We have a Logitech keyboard and mouse set to test the MK470 Slim Combo. It is designed for mobility and therefore is extremely slim, yet it is intended to be utilized on the computer at home. Our hands-on testing reveals whether the MK470 is able to replace standard keyboards and mice. It is an ideal companion to use travel.
The MK470 is an wireless keyboard and mouse set that can be connected to the desktop PC or laptop through an wireless USB receiver. Because of its light and small dimensions, it is recommended that it not only be utilized at home however, it can also be used when on the move, in case the laptop keyboard integrated isn’t enough for instance, because there’s no numeric keypad or if typing tasks are in the process of being completed. We will determine if this set will meet these requirements in the next.
Design
The keyboard is available in black or white which means that the plastic cover of the upper edge of the keyboard is gray in both colors.
The keyboard
The metallic gray rail is could offend certain people visually, as it doesn’t give an image of high-end quality according to your personal preference. The rail is removable and beneath is the compartment for two AAA batteries, or rechargeable ones, as and a storage compartment for the tiny portable wireless USB receiver. But, it is also able to be kept inside the mouse.
The keyboard’s dimensions are approximately 28 centimeters (~11 inches) without the NumPad and is approximately the same as the keyboard on the 13-inch laptop, i.e. not with the NumPad. Most of the keyboard’s surface is thin, but only the upper edge is extremely heavy. On the other side, this allows the previously mentioned spaces for storage of energy, and on the contrary, it guarantees that the keyboard remains inclined when typing.
The keyboard layout appears extremely neat and has an numpad located on the right. The typical keys are around 1.6 by 1.6 cm (~0.63 0.63 in x 0.63 inches) and measure an approximate distance of 3 millimeters between them. To make them more visible, the corner keys are rounded as the corners which can result in very small ratios in size, particularly in the lower, already smaller key row on the outside keys. This at-best questionable design choice was also applied to the numbers pad as well as the other keys which is why, for instance, the right arrow keys feel distinct from the left arrow because of its rounding in the right and lower corners. “entf” and “pos1” are also smaller due to this.
Arrow keys are smaller in size and measure only 1.3 millimeters (~0.51 inch) in length. The height of up and down Arrow keys is also cut in half and they share an already smaller key field that makes it a bit fiddly.
Other than these limitations The layout is simple. The typical functions that are special are executed using F keys using the Fn key.
The mouse
The mouse is round on all sides and weighs approximately 10.6 or 10.7 centimeters (~4.17 up to 4.21 in) on the central axis. In terms of width, we are around 5.8 centimeters (~2.3 inch). Below are two semicircular, gliding feet as well as centrally an on/off switch , and of course , the optical sensor. The most distinctive feature is on the top. The thin plastic cover featuring”logi” lettering is extremely thin “logi” lettering is easy to removesince it’s secured by three sturdy magnets located in the back The front portion is comprised of two buttons that are flexible. We prefer the magnetic design that has a removable top cover. The cover has a compartment to store batteries (1x AA) and there’s also a slot to hold your radio’s receiver.
The mouse’s height is unusual. Even though Bluetooth mice are typically equipped with a high-quality surface curvature however, Logitech’s model is not. Logitech mouse is straight.
The mouse wheel is large in comparison to the mouse’s size However, it allows for the smoothest running.
Practical experiences
Thanks to Plug&Play, this set is extremely fast and ready for use. Once battery (or rechargeable ones) are installed, all that is required is the USB receiver needs to be connected to a USB slot of the computer and the device is ready to use. However, before the keyboard can be used is immediately available, but the mouse needs to be activated below. All inputs were recognized on both computers.
The keyboard
The keys come with a moderate travel, and a clearly defined pressure point, that gives an excellent feedback. Its stroke is longer however overall, typing is fluid and quick. The process can stall in the course of corrections because of the drastically reduced and partially reshaped shape of arrows and the function keys (Pos1 and Del, for example.). The fingers are searching for the proper grips at the beginning. The typing experience is quite enjoyable. The volume for typing is good, but Space bar sounds definitely louder than other buttons.
The device does not come with an LED backlight, therefore the MK470 isn’t ideal for use in dark areas. However the backlight doesn’t impact the battery’s life and we are unable to talk about because of the limited time frame for testing. According to Logitech the keyboard’s lifespan could be as long as 36 months based on the use and the mouse will last for an average of 18 months. Both devices automatically go into sleep mode when they are not being used to conserve energy.
In addition, this piece was written using the keyboard using the mouse that came with it that was quite comfortable initially. Of course, the slim keyboard isn’t as smooth or smooth stroke of a typical stationary keyboard. The typing experience is more reminiscent of the feel of notebooks with the mid-range keyboard. In the long term it could prove to be somewhat small, which means that the wrists wear quicker than those on larger stationary keyboards, due to the slight bending of the wrists over the long term. Even though the keyboard was identical in size to the notebook, we noticed that the initial indications of fatigue in the wrists began to be a little quicker with the keyboard MK470.
The mouse
When you are using your mouse first you will first notice the flat surface. This makes the mouse less tightly in the hand than those with curved surfaces that are upwards. In contrast, it appears as if the hand isn’t able to rest as comfortable on the mouse as it does with the other models; the hand must always remain “held” itself. This means that the mouse can’t be move much by the surface on its inner side however, it is mostly moved by fingers to the sides and the thumb. Because of the AA-battery that is inserted and the comparatively light plastic mouse adds some weight to the pad, however the mouse is still very thin overall, which makes it respond a little more quickly than other models. This could make delicate and quiet control tasks a bit more complex as the mouse’s pointer can move a bit quicker than those with heavier models.
Logitech claims that the mouse has minimal noise that we can confirm. The wheel (if you don’t crank it too quickly) and click noises are very insignificant and not even noticeable. But, this is caused by a very slow pressure range on the keys. This is extremely sensitive and strange initially. But the feedback is adequate and doesn’t feel at all spongy but is sharp and firm in the stroke.
Verdict
The wireless, thin keyboard-mouse combination MK470 Slim Combo costs around 50 euros (~$59) from Logitech. It is an extremely mobile set that’s a type of compromise between more expensive stationary gadgets and thin portable input gadgets. The speedy readiness to usage and the extended battery life are both very positive. The magnetic holder that fits on covering the mouse is an intriguing option. The initial experience with it is very successful, and the feedback on inputs is visible, but in the end size of the two devices may be a little too small to be comfortable over the long term.
It is the Logitech Slim Combo MK470 an excellent keyboard and mouse set that can be carried around if needed. But, it is not ideal for use for only a certain extent due to its small size.
Prices
Although Logitech owns 49.99 euros for both colors of the set available on their website As mentioned earlier that prices on “street prices” are already lower. For instance the gray version is $36.46 through Amazon and the stylish white model cost $37.55.