Compact Microsoft Designer keyboard review: An efficient and ultra-compact wireless office keyboard

The compact designed keyboard lives up to its name. At 28.4cm in length and 11.1cm in depth, it takes very little space on the desk, even if we compare it to a classic keyboard like Logitech’s MX Keys, but it’s really narrow. Although Microsoft’s keyboard is made of plastic, it doesn’t look flimsy. The keyboard is dense and doesn’t bend anyway despite its thin (9mm) keyboard. The mat finish of the paint is successful and pleasant to the touch. Note, however, that the black model necessarily retains more fingerprints than the gray version.

The keyboard is particularly thin, and the palm rest has been excluded from the equation by the manufacturer. This isn’t really a bad thing as the primary function of the product remains squeezed and the wrists are slightly bent. The keyboard is slightly raised at the front (barely 3mm), where it rests on two rubber feet that complement an anti-slip strap at the back. This works almost the entire length of the keyboard, but there is no tilt adjustment on this model.

The switches are generally very classic, but some take advantage of the sometimes-interesting dual function. At the F8 key level, for example, there is a very practical shortcut to the Windows Screenshot Tool. F11 and F12 keys allow their part to go down or up the degree of page scrolling; Interest appears A priori Limited (there’s a mouse wheel for that), but some graphic apps can take advantage of it. In the lower part of the keyboard to the right of the Alt Gr key there is a native key decorated with a small heart: it activates an emoji shortcut. Fairly striking feature that can please users of social networks or Community managersFor example.

Finally, the F1 key connects the keyboard to another computer with a single click. Up to three devices can be registered this way, which is very useful when used with multiple computers, or if you move your keyboard from one place to another. Pressing this key for a few seconds activates the keyboard’s Bluetooth detection to pair. Since we are talking about wireless communication, the connection is only made through Bluetooth and Microsoft does not provide that Dongle USB. Fortunately, most computers these days are equipped with Dongle USB Bluetooth is easy to find and inexpensive.

Built-in Designer keyboard is not backlit. It’s a shame, but it’s often the case with battery-powered keyboards. In fact, it will consume a lot of energy and it will be necessary to change the batteries regularly. Here, Microsoft has selected no less than 4 DL / CR2032 flatbed batteries, which have the advantage of being super slim, but should be replaced sooner or later. The manufacturer declares independence for 3 years; Enough to see a comer for that …

Lu number plate

While some regret the lack of a numeric keypad, Microsoft also offers its own number pads, which are fully compatible with keyboards in terms of design and height (8.2 x 11.1 x 0.9 cm). The advantage of separate numeric keypad is two-fold: you can save space when you don’t need it, and you can place it anywhere you want on the desktop. By placing it to the left of the keyboard, for example, you can type numbers while still using the mouse with your right hand if needed. The main downside is that they have to be purchased separately, but the choice is up to users.

There is an on and off button under the keyboard as well as a Bluetooth button that allows you to connect to three different devices. The number pad also works with a flat CR2032 battery. On the other hand, its independence (2 years) is less important than its keyboard.