Kensington Wireless Keypad/Calculator and Mouse Review

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by Greg Ross

Kensington has long been a premier company for all things mobile, and recently released a wireless keypad/calculator and mouse kit that is a great one-two punch for mobile warriors who desire more than a mouse-less and numpad-less notebook.  This combo deal is currently offered by Kensington for $59.99, and Kensington also offers a wired version of the keypad/calculator with an included USB hub for $29.99.  We’ll be reviewing the larger kit today.

The Kensington Kit (view large image)

 

The Overall Package

Obviously, there is a mouse and number pad included in the box.  There is also a rather bulky wireless receiver that is prone to blocking the next door USB port.  The nice little extra in the box is a small Kensington bag which is large enough to hold the entire set.  The bag makes this set very portable and keeps everything nicely together.

Mouse

Well, it’s a mouse.  What can I say?

Kensington Wireless Mouse compared to a Logitech diNovo mouse (view large image)

 

Look and Feel

The first thing I noticed about this mouse was how small it was.   For a guy with rather large hands, it took some time getting used to.  Eventually, I was able to hit my comfort zone by dialing up how fast the mouse moves on the screen, and just controlling the mouse by holding it with my fingers.  Unlike some of the larger mice, it is so small that you cannot comfortably rest your entire hand on the mouse.  Four fingers…that is all.

Tiny, tiny, tiny… (view large image)

But with the smaller size comes an amazing traveler’s advantage.  Even with the AAA batteries inserted into the mouse, one hardly notices its existence when held in the palm of your hand.  For those who are counting every ounce that goes into the backpack, that is a major plus.  Another interesting aspect of the mouse is that despite only having two AAA batteries in the mouse, I got tired of waiting around for the mouse to finally exhaust the juice in those batteries.  I could not find an advertised battery life, but this mouse will last a while for sure.

Battery compartment is shown here and you can access it by pressing down on the two areas just below either mouse button and pulling out. (view large image)

As far as the build goes, it is built from jet-black plastic with a layer of rubberized material over most of the mouse.  The only plastic parts visible from the outside are the two mouse buttons and the battery compartment cover.  The rest of the mouse is basically a giant rubberized gripper that definitely helps the user to gain better control of the mouse and keep a firm grip.  The use of the lightweight plastic and rubberized covering keeps both the weight down and the attractiveness up.  The two materials blend together very nicely for a very professional monotone look.

The design is very solid, but the two plastic parts of the exterior of the mouse are a little problematic.  My left mouse button feels just a little looser than the right one, and the battery compartment door is a little difficult to close correctly for a first timer.  I would never have noticed the loose mouse button had I not been looking very closely at this mouse, and while the battery compartment door is a little difficult to close correctly those first few times…you do get used to how it is supposed to be done and it should not be a problem after that.

Mighty mouse up close and personal… (view large image)

 

Performance

With the 800dpi resolution of the mouse, it is very responsive and great for daily general use.  But due to the size (or lack thereof) it makes more of a great traveler’s side-kick than a desktop companion.  Gamers might be disappointed, as I believe that the better control offered by larger mice with higher resolutions would confer a greater advantage to those sharp-shooters.  That being said, the mouse would serve the purpose in a pinch if you get that gamers urge during your trip to the library…but get a bigger mouse for home.  Overall, I have been able to comfortably use the mouse for extended periods of normal use on my desktop during the day without a problem.  It is just a little small.

Two mouse buttons, one scroll wheel with the ability to click down, and an odd-ball fourth button beneath the scroll wheel.  Despite reading through the documentation (link: http://files.acco.com/KENSINGTON/K72273US/K72273US-24442.pdf) on the mouse that is included with the package, I cannot find any text that specifically describes what that mouse button does.  Experimentally, I have only gotten it to function as a ‘back’ button when browsing the Internet.  I have not found any settings in any driver or any part of the control panel that allows me to configure or determine the functionality of that button.

As a final word about the mouse, it is a little awkward to turn the mouse on and off.  To toggle the power, one has to simultaneously press in on the central wheel scroll and a small button on the bottom of the mouse.  While I have managed to accomplish this with one hand, it’s a little odd that activating the mouse requires the press of buttons that isn’t exactly intuitive.  Remember that fourth button I mentioned?  That button would have served as a more convenient on/off button, and maybe the next time this mouse undergoes a revision, Kensington will implement that recommendation.

Number Pad

Finally, a wireless product that almost all notebook users can benefit from!  Most laptops do not come standard with a number pad, and only a handful of notebooks (all but one starting at 17” too!) feature built in number pads.  If you crunch a lot of numbers like me (students, accountants, engineers, etc), the lack of a number pad can be very annoying.

Here’s your solution to that problem.

The Kensington Wireless Number Pad (view large image)

 

Look, Feel, and Performance

Like the mouse, the entire number pad is covered in the same gripping rubber, with only the buttons being made of plastic.  Again, the design is very lightweight and only a tad heavier than the mouse.  Again, this is a big boon to those who travel lightly.  But, unlike the mouse in this set, the number pad is large enough and comfortable enough that it is just as good a full-time desktop companion as it is a road warrior’s gadget that could be comfortably held and used with just one hand.  Compared to the diNovo number pad that I also own, you can clearly see the size difference.  But in this case, the impact on usability is zero.

