A great option for expanding your data entry capabilities.
I spent most of my life without a full-size, 108-key keyboard. For the longest time, my main computer was some form of laptop — and usually, they were the ones that didn’t have numeric keypad attached. When I worked retail for a time I used the numeric keypad frequently and actually got really good at data entry thanks to that experience. For a few years now, I’ve had the pleasure of using a full-size keyboard except when I’m working remotely with my laptop. Kanex, one of my favorite accessory companies, has a gorgeous Space Grey Slim Numeric Keypad that is a perfect match for my 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro and because it’s so slim, it’s ideal for remote work.
DETAILS & SPECS
The Slim Numeric Keypad provides users with the option to add a full number pad to a Magic Keyboard or MacBook. It features soft-touch keys, Bluetooth functionality, and a rechargeable battery. Kanex provides the keypad in two colors — Space Grey or Silver. The built-in battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has a 110mAh capacity. It recharges using Micro USB (included). There is also a built-in LED indicator that blinks when the battery is low. The keypad, while it can be used with a variety of computers, is really designed for use with Mac machines.
SPECS
- Keyboard size: 148 x 114 x 11 mm
- Weight: 126g
- Working distance: ~10m
- Sleep time: 4h
- Lithium battery capacity: 110mAh
- Low profile, scissor-switch keys
- Standby 60 days
- Operating time 50 hours
USER EXPERIENCE
While I’m a firm believer in minimal packaging, I really appreciate classy designs. Kanex does a really nice job with their product packaging. The front of the box features a photograph of the product a user should find inside. The name of the product with the main details are listed on the front of the box, too, along with the brand name, Kanex. There is no shortage of information on the box as even the sides include specs and a QR code for more information, which takes you to the Kanex website. The back of the box shows more images of the product in use.
When you open the box, you find the keypad with the user guide and Micro USB charging cable nested beneath it. The keypad feels solid, but also lightweight and compact enough to carry around in a laptop bag with my computer. Connecting it to my computer was no problem. After charging it, I flipped the power switch to the ‘on’ position and since it was the first time I had connected it, I pressed the ‘pair’ button to initiate pairing mode. Within a few seconds, it appeared in my Bluetooth devices menu. I selected it and it connected with no problem.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Slim Numeric Keypad from Kanex. It will likely become a part of my ‘go kit’ along with some other peripherals that are loyal travel companions for my MacBook Pro. The keypad provides an easy way to complete data entry when you don’t have a full-size keyboard. Aside from the keypad using Micro USB (outdated technology) to charge, I don’t have anything bad to say about this nifty little accessory.
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