Perixx Periboard-708 Wireless Touchpad Keyboard Review

Usage

Getting the Periboard-708 setup is pretty simple. First install the 2 AAA batteries in the keyboard then plug in the USB receiver. I installed the receiver on a Windows Vista system and it was automatically recognized and drivers were installed. Once the drivers get installed press the small connect button on the receiver and the connect button on the back of the keyboard and you should be ready to go.



Perixx Periboard-708 Wireless Touchpad Keyboard Perixx Periboard-708 Wireless Touchpad Keyboard

I used the keyboard for about 2 days, I even wrote this review with the keyboard. As I said the keys are designed like notebook keys, but sure don’t feel like them at all. They are very tough and quite uncomfortable, nothing like the keys on my Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard. With exception of the space bar the keys are also very loud as well. They kind of sound like the keys off of an old IBM keyboard. This keyboard also takes a while to get used to. The keys are a little crunched together most notably the tab and backspace keys are extremely small.

The touchpad on the other hand is very comfortable to use. It is just like a notebook touchpad so you can tap it to use it just like a mouse or use the 2 provided mouse buttons. Those buttons are also quite loud when used. I do like that there is a wrist rest provided, it makes typing a lot more comfortable. One thing I did not like was that I was unable to turn the touchpad off, which you are able to do on most laptops. When typing I constantly would bump the touchpad moving the cursor and messing up what I was typing, it got quite annoying after a while.

Final Thoughts

When I first received this keyboard I was quite excited because I had never used a keyboard that had a touchpad and I thought it would be great for my HTPC setup, but after using it for a few days I was somewhat disappointed. The keys are very small and many of the keys are crunched down to fit the keyboard. Also when typing the keys are quite loud and very uncomfortable. You also can’t turn off the touchpad, which can cause issues. I really could not see myself using this keyboard as my “main” keyboard. Maybe something to use with presentations or for my HTPC.

There are some upsides to the Periboard-708 though. First it is a keyboard and touchpad in one so if you are using it for your HTPC you only need 1 device. Also the fact that it has the wrist rest does make typing a little more enjoyable.

I found the Periboard-708 online for around $75, which is not what I would expect to pay for it at all. I would pay $50 for it at most considering the quality. You can get the Logitech MediaBoard for around $60 online and it is Bluetooth so it will work with many devices not just PC’s. If the Periboard-708 had a lower price point it would be worth picking up. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Perixx Periboard-708 Wireless Touchpad Keyboard a 6 out of 10 score.

rating6 10 small

Pros:

– Touchpad and keyboard in one
– Wireless
– Wrist rest makes typing comfortable

Cons:

– Keys very uncomfortable
– Keys loud
– Can’t turn off the touchpad
– Overpriced

About Author