[Orignal Review 10-31-18]
I only bought this for the keyboard to replace the Magnesium alloy keyboard (Microsoft surface keyboard). I set it up on 10-29-18. It was weird at first. it wouldn’t connect to the computer through the dongle. So I saw the quick start guide says to connect the mouse first, so I did that, and then the keyboard started working. but not all the keys... I restarted the keyboard and the computer and that allowed me to get numlock working. It was almost like the keys had never been pressed before (no quality control?). I also had some delays when I would press a key. Anyway, midway through the day, I wasn't having any more issues. it's working fine now.
Comparison to the Microsoft Surface keyboard.
1. I love that this is not just Bluetooth. The Surface is Bluetooth only and would have quite the delay after not using it for a few minutes even though I had power savings features turned on for my Bluetooth dongle.
2. The keys are more clicky - harder to press, I can't be as light on the strokes, but it's more satisfying, you really know that you've hit the key before you bottom out. These keys are also curved just a bit. Logitech's solar keyboard are more curved and I like that, but Microsoft's were totally flat, and that meant I would hit the edge of a key more often and not know it, and not register the key.
3. The keys are slightly smaller, have a little more gap, and have less wobble. One thing I never knew I cared about until I had the MS keyboard, was that the arrow keys on that one were evenly spaced, and when I reached my hand to them I wouldn’t know if I was hitting the arrows or the num pad because there was no gap between the arrows and the num pad. It looked nice and symmetrical, but I much prefer the extra gap this, and most keyboard have. There’s a small gap between the arrow keys themselves and a large gap between the arrow key and a non-arrow key.
4. The materials. The MS keyboard is simply better. I have the surface pro 3, and I’m a huge fan of the magnesium alloy Microsoft has. I think all electronics should use it. It feels good to touch, it’s sturdy and light. This Dell keyboard has a darker look to it, which is nice, but it doesn’t feel as nice, and there is some bend. Also, the aluminum is only on the top and sides, under side is plastic, which I wouldn’t car about if it didn’t bed, but it does, but the bend is not noticeable when typing, so I’m okay with it over all. The keys on the MS are also nicer. It feels more matte, and the keys on the Dell are more like the plastic from Logitech, it’s more of a sticky plastic, rather than a smooth matte.
5. Overall, I think this Dell is nicer. Fi you are coming from Logitech, especially he Logitech solar and want something a little more premium, this is a good choice. If you like a really light stroke on the keys, then the MS might be worth it. But I had a lot of missing letters on that one, and then the left Ctrl stopped working.
I dated this review, so I will update it alter with more dates so I (and others) know how long it’s been.
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 5WH32 |
| Item Weight | 15 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 17.4 x 5.02 x 1 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.4 x 5.02 x 1 inches |
| Color | black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | Dell Marketing USA, LP |
| Language | English |
| ASIN | B01FM8H22S |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 13, 2016 |
