Customer Reviews

HP Wireless Elite Keyboard

5 star:		(207)
4 star:		(85)
3 star:		(33)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

Picked up one of these yesterday and so far I'm loving it. It's quiet, the key feel isn't bad, the key layout is good (like the enlarged Delete key), and some of the special keys (like the volume control) work even though I haven't bothered to install HP's software (yet, anyhow).

Wireless range is sufficient for my needs. The little USB fob plugged right into my existing USB hub and was recognized by my system instantly without having to load any drivers. Neat!

I love the look of the keyboard, and it's very small without a ton of useless plastic around the edges - just a narrow border about half an inch wide. I was using an older wired USB Apple keyboard with my PC before this - one with white keys and a transparent body - which I chose because it didn't waste a ton of desk space. I'm not sure why manufacturers feel they have to surround their keyboards with an idiotic ocean of useless plastic. Until now, Apple seemed to be one of the few manufacturers who realized that it's not only unnecessary, but also really ugly.

I was never entirely happy with the key feel of the Apple though, and it collected dirt (and cat hair) like nobody's business. And I wanted a wireless keyboard so I could remove it from the desk entirely when I needed the space. This keyboard isn't much larger (same width, about an inch deeper), but doesn't suffer from the same . . . hygiene issues, and the keyfeel is much better.

According to everything I've read the batteries (which it comes with a set of already installed) should last for about a year, at which time I'll probably replace them with rechargeables.

It's a little spendy, and it isn't quite as space-saving as Apple's old design, but given its looks and performance I'd recommend it.

I bought this KB for my home PC because I wanted something minimalist and simple. I also liked the style (all black with silver trim on each end). It was such an improvement over my Logitech MX5000 at home as well as my Logitech EX100 at work that I ordered a second one for my office shortly after the first.

I have worked in IT for over 10 years and am very observant and picky about my computer accessories. I have probably used 30 different keyboards extensively. I have never been more impressed by a keyboard than now. These keys are very shallow and responsive. This required some major adjustment when I first got the keyboard. If you transition between this and other keyboards that have keys that are a "normal" depth/stroke, you might have trouble. If you are used to typing on laptops, then you'll feel right at home. The keys require very little effort to press so you can really lay down text at a rapid pace. I can comfortably type at 90+ WPM on this KB. The keys also feel like they are mounted well - for instance, you can push on the very outside corner of the space bar and it will go down, unlike some keyboards that are very resistant to off-center keypresses.

This keyboard is very quiet. My old Logitechs sounded like typewriters when I really got going. This one isn't silent, but I can type in a quiet room and be at peace. With a little restraint, you could safely type while someone is sleeping nearby. The plastic is dense and I think a lot of the hollow tapping noise you would get out of a thicker keyboard is muted on this model.

Speaking of the plastic, I would say the construction is OK. After a few weeks of use, I noticed that the silver trim on each side rattles if you play with it. Also, the rubber feet on the bottom of the KB are a little thin and the KB will rock a little if on an uneven surface (this also causes a tapping noise as the keyboard rocks back and forth). I resolved this on my warped desk with some Scotch tape.

No clue on battery life yet. I'm approaching a month so far.

As far as features go, there are none. There is no software to install, no caps lock/num lock lights, and no assignable function keys. There is an Fn button so the function keys can double as navigation buttons for a media player (start, stop, pause, eject). The F10-F11 keys have screen brightness icons, which I assume is a carryover from the HP Elite PC series. There are also volume up/down/mute buttons above the number pad. Other than that it is a plain jane keyboard - just what a keyboard should be. It has little folding legs in the rear to prop up the keyboard but this KB is so thin I think I like it better when it is laying flat on the desk.

Some reviews suggest that the keyboard misses keystrokes and sometimes doubletypes. I observed this one time in my office. I don't know if it was a wireless interference issue, but this is NOT normal for this KB. As I said I own two and have purchased a third for a coworker who fell in love with the design. Of the three I have used, none have had a problem with doubletyping or missing keystrokes. I even use this keyboard in conjunction with a Microsoft wireless mouse and there are no interference issues. I have played modern FPS games and there is no lag or delay or whatever.

