That is a really good point. I havn't used BT keyboards at home for so long that I completely forgot this advantage. It is especially important for those who DIY their own desktop.
I have been using the USB wired version for 10 years. Prior to that I had Lenovo laptops which was the reason for wanting the same feel with the stationary PC. There are a few improvement points I'd like to mention. First I wonder if you experience track point drift with the Keyboard II? On my USB version the track point sometimes drifts and moves its location despite not being used. This has been the case since new. When used it consequently sometimes resists since it presents a bias to move in a certain direction. The remedy is to disconnect and reconnect the cable. Second, they are not easy to clean. I have furry animals and a lot of dust. So cleaning is important. When trying to clean it one of the keys broke off. Third, a back light would be nice. Fourth, better materials would be nice, too. Mine creaks a little and is slightly hollow sounding. Finally there are three other keyboards that have the track point, albeit wired, the Tex Yoda II, the Tex Kodachi, and finally the Tex Shinobi, both mechanical keyboards. They seem to be produced in batches based on demand which means only the Shinobi is currently available.
I only used TrackPoint on my desktop pc infrequently, and I still met the trackpoint drifting problem a couple of times, although I feel it is much less than the Thinkpad laptop I used several years ago. And thank you for the extra information about the alternative Trackpoint keyboards, those are new to me and will definitely be interesting to some audiences here. I myself might not consider them though, as I don't like mechanical keyboards, and that is why I sold my Logitech G Pro keyboard. To me, there are 2 issues -- 1. mechanical keyboards are thick and the keys are higher (even those "slim" ones like G915), which gives more strain to my wrist as I need to raise my fingers higher. 2. they are significantly louder thus annoying to use in quiet environment.
@@thatworks123 Thank you for the reply. I agree on those disadvantages of mechanical keyboards. I had a full size mechanical keyboard many, many years ago. It was a relief when the ThinkPad laptops arrived. Less clutter and always the same layout, which my brain and body adapted quickly to. I managed 109 WPM on the Thinkpad back in the day. As for more silent mechanical I heard the GamaKay Phoenix switch in a few videos that seemed really silent. It doesn't solve the height issue, however.
Just ordered it, using Thinkpad Laptops for over 7 years. However, I'm looking forward to get it with Numpad and Touchpad, according to the T5xx Layout
Is there a way to check the battery charge percentage on this keyboard at any time, or do we have to just wait for the blinking amber light indicating low battery power?
I am not aware of a way to do it. But I have a magnetic usb cable on desk all the time and I will just plug it in whenever I feel like, so I never had problem with running out of battery.
Do you know if there's a way to swap the "Fn" and "Ctrl" key?? Many people say it is impossible on the Lenovo forum and hence a deal-breaker to recommend this keyboard
As far as I can tell, it is not swappable. I also preffer the way it is because I need to switch between mac and pc frequently, and this layout matches macbooks.
@@jjyutube A higher percentage of people are more used to and hence want the "Ctrl" key to be on the bottom left. So, if there's a way to swap (or have two versions made), that will be the best for both worlds
Hi, im considering this keyboard to use while sitting on my couch. Mainly to log into windows 11 and start up games which I would use a controller. Might also the keyboard to enter passwords and log into websites. I don't plan on using this for productivity work. Would you recommend this in my situation?
@@Mingbell I don't know how long it can last until battery empty because because I usually charge it within a month. I have one of these magnetic charging cable on my desk (ruclips.net/video/HCQIqXHWeyc/видео.html) and charged my keyboard whenever felt like because it is almost no effort. I think the longest I haven't charged is about a month, so the keyboard should have no problem lasting at least a month with 7~10 hours daily usage.
This keyboard probably uses a lithium battery, which means it will probably last for 500-1000 charge cycles. For phones (which also use lithium batteries) this means they easily wear out after 2 years or so with daily charging. But if you're charging this keyboard only every few months, the battery will last a very long time. I wouldn't worry about battery life.
An RF adapter should also mean it works with the computer at bootup to get into the BIOS. Bluetooth won't do that.
That is a really good point. I havn't used BT keyboards at home for so long that I completely forgot this advantage. It is especially important for those who DIY their own desktop.
Thank you very much. I will buy it and hope my terrible search ends aswell.
