Review: Microsoft Arc Keyboard

While Microsoft’s success is primarily driven by its software products — most notably Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office — it also has a lineup of peripherals comprised of mice, keyboards and webcams. This lineup consists of an array of products to suit end-users, ranging from multimedia desktop sets, 720p webcams, and gaming desktop sets, among other products. The latest addition to Microsoft’s arsenal of peripherals is the Microsoft Arc keyboard, which was announced at the popular Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010.

Destined for the living room (and marketed with the catchphrase “Style that works”), the Microsoft Arc Keyboard buffs sleek curves, a compact yet functional design, low-profile keys, and a glossy finish. It’s intended to be used with an HTPC, hence its compact size and sleek design, which complements your other decor while also fitting in small spaces.

Read the complete GeekSmack review to learn about our experiences and thoughts on the Microsoft Arc keyboard.

Introduction

Special thanks to Microsoft for making this review possible.

While Microsoft’s success is primarily driven by its software products — most notably Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office — it also has a lineup of peripherals comprised of mice, keyboards and webcams. This lineup consists of an array of products to suit end-users, ranging from multimedia desktop sets, 720p webcams, and gaming desktop sets, among other products. The latest addition to Microsoft’s arsenal of peripherals is the Microsoft Arc keyboard, which was announced at the popular Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010.

Destined for the living room (and marketed with the catchphrase “Style that works”), the Microsoft Arc Keyboard buffs sleek curves, a compact yet functional design, low-profile keys, and a glossy finish. It’s intended to be used with an HTPC, hence its compact size and sleek design, which complements your other decor while also fitting in small spaces.

System Requirements:

PC:

• Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP
• An available USB port
• 2 AAA batteries (included)
• Internet access required for software installation: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads. Local and/or long-distance telephone toll charges may apply.

Mac:

• Mac OS X v.10.4–10.6x
• An available USB port
• 2 AAA batteries (included)
• Internet access required for software installation: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads. Local and/or long-distance telephone toll charges may apply.

Read the complete GeekSmack review to learn about our experiences and thoughts on the Microsoft Arc keyboard.

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A Closer Look

Following the Arc’s simplicity, its packaging is minimal and isn’t stuffed with descriptions of the Arc and any of its features (thought there aren’t any that are “exceptional” to begin with, like the ones we may find with a gaming keyboard for example). In this case though, a picture’s really worth a thousand words. The Arc’s sleek design is boldly displayed, and its sure to catch your eye should you pass by the box whilst walking through a store isle. As the keyboard is pretty compact and light (in fact, more so than I anticipated it to be), the box is small and extremely light as well; in fact, it almost feels empty.

Upon opening the box and pulling out the white tray containing the Arc, the manuals, and the 2 AAA batteries, you immediately notice that the Arc is enclosed in a special case similar to other Microsoft hardware products that we have reviewed. I’ll certainly use this case to keep the Arc safe from dust when not in use, as it has a glossy surface which shows all dust on it and is prone to scratches/smudges.

Above, you see the box contents and the Arc keyboard once taken out of its cover. It’s worth noting that the Arc keyboard doesn’t come with a driver installation CD; all drivers are to be obtained through the Internet. In my case (a PC running Windows 7 Ultimate x64), Windows Update automatically found and installed the driver upon plugging in the transceiver.

Above, you see both the top and the bottom of the Arc keyboard.

The 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver is pretty small; as you can see above, it is almost the size of a penny. Its small size means that it won’t attract any attention when plugged in, and, its size is beneficial if you have the Arc connected to a laptop, as larger transceivers that stick out are more prone to being damaged. When the transceiver isn’t in use, it can be nested comfortably at the back of the Arc keyboard in a little hole made for safely keeping it. So it doesn’t drop out, it is magnetically secured in place. The transceiver also allows for approximately 15 feet of range, even with a considerable amount of obstructions in the area.

In order to keep the keyboard compact, Microsoft had to make a few changes to its layout, which differentiates the Arc from the majority of keyboards out there. For one, the arrow keys were replaced with one 4 way D-pad, as seen above. Keys that would normally occupy the right of the main keyboard area (such as “Home”, “Delete”, “Insert”, etc. were all moved to the top where the function key area normally is, and the function keys end at F6 (with F1 doubling as F7, F2 being F8, etc.). To access the rest, simply hold down the “Fn” button.

In the above shots, you can more clearly see the Arc’s curve.

Above, you see the battery life indicator. It is visible upon powering up the keyboard, and it notifies you when the battery depletes. If it’s green, then you have an ample amount of battery life left, and if red, the batteries are on the brink of death.

