Really Cool Keyboard Review

Jul 18 2008, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Did you know that the computer keyboard is one of the most common places for bacteria and germs to hide in the typical home or office? If you work in a medical office around sick people all day your keyboard is probably even more germ filled. Man & Machine has a keyboard called the Really Cool Keyboard that is liquid proof and can be disinfected perfect for use in these environments. Read on to find out all the details on the Really Cool Keyboard.

Gallery

2 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The Really Cool Keyboard measures 15” x 5.5” x 0.6” and weighs 1.7 pounds. The USB cable for the keyboard is 6-feet long and the keyboard can operate in 0 to 70 degree Celsius temperatures. The keyboards water resistance is IP 68. The Really Cool Keyboard supports both Mac and PC operating systems. It uses the familiar QWERTY layout and has a full number pad. The keyboard comes in black and cool grey.

Installation & Use
The test keyboard I received was the cool grey color, which I honestly thought was white. It’s a very light color and attractive. The Really Cool Keyboard can be had in a backlit version for working in low light conditions, but my review unit lacked that feature.

No software is required for operation of the Really Cool Keyboard on a Windows computer. You simply plug the Really Cool Keyboard in and turn on the computer and the keyboard works. The keys of the Really Cool Keyboard are sealed for water resistance and are spaced wider apart than some keyboards I have used and the keys are smaller than your typical keyboard.

The spacing and key size makes for an odd feel with the first few uses, but you get used to it. The typing feel is not that great and I wouldn’t want to type on the Really Cool Keyboard all day. Again, you could get used to it though if you had too.

The keys themselves are very quiet and make only a slight click when pressed. They are very stiff feeling and have a short travel making for a strange feel when typing fast and leaving me wondering a few times if I hit the key or not.

The best part about the Really Cool Keyboard is that it can be disinfected easily. Everything is sealed so you can dunk the Really Cool Keyboard in the sink for cleaning if you want. When it’s time to clean the keyboard you press the right and left control keys at the same time for 3 seconds to lock the keyboard. You can then wipe it with several types of cleaners from chlorine based cleaners to alcohol and plain old soap and water.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Waterproof
No software needed
Can be disinfected

Cons

Typing feel not that great

Verdict
If you work in an environment where splashes or water is an issue this is a great keyboard for you. If you work in an office where cross contamination is a big problem and the keyboard needs to be disinfected the Really Cool Keyboard is perfect. If you are a typical computer user with a fear of germs you will give up typing feel to get the ability to clean the keyboard.

8.0

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.