Customer Reviews

Kensington 64338 Comfort Type USB Keyboard (PC/Mac)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I have been using the same Kensington comfort type keyboard at work for over 4 years, and I have to say it is the most durable and dirt-resistant keyboard I have used since the days of the old IBM clack-clack keyboards.

In regards to the negative reviews below, the PURPOSE of this type of keyboard is to be DIFFERENT. If you need a standard keyboard layout, this is not the keyboard to get. I am a writer, and I find the slightly reworked key layout delivers as promised. It is easier for me to work with than either a normal keyboard or those split keyboards (which are just too far out in left field for me). The touch of each key is solid and sure and, in addition to the changed layout, some keys are shaped diffferently for even greater tactile feedback for touch typing.

This is definitely a keyboard I would always want to use for my job.

I recently bought this keyboard to go along with a fancy ergonomic laptop stand. The stand puts the laptop screen at a reasonable height for use on a desktop -- that works great. The keyboard, however, is fairly awful, and I'm returning it.

I realize I shouldn't expect much for $20, but the keyboard has an exceptionally soft, mushy feeling. The "comfort type" slanted keys didn't get in my way, but they didn't help anything, either. The worst part about this keyboard, however, was that it uses a non-standard layout. Look closely at the right side -- the "enter" key is oversized, and the |\ key is moved below to accomodate it, with the consequence that the right shift key is miniaturized.

This, for a shell user or programmer, is awful. When you need to pipe something, or escape the next character, you really don't mean to be hitting return instead. And with the small right shift key, even typing properly with balanced use of the keyboard is difficult. This small design decision makes this keyboard terrible for heavy computer users like me.

This Kensington keyboard has a good tactile feel from the keys that I enjoy - firm clicks but not annoyingly loud (this is NOT like the kind of keyboards that can be easily heard when typing while talking on the phone, for instance). The angled keys in the center of the QWERTY layout do take some getting used to, but once so, they are actually more comfortable to the natural angles of each wrist, allowing you to flex your elbows wider as opposed to keeping them close in to your ribs. I've been using it as a separate keyboard for a laptop PC, and the USB connection is fast, easy, and reliable. WinXP recognized the keyboard immediately without me having to install any drivers. A simple device for simple use.

The keys are labeled for Windows only. Every time the Mac reboots, I have to re-identify the keyboard because the Mac does not recognize it. In addition, like most cheapo keyboards it has no extra USB ports. The keys aren't that annoying, but they are annoying, especially if you move from keyboard to keyboard; this one will always be the odd one out, with it's somewhat small and slanted keys. All in all, you'd be much better off getting a generic Windows keyboard at your local big box store. Again: this shouldn't be called Mac compatible, despite what is printed on the box. I'm simply glad I bought it at half its suggested retail price. This is the lowest rating I've ever given a product sold by Amazon.

I have wrist pain if my set up isn't right. I've tried split keyboards and they just make things worse. Since I've been using this keyboard, the pain has gone away. The only reason I don't give it five stars is the position of the \| key that others have mentioned, but I'm getting used to that too. At this price, I can afford to have the same keyboard at home and work. I also like the fact that this keyboard has only the standard PC keys. No keys for internet shortcuts, no double mapping of the function keys, no extra software. Just a keyboard that doesn't take up twice as much desk space as it needs to.

The unusual shape of the keyboard takes a little time to get used to. Once you've passed the initial adjustment, this product is excellent and at a great price. A nice, basic keyboard.

I previously purchased the Wireless PilotBoard but returned it due to wireless interference. After much research, I wanted a black keyboard with soft keytouch and no noise. I decided to try Kensington again. I didn't need the Internet features on a keyboard so the 104 keys Comfort Type is closely standard. My fingers rest comfortably on the angled keys as if natural. I don't have to have my elbows close to my body. Only the main and function keys are angled. The number pad, arrows, and cursor position keys are not angled but is no disappointment. Lastly, I don't understand why the |\ key had to be re-arranged, the shift key shorten and the backspace key longer. It's a minor adjustment to make as a touch typist. Overall, I'm pleased with this keyboard.

Due to finger joint discomfort, I have been looking for a while for a keyboard with a very light touch - meaning, little pressure necessary to depress the keys. Many laptop keyboards have this characteristic, but the Kensington SlimType keyboard that boasts laptop-style keys still requires more pressure than I am comfortable with to activate the key. This ComfortType keyboard is the most comfortable I have found, and as a result I have two - one for the office, one for home. The key shape has not been a problem at all. In fact, the distance between the lower and upper keys is closer than many, meaning less stretch/strain of the index fingers when reaching for, say, T and Y. I have had no trouble with repeating keys (having it send multiple keypresses when I intended one - eg "thhhhis is a tesst") or not registering keypresses.

My only complaint: I don't like the placement of the "\" key below the ENTER key (I'm used to it above ENTER and below BACKSPACE). Of course, that is one of those nonstandard keys that is subject to relocation on many keyboards.

Also, I'd love to have an optional "split" model, where the left and right halves of the keyboard could be rotated into line with the arm and wrist (ala some ergonomic keyboards).

I would have no reservations about recommending this keyboard.

Because of the funny layout, I get a constant stream of typos, particularly some sort of square box whenever I try to shift on the right side of the keyboard.

As someone who was a secretary for nearly two decades, on various keyboards, including manual and electric typewriters, it is not poor typing on my part. By now, I would be used to a slightly different keyboard. Not this time, and I've been using it for months.

It's not only laid out funny but it seems small. Something keeps my fingers getting all tangled up, on top of that whole shift problem. STAY AWAY.

Just as my title says, its a keyboard. The "comfort type" feature kind of put me off at first (the keys are angled for comfort) but this keyboard really is quite comfortable and easy to type with. Also none of those annoying media buttons taking up extra space. The response from the keys is great and it makes that awesome "clack" sound when you type. Good keyboard, buy it.