I have been using the USB wired version for 10 years. Prior to that I had Lenovo laptops which was the reason for wanting the same feel with the stationary PC. There are a few improvement points I'd like to mention. First I wonder if you experience track point drift with the Keyboard II? On my USB version the track point sometimes drifts and moves its location despite not being used. This has been the case since new. When used it consequently sometimes resists since it presents a bias to move in a certain direction. The remedy is to disconnect and reconnect the cable. Second, they are not easy to clean. I have furry animals and a lot of dust. So cleaning is important. When trying to clean it one of the keys broke off. Third, a back light would be nice. Fourth, better materials would be nice, too. Mine creaks a little and is slightly hollow sounding. Finally there are three other keyboards that have the track point, albeit wired, the Tex Yoda II, the Tex Kodachi, and finally the Tex Shinobi, both mechanical keyboards. They seem to be produced in batches based on demand which means only the Shinobi is currently available.
I only used TrackPoint on my desktop pc infrequently, and I still met the trackpoint drifting problem a couple of times, although I feel it is much less than the Thinkpad laptop I used several years ago.
And thank you for the extra information about the alternative Trackpoint keyboards, those are new to me and will definitely be interesting to some audiences here. I myself might not consider them though, as I don't like mechanical keyboards, and that is why I sold my Logitech G Pro keyboard. To me, there are 2 issues -- 1. mechanical keyboards are thick and the keys are higher (even those "slim" ones like G915), which gives more strain to my wrist as I need to raise my fingers higher. 2. they are significantly louder thus annoying to use in quiet environment.
@@thatworks123 Thank you for the reply. I agree on those disadvantages of mechanical keyboards. I had a full size mechanical keyboard many, many years ago. It was a relief when the ThinkPad laptops arrived. Less clutter and always the same layout, which my brain and body adapted quickly to. I managed 109 WPM on the Thinkpad back in the day. As for more silent mechanical I heard the GamaKay Phoenix switch in a few videos that seemed really silent. It doesn't solve the height issue, however.
thank you for your review. i just ordered one for working on windows laptop and writing on ipad
Just ordered it, using Thinkpad Laptops for over 7 years. However, I'm looking forward to get it with Numpad and Touchpad, according to the T5xx Layout
Tks for the vid,
Would love to hear your sharing on the mouse you are using.
USB dongle is great if you have multiple computers and use KVM/USB switch.
Second this. I use KVM and usb connection is pretty much a must for me
Is there a way to check the battery charge percentage on this keyboard at any time, or do we have to just wait for the blinking amber light indicating low battery power?
I am not aware of a way to do it. But I have a magnetic usb cable on desk all the time and I will just plug it in whenever I feel like, so I never had problem with running out of battery.
@@thatworks123 I see. Thank you for the reply.
Do you know if there's a way to swap the "Fn" and "Ctrl" key?? Many people say it is impossible on the Lenovo forum and hence a deal-breaker to recommend this keyboard
As far as I can tell, it is not swappable. I also preffer the way it is because I need to switch between mac and pc frequently, and this layout matches macbooks.
@@jjyutube A higher percentage of people are more used to and hence want the "Ctrl" key to be on the bottom left. So, if there's a way to swap (or have two versions made), that will be the best for both worlds
Hi, im considering this keyboard to use while sitting on my couch. Mainly to log into windows 11 and start up games which I would use a controller. Might also the keyboard to enter passwords and log into websites. I don't plan on using this for productivity work. Would you recommend this in my situation?
This keyboard is probably an overkill for that purpose. I would say a cheap logitech k400 plus will be enough for what you want to do.
Thanks for the reply. I could use it to bring to my office as well. Have you tried to use it on your lap or on a couch? @@jjyutube
How is the battery after 2 years? I love the Bluetooth version but the fact that the battery can't be replaced makes me think again!
I didn't test the battery life rigorously but in my day to day usage I haven't noticed battery life degrade.
@@thatworks123 Thanks for the informative video. How often do you need to recharge your keyboard?
@@Mingbell I don't know how long it can last until battery empty because because I usually charge it within a month. I have one of these magnetic charging cable on my desk (ruclips.net/video/HCQIqXHWeyc/видео.html) and charged my keyboard whenever felt like because it is almost no effort. I think the longest I haven't charged is about a month, so the keyboard should have no problem lasting at least a month with 7~10 hours daily usage.
@@thatworks123 Thanks for your review!
This keyboard probably uses a lithium battery, which means it will probably last for 500-1000 charge cycles. For phones (which also use lithium batteries) this means they easily wear out after 2 years or so with daily charging. But if you're charging this keyboard only every few months, the battery will last a very long time.
I wouldn't worry about battery life.
Thanks for the review. Can the keyboard still work while being charged?
Yes, you can still use it while charging.
@@thatworks123 Great. I have just ordered one. Looking forward to the keyboard. Thanks for your informative review.
Try a HP keyboard