Kensington 64370 Keyboard for life USB Reviews

• Great keyboard

  
  By A1X9W5TFXUL4ZY on 2006-03-16
  I ordered this keyboard because it was cheap, USB, and looked nice. Upon receiving it, I'm pleased with it. Installation is a breeze, there are no drivers with it, XP recognizes it and installs it with no work on my part. It has an extremely slim profile with the legs down, and the feel and response of the keys is very nice.
  
  Two things keep me from giving this 5 stars.
  1. The space bar squeeks sometimes when it is pressed. I haven't been using the keyboard for very long, so we'll see if it goes away or gets worse.
  2. The backspace key is smaller than my previous keyboard's was. Because of that I end up hitting '\' quite often instead of backspace. Odds are I'll get used to it though.
  
  Outside of those two things, Kensington makes a decent keyboard, which will hopefully last for quite a while. All in all, it's a nice keyboard with a great feel to it.
  
  

• Ok if you get used to the layout

  
  By AYXS5FIIGOB3Q on 2006-07-02
  If you do a lot of typing this keyboard's layout can become frustrating. The backspace key is really small, and the insert/delete / home/end / etc. cluster is one row lower than usual.
  
  Also, the spacebar does squeak slightly as the other reviewer mentioned. But if you don't mind the layout and aren't going to be typing 8 hours a day, then you'll probably have no complaints.
  
  

• A good keyboard...

  
  By A1DD4HI01EY5IT on 2007-02-06
  We were looking to replace our current keyboard with something that would do the basic things we needed it to. This keyboard is the most basic, but you would expect that with the price that it is. When we got it home and hooked it up, we discovered that the keyboard did not have "legs" on the back to angle it upward (our previous one had done that and it made typing more comfortable). It lays perfectly flat, unless you prop up the back some other way. Otherwise, it works fine for what we need it to do, and it has served our purposes. In the future, we wouldn't buy this one, however, because it does make typing less comfortable.
  
  

• not appropriate for a touch typist

  
  By A1E65L9LFD8JM6 on 2006-11-24
  The keyboard is inexpensive and probably fine unless you are a touch typist. Then it has a few quite annoying quirks, such as backspace key is too small, and the set of Insert/Delete/Home/End/PageUp/PageDown has an extra row of keys on a top. Somehow it gets quite annoying when you type fast and type a lot. So, after using this keyboard for about a week, I'll be returning it back. I'll be getting Dell USB keyboard instead.
  
  

• The most frustrating keyboard I've ever used

  
  By A323T90ZV9O5UH on 2007-05-30
  If you're thinking of getting a new keyboard, spend a few extra dollars and get one that's actually worth using. The layout is tricky, with the enter key bigger than any other key (does anyone have trouble hitting the enter key?) and the backspace key is a tiny little thing that I can never hit the first time without first hitting the \ a million times. The insert/home/delete/end cluster is squished into the print screen/scroll lock/pause keys, which makes quick navigation difficult without looking at the keys. The rest of the keys are functional but feel very flimsy. I haven't had a problem with "squeaky" keys, but am very frustrated by the backspace being so small and hard to reach. If you're a fan of shortcut buttons, there are the wake up, sleep, and power buttons, but no others for volume, internet, etc. If you're looking for a cheap, basic model and don't care about retraining yourself to type then this one's for you. Otherwise, spend a few extra dollars and get a keyboard that doesn't feel like you bought it from the dollar shop.
  
  
• bakc\\ckspaec\\ key, I loev\\ it
  By A72F0ZS0O2S2S on 2007-01-08
  I bought this for the spill-proof bit after ruining a few kbs. Ironically since then - a year - no spill has tested it LOL.
  
  But for a cheap unit it has a nice approximation of the clicky-ness of an IBM Model 5 (still the best). I've used a lot of cheap units and the extra metal spine on this gives a slightly more solid feel. I don't mind the extra keys above Home etc, no prob, but I must admit htign\\\\itting the backspace key accurately has been a problem. And I'm not even a touch typist.
  
  Other than that, well worth the bucks.
  
  
• Excellent Keyboard
  By A3HWA836219VAT on 2007-01-19
  Not the best keyboard in the world, but for it's price it is an excellent keyboard.
  
  a few notes: it has Wake Up, Sleep, and Power buttons where the prnt scrn, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys are usually found. the prnt scrn, Scroll Loc, and Pause/Break keys are moved down tyo make space, and therefore the block above the cursor keys is 3x3, larger than usual. it's fine, but takes a little getting used to.
  
  additionally, it has the large Enter key, where the enter key has a block that ext4ends in to the row above. the backslash/pipe (\ and |) key is between the + / = and Back Space key, and therefore the Back Space key is smaller than usual. once again, it takes a bit of getting used to for those that are used to the large Back Space key, with the backslash/pipe key above the Enter key.
  
  Hopefully those last two paragraphs made sense...
  