Here are some additional shots of the Arc:

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Testing/Usage

To test out the Arc, I simply used it as my main keyboard to do various tasks (some requiring plenty of typing), such as instant messaging, emailing, responding to  forum posts, writing articles, some gaming, and even writing this review! By using the Arc, I managed to get a feel for the experience it provides, which I will outline on this page. My favorite thing about the Arc in terms of using it is the low profile laptop-esque keys. I’ve always been one who prefers softer, lighter keys over clunky keyboards, which is why one of my favorite keyboards is the Apple’s keyboard.

The Arc provides you with this smooth, “light” typing experience, which is one of the reasons that I love to type using it. Initially, it took some getting used to (which meant typos), but once my hands became accustomed to its compact size, typing on it is easy and enjoyable. In terms of the typing experience, the only thing that bothered me about the keyboard is the D-pad. At times, it’s slow and a bit hard to use. You have to be precise when using it, sometimes your finger leans a bit to the side which halts the scrolling, and it just isn’t a smooth scrolling experience. People who love arrow keys must keep this in mind when purchasing this keyboard; you may not want to use it for your main system (but it should be just fine for an HTPC, which is what the Arc keyboard’s primarily role is anyways).

Gaming on the keyboard was alright and just the “usual” experience. It lacks any features tailored specifically towards gamers obviously, but if you’re a diehard gamer you likely wouldn’t be purchasing this keyboard for your main rig. I played “WASD” first persons shooters such as F.E.A.R Combat with it just fine. However, should a game for some reason require the arrow keys, it likely won’t be fun.

Moving on to the aesthetics, this keyboard really is a piece of art, and the designers behind it certainly have achieved their goals when it comes to creating both a decorative piece and something functional for use in the living room. Its glossy piano black finish (and white matte finish on the bottom), subtle yet existing curve, low-profile keys, and the key design (rounded squares with ridges) certainly defines it as a conversation piece. Its curve also makes it ergonomic, as it makes the keyboard more fit for use on your lap; a place where it’s likely to end up when being used in the living room.

One con about it in terms of aesthetics – and this applies to any device with a glossy finish – is that it’s very prone to scratches, smudges, and every single spec of dust that lands on it is clearly visible and showcased for all to see. Perhaps a well-executed matte, or even brushed aluminum finish would have worked out well aesthetically and wouldn’t be as prone to scratches, smudges and dust. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely love the Arc keyboard with its glossy finish and it suits its design well, but you need to constantly clean it with a special cloth to remove dust, help prevent scratches, and remove any smudges. The inclusion of said cloth with the Arc keyboard would definitely have been awesome.

 

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Final Thoughts and Conclusion

If you’re seeking a keyboard for your HTPC, or even a keyboard for your PC in general, the Arc is definitely worth considering. Its interesting curved shape, piano black glossy finish, and compact design succeeds at being both ergonomic and decorative in terms of aesthetics. What’s typing on it like? Well, if you love low-profile laptop-esque keys as much as I do, you’ll love the Microsoft Arc keyboard, as it provides you with a smooth and “light” typing experience that can be compared in some regards to Apple’s desktop keyboard.

The Arc, like its mouse counterpart, is also small and compact so it may fit in small spaces and be stored easily when not in use. Its compact design does come at a cost though, as it lacks a numberpad, and changes have been made to it that drift away from the regular keyboard layout when it comes to keys such as the “Home”, “Insert”, “Delete”, and function keys, as they have been arranged (and some double as other keys) to allow for the Arc to be this compact.

All in all, I can recommend purchasing this keyboard by far. Microsoft has done a fine job at balancing aesthetics and practicality, and have executed both well with the Arc keyboard. Asides from the D-pad, no other annoyances (as far as my experience with it is concerned) were present. Its compact design is a little awkward and may take some getting used to, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing from there.

The Microsoft Arc keyboard will launch exclusively at Best Buy on February 21st with an estimated retail price of $59.99 US.

Pros:

• Crisp, sleek, and contemporary design
• Compact and able to fit in small spaces
• Lightweight and portable
• Low-profile keys akin to that of a laptop keyboard
• Small transceiver can be stowed away behind keyboard, and doesn’t get in the way
• Curve makes it nicer to use on lap
• Battery life indicator notifies you when its 2 AAA batteries are close to depletion
• Keyboard can be turned off to save battery life
• Wireless with a range of approximately 15 feet

Cons:

• D-pad button which replaces arrow keys can be hard to use
• Glossy finish is prone to scratches, smudges, and dust

Product Page: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=120

Rating: 5/5