As far as peripherals go, keyboards come in a huge variety of technologies and we don't realise how they differ - we're talking membrane keyboards, dome-switch keyboard, scissor-swwitch keyboard, capacitity keyboard, buckling-spring keyboard, Hall-effect keyboard, laser keyboard and the good old mechanical-switch keyboard.
Mechanical keyboards are different than others because it uses separate switches for every key, with each having its own base, spring and stem.
This technology obviously makes keyboards heavier but on the other hand makes it easier for typists to receive feedback, both mechanical and audible.
Rapoo created the KX, a mechanical keyboard that packs lots of features in a single package. It uses mechanical technology, has backlit keys, works either connected via USB cable or wirelessly with a USB nano receiver, it is rechargeable via USB and a backlit touch sensitive strip is used to save space while providing access to function keys that double as media keys.
It is a lot of features for a small keyboard: it doesn't have a numerical keypad, so it fits in smaller desks and work environments. It doesn't has a trackpad either (which is something I will be looking at soon with another Rapoo keyboard).
As above you can use the Rapoo KX either via a USB cable or wirelessly with its USB nano receiver. The keyboard comes with an internal rechargeable, non-user replaceable battery. Battery life is ok and lasted around a week with some daily use.
You can adjust the key backlight to three levels: off, medium, high. I rather used it off during the day as the white backlight would make some of the keys "invisible". At night it is better to use the backlight - obviously each user will have a difference. Switching is very eassy, through the Fn-Tab keys combination.
Keys have a small slant on their faces and feel good to touch.They are certainly not as high as the ones found in other, cheaper keyboards around in the market today.
Function keys double as media keys when used with the Fn key. These are located on a dark plastic strip. The keys may be a bit hard to find since they are only illuminated when you press them. They provide audible and haptic feedback when used, which is pretty good.
A small driver is available that will let you change the function keys settings - you can disable the key completely or assign Windows functions, macros or even shortcuts to go directly to one of Facebook pages. It's very easy to use and minimalist in its UI.
Like many mechanical keyboards it can be a bit noisier than other technologies but it is all part of the feedback you receive when typing. The key travel distance is pretty good, at around 3 - 4mm, and the face is a brushed aluminium, which makes it easier to maintain and clean.
A pair of rubber feet helps adjust the keyboard angle and overall it is pretty comfortable to work with. Even so you have to be prepared: adapting to a different keyboard may take a couple of days and using a mechnical keyboard may feel "strange" at the beginning.
This is certainly a keyboard for those with small spaces, or for those who feel they need better feedback when typing long pieces.
