Looking for a wireless keyboard with slim profile like Apple Bluetooth keyboard.

June 1, 2010 5:36 PM

Looking for a wireless slim keyboard without the numberpad, sort of like the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, but needs more buttons. Needs to be slim because I'd like it to not take up much space but still be useable like a laptop keyboard. Options I have considered are posted below.

So I want to find a new keyboard that does not take up much space, is good for typing, and is wireless. I currently use a Vaio laptop and like their chiclet style keyboard; I use an old Dell laptop and that keyboard is somewhat sufficient. But I'd like to not have the numberpad to save space. The DiNovo keyboard is nice, but it has the numberpad on the side, too much space.

I've looked at Microsoft Arc keyboard - no go because it has the funky arrow key. The Apple keyboard does not work because it has no PgUp/PgDown/End/Del/Home - I need these as real keys because I use them often and it's inconvenient to have to use Fn + arrow key or something to get it working.

This one (http://www.amazon.com/Ports-Aurora-Micro-Alum-Keyboard/dp/B001AS6KE6) is a good size, but again, the special keys I need are stuck in the arrow keys.

This one from Sony (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/657352-REG/Sony_VGPBKB1_VGP_BKB1_Bluetooth_Wireless_Keyboard.html) is too big with that numberpad.

The closest I have come to finding one is the Kensington Slimblade (http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=slimblade+notebook&go=&form=QBRE) it does not have the numberpad and it looks like the keys are in the right places. I'm not sure how the key typing on Kensington keyboard is like.

But I'd like to look for more options. It'd be nice to just use a laptop keyboard and mod it into a separate keyboard, but that would take too much time and not guaranteed to work right.

Thanks.

posted by eliluong to Computers & Internet (10 answers total)

Best answer: The closest I came when searching for such a keyboard a while ago was the keyboard that comes with the ASUS EEE Keyboard & Mouse set. (Note that the funny-shaped Enter key is only on keyboards sold in Europe).
posted by zsazsa at 5:48 PM on June 1, 2010

I used this Microsoft bluetooth keyboard. it's pretty sweet.
posted by thesmophoron at 6:27 PM on June 1, 2010

I've had the diNovo Edge for over a year, and it seems to meet all your criteria.
posted by DrGail at 6:46 PM on June 1, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks for the responses so far. Asus keyboard looks really good, except the \ key is stuck on the lower left =/ Microsoft keyboard looks nice, too. The diNovo is very expensive, and has all those extra things on the side, not too sure about that. This is going to be for a desktop, but I'd like to keep it small like a laptop.
posted by eliluong at 7:18 PM on June 1, 2010

Best answer: It's my understanding that the US layout of the EEE Keyboard has the \ key in the proper position, like in this shot. For some reason the stock photos on the sites selling it are of the UK layout, complete with £ key.
posted by zsazsa at 7:47 PM on June 1, 2010

Response by poster: Ah, I see. On Amazon they show picture of BOTH the UK and US versions. =\
posted by eliluong at 9:09 PM on June 1, 2010

Best answer: I have the slimblade. My main reason for getting it was the compact size. It is reliable and takes up the right amount of space. Seems fine for typing, but I don't do a lot of heavy typing at home.
posted by acanthous at 4:59 AM on June 2, 2010

I tend to strongly vouch for Logitech keyboards. I've worked with two slim keyboards of theirs and been very pleased with both. This one is less expensive than the diNovo Edge and, while it does have the numpad, is an all-around solid keyboard that's very nice to type on.
posted by jgunsch at 10:16 AM on June 2, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks. I actually have the diNovo Notebook keyboard, I haven't used it yet. I think I'll try that out first in a few weeks, and if that doesn't work out well, I'll pick up either the SlimBlade or EEE Keyboard. I had asked on Buy.com which revision it was (UK/US) but they said we have too much inventory can't check it out. =/
posted by eliluong at 1:16 PM on June 2, 2010

Just wanted to follow up. I just ordered and got the EEE Keyboard + Mouse set from Amazon and it definitely has the "normal" layout of the Enter and \ keys. Here's a picture of mine. I've also added the picture to the Amazon product page.
posted by zsazsa at 2:32 PM on October 6, 2010