Arctic Cooling. ARCTIC K381 Multi-functional Keyboard
Arctic Cooling is moving into the peripherals market and their foray into this are a couple of Laser Gaming Mice, the M551 and the M571, as well as a keyboard aptly called, K381.
Packaging
Just like the Arctic Mice I recently reviewed, the packaging on the ARCTIC K381 Keyboard is superb. Simple Silver/Grey/White colour scheme maches the rest of the ARCTIC product lineup. The box artwork is nicely done in a Matt finish, while the keyboard is bagged and nestled in between 2 foam insert converings at both ends. The base or bottom of the keyboard is in a piano black finish, (the finish that attracts everything and anything including human oil), is covered in a plastic film to prevent smudges and scratches.
Using the K381 Multi-Functional Keyboard
Build quality is quite good on this keyboard and for the low price it is an excellent buy at $24.95 USD.
The main selling points for this keyboard are the:
• Low-profile layout and key structure
• Low resistance key switches
• Save space with ultra-slim design
This keyboard ticks all those boxes and more. The 12 Office functions key and on keyboard volume control and standby keys are just 'cream on the top'. (more on those to follow).
Keyboard is Plug 'n' Play via USB so no software is required and is compatible with Windows, Mac and GNU/Linux.
So what is the keyboard like to use? It is not bad at all; in fact it is excellent for the price. I like it that much that I have starting using it full time as my primary keyboard.
What impresses me most is the ease of typing. It is effortless thanks partly to its flat keyboard body design. The keys are a pleasure to type on as they are super low profile with low resistance switches that have little 'key press travel'. They are such a departure from the standard keyboard fare that has been served up to consumers for nearly 10+ years. ARCTIC have removed the usually Windows Flag/Logo from the Windows Key and called it an 'AC' key instead. In addition to this, ARCTIC have added a second Windows key on the right which sits between the right Alt and Application key. The noise of key presses is no more or less than other keyboard on the market; so silent it is not.
The key shapes themselves seem to be the way most OEM laptop manufacturer’s keyboards are going of late. They resemble a flat square with a slight shaved edge on the one side; (the side facing the user), which allows for good ergonomics and prevents your fingers from getting caught between the keys.
I use the left Ctrl key a lot for Ctrl-X (cut), Ctrl-C (copy) and Ctrl-V (paste). My only gripe is the non-stardard sized keys like the Ctrl, Windows, Alt, Application and Backspace keys which are larger than the Alpha/Numerical keys. Because they are larger, the use of more than one low resistance switch should have been used so two in total would have been better for these buttons. What it mean when using is that one has to strike the key dead-center of the key for it to register your keystroke smoothly or it gets caught and jarred. However, this is a minor point on an otherwise great keyboard.
The Multi-function keys are there but as with most of these types of keyboard features, will hardly ever get used. Although I did test them out and they all worked as per key indication. The keys that will get used are the dedicated Volume + and -, Mute and Standby.
Gallery of the ARCTIC K381 Multi-functional Keyboard
Conclusion
ARCTIC have a winner with this keyboard. Great design and keys make this a dream to use for the price you pay $24.95 USD. Throw in 2 year warranty and it is even better. Can recommend this product if your in the market for a nice and stylish keyboard.
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