Features
The main feature of the Wireless Optical Deskset is undoubtedly the "wireless" part, which both the keyboard and mouse use to transmit data. A small receiver plugs into the 2 x PS/2 ports, and sits on your desk to pick up the data:
This unit also has the Num Lock, Scroll Lock and Caps Lock indication LED's on it - so it is best to keep this in full view. There is also a small status LED that is illuminated when it receives any activity from the keyboard or mouse. These LED's are not placed on the keyboard, as they would reduce the battery lifespan to about 20% of what it is currently!
According to the specification the keyboard will work reliably within 3 meters of the receiver, when testing, I was able to move up to 6 meters away and still get responsive typing. When using the mouse however, 3 meters was the maximum to get a completely fluid cursor movement.
The mouse is battery powered, and comes with 2 x AAA rechargeable batteries that can be recharged via a USB cable that plugs directly into the mouse. The scroll wheel also doubles up as a 3rd mouse button when pressed (as is now common). Movement is detected from the optical mechanism located on the underside of the mouse, using a red LED to reflect light off a surface back to the optical sensor - the LED is very bright indeed, but cannot be seen when the mouse is flat on a surface. After a few minutes of idle mouse activity the mouse goes into standby mode, requiring a click from a mouse button to reactivate it. When the mouse is charging, a red LED on the side of the mouse will flash, once the charging is complete, the LED will stay on.
The Keyboard is exactly the same as a standard 105-key keyboard, with the addition of the customisable Hot Keys, which can be mapped to perform a variety of functions (such as launching any application, key strokes, office shortcuts, etc...). This is all done through the Hot Keys menu in keyboard properties:
Trust also include two overlays that can be places over the bevelled bar around the Hot Keys, one labelled with "Office" shortcuts, and the other blank for customisation. In the upper right hand corner there is a small hole in the keyboard, acting as a pen holder - while this is a novel idea, it did tilt the pen back over the keyboard and made using the numeric pad awkward.
Performance
After using this keyboard/mouse combination for a month now, I feel qualified to give a good representation of the ergonomics and comfort of the keyboard. This is by no means a specially designed ergonomic keyboard (designed to minimise RSI), but it is reasonably comfortable when compared to the majority of keyboards available. The keyboard is well-built, and can take some bumps whilst still remaining intact. The same applies to the mouse, which also feels solid and slightly weighted - which are two very important factors in a good mouse when accuracy is important.
One of the drawbacks of initial wireless mice was gaming issues - a major put off for gamers. I can safely say that I actually prefer the wireless/optical mouse in gaming! The lack of a cord, and the accuracy of optical technology means that I noticed a large difference in high-speed games, and this mouse is now my "weapon of choice". The mouse clocks in at a fluid 90Hz for those that are interested in the resolution of the device (according to "MouseRate"), which gives high accuracy compared to the standard 33Hz of generic mice.
The batteries supplied with the keyboard (2 x AAs) lasted about a month under heavy usage, expect this figure to be about double this for better quality batteries under heavy usage (7 hours a day of work). The rechargeable batteries included in the mouse last for about 2 days constant usage, then need to be recharged via the USB cable.
Conclusion
As one of the budget wireless optical solutions, this "Wireless Deskset" certainly is packed full of features. The keyboard and mouse are both comfortable to the touch, and are responsive enough for even the demanding gamer - something some wireless sets fail to live up to.
Overall, the balance of this compact and stylish keyboard makes it a good choice for anyone needing extra mobility around the home/office with a keyboard and mouse. If you don't need the added mobility from wireless technology, a wired solution would be a wise choice - as it does save money for a feature you may not need. For a home user, this is an ideal solution - that is if the looks of the keyboard are your taste!
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