a review by Tom Piper
The history of the modern computer keyboard begins with the first practical typewriter, patented by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868. We’ve come a long way from typewriter, teletype and keypunch machines, but the QWERTY keyboard continues to be the most reliable and accurate input device for computers today.
My new favorite such device is the Matias Wireless Keyboard that has replaced my aging short Apple Bluetooth keyboard. Taking design cues from Apple’s iconic aluminum keyboards, the device fills a few gaps that Apple chose not to pursue. Mine is Space Gray (to match my 16” MacBook Pro), but it is also available in Silver, Gold and Rose Gold.
This wireless keyboard brought back the numeric keypad, which I missed on my prior keyboard, which is nice on the wireless unit. Like an Apple keyboard, the function keys let me control screen brightness, volume, iTunes, and more. There’s even an Fn key that lets me momentarily change the function keys back to their traditional duties, when I need them.
Another feature that I had not previously considered is that the Matias Wireless Keyboard pairs with up to four Bluetooth devices, which includes my 16” MacBook Pro, 27” iMac, 12.9” iPad Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max (could also include an Android device too, like my Amazon HD tablet). With a simple touch on one of the four convenient keys, I now easily switch between these devices, and the keyboard adjusts its layout to match each of them.
Matias spared no expense to make this the best Bluetooth keyboard possible. It now includes a much bigger 1,600 mAh rechargeable battery. That is five to twelve times bigger than what can be found inside most other wireless keyboards. This means that it is big enough to last a full year on a single charge. Unlike others, this keyboard stays on all the time, so one touch immediately brings my Mac (or other device) back to life. No waiting to reconnect or switch between technology tools.
In addition to this, it is really nice to have a lighted keyboard that can be switched on/off with its own button (the degree of brightness is also controllable in combination with the plus or minus key). There is a separate battery for brightness which last for weeks, depending on amount of use. Did I mention the integrated numeric keyboard which now replaces my separate keypad from NewerTech (also made by Matias). Its so nice to have convenient access to the number, home, page, end and other keys.
Another notable difference is the key “touch” while typing. At first, the Matias keys seemed “loose” by comparison to Apple’s built-in keyboard on my MacBook Pro. Then, I realized that the travel distance is almost twice as much on the Matias keyboard, which also makes them more audible while typing. I tend to be a heavy-handed typer, so the feedback is now very satisfying. And, while this keyboard’s Space Gray color is more silver than my MacBook Pro’s space gray, the difference is not bothersome (in fact, I like the keyboard’s color better).
All in all, this keyboard is a wonderful addition to my office and workaday environment. It has made typing to all four of my daily-access devices so very easy and convenient. I believe this new tool has improved my productivity and technology input enjoyment.
For more information about the Matias Wireless Keyboard, go to https://matias.ca/aluminum/wireless/ where it can also be purchased for only $139.00 (USD). Without backlighting, it is available for $99.00 (USD). This is one of many fine, quality products from Matias, all available on their website at https://matias.store. These are products we can rely on!!!
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