  
• No bells or whistles, great.
  By AXZ88MB4F4T0C on 2007-02-14
  This basic keyboard is good at being a basic keyboard. If you need a button to launch each application and dice tomatoes look elsewhere.
  
  update: Backspace needs to be wider.
  
  
• A rare defect?
  By A2D2P59EW6O3IS on 2007-03-19
  Have purchased Kensington products in the past and found them to be high quality. Unfortunately THIS particular keyboard I received had a malfunctioning key, so it had to go back.
  
  
• What a keyboard should be
  By A3CO12S3VULW4G on 2007-06-27
  It's well built and easy to use. I like the number pad off to the right. It also has a nice weight to the keys as well as the keyboard itself. Very happy with my purchase.
  
  
• mushy, inconsistent keys
  By AT22ES3VXRYH7 on 2007-10-19
  The keys on the one I received do not have a consistent feel across the keyboard. Several don't respond to the same level of pressure as the other keys. This makes the keyboard useless for someone who really types fast.
  This keyboard also mushy, in the sense that your keystrokes decelerate more quickly at the end of the stroke into a mush rather than a solid tap.
  In contrast, good keyboards for fast typing give increasing resistance up to a point and then less resistance down to solid contact at the bottom. You get a feel for where that resistance breaks (and the letter types), and you can type without hitting the bottom hard on most strokes. On a mushy keyboard like this one, you're never sure if your keystroke has registered, so after typing several sentences missing half the letters, you hit the keys harder to compensate.
  The spillproof design is interesting though. Not sure why more keyboards don't feature this.
  
  
• Excellent, but a quirky backspace key
  By A34Y5JARAI7DNQ on 2007-06-30
  This is a fantastic keyboard. The keys have the right weight and response, and the overall layout is perfect. The only problem I found was with the backspace key, which is half the size one would normally expect (i.e. It is the size of the "a" key instead of the tab or shift key). This is a bit problematic at times, and it's why I can't give the keyboard 5 stars. Otherwise, it is great and highly recommended.
  
  
• Flat with springy keys
  By A1B15KOVBZF55K on 2007-07-20
  The main reason I bought this keyboard is because I had to have something with a PS2 connector for compatibility with my KVM switch. The keyboard I received came with a USB connector and no PS2 adapter. I called Kensington, who mailed me a PS2 adapter that arrived about a week later, which works fine now hooked to my switch.
  
  The keyboard sits flatter than any I've ever used before, which takes a little getting used to. There are no feet below the top edge of the keyboard to prop it up.
  
  They keys have somewhat of a springy feel, very light, not especially solid. The 'enter' key is bigger than I need, but the backspace key is only a single-width, not a double, and again, this took some getting used to.
  
  This does not feel like it's going to be my "keyboard for life," but for the price I think it is a pretty good value.
  
  
• Great price and a nice keyboard
  By A1U7BHSFWLE0OQ on 2007-09-15
  I needed a new keyboard after I wore the letters off my laptop for the umpteenth time. Painting the letters back on wasn't working anymore, and it's nice to ue a fullsize keyboard when you have your laptop on a desk (as I have done with my old one now).
  
  
• Kensington 64370 Keyboard for life USB
  By A356AVYIOYXYHA on 2007-10-05
  1:Package says it comes with ps/2 adapter. But it was not included.
  (However, as I needed a USB version, it was not a big deal.)
  2:Keyboard Feel: Very good.
  3:Build-Very sturdy. Also there is a metal back plate.
  3: Spill-safe keyboard to resist accidental spills --Have not tested(?) yet.
  4: Unlike other keyboard, it is very slim.
  
  
  
• no usb port
  By A2R5ZDYZD8CI7W on 2006-11-12
  I just assumed that a usb keyboard would have a usb port for plugging in a mouse. This one does not.
  
  
• great for when you get board of the way you type with the controller
  By A287YBSRX130BD on 2007-04-04
  great for when you want ps2 typeing to go faster
  ps. makes life easyer for you
  
  
• love it
  By A2NHQ3MNPI7DVO on 2007-04-06
  This product is a really good one its made things so much easier in Final Fantasy XI Online pretty much worth the buy
  
  
• Kensington Keyboard
  By A1MUXHH69M7U9X on 2007-06-08
  I bought this to use with my PS2. I works well, so I'm happy.
  
  
• Bonehead placement of keys ruins this keyboard
  By A11QU71NNMLS4F on 2007-08-31
  If you aren't a totally once in a while keyboard user, i.e. once a week for a little while, BEWARE!!!!
  
  Whoever at Kensington decided to place the power on/off key where the pause-break key is on 99.9999% of other keyboards deserves to be fired.
  
  Once you get used to the bizarre placement of the keys on this keyboard, you have to re-adjust when you go use the keyboard at your relative's, friend's, internet cafe's, library or wherever.
  
  The Wake up, Sleep, Power, Print Screen, Scroll lock and pause-break keys are mis-located. Oh yeah, the backspace key, which is double wide on most keyboard, is only single wide on the KB4L, makes for real excitement when trying to do some serious, fast text editing. Why???? Why did they do that?
  
