This excellent HP wireless keyboard is high-end and low-profile, but it does have some flaws

As a tech enthusiast and a night owl who spends countless hours tapping away at my keyboard, I can wholeheartedly recommend the HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard. This sleek, low-profile chiclet-style keyboard with its built-in backlight has revolutionized my late-night typing sessions. The customization options are truly impressive, allowing me to tailor the keys to suit my specific needs, be it launching apps or creating shortcuts for everyday tasks.

If you’re looking for a versatile wireless keyboard that offers a low-profile design, fits full-size requirements, and comes equipped with a built-in number pad, HP’s 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard might just be what you need. It boasts an impressive array of features such as adjustable backlight brightness levels (4 in total), 20 programmable keys for personalized usage, a user-friendly software application for customization, and the ability to connect with multiple devices simultaneously.

For several weeks now, I’ve been putting the latest wireless keyboard from HP through its paces, and let me tell you, it has truly impressed me. From its sleek design to its wealth of advanced features, this keyboard stands out as the finest wireless offering HP has ever produced. At just $129, the value is undeniable – this is my comprehensive review.

HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard: Price and availability

The HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard is accessible from online vendors like Amazon and HP itself. Typically priced at $129.99, this keyboard may occasionally be found on sale for as low as $99 during promotions, so make sure to watch out for possible discounts.

HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard: What’s good

The HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard features a minimalistic industrial design that I really like. It comes in a silver colorway that looks sublime on any modern desk, giving off an aluminum chassis vibe even though the whole thing is made of (high-quality) plastic. There’s absolutely no flex to the keyboard, and its weight of 2.2 lbs makes it feel even more premium.

On the bottom, there are two extendable feet for height adjustment. You can set it anywhere between fully flat and slightly raised. It’s great for those who like typing at a slight incline, including me. Typing feels smooth and satisfying, with a keyboard layout similar to chiclets that offers both soft and tactile feedback. The keys use scissor switches and have a key travel of 2mm.

As a long-time computer user with a penchant for working late into the night, I can attest to the importance of having a well-lit workspace. That’s why I was thrilled to discover this wireless keyboard, equipped with an adjustable backlight that is not commonly found in wireless keyboards. The brightness level can be adjusted among four different settings, making it easy to find the perfect illumination for my needs.

Additionally, I appreciate the versatility offered by this keyboard in terms of connecting it to various devices. It offers three methods: wired through USB-C, wireless via Bluetooth 5.0, or wireless using a 2.4GHz USB-A dongle that comes with it. Since my PC’s Bluetooth receiver isn’t very reliable, I usually opt for the 2.4GHz dongle whenever possible for a more dependable connection.

As a multi-tasking professional who constantly juggles work on several devices, I wholeheartedly appreciate keyboards that offer seamless connectivity and ease of use. In my daily grind, I often find myself switching between multiple screens for various tasks – be it answering emails, drafting documents, or video conferencing. The ability to pair a keyboard with up to three devices wirelessly is a game-changer for me.

As an analyst, I’d like to highlight that the 970 Wireless “Programmable” Keyboard comes with a customization feature. You can effortlessly configure this keyboard using HP’s Accessory Center application, which is available for download from the Microsoft Store. The setup process is quick and straightforward; once you’ve installed the app and connected your keyboard, it will instantly appear within the app, ready for personalized adjustments.

You’ll find no less than 20 distinct keys on your keyboard that you can personalize! Personalization involves assigning specific functions to each key, such as dedicated commands, keystrokes, or even launching applications. For instance, you could modify the mute microphone button to open Google Chrome instead, or set it up so that pressing WIN+Shift+S opens the Snipping Tool.

The app is super easy to use, and once you’ve poked around in there for a few minutes, you likely won’t need to again outside of updating the keyboard’s firmware.

HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard: What I don’t like

Although I find the design appealing, I would prefer if the keyboard casing were made from a higher-end material instead. Despite its premium feel, there’s something about the cold touch of aluminum keyboards like Apple’s Magic Keyboard that I miss. Those subtle details can really elevate the user experience, and considering it costs $129, using metal over plastic for the casing doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

Additionally, I dislike that the standard keyboard layout doesn’t have a print screen key. This makes it impossible for me to use the combination of WIN+PrintScreen to capture my desktop screenshot. Instead, I am obligated to utilize the Snipping Tool button, which adds extra steps for an identical outcome. However, customization is possible using HP’s Accessory Center; yet, I would still prefer a dedicated print screen keyboard shortcut over this workaround.

My biggest issue with the keyboard, however is the inability to change the behavior of the included Emoji and Voice Dictation buttons. This is one of the first desktop keyboards I’ve come across that includes built-in Windows Emoji Panel and Voice Dictation buttons, two features I don’t use. Shockingly, you cannot change the behavior of these buttons to something else. They are stuck being for emoji’s and voice dictation, for some reason.

In conclusion, although it’s a minor detail, the transition of the backlight could use some improvement. Instead of gradually dimming and brightening, it seems to jump noticeably between levels. It’s not a major issue, but considering the price point of $130, a more seamless animation would have been appreciated.

HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if…

You want a low-profile chiclet-style keyboard with a backlight
You need a keyboard with programmable keys
You need a keyboard with a number pad

❌ You should not buy this if…

You prefer mechanical keyboards
You don’t like full-sized keyboard with number pads.

In my opinion, the HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard stands out as one of HP’s top-notch keyboards. It offers exceptional customization options, boasts an aesthetically pleasing design that fits well on most desks, and delivers a superior typing experience. I must confess, I believe my typing skills are more refined on this keyboard compared to my beloved mechanical one.

1. Typing on the HP keyboard is incredibly quiet, making it perfect for those late-night typing sessions. The built-in backlight is particularly useful if you, like me, tend to work into the night. It isn’t until you lack a backlight that you truly appreciate its importance in a dimly lit room.

2024-08-24 15:09