ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II review: Deep travel, compact build, built-in pointer

Source: Lenovo

Lenovo has refreshed its ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard for a second generation, allowing those who honey the keyboard from iconic ThinkPad laptops to enjoy typing with many more devices. Compared to the original version, the TrackPoint Keyboard II has washed abroad with a wired cable option and has moved exclusively to Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. It has also moved to USB-C for charging. I've been using the ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II for nearly a week for all work to come across what it's all about and, ultimately, whether or not information technology'due south worth a purchase.

Some ThinkPad For Everyone

Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard Ii

Lesser line: The ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard 2 is a great (admitting pricey) mode to add a comfy ThinkPad keyboard to Windows and Android devices. You'll no doubt either beloved or detest the red pointer and a lack of backlight might be an issue if y'all often work afterwards hours, but otherwise, this is a well-built keyboard that fits into a media room, office, or on the road.

Pros

• Deep one.8mm primal travel
• Thin and light compact build
• Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections
• Windows and Android support
• Congenital-in TrackPoint organisation

Cons

• No backlight
• You'll either love or hate the red pointing nub
• Only one Bluetooth connection at a time

What I love about the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II

Source: Lenovo

Category	Spec
Layout	Usa English
Switch	Scissor ane.8mm travel
Colour	Black
Battery life	Upwards to two months
Connections	Bluetooth 2.4GHz wireless receiver
Cable	USB-A to USB-C One meter
Weight	1.14 pounds (0.52kg)
Dimensions	12.03 ten 6.46 x 0.54 inches (305.5mm x 164mm x 13.7mm)

The TrackPoint Keyboard II is built to look similar it was lifted from a modern ThinkPad laptop. It has the archetype black finish and rigid feel, though information technology doesn't accept the soft-affect paint y'all get on the more than premium devices. It'southward more of a pebbled finish that doesn't choice upward smudges quite equally much. It'southward still going to need a wipe down every now and then no matter what.

There's not a whole lot of infinite around the keys and concrete mouse buttons, making it compact enough that you can skid it into a laptop purse or keep information technology nearby in the living room if you're running a media center. It weighs 1.14 pounds (0.52kg), making it heavier than the start version, only it remains portable.

I primarily used the keyboard sitting flat in my lap without issue, and on apartment surfaces, you tin popular open two feet on the lesser for some tilt. It's a nice addition that many other wireless keyboards don't include. The bottom also has numerous rubber feet that continue the board in place when you're typing on a apartment surface.

Source: Lenovo

The rear edge of the keyboard houses all connectivity options. The battery — which Lenovo claims lasts up to 2 months (still waiting to see) — charges via a USB-C port. A USB-A to USB-C cable is included, though yous could technically utilize any cable you have lying effectually. Next to the port is a dedicated dongle bay that holds the two.4GHz USB receiver when it's non plugged into a PC. A nice add-on that keeps the small-scale slice of hardware from getting lost.

Two switches reside on the back edge, one for OS (Windows or Android) and 1 for the connection type. Sliding the switch past the Bluetooth mark starts the board looking for a connection. In terms of Windows 10, an included Swift Pair characteristic had me continued inside seconds. I hit the switch, Windows prompted me to connect, and I typed a few letters on the keyboard. Since then I've had no bug with the Bluetooth connectedness. Another switch on the side is for mains power.

Source: Lenovo

Longtime ThinkPad users and newcomers alike volition experience correct at home with the TrackPoint Keyboard II.

As you might expect from a ThinkPad keyboard, typing is comfortable and accommodating. The cupped keys have scissor switches and deep 1.8mm travel that together provide easy productivity work. For anyone who types all day, this keyboard should make a great fit, even if you're new to the ThinkPad scene. And if you lot're a longtime ThinkPad user, you're going to feel correct at home.

The F12 central is customizable through Windows, allowing you lot to fix any function you wish. And there's also back up for six-point entry for those who are visually impaired. That'southward a nice improver that should make the keyboard more accessible to more people.

And information technology really wouldn't exist a ThinkPad keyboard without the TrackPoint system. The red pointing nub in the centre of the board and physical mouse buttons below the spacebar are here and working just equally they should. Whether or not you employ them in your everyday workflow is another matter — almost people either love it or hate it — but it provides a convenience that doesn't add a lot of majority to the keyboard in the style an attached touchpad would.

What I dislike about the ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II

Source: Lenovo

One of the glaring bug (no pun intended) with the TrackPoint Keyboard II is its lack of a backlight. Blackness keys with white lettering offer about the all-time contrast you're going to get in this state of affairs, but working in the dark tin however be an issue for anyone who isn't familiar with impact typing. And for those who don't look at their keyboard when they blazon, the Fn and Ctrl central swap that'southward mutual on ThinkPad keyboards will no doubtfulness take some getting used to.

Another annoyance is that the Bluetooth connection merely handles i device contour at a fourth dimension. Many modernistic accessories allow for multiple profiles, allowing you to movement back and forth between devices without having to reconnect. Since the two.4GHz receiver is USB-A and a lot of Ultrabooks have gone the way of USB-C, you're no doubt going to be relying on Bluetooth a lot if you're up-to-engagement with other hardware around the house or function.

Finally, the toll might drive some people abroad. Retailing for $100 and coming in at about $86 later an instant rebate at Lenovo, at that place are certainly a lot of other meaty wireless keyboards that cost less than one-half of the TrackPoint Keyboard II. They likely don't mensurate up in terms of cardinal travel, overall condolement, and added pointing power, only not everyone wants to spend that much on a part-time accessory.

Should you lot buy the ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard Ii?

In one case you've spent any significant amount of time with ThinkPad, it seems every bit though the keyboard becomes the particular to which other boards are compared. And while you can become used to any keyboard in fourth dimension, the TrackPoint Keyboard 2 is a great accessory for those who simply don't want to change. Deep 1.8mm key travel, soft landing, and cupped keys together bring a comfortable typing experience that should prove a benefaction for anyone involved with all-day productivity work. There'due south also the TrackPoint system, which undeniably adds some pointing convenience whether you apply information technology or not.

The keyboard is not without some downsides — namely lack of a backlight and one Bluetooth contour — and information technology is pricey, but if you're someone who wants to add the ThinkPad typing experience to Windows and Android devices, this is the best way to do it.

Some ThinkPad For Anybody

Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II

Deep key travel, compact blueprint

Anyone who loves a ThinkPad keyboard tin can now add the comfortable typing to their other devices with the wireless TrackPoint Keyboard 2.

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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/lenovo-thinkpad-trackpoint-keyboard-ii-review

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