  
• A really cheap but well built keyboard
  By AHL4368A8Y91I on 2007-09-26
  This is a really surprising find!..a computer keyboard that is not all plastic..actually has weight to it...does not move around when you type..and stays cleaner than my last 70.00 microsoft keyboard. This is a very affordable keyboard that will provide you with many hours of dependability....BUY IT!
  
  
• keyboard for life
  By A1W93W2DC6VIFL on 2007-09-28
  this is a great item for those of us that tend to be a little messy or just plain accident-prone. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• Solid, except for the key layout
  By A10PWIV4JS03JE on 2007-12-09
  Kensington 64370 Keyboard for life USB
  
  Great product, well built, inexpensive and easy to use. The reason for giving four stars and not five is set/layout of the "Print screen" "Scroll Lock" and "Pause" keys. On a Dell or Gateway, or HP key board, those three keys are separated from the "Insert," "Home" and "Page up" keys. On the Kensington, they aren't and I've hit the wrong keys too many times. So, I found a Dell USB keyboard at a one dollar table at a yard sale and that's what I'm using right now.
  The Kensington is a good deal with long lasting construction, but if you type over 40 WPM, I recommend that you paractice hitting the "page up," "home," and "Insert" keys.
  
  Rob
  
  
  
• NO DRIVER
  By A2FUCVV6RTFMCV on 2008-01-09
  I ordered and rec'd.Two of these keyboards some time ago becuse I seem to go hrough alot of them, both working and for entertainment on the computer. Since I had akeyboard Iwas uing when hey came I just put them away til needed. T came about last weekend. But when I opened the boxes there were no drivers in eiher of them. Which rendered them useless.Haven't called nyone yet but hope to soon and maybe get the matter resolved.
  
  
• I can type again
  By A2EJBZKZ3T0AKA on 2008-03-07
  This keyboard is wonderful, I learned to type on a typewriter and have always had trouble with computer keyboards, not this one, it is heavy and stays in place the keys have a great response. I can't believe I put up with sticking keys for so long when I could have such a great keyboard for 14 bucks.
  
  
• Good looks, flawed usability
  By A2FMYG8XABS208 on 2008-03-09
  I purchased this keyboard for my dad so I personally haven't used it extensively. The key's felt decent--not too loose. (I had an HP keyboard once with loose keys that were awful to type on.) The keyboard is reasonably thin with a metal backing. The 'enter' key is large like on older computers giving it a vintage feel. The design is subtle and undecorative allowing it to blend in with almost any computer.
  All of this, however, comes at the sacrifice of the 'backspace' key which occupies the space of one key rather than the usual two. In its place is the '\' key. when you first use the keyboard your backspaces for errors will loo\\k somt\\\e thing l;ike\\\ike this. I'm not sure whether or not the 'spill-proof' feature works. I'm not exactly eager to test that feature out.
  
  
• Not For A Dell
  By A6T1YG1H8VE8 on 2008-03-11
  This keyboard does not work with my Dell Computer. At least not without some software that I'm not willing to either find out about or buy.
  
  
• Great keyboard for the clumsy and sophicated
  By A1SXOW3PGJA84J on 2008-03-26
  Really cannot wait until my computer person hooks it up but its really the best it is durable which means a lot in this world of technology to the new and old.
  
  
  Jacqueline Battle
  
  
• Laptop usb keyboard
  By AYN1VDN0FDYVK on 2008-04-09
  I had a problem with my laptop keyboard and so I ordered a usb kensington keyboard to use until i received and installed my integrated one. i received the board quickly and was able to use my notebook immediately. Unit works very well and was a plug and play with no additional software needed.
  
  
• Glad it was cheap
  By A3OQGX7T9GL0LD on 2008-05-07
  Before going on a trip, I had Amazon ship this keyboard to my destination, so I wouldn't have to carry a full-size keyboard to use with my laptop. I chose the cheapest keyboard I could find, since I won't be carrying it back with me either.
  
  Give that use case, this keyboard is fine. It was cheap, it works, and it seems to be of good quality overall.
  
  But I wish I had read the reviews, which would have told me of the non-standard layout, which cuts my productivity as much as using my small laptop keyboard and screen. If you need "Wake Up," "Sleep," and "Power" buttons (?!), I suppose this keyboard is for you. But only if you can stomach the result: The cursor control pad is pushed down one row. Oh, and they cut the backspace key in half to make room for the backslash key, one row above its usual position, apparently because they think people need an extra-big, L-shaped "Enter" key.
  
  And the feel is squishy and stiff at the same time. Ick.
  
  Looking forward to returning home, where I have several 20-year-old IBM clicky keyboards, still working great and comfortable after all this time. Note to keyboard manufacturers: Some things just don't need to be imrpoved.
  
  Anyway, thanks to Amazon and Kensington for making it inexpensive enough that I don't feel too bad about this learning experience.
  
  

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