iClever 2.4GHz Wireless Touchpad Keyboard REVIEW
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When it comes to computer work, I want a keyboard that is comfortable, reliable and one with great tactile feel. I have used multiple keyboards in my life, some quiet, some soft and some that are loud clickers and others with a prominent mechanical click-feel. Despite my love for my MacBook Pro, there is just something about a full-size desktop keyboard that I love. The keyboard spacing is the same on the MacBook, but the trackpad at the base is sometimes a distraction.
I have received the iClever 2.4G Wireless keyboard with touchpad, model IC-GK01, to review. The product arrives in a rather plain brown cardboard box, with the iClever logo along the top. Along the bottom right of the cover is a large QR code, which conveniently links to iClever’s website. Lastly, below the title, you will find two circles with “Windows” and “Android” written in them. The back of the packaging provides numerous emails and contact sources for North America and Europe. Within the box, you will find a matte black 14 3/8″ long by 4 3/4″ wide by 5/8″ thick keyboard, encased in clear plastic. Beneath the keyboard, you will find an eight-page instruction manual and small two-page warranty card.
To access the battery compartment, you will need to first remove the keyboard from the plastic and then turn it over. Along the top, you will find a sliding compartment, for 2 AAA batteries and a separate compartment for the USB dongle. I was really pleased to see that the dongle had its own cutout. I have used a few portable mouses and keyboards with external ports for the USB dongle. Similar to the stylus on my New Nintendo 3DS XL, after you insert/remove the dongle enough times, it gets loose and falls out. Having an internal compartment is perfect for travel and for carrying the keyboard in a backpack. Although it is disappointing that this keyboard is not rechargeable, at least it is powered by batteries that are ubiquitous. Insert the AAA batteries, replace the compartment and then slide the power toggle to the on position. You will find the power button along the top of the keyboard, located just above the top left corner of the trackpad. There is a red LED that will illuminate just above the battery icon and will then turn-off when ready.
To test the keyboard, I first tried it with my PC desktop and then used it to control my M8S+ Android box. The keyboard is lightweight, weighing just about 1 pound. The trackpad measures 2″ wide by 2 1/2″ tall and has the same functions as most trackpads. You can swipe with your finger, single or double tap upon the touchpad, scroll by swiping with two fingers, pinch-in to zoom-out and pinch-out to zoom-in. In windows you can use three fingers swiped down to return to the desktop. The keyboard is a standard QWERTY layout. There is an included delete and backspace key and an entire layout of function keys, utilizing the Esc, F1-F12, Up, down, left, right arrows and the number lock key (turns on/off trackpad). Additionally in the middle of the keyboard for the M, J, K, L,;, U, I, O, P, 7, 8, 9 you have a numpad. With the use of the function button, you can gain a lot of extra function from the keyboard.
Even though the keyboard is meant for windows/android, it worked to control my MacBook Pro. Once powered on, you will be prompted to connect the unknown device. Start by pressing the button to the right of the left shift key and then press the button to the left of the right-shift key. The trackpad is definitely more sluggish than the native MacBook Trackpad. The five finger pinch (Crumple) did not work, nor did the four finger swipe. It was nice having a delete key and a backspace key. Additionally, the number pad in the middle of the keyboard is incredibly helpful, a feature I have added to my MacBook Pro with an add-on Numpad from LMP. There are many features of the keyboard to be excited about. I love that the device has auto-shutoff after 10 minutes of inactivity. I love the 10-meter range as I was able to control my Android Box from the couch. The keyboard has an amazing mechanical feel and I actually utilized it to type this review.
Whether you use this for a home PC, Android Box, Smart TV or for a laptop, I do not think that you will be disappointed. The trackpad may be a little weaker than expected, but it is functional. The added function keys are a very pleasant feature. I would rate the device at 4/5 stars.
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Originally published at macsources.com on May 24, 2017.
