KB-522 Wired Business Multimedia USB Keyboard Black 580-17669 *Same as 580-17669*

Really good keyboard

The only surviving part of my long dead Dell PC is the KB-8135 multimedia keyboard. This is heavier than most, includes a useful array of buttons on the top row, and a couple of USB-2 ports, and came with a wrist rest. Recently I replaced my PC, the old one having died, and the new one lacked a PS/2 socket for the keyboard so my Logitech multimedia keyboard had to go. I wondered if I could get another KB-8135... The KB-522 is heavier than most, includes a useful array of keys on the top row (internet, e-mail, file explorer, calculator, near +, far -, sound and volume keys, and sleep), a wrist rest, and a couple of USB-2 ports. Short of USB ports on your new PC? Plug the mouse and camera cables into your keyboard. It's a good general purpose keyboard, and was competitively priced.

I needed to make a new home office so when it came to keyboard & mouse I did a lot of research and tried out various keyboards and mice. My budget was £50 all in for both peripherals. I tried and then returned Dell's wireless keyboard and mouse combo (KM656) as that keyboard was not responsive and keys had no satisfying click and just felt mushy. I finally decided that the best combo was this wired keyboard (KB522) and a wireless mouse (technet one). This keyboard 1) is responsive and familiar Dell layout 2) has full keyboard layout with keys that give you a satisfying click sound (it's still a membrane keyboard but to go mechanical was too expensive) 3) you don't move your keyboard around much so having it wired made sense 4) the extra usb ports included on the keyboard are perfect for the wireless mouse and charging my headphones when not in use through a short 3 inch cable. 5) the multimedia keys though not programmable (unless you do a registry hack) are still very useful. 6) the included palm/wrist rest is a helpful touch and can be taken out of needed. 7) the keyboard does have the little legs to add a 4degree incline but I wish they would adjust to give an 8 degree incline like some others. Deducted one star for this.

This keyboard does everything competently and doesn't cost the earth either. It's compact - there is no wasted space around the edge of the keys. It looks great in black with silver accents. It comes with a palm rest, which makes a big difference to the comfort level. It has a couple of USB ports, which I haven't needed to use yet but it's great knowing I have 2 spare now. The extra keys along the top are useful and not excessive like on some 'multimedia' keyboards, plus the volume wheel is great too. All-in-all it's exactly what I was looking for.

Very happy with it. Exactly what I needed. Decent quality, fair price. Recommended.

This is a good keyboard for everyday use. It's nice to type on and has small feet underneath which can be used to angle the board slightly for ease of use. The keys feel just right - not too soft - and you simply stop thinking about it as it just does it's job well.

My personal thoughts. Build quality: Good and sturdy. It sits well on my mat and won't slide if pushed. Keys: I like the feeling on these. I specifically got this keyboard because travel distance seems shorter then the average ergonomic ones. I use non mechanical keyboard for competitve fps because I don't like the travel distance on them and most ergonomic mechanical cost a fortune (such as g915). So I was looking to replace my old membrane keyboard. A possibly future issue is the keys seems to be non engraved but like a sticker. No idea if they willfade after extended use or not. What I disliked: The lift up distance is literally a joke. The stands open sideways instead of back and they are shorter than normal. That caused me a problem with the huge wrist base. If I let my whole palm rest on the base it feels kinda painful and annoying on the wrist. So ideally for me I want my wrist to stand just on the edge of wrist stand. But if I do so, because of the lack of elevation and the size of the wrist stand I can barely reach the top rows. I would missclick s instead of w all time when playing fps if I had my wrist on the far back and was forced to sort of claw grip the keyboard. Which makes me thinking why would I need the wrist rest then in the first place since it was a liability. I still think is a good product, but not for me unfortunately so I had it sent back.

I have an 8 year old Dell desktop. Works perfectly. Shortcuts are handy (email, browser, volume, sleep...). Two USB ports within the keyboard. Wrist rest included.