Microsoft is no stranger to the keyboard and mouse market, having a plethora of different options available for those looking to type comfortably in any scenario. Just recently, Microsoft unveiled the Designer Bluetooth Desktop mouse and keyboard combo. Let’s take a quick look at it.
“With its ultra-thin and modern look, the Designer Bluetooth Desktop complements the look of your desk. It wirelessly pairs to your laptop or tablet with the latest Bluetooth Smart technology– instantly connecting without wires or dongles to manage. A full-sized keyboard with built-in number pad and mouse will keep you productive at your desk. Even with its minimalist design, this keyboard gives you a robust typing experience with chiclet-style, soft touch keys. Media keys are included, so you can easily control music and videos,” Microsoft explains.
Connecting both devices to your PC or tablet device was quite easy. Utilizing Bluetooth 4.0, all I had to do was plug in two AAA batteries into the mouse and two AAA batteries into the keyboard. Both devices feature a little connect button allowing you to easily pair up the keyboard and mouse combo to your computer.
The keyboard is very thin and the keys are quite comfortable to use, featuring a built-in number pad and the added ability to control media playback with easy shortcut keys. Having used the Sculpt Comfort keyboard for over a year, the Designer Bluetooth Desktop keyboard felt weird to use since it did not feature a curved design. With a little getting used to, the keyboard felt comfortable to use.
The mouse is also very slim and easy to use, featuring an ambidextrous design allowing you to use it in either hand. It’s a very basic mouse with the left and right buttons, as well as a scroll wheel that doubles as a center button. Under the mouse is a detachable battery cover which slides off and is kept in place with a magnet — very sleek. There is a button at the bottom of the keyboard that not only connects to your computer via Bluetooth 4.0, but also doubles as a power button so you can turn off the mouse and conserve battery life when not in use.
So what makes this keyboard and mouse combo any different from other devices that Microsoft has released over the past few years? Microsoft touts a modern ultrathin design that compliments your desktop. Other than that, it’s the same old song and dance. It runs for $99.95.
Check out some of the photos of the Designer Bluetooth Desktop below. Let us know in the comments below if you want us to detail any specific areas of this keyboard and mouse combo.
Further reading: Keyboard, Microsoft, Microsoft Hardware, Mouse
