Testing

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I typed up this review using the Office Keyboard, and it has been in constant use on my desk for the last week, and I’m the kind of geek who logs off his computer because it’s time to go to work. At the moment I find the keys to be a little on the stiff side, but hopefully they’ll break in with continued use.

**click to enlarge**
 

The software installs easily, but requires a reboot to become fully functional under Windows XP Professional. At about 5K, the process you’re adding won’t put a serious dent in your available RAM either. Given its small footprint, it just offers the bare necessities, but will allow you to customize each button for whatever task you want it to do, be it an application or a web site. Truth be told, that’s what really matters.

One nifty item that you won’t find in the propaganda anywhere is a cool little menu that’s set to open up when you click the scroll wheel on the side of the keyboard. For some reason I couldn’t get a screen capture with it open, so a description will have to do. It pops up a small menu, which allows you to select one of four user configured shortcuts or the usual Windows options – My Computer, My Pictures, and My Documents. There is also another expandable menu called “My Text” that can contain any text string you may want handy…such as important phone numbers or addresses. The Configure button on the main menu allows you to change the settings related to this pop up, and even disable it if desired. You may want to do this because this program seems to override whatever you had your scroll wheel set up to do on your mouse…which may or may not be a good thing.
 

Conclusions

I was rather pleased with the Logisys Office Keyboard, except for a few small items. First, the keys are a little on the stiff side but hopefully they’ll break in somewhat with use. Second, the small backspace key makes it difficult to use unless you’re the kind of typist who actually hits the key on the outer side. The EL on/off switch is functional, although poorly implemented. As a geek I also feel obligated to point at the green indicator LEDs and frown. But all of that aside this is a rather nice adaptation of the illuminated keyboard that any cubical dweller or home office user would be proud to own. There are 33 extra buttons along with the scroll wheel, and they certainly make things more efficient on the desktop and in your applications. I especially liked the customizable shortcuts within the Scroll wheel pop up menu…a very slick touch. The real kicker I’ve saved for last – retail price for one of these suckers is only $20.00 USD! Bottom line is this keyboard offers a lot of functionality at a bargain price. EM recommended!

More information on this product can be found on the Logysis Computer Website.

Questions? Comments? Discuss them here!