Size differences between the Kensington number pad and a standard size one… (view large image)

In my personal opinion, the number pad is what really shines in the Kensington set.  It has two modes of operation: the first is a number pad for the computer, and the second is a standard four-function calculator with a few extras.  Switching between the two is as easy as pressing the PC/CAL button, though when you switch away from the calculator functionality you will lose the stored result value that would be displaying on the pad.

The feedback you get from the buttons on the number pad is excellent as well.  It is a very comfortable typing experience if you use the number pad a lot in your daily work.  The buttons are firm, but not difficult to press down on.  The function buttons on top (the smaller ones) press down a little more easily, but again this is fine in my opinion.

Performance-wise, the number pad is about average.  Complements of the wireless connection, there is an ever-so-slight lag between when you hit the key and the computer registering a strike.  For general applications, this isn’t a big deal and can easily be overlooked.  But again, hardcore gamers or people who require ZERO latency really need to look elsewhere.  However, there is no lag when you are operating in calculator mode…as the key presses are processed directly on the number pad and not transmitted to a computer over the wireless connection.

Also, the calculator has a few extra little functions that can make life a little easier.  It can save and recall a single number, and you can also add and subtract from that stored number by simply typing in your new argument and hitting “M+” or “M-“.  There is also a “000” button that makes it easier to type in large numbers (as in million or billion or more) than is registered as three presses of the “0” key by both the calculator and computer.  In contrast to the interesting power-toggling issue with the mouse, the number pad has a much more understandable method of turning the device on or off – a power switch on the back of the pad.  Now that makes a little more sense now doesn’t it!

There really is not that much more to say about the number pad.  It works well and serves its purpose, and does not have any flaws worth mentioning.  In short, during my evaluation of the device, I had no complaints about the number pad.

The Wireless Receiver

This part of the set is the only really poorly constructed device.  It is a shame the receiver is not of the same construction quality as the rest of the set.  The receiver is made up of a more fragile looking plastic, and the circuitry within the receiver rattles against the plastic housing should I shake the USB stick a little bit.  I cannot make any assumptions regarding whether or not this will damage the device in the long run, nor can I conclude that all receivers are like this.  Mine could be a manufacturing flaw fluke, so if you pick up this set I would recommend you at least check this one component to make sure you are satisfied with it.

A little large if you ask me… (view large image)

It is, as I mentioned before, a little too wide and could potentially block a nearby port as well.  For some of us who have laptops that are USB port deficient (like the paltry 3 USB ports on my notebook), this could be a problem.

Last Comments

A few comments that are worth mentioning are applicable to both devices in the set, and are mentioned below.

• Both devices have a timeout period before they go into lower power save mode.  The mouse can be woken up by pressing any button, and the calculator by pressing AC/ON.  This is a very nice feature to have given the small batteries that go into these devices.
• Despite only being powered by two AAA batteries each, they have a surprisingly long battery life.  I gave up trying to outlast them, but your mileage may (and will) vary with usage.
• I found it a tad annoying that I would often have to reconnect the devices with the wireless receiver after changing a battery (I changed them as the first pair of AAAs I had were almost dead to start with).

Conclusion

Despite the major flaw I encountered in the wireless receiver (which could be a fluke), the excellent quality and design of the mouse and especially the number pad makes this kit a very useful and very worthwhile set for both desktop users and road warriors to look at.  Small, light, sleek, and efficient, this set will enhance the computing experience of most everyone who purchases it.

Pros

• Mouse:
  • Small and lightweight
  • Excellent rubber grip
  • Good cursor control
  • Easy to use, once you get used to the size.
    
    
• Number Pad:
  • Lighter than the average pad.
  • Doubles as a small pocket calculator.
  • Firm typing experience
    
    
• Entire Set:
  • Power save mode kicks in when needed
  • Excellent wireless reception of about four feet.
  • Good battery life despite both devices being powered solely by two AAA batteries.
  • Kensington bag included to wrap it all up.

 

Cons

• Mouse:
  • Loose mouse button, but not a deal breaker by any means.
  • Battery compartment was a little finicky at first.
  • Awkward method of turning the device on and off.
  • Forth little button on the mouse that serves little purpose…and could have been used as a more logical power button.
    
    
• Number Pad
  • Keys are slightly smaller than standard keys.
  • Small amount of communication lag between the pad and the PC.  Gamers beware, but everyone else should not really notice it and it will not affect daily usage.
    
    
• Entire Set:
  • Wireless receiver is a little too wide.
  • Wireless receiver is a little flimsy.  I would recommend Kensington to make the receiver the size of a standard USB key and also upgrade the quality of this part.

 

Greg, that mouse was most definitely not designed for people with hands of your size. That's almost comical to see.

Nice review, but maybe a few days too late for the accountants and tax payers of the world to know about the number pad

 

Nice thorough review

Now... *cough*.... you got great skin. Do you use lotion?

 

stevans jealous are we? nice review well that mouse seems a wee bit too small i agree
and btw does the dongle go inside the mouse?

 

Lazy bums deserve it . You shouldn't be filing taxes the day they are due...did anyone else here about H&R servers being locked up for hours processing the last minute apps?

Umm, thanks...but no...

Unfortunately, no it doesn't.

And yes, while the mouse is small for me, I did manage to get used to it.

 

Great work, Greg - it's a very detailed review.