Wireless Keyboard Mouse Review: a4tech rks 23
June 7, 2008 by dragon
The a4tech RKS 23 has all the "clickability" you'd want in a keyboard and mouse combo. Some cheap brandless versions don't "click" well, and don't bounce up quite responsively after hitting the buttons.
Installation Couldn't be simpler, installed supplied batteries, plugged receiver into USB port, windows (XP) did its thing and that's it everything worked perfectly
The keyboard has a sort of A shape to the keys, which is supposed to minimize RSI (repetitive stress injury), the keys have a solid feel and layout is otherwise standard.
The units main claim is its low power use (7mA), this seems mainly to apply to the mouse, I assume the keyboard uses less. I have yet to replace batteries on both the keyboard and mouse after one month's (non-continuous) use. Unit does not come with any charger of sort.
Everything is fine except for the range. The package claims 1.5 meters (or almost 5 feet) of range, but actual usage proves otherwise. The unit responds poorly and intermittently even at 2 feet ( less than .75 of a meter!). All said, the wired infrared receiver should thus be laid out as close to the keyboard mouse as possible, and any other usb extenders could help. Perhaps the main purpose of the a4tech rks 23 would be to deliver wireless clutter for simple pc and keyboard on-desk use, and not for far ranged used.
You get what you pay for, really. As the unit only costs less than 2,000 Philippine pesos (about $45), and other units boasting about 10 feet of range would cost 8,000 pesos (about $180). I guess spending so much for a disposable wear and tear product is not so prudent for most (like me).








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