In short, this keyboard is an excellent bargain, considering it is wireless.

HP Wireless Elite Keyboard


I needed a modern keyboard to replace the archaic Win95 PS/2 version that I had been using since 1996. I wanted a portable, wireless keyboard with a small footprint. Essentially, that means no wrist pad. Also, I did NOT want a bloated keyboard with a bunch of gimmicky buttons. Finally, I wanted to keep a reasonable budget --- I did not want to break the bank for a simple keyboard. Seems simple enough... but it took me *months* to find one that matched all my criteria. In the end, the HP Elite was my only option. There were no other viable alternatives.

For the most part, the keyboard meets (but does not exceed) my expectations. It's everything the photos show you, and everything the specs sheet say. Nothing more, nothing less.

The keyboard is incredibly slim and lightweight. It's not intrusive, and feels nice to have on your lap while typing. It also has an excellent range --- the signal remains strong even when I'm several yards away. This would've made for an excellent HTPC keyboard, except it lacks the all-important thumb pad.

Speaking of thumb pads, the HP Elite feels very much like a laptop keyboard. It's very quiet, and each keystroke doesn't travel very far. There are dedicated buttons for volume, and also one for sleep. There F1-F11 buttons can double as multimedia buttons when used in conjunction with the Fn (Function) button. I like the minimalist design, even though I was a bit disappointed by the lack of zoom buttons.

There's no need for a wired receiver cluttering your desktop; all the keyboard requires is a little USB dongle plugged into the PC. The dongle has a blue LED that lights up with every keystroke registered. The LED is ridiculously bright, and can be quite annoying if you're working in a darkened room.

There is no indicator at all for the status of your CAPS and NUM locks. It doesn't bother me, although it might bug some people.

My only real complaint with the keyboard is its build quality. It is simply ATROCIOUS. The keyboard is essentially assembled from four panels: Top, Bottom, Left, and Right. The top & bottom are rock solid. The keys themselves feel great. But the side panels? Ugh!!! They feel ridiculously cheap. And you have to touch these panels whenever you grab the wireless keyboard. They are not even completely fastened into the chassis; the slightest contact with your fingers will cause these panels to jiggle. Waaay too much wiggle room in these sections. If you grab the keyboard by the sides, you will hear the side panels move, rattle, and/or squeak. Just awful, AWFUL construction --- this feels very much like one of those cheap OEM accessories that come free with low-end DELL and HP systems. When I first saw the keyboard on display at Fry's, I noticed one of the side panels was missing. I naïvely thought it was just a fluke accident; now I know that wasn't the case.

Despite the poor build quality, I remain more or less pleased with the keyboard. Functionally, it has met all my expectations. And it's not like there are viable alternatives out there that meets all my criteria. Definitely a big change from the bulky Win95 keyboard I had been using since 1996. They don't make 'em like they used to, though. That old keyboard stayed with me for 13 long years. I don't think this HP keyboard will last half as long, Given its flimsy construction, I would be surprised if this thing even lasted 3 years.

I give it 3 stars out of 5.

Pros:
Very nice tactile sensation (laptop-style)
Good (though limited) functionality without unnecessary extras
Sleek design (less than 1/2" thick at its thickest point)
Runs on just two AAA batteries
Small receiver works right in the USB port -- no on-desk dongle
Very reasonably priced

Cons:
Occasional reception problems
Flashing blue light on USB receptor can be distracting

I've used this keyboard for about a month now, and am generally very pleased. I bought it largely because reviews I read compared it to a laptop keyboard or certain Apple keyboards, with a light-touch scissor-switch key mechanism. On that front, I am very happy. If you like the thin stroke of laptop keyboards, you should find this very satisfying. It's a world of difference from the wired keyboards that come with most PCs, and also from any wireless keyboard I've been able to find at a store. The keyboard is also impressively thin (it could easily be thrown in a suitcase for travel), and unlike many wireless keyboards, it does not use an on-desk receiver that runs from your USB port. You just plug a little device that looks like a flash drive into your USB port, and it catches the signal from there.

