4 New Keyboards, Tested

Keyboard Specs Chart: Which One Is Best For You?

If you haven’t been paying attention to keyboard releases this summer, you’re missing out. There are some hits and some flops, and there’s definitely a new model out there for every type of user. Office dwellers or students heading back to school will want to get their hands on the Logitech K250 if they want something simple, or the Eclipse LiteTouch Wired Keyboard if they’re looking for flashiness.

Home theater PC builders looking for an attractive new keyboard for their living rooms need look no further than the Microsoft Arc Special Edition. HTPC owners who want more features in the keyboard that controls their home theater and can do without a mouse should definitely pick up the Eclipse LiteTouch Wireless Keyboard, as long as their home theater computer is running Windows.

Sadly, it’s difficult to recommend the Matias USB Keyboard + Smartphone Stand to anyone at this point, although we hold out hope that the new version with Bluetooth capabilities is an improvement over the current model.

Features-wise, the new keyboards this summer are across the map. All of them offer different feature sets depending on what you’re looking for in a keyboard, but the one thing that unites them is that they’re all exceptional keyboards and perform their core functions well. All of them are built well for regular use, even if they all don’t go above and beyond when it comes to adding features like media keys or volume controls.

Perhaps the best thing about this summer’s batch of new keyboards is that most of them have the staying power to see price drops around the holidays that will encourage even more people to pick them up. Since they all come in at different price points, depending on what you’re looking for and your budget, there’s a keyboard in the roundup for you.

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KeyboardMicrosoft Arc Keyboard Special EditionMatias USB 2.0 Keyboard + Smartphone StandLogitech K250 Wireless KeyboardEclipse Touchlite Wireless/Wired Keyboard
Dimensions12.6" W x 6.5" L x 6.5" D 18.7" W x 6.8" L x 1.4" D19.9" W x 7.3" L x 2.1" D18.1" W X 9.8" L X 2.6" D
Weight1.3 pounds1.65 pounds1.8 pounds2.7 pounds
Wired/ Wireless2.4 GHz WirelessWired2.4 GHz Wireless2.4 GHz Wireless
Desktop/Laptop Style keysLaptop-Style Individual KeysDesktop-styleDesktop-styleLaptop-Style Scissor Keys
Full Keyboard w/ Number PadNoYesYesYes w/LCD Panel
ColorWhite/Green BaseWhiteBlack/White Print DesignGlossy Black/Black (Wired) Silver/Glossy Black (Wireless)
Battery2 AAA (included)N/A2 AAA (included)Rechargable via USB or AC Adapter
Extra FeaturesStowable reciever, Compact Ergonomic DesignSmartphone Stand, 3-port Powered USB 2.0 HubFunction Keys Double as Media KeysProgrammable LCD Panel w/Media Keys (Windows Only), Trackball/Mouse Buttons (Wireless Model Only)
  • hardcore_gamer
    The smartphone stand is a bad idea..it covers important keys..
    Reply
  • memeroot
    all of them are a bit meh to eb honest.

    I've a steelseries 7g and a microsoft erganomic and wont be changing.
    Reply
  • sneaky jedi
    memerootall of them are a bit meh to eb honest.I've a steelseries 7g and a microsoft erganomic and wont be changing.
    agreed, I was looking at getting a 7g, would you recommend?
    Reply
  • coleipoo
    I can see the Microsoft Arc be a great option for me when I get FFXIV for the PS3. Does anyone know if it works for the PS3, or do I have to get a Bluetooth keyboard? Thanks.
    Reply
  • ronch79
    Must be quiet on the tech field. If you want a keyboard, heck, just go down to your local PC store and check out some yourself. No need to read reviews.
    Reply
  • dedhorse
    May be no need, but some of us just like reading reviews of keyboards and mice and other peripherals. Also helps when you get reviews of items not carried by your local PC store and only available to order online.
    Reply
  • bentonsl_2010
    hardcore_gamerThe smartphone stand is a bad idea..it covers important keys..
    You didn't read the report at all did you?
    Reply
  • I wouldn't get any of these.
    btw, how can logitech call that a new line of key. I bought one of those keyboard like 3 years ago, except it was wired.
    Get a keyboard that use mechanical switches, capacitive switch, or bucking spring.
    Reply
  • Mark Heath
    there’s a keyboard in the roundup for you.
    Not really for gamers there's not.
    Reply
  • This is actually an interesting review. I wish there were more keyboards like the Eclipse. I want a single device that is wireless, backlit, and has a trackball... but without the bad reviews, connection problems, etc. I actually don't want a keypad. The whole idea is to have a single device with all the basic necessities - I can get my numbers on the top row thank you.
    Reply