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Home > Categories > Computer Hardware > Keyboard/Mice Packs > Kensington KP400 Switchable Keyboard review
When it comes to typing on a variety of devices, having a keyboard that can alternate between wired and Bluetooth connectivity can be your new best friend.
The Kensington KP400 Switchable Keyboard lets you work with a laptop, a tablet, or even a smartphone together so you can take productivity to a new level. The keyboard is full-sized and includes a numeric keypad, providing you a professional typing experience whether you are using it with a PC, tablet or smartphone.
The keyboard can be powered using either a detachable wired connection through a USB port on your laptop, or with batteries when it's in Bluetooth mode.
Installation is simple and easy so you can start typing in no time at all.
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Review by: jenan (Jennifer)
Dated: 20th of October, 2015
This last fortnight I have been testing the KP400 switchable keyboard from Kensington. I found the setup is very easy, all you have to do is turn the Bluetooth switch to "On" and press the button next to it, then start your computer scanning for Bluetooth devices.
Once it finds it like all Bluetooth pairing procedures, it asks you to type in a code to pair and away you go. The keyboard comes with 2xAAA batteries and a USB cord which is of good length to connect to your mobile phone or to power it and it is compatible with Windows 7 and 8. I was unable to test it with the new Windows 10 but I am confident it would have worked fine.
The keys are large and easy to use with no sticking, and make a nice positive tap when typing. There are also lights to show the Bluetooth connectivity, and caps lock and battery life/charge lock buttons. All the usual Windows shortcut buttons such as the Windows button, full F12 function keys and a separate numeric keypad on the right. This is really useful when entering many numbers as having to type numbers along the top can be a real pain.
If I was going to improve on this keyboard I would add either a little trackball between the alphanumerics and the numerics or one of those little eraser mice between the "G" and "H" key. You can also navigate around your page using the Alt + "whatever key" This is a trick I have learnt while working in a call centre, and it takes a while to become proficient using these shortcuts, but they are a breeze to do on this keyboard.
I have written this review using the KP400 and roughly 7 times the keyboard has stopped working. It is possibly the range I am typing at or the laptop's Bluetooth is sketchy but either way the keyboard reconnects instantly and I would not see this as a negative. Just a glitch in the Matrix seeing as the range is 10 meters.
I think this would be an ideal keyboard for people who may have trouble sitting at a desk, or do a lot of writing either through email or writing a book, or for use with a Smart TV. I have used the keyboard to seamlessly switch to my smartphone and tap out a quick text but for the true hands free experience, a mouse is needed hence my improvement suggestion.
If you are in the market for a keyboard that can sit lightly on your lap, feel great to type on and be cross device compatible, look no further.
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