Azio Wireless Keyboard: Is It A Mouse-Killer?

Azio's KB336RP wireless keyboard combines a keyboard and trackpad in one device that communicates with the PC via a 2.4GHz RF connection between the peripheral and a USB receiver that plugs into the computer. It works on Windows 7 and Mac OS X operating systems, among others, and we had an opportunity to try it out in the CRN Test Center lab.

It works. Taking it out of the box and typing these very words took about three minutes, including the time it takes to install two AA batteries into the bottom of the keyboard and plug the USB RF receiver into the desktop. While less than thrilling to have to use a battery-powered keyboard, the inconvenience is easily countered by clearing away the wires that were needed for the USB keyboard and mouse that the Azio keyboard replaced.

For someone who has used the traditional keyboard-mouse combination, this different configuration is a bit awkward in the beginning. Expect to reflexively reach for the mouse anyway for the first couple of hours of use. The approximately 1-inch trackpad can feel small at first -- certainly it's smaller than the trackpad you'd find on most notebooks. Simple tasks like hitting the Ctrl button and left-clicking the button beneath the trackpad require one to actually stop and think rather than just doing. The good news: An hour or so into using the Azio KB336RP, it starts to feel natural.

Exchanging a USB keyboard and USB mouse for this one peripheral opens up a USB port, which could wind up being a real plus for many users.

Street pricing on the Azio KB336RP will run between $60 and $70. As far as wireless keyboards go, it's nicely competitive and in the right situation would be a good addition to a desktop.