Macally USB Slim Keyboard - ICEKEY by Macally
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Digital camera reviews of Macally USB Slim Keyboard - ICEKEY
Digital camera Review: Cheap
Summary: 2 Stars
I usually only buy Apple keyboards, but I made an exception for the MacAlly Icekey because of positive reviews and because my very expensive aluminum Apple keyboard broke. I think it may have broke because I occasionally dripped some water on it post-shower. I didn't think keyboards were that sensitive...
I digress.
The squeakiness of this keyboard is a deal breaker for me. If Amazon didn't charge a fee for returning functioning items, I would return it and get one of the Apple keyboards instead. I hoped to save some money, but I think that the next time I need a keyboard, I'll opt to spend more money on another Apple keyboard and make sure to keep it dry.
The keys have a cheap feel, kind of like the same material you'd find in a generic Dell keyboard. The keyboard doesn't lay flat when the legs are collapsed, which is pretty surprising. The top layer of plastic also conveys shoddiness.
I think the worst strike against the keyboard is the issue with the drivers that are required to enable the functionality of the volume and eject keys. MacAlly does not support the keyboard anymore, so I had to go on a hunt. Turns out an older version of the driver works, but the newest one creates problems. It's somewhat understandable that their drivers would suck since they want to sell new keyboards, but I'm not here to be sympathetic to the company; I'm here as a customer, and I think it's stupid. It's silly in general that drivers are required.
I'd recommend this for twenty dollars or less. For that price, it might be a good deal.
Digital camera Review: Comfortable keyboard for anyone who is used to laptops
Summary: 5 Stars
Oh no! Apple's new aluminum keyboards are competing with my favorite Macally keyboard! Well, this keyboard still matches your white i-product better than Apple's model at least. Plusses: shiny and cute, skinny, low-travel keys, clicky response, comfortable, very similar feel to built-in MacBook and iBook keyboards only less flimsy. Minuses: after a few years, my keys are starting to yellow at different rates (which is a little weird), needs its own drivers to enable volume and eject keys, unlike Apple's keyboards, can't remap said keys to work under Windows Boot Camp.
Still my favorite keyboard, though the new Apple model is a close second.
Digital camera Review: Comparable to Apple keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I highly recommend this product. The price is great and I find it to be as good as the Apple keyboard.Digital camera Review: Could have been a great keyboard
Summary: 4 Stars
I own both Mac as well as PC. The vast majority of hardware which is built for Mac is compatible with PC because, like it or not PC still owns the majority of the market share. One thing odd about this manufacturer is they simply do not support PC - not in their software nor in their technical support. While I applaud their dedication to Apple, it seems like they are purposely aliening customers.
With that said, this is the absolute best keyboard I've ever typed on. Responsive soft-touch keys, no clicky-clacky noises, full-size layout, slick-looking low profile. I can touch type easily. If you're the hunt-n-pound typist, this may not be for you. The keys respond to a soft touch type. I find the key travel better than a typical laptop. It really is well-designed.
Yet, a USB keyboard device is a USB keyboard device, on Mac or PC - just a few keys are different. I bought this for my PC laptop, figuring that I could swap it over to the Mac if need be. It works fine under WinXP.
But, there is some bad news. The keyboard does not like to share a hub with other devices. I had my mouse and keyboard sharing a USB hub. Using the mouse would knock the keyboard off-line until it was unplugged and re-plugged. Others have reported this problem as well. I expect the typical response from the manufacturer would be, "Don't use a hub" but it would be nice if they'd follow the USB specifications. On a Windows computer, unplugging the keyboard "freaks out" the operating system.
The solution is simple - this keyboard needs a dedicated USB port. If you don't have a spare port, skip this keyboard else you'll be pulling your hair out every time the keyboard becomes unresponsive. My alternate suggestion is Deck Keyboards, but you will not find one in this price range. Deck offers a Mac key layout, but no Mac support (a keyboard is a keyboard). Deck keyboards work fine on a hub where this keyboard does not.
Digital camera Review: Crappy Customer Service - ZERO STARS
Summary: 1 Stars
Purchased this a a replacement on my Mac Pro. Had to search for drivers to use with Snow Leopard to get some of the function keys to work.
All of a sudden my mouse and KB started Freezing. Uninstalled Driver. No more freezes, but back to function keys not working. Since it is past the 30 day return, I have to keep it and buy another. May work on older macs, but I would avoid if you have a newer one. In fact if you have an older mac and really want it you can have mine. Macalley Customer service is non-existent.
I realize its a cheap keyboard, but FERCHRISTSSAKES, the function keys should work.