REVIEW – I am well into the process of upgrading my home office/studio to better handle my Podcast recordings, my photography and videography post-production and my time spent writing reviews. I have been searching for a keyboard that just feels right for me. I know that I would prefer an ergonomic keyboard, and I want it to be fully sized. An attached wristpad would also be beneficial. I have tried a few without finding a favorite. Now I am going to try this ProtoArc EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard. Let’s see if it works for me.
What is it?
The ProtoArc EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard is a backlit wireless full-size ergonomic keyboard with an attached wristpad.
What’s in the box?
- 1 x ProtoArc EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard W/Wireless Dongle
- 1 x USB- C Charging Cable
- 1 x User Manual
Hardware specs
Design and features
- Enhanced Ergonomic Comfort: The EK01 Plus ergonomic keyboard stands out with its curved split-key layout, reducing wrist and forearm strain while promoting proper posture. Concave keys match fingertip contours, and the cushioned wrist rest provides 54% support, ensuring comfortable and effortless typing.
- Multi-Device Connectivity: The EK01 Plus wireless ergonomic keyboard seamlessly connects to up to three devices simultaneously through Bluetooth and 2.4G USB. Effortlessly switch between your laptop, tablet, and computer with a single key press. It boasts wide compatibility, supporting Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.12, Android 4.3 or higher, and Microsoft systems.
- Customizable Backlight Brightness: Equipped with soft white LED backlighting, the keyboard offers three adjustable brightness levels (low, mid, high). Tailor the brightness to your preference, enabling comfortable typing in low-light environments without causing eye strain.
- Increased Wrist Support: The EK01 Plus ergonomic keyboard features wrist rests, the contoured shape provides support to the wrists, reducing strain and promoting a more comfortable typing experience.
The ProtoArc EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard is nicely designed and well-built. It offers multiple connectivity options and the battery once fully charged, lasts a long time. There is a USB-C charging port on the top of the keyboard and the on/off switch and wireless dongle holder are underneath. There are also retractable legs underneath for adjusting the tilt. On the bottom edge of the keyboard, there is a built-in wristpad.
Performance
The ProtoArc EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard fits my needs and, as a result, performs well for me, starting with the wireless or Bluetooth connectivity options, which are great for flexibility. The keys feel very nice when typing. They do not provide any significant positive feedback, but I like how they feel. The angle of the split keyboard, along with the built-in wrist pad, provide a comfortable typing experience for me. The battery life is very good, especially since I am only in my home studio during the evenings and weekends. The feet underneath the keyboard allow me to get the tilt angle right which is also great. I like that it is a full-size keyboard that has all of the keys I need and use. Overall, this is a very good keyboard and is now a permanent part of my gear.
The following video highlights the backlighting and the sound of the keys:
What I like
- The keyboard is well-built
- The angle of the “split” works well for me
- The wristpad is comfortable
- The keys feel good when typing
- As I reach the age where I have to wear reading glasses more often, the backlit keyboard with brightness levels is great
- I like the multiple connectivity options
- I like the adjustable legs that allow me to get the tilt just right
What I’d change
- Nothing so far
Final thoughts
The ProtoArc EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard is one of the best keyboards that I have tried for my needs. It is comfortable to use, the keys are quiet enough, the adjustability is good and the connection is rock solid. Well done.
Price: $99.99
Where to buy: ProtoArc website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by ProtoArc.
