- Aug 20, 2005
- 2,685
- 11
- 81
After using a K400 for a couple of years (and loving it) I decided it was time for an upgrade. I love the K400 but typing out something like this post would be tedious at best. The keyboard of the K830 is much better, even though it isn't significantly larger.
For some perspective, this is for my living room gaming/HTPC projected onto 110" screen via a BenQ W1070. This setup serves as my main computer, TV, and entertainment hub.
The K400 is a fantastic value and great performer, however, it feels a bit flimsy and was starting to have random fits of lag in touchpad responsiveness (mouse input would be 0.5-2.0 seconds delayed unless I re-positioned or tapped on it).
Feel
The K830 has a much, much more "quality" feel about it. This is entirely subjective based on the higher weight and lack of creaking sound when flexed. (The K400 creaks and groans as you flex it during normal couch use).
The keys are smoother and quieter to press. They almost feel mushy though... this isn't a knock on them, but you won't get any kind of "clack" on any key-press. I do think they are "better" than the K400 in that they feel more robust and seem easier to type on.
Look
The K830 looks like a high quality keyboard. Part of m purchase decision was based on improved aesthetics in the living room. I don't think the K400 is unattractive, however, the K830 looks like a piece of Home Theater decoration by comparison. The aluminum thicker, aluminum body of the K830 is right at home on the coffee table. The K400 felt like it should've been tucked away due to its utilitarian/no-nonsense design.
Function
The first time I used the touchpad I was amazed at how much more accurate it is than the K400. It's very easy to use as a primary mouse, quickly and accurately recognizing gestures for zooming and scrolling. The right/left mouse buttons are a little stiff but I'm getting used to that... I foresee it resulting it fewer accidental clicks than the K400.
The keys are bigger and easier to type on than the K400. However, I wish they had a curvature to them so that touch-typing was easier while using it in unique positions (ie on my lap or on a pillow next to me). Because the keys are all flat, it requires a bit more concentration to distinguish the keys from one another, especially less frequently used keys.
The backlight is a major high point for this thing. With 3 settings (off, low, high) I've found myself sticking with the "low" setting most times. The backlight is a very white, soft glow with NO bleed. All keys seem to have a light, including the function keys and volume keys.
Battery
No comment just yet - 5 days of frequent use and it's still holding up just fine. This will definitely be a sorely missed point for the K400 since I changed the batteries once in the 2 years I've had it!! The K830 has a li-ion battery and charges via micro-USB - not sure how long it takes to fully charge yet.
Overall
I'm very happy with this purchase ($70 via Amazon). Aside from the battery life, I've yet to find anything about it that makes me regret the step up from the K400. Any questions on the unit are welcome
For some perspective, this is for my living room gaming/HTPC projected onto 110" screen via a BenQ W1070. This setup serves as my main computer, TV, and entertainment hub.
The K400 is a fantastic value and great performer, however, it feels a bit flimsy and was starting to have random fits of lag in touchpad responsiveness (mouse input would be 0.5-2.0 seconds delayed unless I re-positioned or tapped on it).
Feel
The K830 has a much, much more "quality" feel about it. This is entirely subjective based on the higher weight and lack of creaking sound when flexed. (The K400 creaks and groans as you flex it during normal couch use).
The keys are smoother and quieter to press. They almost feel mushy though... this isn't a knock on them, but you won't get any kind of "clack" on any key-press. I do think they are "better" than the K400 in that they feel more robust and seem easier to type on.
Look
The K830 looks like a high quality keyboard. Part of m purchase decision was based on improved aesthetics in the living room. I don't think the K400 is unattractive, however, the K830 looks like a piece of Home Theater decoration by comparison. The aluminum thicker, aluminum body of the K830 is right at home on the coffee table. The K400 felt like it should've been tucked away due to its utilitarian/no-nonsense design.
Function
The first time I used the touchpad I was amazed at how much more accurate it is than the K400. It's very easy to use as a primary mouse, quickly and accurately recognizing gestures for zooming and scrolling. The right/left mouse buttons are a little stiff but I'm getting used to that... I foresee it resulting it fewer accidental clicks than the K400.
The keys are bigger and easier to type on than the K400. However, I wish they had a curvature to them so that touch-typing was easier while using it in unique positions (ie on my lap or on a pillow next to me). Because the keys are all flat, it requires a bit more concentration to distinguish the keys from one another, especially less frequently used keys.
The backlight is a major high point for this thing. With 3 settings (off, low, high) I've found myself sticking with the "low" setting most times. The backlight is a very white, soft glow with NO bleed. All keys seem to have a light, including the function keys and volume keys.
Battery
No comment just yet - 5 days of frequent use and it's still holding up just fine. This will definitely be a sorely missed point for the K400 since I changed the batteries once in the 2 years I've had it!! The K830 has a li-ion battery and charges via micro-USB - not sure how long it takes to fully charge yet.
Overall
I'm very happy with this purchase ($70 via Amazon). Aside from the battery life, I've yet to find anything about it that makes me regret the step up from the K400. Any questions on the unit are welcome
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