Anyone who works on a computer for a living has wrestled with this dilemma: a machine with great specs can provide a disastrous user experience because the keyboard is too harsh, too gentle, or too loud. Which is another way of saying, everyone has a specific style of use of a keyboard and other accessories, and what may be perfect for one user could spell working doom for another.
This was the conundrum that Chinese peripheral manufacturer Rapoo decided to tackle when it revamped its product line of keyboards and other peripherals. Aside from aiming to make the mouse and keyboard comfortable for any user, it also went on a mission to remove cables.
The Shenzhen-headquartered company understood that, as the first point of contact for desktop and some laptop users, a mouse and keyboard needs to suit one’s style of work. For example, some like a mouse with a prominent clicking sound, while others prefer a silent mouse click. Some would prefer to connect their devices directly via Bluetooth, while others don’t mind a small USB dongle that allows the device to connect to any machine.
Rapoo’s product options include separate keyboard and mouse options, along with bundles that include both devices, for a cost-effective route to wireless productivity.
We are giving eight readers a chance to win the sound of silence. Read on to see how to win one of these devices.
The stand-out unit of those we tested was a humble mouse.
The Rapoo M300 Silent is a non-slip, mid-range mouse with fine-grade tracking. It comes with Rapoo’s latest multi-mode wireless technology, featuring Bluetooth 3.0, 4.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. This means it has both built-in Bluetooth and a wireless USB dongle for connection to computers and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. A small USB receiver is stowed in the base of the mouse.
The most significant comfort factor in its compact design is a “silent click” feature, which one can choose if trying to avoid disturbing anyone nearby.
Says Rapoo: “The silent mouse switches allow you to use your mouse freely without disturbing others. This mouse is perfect for late night projects at home, use at public places and while traveling.”
It features a high-performance sensor, adjustable from 600 to 1600 DPI, depending on whether one wants to prioritise accuracy or fast movement. Its power-saving technologies offer up to 9 months’ battery life. It can connect to three devices simultaneously, and switches between them at the click of a button.
Click here to read about the other products in the range, and to read about Gadget’s give away competition.
Other products in the range include:
Rapoo M100 Silent, an entry-level mouse with high quality specs. It comes with Bluetooth and wireless USB dongle, which enables the mouse to be connected to Bluetooth-enabled computers and Android devices like tablets and smartphones.
Rapoo MT350 mouse, with similar specs to the M300, including Bluetooth and dongle, but 12-month battery life.
Rapoo MT550 mouse, as with the M300 and MT350, but allows switching between four devices.
Rapoo MT750 mouse, takes the mouse game a step further, with optimised laser for uneven surfaces, and doubles tracking speed, to 3200 DPI, for precise navigation on almost any surface. It also features a rechargeable battery that lasts 30 days per charge.
8000M mouse + keyboard combo, Is a compact wonder, at 70% the size of normal keyboards. It is spill-resistant, with customisable multimedia keys that allow one to assign quick shortcuts. The wireless keyboard offers continuous use for up to 12 months on one battery, while the mouse promises up to 9 months.
8200M mouse + keyboard combo, also comes in spill-resistant design, with multimedia keys for quick access and convenience. The mouse offers 9 months use on one battery, while the keyboard promises continuous use of up to 12 months.
Rapoo 9060M mouse + keyboard combo presents the user with chiclet keys and a scissor key structure for comfortable key travel. Thanks to its compact size, it is an ideal accessory for any laptop. And it offers battery life of up to 24 months.
X1900 Multi-mode Wireless Optical Combo, is a stylish set, comprising keyboard and mouse. It uses classic design that offers good aesthetics and maximum comfort, even for long hours of typing.
The bottom line is, one no longer has to be stuck with the one-style-fits-all keyboard or mouse that came with the machine.
* Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee
To spread awareness of the devices, Gadget and Rapoo are giving away five mice, and three mouse and keyboard combo sets. To enter, quote-Tweet the pinned Tweet at the top of our profile at http://www.twitter.com/GadgetZA with the answer to the question, which can be found below.
Click here to read where Rapoo is based.
Who is Rapoo?
Shenzhen Rapoo Technology is a manufacturer of high-performance peripheral products, which began life in 2002 as MLK, making accessories for major brands. In 2007, it launched its own brand, taking its product directly to the market, growing to market leadership in peripheral products in China within three years. It remains market leader in China today, with a monthly production capacity of 7-million devices.
Advanced robotic assembly lines with fully automated in-house processes produce peripherals that are compliant with global standards.
Leaders in wireless technology and innovation, Rapoo pioneered multi-mode wireless, which allows connecting peripherals to up to four devices simultaneously, via either Bluetooth or WI-FI, on Windows, Mac, Chrome and Android machines.
Distributed in South Africa by Pinnacle, its products can be found in Incredible Connection outlets and at leading online retailers.