IOGEAR GKM581R

IOGEAR GKM581R
alaScore 85

30 reviews

May, 2013

alaTest has collected and analyzed 30 reviews from magazines and websites. People are impressed by the usability. There are some negative opinions about the design and value for money, while comments are divided on the build quality.

usability

value for money, design

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Keyboards the IOGEAR GKM581R is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 85/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 30 reviews)

User Reviews  

Showing 30 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 30 Show Reviews: in English

Consumer review by:

Disappointing

 

Love using the keyboard to watch TV, but it really disappointed me with the durability.

Great idea, especially for people wanting to "cut the cord" and go all online for television viewing. When it works, it is fantastic and I love it! Keyboard, mouse, scroll wheel, all are great for surfing Hulu and Netflix. Installs easily, very responsive

The first keyboard we got had no battery terminals. We returned it immediately, got a new one and were happy for 7 months. Then things started going down hill. A key fell off. No biggie, but the mount was broken. Okay, Iogear was going to replace it....

Consumer review by:

Broke for no reason, within a month

 

Easy Set-up, great idea

Stopped working within a few weeks, just refused to connect to the computer for no reason at all ; Won't be buying an iogear keyboard ever again, neither will my company, as I'm responsible for all IT purchases

Consumer review by:

Great, after RMA

 

Great product! I'm using this with my laptop so I can stream instead of having cable. It's very easy to use, charge, install, and fits great on your lap. Searching Hulu and Netflix is easy with the full keyboard, which was what I wanted

The first keyboard we received was missing a metal plate in the battery compartment, which meant that it could not be used unless plugged in! RMA process was easy, but meant we spent another $13 in shipping before getting our keyboard

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Consumer review by:

Bit of a Disappointment

 

looks good, feels pretty good in hands

Key was off when I opened it. They aren't the most durable looking keys I have seen... getting a replacement (process to take 2-3 weeks) and I hope it is better. I guess I should have listened to the other reviews about the keys

Consumer review by:

MMMkay

 

It's wireless

Full size keyboard, with a bit of a lag as you type. Scroll wheel broke after 2 months. It takes longer to charge than stated. I'll try something different next time

Consumer review by:

same as others

 

looking for a replacement , glad im not the only one. Who was let down by this kb

Great layout, great concept, perfect for a HTPC. Decent priced, worked right out of the box. Love the rubberized coating

Only worked 2 months, same as all the other reviewers Could not log into banking site , after 2 tries didn't think much of it, but then noticed a pattern. It was missing every other key or so, tried new batteries connect/reconnect,no use. Now i Noticed...

Consumer review by:

Great Keyboard combo

 

Plugged in USB wifi module Vista found and installed the trackball/keyboard no problems. All the custom keyboard buttons works great. Makes my home theater setup a pleasure to use ; Love product

None

Consumer review by:

It performs its job well

 

Everything in life has pros and cons. I would have given this keyboard 5 eggs if the trackballs was a tad bit easier to clean. Still this combo is the perfect idea for a Home Theater Personal Computer. Nothing beats sitting on your comfy sofa, surfing...

Been using this wireless keyboard for several weeks now for my HTPC. The range is excellent. The set up is great with the trackball and keyboard all in one unit. There are rubber non skid pads on the bottom to keep it from sliding away when it is on...

The trackball could use a bit more precision and like all trackballs it will get dusty inside. Now the only way to clean it is to take the whole keyboard apart (six small screws, it's easy)

Consumer review by:

GREAT Ergonomics - TrackBall Issue can be Overcome

 

I worked through the issues with the keyboard... Overcame them... and now VERY happy with it. I AM going to buy 2 more of them soon. I have bought and tested a huge number of keyboards lookking for the best one for my lap. No keyboard is perfect for...

I have always had good track record with IOGEAR products... and even with reading many reviews not happy with the Trackball, I decided to do my normal bit and buy and try for myself. VERY GLAD I DID ; The keyboard is VERY well laid out, Ergonomics are...

Nothing that can't be overcome ; 1 ; Yes the trackball was a nightmare right out of the box. Would not respond well at all. But ; The Trackball IS Optical - So consider how an Optical Mouse works or has trouble working. Mice need a surface that is NOT...

Consumer review by:

Great Wireless Keyboard.

 

Am using this keyboard on an (8-yr.) old living-room PC build, with ten-foot interface on a 720p TV.

After 7 months of ownership, no problems whatsoever. Good ergonomic feel in the lap with slip-resistant rubber pads on either end on bottom. Thumb and index fingers positioned perfectly using track ball, buttons and wheel. In my experience, the battery...

Not really cons, but .... Take care in keeping the trackball clean as it is not readily removable. There is no Caps, Num lock indicator LEDs, but probably best for battery life. I had to relocate the dongle closer to the keyboard, found that any...