyboard. Personally, I've never been a heavy user of multimedia keys (the SlimType has them too), but they do fit in with the computer as digital hub concept Steve Jobs promotes.
However, something the Ci70x does not have is a full complement of 15 F-keys - only up to F-12. Nominally, I'm used to that with laptops, but my 'Books have the fn-key that lets the keys do double-duty. The Ci70x keyboard has no fn-key, so the three missing F-keys are, well, missed, especially for functions like adjusting the display brightness on my PowerBook. Annoyingly, the F-13 through F-15 positions are occupied by "Print Screen", "Scroll Lock", and "Ins" keys, which may be meaningful to Windows users.
This 'board also has only one Command key, and it's oddly-placed, way over on the far left of the bottom row where the fn-key would be on a notebook. The positions normally occupied by the Command keys are filled by two Alt/Option keys, with a Windows key where the Option key is on Mac keyboards. The Control key at least is in its customary spot. I guess we should be grateful that this 'board has a dedicated and properly-labeled Apple/Command key, but its banishment to the outer fringe of the key community does make on feel a bit like a second-class citizen, executing two-key modifiers one-handed is an awkward stretch, if possible at all, and not having a right-hand Control key is a royal pain.
Another shortcoming is that there is no Caps Lock warning light, but there is a forward delete key, which I do like to have.
The keyboard console also has a dock for the mouse when it's not in use. Inserting the mouse in the dock powers the rodent down to conserve battery power.
And here's a feature I'll bet you never expected to see in a computer keyboard. When the 'board is not in use and the mouse is docked, you can upend the whole rig and use it to display a favorite photo in the provided picture frame.
Speaking of the mouse, the other component of the Ci70x Wireless Desktop Set is the Ci70 Wireless Mouse, which is also available separately for $34.95.
The Ci70 Wireless Mouse is a slim-profile design up to 35% thinner than a standard mouse in a symmetrical design that works with both right and left hand.
It is a pure wireless mouse, with no wired alternate option as offered in the quite similar in design Kensington Ci75m Wireless Notebook Mouse that I reviewed recently on MacOpinion. Also different from the Ci75m is that the Ci70 uses larger, heavier, AA cells as opposed to the AAA cells used in the Notebook Mouse. IMHO, the biggest Achilles' Heel of wireless mice is their weight, which is in turn largely due to their need to contain batteries. The AA cells no doubt provide longer battery life than the AAAs, but in my estimation the tradeoff is not worth it. The Ci70 mouse does glide smoothly on the mouse pad, but one still has to overcome its inertia of rest with each cursor movement, and I much prefer lighter mice - the lighter the better. I will say that this mouse has be best feel of any mouse I've used carrying AA cells.
Happily, the Ci70 mouse's buttons and scroll wheel are excellent in feel and function. The mouse's split top panel flexes for the left/right button click functions, and have a positive feel. I also like the scroll wheel, which is clickable for a third-button function, and I find the unit's low profile very comfortable, with its sides clad in a rubbery traction material for a positive grip.
The Ci70 Mouse is not a Bluetooth device, but operates on the 27 MHz frequency with a nominal range of up to 30 feet, and its own dedicated receiver (shared with the companion keyboard) that plugs into a USB port on the computer or a USB hub. This has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, you don't have to be bothered with the tedium of Bluetooth pairing and wake-up lag; on the other, it eats up a precious USB port, and the little receiver module is another loose bit with the potential to get lost.
Actually, that latter issue has been addressed by Kensington in the form of a receptacle in the bottom of the mouse itself in which to store the USB wireless receiver when it's not in use, and inserting the receiver in its slot also automatically powers the mouse down to conserve battery charge. Happily, the Wireless Notebook Mouse requires no driver installation or other software, and is supported by OS X.
As for wireless performance, the mouse is instantly recognized by the system without having to muck around with pairing connections like you have to do with Bluetooth mice. This mouse, like all wireless mice I've ever used, is afflicted with a degree of latency in response to user-input. I'm happy to report that there seems to be some progress on this issue, and the Ci70 and Ci75m mice are the least troubled by this symptom of any I've sampled to date, but it is still there. Just a tiny micro-millisecond lag between the time you move the mouse and when the movement registers with the cursor, as opposed to the right NOW response you get with wired mice. The most significant aggravation associated with this is that it causes me to overshoot onscreen targets. Actually, after a few days of using the Ci70 mouse, I began to reflexively compensate, which rendered it only a minor annoyance.
The mouse features a sleep mode for power conservation that is entered manually when you store the receiver module in its storage slot in the mouse base, or automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.
Speaking of sleep, one minor glitch I experienced is that the mouse drops its connection when the computer goes through a sleep-wake-up cycle. The drill to restore the connection is simply to hold the left button down for a second or two.
The Ci-series Kensington mice have 1,000 dpi sensors, and I expected it to feel "nervous" with that high a resolution, but it doesn't. Other than the aforementioned wireless latency issue, the mouse is nicely responsive and precise.
In summary, I can't fault the Kensington Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set for its looks, and it's a great concept, especially if you use your computer in living space that you would rather didn't look like an office or workstation, and where space is at a premium. This combo also makes taking a real keyboard and full-sized mouse along when road-warrioring practical, and you won't have to hassle with wires to plug in and that get tangled. Ergonomically, both units are very good, with a nice tactile feel and comfortable action. The only serious shortcomings are the unorthodox modifier key locations, the lack of a right Command key and Scroll Lock light, the missing F-13 through F-15 keys, and the weight of the mouse.
Features
* Mouse features a design up to 35% thinner than a standard mouse
* Keyboard footprint is 40% smaller than standard multimedia keyboards
* Unique secondary function keys
* Mouse docks into keyboard when not in use to save space and conserve power
* Automatic sleep state conserves power and protects the optical sensor
* Sleek, ergonomic design provides comfort and mobility
* Symmetrical design works with both right and left hand
* Eject button (Mac OS only)
Specifications
* 27 MHz wireless
* Performance Optical sensor (1000 dpi)
* Up to 6-months battery life
* Low battery indicator on scroll wheel
Dimensions
Keyboard dimensions. L=kb left to right, W=kb front to back, H=kb from surface to highest part. 16.0"L X 0.75"H X 7.0"W
Mouse dimension 4.5"L X 0.75"H X 2.5"W
USB receiver dimension 25.5"L X 0.75"W
5' USB extension cable 60.0"L
Warranty
Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set - Platinum is backed by the Kensington 5-Year Warranty and free technical support.
Price: $79.99
Kensington Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set:
http://us.kensington.com/html/13310.html
Kensington Ci70 Wireless Mouse:
http://us.kensington.com/html/13311.html
For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington Control it products, visit:
http://www.kensington.com
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Charles W. Moore
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