Genius KB-101 Wired Smart Keyboard Review: A Budget-Friendly Option?

Genius KB-101 Wired Smart Keyboard Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Genius KB-101 Wired Smart Keyboard presents itself as a budget-friendly option for everyday computing needs. With its sleek design and promises of smart features, I was eager to see if it could deliver a satisfying typing experience. I’ve spent several weeks using the KB-101 for a variety of tasks, from writing emails to coding, to see how it stands up to the competition.

Features

The KB-101 boasts a handful of features that aim to enhance your typing experience:

  • F1-F12 Function Keys: These keys offer shortcuts for common actions, which can be helpful for productivity.
  • Concave Keycap Type: Designed for increased comfort and accuracy, the concave keycaps are supposed to help with a more natural typing posture.
  • 1.5M Cable Length: Offers flexibility in positioning your keyboard, especially for users with larger desks.
  • App Profile Support: Allows you to create custom key mappings for different applications.
  • USB Port: Provides a convenient way to connect other devices, such as a flash drive.
  • Hairline Design: Adds a touch of sophistication to the keyboard’s appearance.

Performance

In terms of performance, the KB-101 delivered a mixed bag. While the concave keycaps did offer a slightly more comfortable typing experience, they felt a bit mushy to my touch. The typing feedback was less crisp than I expected, and I found myself occasionally missing keys. However, for basic tasks like writing emails and browsing the web, it was perfectly functional.

The app profile support proved to be a useful feature, especially for coding. It allowed me to customize key mappings to streamline my workflow. However, the setup process was a little clunky and required some experimentation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Concave keycaps for comfort
  • App profile support for customization
  • Convenient USB port

Cons

  • Mushy key feel
  • Less crisp typing feedback
  • Clunky app profile setup process

Final Verdict

The Genius KB-101 Wired Smart Keyboard is a decent option for users who are on a budget and need a basic keyboard for everyday tasks. While it’s not going to win any awards for typing experience or build quality, it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a keyboard with a more premium feel and responsive keys, you might want to consider other options. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have high expectations, the KB-101 could be a viable choice.

Specifications

Specification Value