The only downside is that I've had some reception difficulties. Occasionally, it gets into a mode in which it misses some keys that I type and doubles up on others. I'm still experimenting, but I don't think the problem is range. I think the problem is signal interference, and I've noticed that having my cell phone next to the keyboard sometimes causes problems (but not always). In any case, the problem is fairly rare and easily noticeable. When the reception is fine, which is most of the time, you don't need to worry that it's omitting letters here and there when you're not looking at the screen. When problem-mode hits, it will be obvious.

Quick key functionality is limited, but generally sufficient. The function keys double as media keys, and they work with Windows Media Player and iTunes. You have to hold down the function button while you strike those keys, which is a bit awkward, but it does the job. (A function-lock key would be a world of improvement, but you don't get one here.) There are independent keys for volume control and muting, and these don't require the function button. There are no quick keys for internet favorites or windows explorer. I don't miss them. A couple of programmable quick keys would have been a great feature, but I'm glad they didn't overdo it and make the keyboard bigger.

Some reviewers have noted annoyance at the flashing blue light on the USB receiver. It is indeed bright and it flashes at every keystroke. I don't notice it during the day, but at night, it might bug you a bit. Using a rear USB port helps, and you might also be able to block it with black tape or a post-it note. One reviewer also noted that the keyboard has cheap construction. I understand the comment -- when you pick it up by the sides, it feels a tiny bit creaky -- but I think that reviewer was exaggerating quite a bit. It still feels solid to me.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with this keyboard. It works well and does everything I need without a lot of extras that just take up space, all for a very reasonable price (under $30 at this writing). If you prefer the laptop-style keyboard sensation, I don't think you'll find a better keyboard at this price.

I installed this keyboard this morning. It took 60 seconds after unwrapping. Loved it. Except for that fatal flaw: there are no indicator lights for the Caps, Num, and Scroll functions. It also does not put any message on the monitor (as the Microsoft wireless does). Good luck with passwords, numerical inputs, etc. What could HP have been thinking? If you don't need the lock-keys warning, I think it's a great basic keyboard.

I have to chime in with the other positive reviews here. This keyboard in no way feels cheap; in fact, it feels quite heavy for what it is and denotes quality, no question in my mind. (It does not creak on the sides, nor is it so light that it slides around while you use it. Neither have I experienced any reception issues.). As others have said, it's sleek looking and well thought out and saves lots of desktop space, and it simply installs in Windows when you plug in the USB. It's also very quiet.

I was looking for a full size keyboard that was space saving and cordless, with easily accessible volume controls -- no other bells & whistles. I also wanted one that could tilt; I'm not a heavy typist and therefore ergonomics are not a great concern, so I like having a keyboard angled toward me a bit (a seeming rarity these days). Love the typing feel too; again, this truly feels like a quality piece of equipment.

It's demerits have been mentioned: Nothing to indicate cap or num lock status, (although, except via software, I have yet to see this feature on any cordless keyboard); and the USB LED really is bright -- I presume a well-intentioned effort on HP's part gone a little too far, but nothing some black tape can't handle (my USB is behind a tower).

This keyboard seems to be made for the HP TouchSmart line, so props out to them for selling this separately. And also for designing something so good that, like another reviewer, I'm getting an additional one for work.

Update 3: After using this keyboard two months I have finally given up on it. The keys are cheaply constructed and age very quickly relative to a laptop keyboard such as the Dell Inspiron. Typing has gotten steadily less fluid and more awkward in feel with more missed keys. I recommend taking a pass on this thing. In two months, my opinion has gone from five stars to 1 star.

Update 2: After a couple weeks I removed a star. The D key has issues where I will hit it and nothing happens. It never happens twice in a row. I refuse to believe it is because my typing for "D" is to light. Look where D is at... But over and over again several times a day, I will touch type a word and the d will be missing on the word.

