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February 11, 2010 by Mike Chin
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Products
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Micro Aurora Wireless Aluminum Keyboard
(Model KB008W-B) with laser trackball & mouse keys
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Moncaso Wireless Keyboard (Model
MK700) with laser trackball & mouse keys |
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Brand
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Enermax |
Moneual |
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Street Price
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$70~90 |
$30 |
Since the emergence
of the personal computer, the classic typewriter keyboard has become utterly
ubiquitous. The QWERTY
keyboard remains the primary interface between human beings and computing devices,
from the micro-keyboards on handheld devices like the iPhone or Blackberry,
to the big 106-key discrete maxi-keyboards for desktop PCs. Naturally, there
have been many evolutionary changes to adapt the alphanumeric keyboard for different
sizes and types of devices. One increasingly important variant is for the couch-potato
HTPC user, whose large flat-screen displays movies and TV programs as well as
games and more traditional computer applications. The wireless keyboard with
integrated mouse was made expressly for this user.
Highly sophisticated remotes such as the very pricey Logitech
Harmony models attempt a single, one-hand control solution, as do the Windows
Media Center Edition remotes. But if you're running a PC, sooner or later, access
to a keyboard is mandatory. The
wireless keyboard with integrated mouse functions is a counterpoint to the sophisticated
hand-held remote: It is a singular computer control device that requires two
hands and a lap, but nothing else.
The wireless keyboards under review are from very different companies. Enermax
is known primarily as a maker of power supplies, while Moneual
is a high end HTPC case/system maker. The former is obviously diversifying its
product range, while the latter is staying well within its realm.
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Wireless keyboards from Enermax and Moneual: They both integrate mouse
functions in a lap-friendly shape and size.
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Specifications
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Model
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Material
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Brushed Aluminum with Diamond Cut Edges
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Plastic
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Wireless
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2.4Ghz radio
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2.4GHz ISM band radio
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Hot Keys
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7 (Home, Email, Search, Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute,
Play/Pause)
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Multimedia, Internet and Office hot keys
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Key Switch
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Scissors structure (patented)
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n/a
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Key Zone
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1
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1
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Trackball Tracking
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Laser (patented)
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Patented optical trackball
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Trackball Resolution
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400dpi/800dpi/1200dpi
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n/a
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Dimensions
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L319 x W193 x H33 mm (12.56” x 7.60” x 1.30”)
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340L x 163W x 31.5H mm
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Weight
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800g /1.77lb - 2 AA batteries add 30g
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580g w/ 2 AAA batteries
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Special Features
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*Integrated mouse left / right keys and scroll wheel
*Windows MCE remote control
* red dot design winner
2009 (category: computer accessories) |
* Integrated mouse left / right keys
*8 channels w/ 4096 IDs avoid interference
*Fold-down feet provides keyboard tilt for typing
*Compatible with all versions of Windows
* FCC & CE approvals
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The two keyboards have many more similarities than differences. Their functional
essence center around the mouse buttons on the left side, and the rollerball
on the right side, for control by your thumbs. The photos below captures it.
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In normal use, these keyboards, sit in your lap, fingers underneath the
sides near the top, with thumbs to operate the mouse buttons on the left
and the rollerball on the right. The full keyboard is available when needed.
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The Enermax keyboard goes a step further than the Moneual by including a scroll
wheel/button, a little bit further in from the edge.
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