Customer Reviews

Matias USB 2.0 Keyboard- Black Pc/mac

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this keyboard due to a need to switch from PS/2 to USB (my notebook computer does not have PS/2 connectors, and did not work well with a USB to PS/2 adapter), and chose it based on the fact that it is a "USB 2.0" keyboard with built-in hub. I was disappointed to find out that the hub on the keyboard is for low speed USB devices only (USB 1.1?), but there is a USB socket on the top edge of the keyboard (pointing upwards) that is for USB 2.0 devices. The way this is accomplished is by using a second USB cable, probably wired only as a USB extension cable to this top socket.

So the keyboard cable is terminated in two USB connectors, and the documentation included with the keyboard says that both USB cables need to be connected for proper operation. I only have one USB connector available to me, which was the reason I needed the USB hub built-in (so I can daisy-chain my mouse). I am forced to return this keyboard, and find another with a built-in hub, without having plugged it in.

This keyboard should work fine for someone with two availble USB ports, and doesn't mind an upward-facing USB port for 2.0 devices (the other two ports are horizontal on the top edge, more like one would expect for a keyboard hub). Note that the keyboard construction and feel reflects its low price -- the plain HP keyboard that this unit was to replace is built like a tank in comparison.

This keyboard is pretty decent. It works perfectly fine so far and I love the USB hubs, which is the one and only reason I bought this. I could not find any other keyboard with that feature. Really, all keyboards should have that. It is so convenient. However, the one major gripe I have is that whoever designed this decided to move the Caps Lock key to the bottom for some reason. Its somewhat annoying because I keep forgetting it is down there. Other then that, its a good buy.

I bought this keyboard because I work in OS X and boot over to Windows for gaming... I've owned two in the past 2.5 years. The first one died when I plugged my blackberry into the USB 2.0 dock. Completely fried the keyboard. Not sure with whom the blame lies there but I figure it's worth mentioning. With the second keyboard I've noticed that it will just completely stop working (usually after switching spaces in OS X) and has to be unplugged and plugged in again to regain functionality. Again, not sure who to blame. Could be a bug with OS X or something funky with the keyboard. The option and function keys appear to be backwards in OS X which can be a pain to remember when using keyboard shortcuts.

Otherwise this is a very good keyboard.. nice and sturdy (after frying the first keyboard it survived at least 2 angry stomps before suffering serious damage), it has good resistance to the keys, and no functionality is lost that you'd normally find on a stock Apple keyboard.. yet it also retains the Windows key layout (more or less.) As someone else mentioned, the caps lock and num lock keys have been moved down between alt and ctrl keys on the right side... that's a bit odd.

I bought this keyboard because it so closely resembles my old Mac keyboard. It is a little noisy, but not enough to give it a bad review. Wish I found it before I had to struggle so long with the keyboard that came with my
Mac Pro.

keys are too big and have to push little bit hard every time. tired. no apple mark on the key ...

I purchased twelve of these and two have failed outright in 4 months. Failure is in the keys, which don't register the correct values. The USB feature works well, but overall the product is not a good value. On the plus side, Matias did replace the failed items promptly and without fuss.