Update: I have observed the "forgets a key is depressed" behavior in gaming. While playing Warcraft 3 you hold the shift down and mouse click to queue building. When you lift shift the next time you mouse click you will not get the option to queue another building. A few times over the course of an hour and a half as I did this, I would get to the 3rd or 4th building and the game would react as if I had stop depressing shift, even though it was still depressed on this keyboard. Other people have observed the "occasionally forgets a key is depressed for an extended time" behavior of this product. Something to be aware of when you purchase. All and all still a 4 star product. I wish wish wish HP realized this deficiency and released a wired version.

Original Opinion:

If you are looking for a keyboard that generally feels like a laptop to type on this is it. If you have never used a good scissor key keyboard, in my experience if you give it a few weeks you will love them. After a few weeks you will find the old style keyboards feel really clunky. I really notice the difference when programming because of all the odd and long keystroke motions you use in that setting.

It is solidly constructed. The range appears excellent (I have used it at 8 feet from the receiver). Even the bios recognizes the keyboard to give you an idea of how easy it will to install. Plug in the dongle. Done. I like my purchase.

I read someone claimed that you will accidentally press the sleep button on this keyboard. I don't see how. The sleep button is a small round button recessed into the case that is somewhat difficult to depress. I have no idea how you would accidentally press that while hitting escape. You can actually tap it and nothing happens. You have to try to depress that button.

Gamers: tested it in BF2 and Demigod and didn't notice any issues. Only the positive: now the keyboard has no cord so you can do whatever you want for position.

The end and home keys are moved up and far away from the arrow keys. I do not like that placement. I constantly hit the wrong key for end out of muscle memory. I decided this wasn't worth removing a star though because there is an end key on the number pad near the arrows. I need to learn to use that one.


The other thing a desktop user should know is that this keyboard has a laptop right alt key and space bar placement. That means the alt key is under "x" and "c" and the space bar ends almost between the "c" and "v". This is a little shorter space bar than you are use to on a desktop because they left in the laptop "function" key to use for some common media controls.

Style wise my only gripe is that they put a warning text and graphic on the lower front right of the keyboard. It is a standard ergonomics warning. It could have went on the back. It is pointless to chrome the sides for style and then put a big ugly warning on the front. You can tell the sticker with the warning is supposed to stay on because it has a recessed spot where it sits. In the current Amazon picture if you look close under the numeric keypad you can see where the sticker has been removed, but you can't really make out the recessing in that picture.

All and all a solid 5 stars with just a small concern about where they put end and home keys. Effortless to use. Great typing action. I reached for "end" in the wrong spot 3 times during this writing. I wonder if the windows/ubuntu OS let you remap keys?

I have my computer hooked up to my 47'' plasma in the next room and this keyboard works perfect for me. It gets 100% perfect signal across the room and through a wall. Light and easy to carry back and forth between rooms. Doesn't take a ton of space on my coffee table. Key pad is lovely, I actually have less typos now. I highly recommend this wireless keyboard.

Let me start off by saying this is a very small, light weight keyboard for it's price range. The wireless power seems adequate but I wouldn't say strong. I've dropped it several times on a hardwood floor and it still works. Typing seems easy if not a little too easy, sometimes depressing keys by mistake.

Now there are some major design flaws with this keyboard. The first is the USB connector that is so bright, it's almost blinding. Covering the light with tape seems to reduce it's already weak wireless power. The second is defects. First keyboard I got would not sync properly. And it sounds like this is a common problem since other reviewers have mentioned. Amazon sent a quick replacement and return shipping was paid for. I simply switched the keyboards and sent it back with their label.

The last issue is the biggest one for me and was right out of the box. The second I plugged in and tried to use for gaming I noticed if you press a key for more than 10-20 seconds, it will cease to function until you lift off the key and repress. This is hell for gaming which sometimes require you to hold keys down for extended periods of time. I consider this a MAJOR KEYBOARD FLAW which gives the keyboard 2 stars for shortsightedness!

My previous keyboards had the finger indentations that made finding the right position on the keyboard a lot easier. My main reason for getting a new one was to go wireless. I liked how this keyboard looked in the pictures and didn't realize that the feel of the keys would make that much of a difference. I have to look down a lot more than I did with my other keyboards.