IOGEAR Spill
Resistant Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Model: GKM513
By: Kurt von Behrmann
A keyboard
for the discerning who want comfort and performance
What you get out of the box:
- 1 x Spill Resistant USB Keyboard
- 1 x USB Optical Mouse
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
- 1 x Warranty Card
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From keyboards that light up, to
keyboards that add usb functionality, there are a plethora of options when it
comes to what the market has to offer.
All of this is great in terms of choice. However, if you are simply
looking for decent keyboard that offers a nice touch, basic functionality and
do not want to “break the bank,” Iogear has the kind of keyboard that writers
will like, and everyone else may appreciate.
Common wisdom has been the
ultimate in keyboards are wireless models. The advantages of not being tethered
to large computer case are obvious. What
is not so clear is that wireless means batteries, and that means having to be concerned with recharging.
The big problem with anything
involving batteries is replacing them.
Almost invariably, when you need the keyboard and mouse the most, that
is when the power runs down. This
immediately means replacing the battery.
If you are running short of time and extra batteries, that means
frustration.
The other problem with wireless
keyboards and mice is the issue of connectivity. Depending on what models you are working
with, even the best wireless device can run into that odd moment when the
connection between computer and mouse goes south. Naturally, this always seems to happen when
least prepared.
For those reasons, not even
factoring expense and the cumbersome fact of having to stop, replace batteries
and go back to business, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits for some users.
This is where a wired keyboard
and mouse combo makes sense.
This is where Iogear offers up a
solution that is elegant in its simplicity while providing a lot more that its
modest $ 19.95 price point might indicate.
For those who have used a variety
of keyboards and mice, it becomes clear that not all keyboards are equal. Some keyboards and mice that ship with
computers can be very good. Others can
be just average. The same holds true for
third party companies that offer up keyboard and mice combos. Some can be very good. Some can be mediocre
at best.
If you believe that price is an
indication of quality, be prepared for a shock.
There are some pricy models that simply do not work that well in the
real world. There have been some very “avant-garde” mice that look good. So
good they would do well in a museum. But
in practice, they are about as much fun to use a brick.
There have also been some unique
“twists” on the design of keyboards that are intriguing and look as if they may
be a real move forward in design. Then
when one uses them, the problems emerge.
As with something like this, designs
that are too forward thinking can become impractical. When usability takes a back seat to
aesthetics, problems quickly arrive.
Iogear avoids all of that by
creating a basic keyboard. It is not unattractive. It is not obtrusive or prone to drawing
attention to itself. This design is
about pure function.
While the looks are subtle, the real
pros of the Iogear GKM513 are in the use.
Put simply, the keyboard has a great
feel to it. While something like this is
subjective, the responsiveness of the keys make typing a real pleasure. It is one of those qualities that is hard to
quantify. When you work with a lot of
keyboards and mice, the feel of a keyboard, the way the keys feel to the
fingers, all of those little things add up to a big difference.
Something that maybe as trival as
spacing and size can make a huge difference between a keyboard that is a
pleasure to use and one that is anything but pleasant. Iogear hits all of the right notes here.
Another area that is well worth
looking into is the mouse. Too heavy to handle, and you feel as if you are working
with a tool from the Stone Age. Iogear hit an excellent balance between weight
and feel with a mouse that feels as if it were not tied to your usb port. Much
lighter than most mice, but not feeling insubstantial, the IOGEAR mouse has a
more premium feel without the added heft.
Again, what makes this combo work is
not a beavy of features. The high points that this combo is centered around is being billed as a spill resistant combo. This is great. However, the real “high” point here is that
the GKM513 is about providing a very high quality typing and mouse handling
experience without exorbitant price points.
If your needs are a great feel, and
low price up keep in this case no batteries to replace, IOGEAR has
produced real winner that puts some of
it more higher priced competitors to shame.
Key Specs Below:
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·
Operating System Support
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Windows 2000/ XP/VISTA/7; MAC OS X
(10.2.x or later)
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|
Operating Temperature
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For Keyboard: 0~40°C (32~104°F) /
Mouse: 0~40°C (32~104°F)
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Storage Temperature
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-20~60°C (-4~140°F)
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Humidity
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0-95%
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Connectors (Output)
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USB
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Interface
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USB 1.1 /2.0
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Resolution
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800 dpi
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Dimensions
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GKM513
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Unit Dimensions
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Width
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Keyboard: 17.625 in (44.77 cm)
Mouse: 2.41 in (6.12 cm)
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Height
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Keyboard: 1.125 in (2.86 cm) Mouse:
1.625 in (4.13 cm)
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Depth
|
Keyboard: 5.50 in (13.97 cm) Mouse:
4.29 in (10.90 cm)
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