Following information is taken from the Arctic's website.
The K481 is a wireless mini keyboard designed for users on-the-go. Designed with a light and compact profile, the K481 rests comfortably on your lap which makes it perfect for the living room.
Now that we got basic information out of the way, lets take a closer look at Arctic's K481.
The first thing that jumps at you from the packaging box is the Multi Touch feature of K481. If you ever had or used Mac then you know all about the double finger scroll and triple finger right click. This is extremely handy when you are sitting on the couch and the only thing you have this is a small media center keyboard. From pictures you probably figured out that K481 has a built in track pad. K481 packaging is very easy on the eyes but then again it does a good job showing all the features and specifications of K481.
K481 is a fully wireless keyboard so it makes a great couch accessory. Over all packaging of K481 is very nice and solid. Once we have opened the box we found K481 in a protective pouch which keeps the unit a way from scratches while in transport.
In addition to K481 we found a wireless transmitter, a set of AAA rechargeable batteries and instructional manual for the unit. The whole unit is extremely small. We are looking at 280x112x17 mm dimensions. From the front of the unit we can see that the track pad is located on the right side of the keyboard. This keyboard also doesn't have a number pad. But let's face it, who would need a number pad when it comes to a media PC.
K481 keys are very small and soft. When pressing the keys no clicking sounds could be heard. What you are basically getting here is a mini laptop keyboard. You have all of your standard keys here including Function and Windows keys.
Besides the track pad K481 also offers convenience keys for media controls. If you are planning to have music on your media server, these keys will be a great help. The connection of K481 is wirelessly linked by a small wireless adapter. Just plug this adapter in to the media PC and you should be all set to rock and roll. No installation required and this unit is plug and play.
K481is very thin and light so it will fit just about anywhere. As you can see from the pictures they keyboard is just about the same size as a macbook.
While playing around with K481 we have noticed that the track pad support multi touch technology. If you are familiar with single finger and multiple finger gestures then you know how helpful these commands really are. The range of the keyboard from the source was about 10 feet and we had no problems with reception.
K481 definitely is a useful keyboard. If you are looking for a small and handy keyboard for media center K481 is a good candidate for that. There aren't many features that we found with K481 however the multi touch tracking pad and media control buttons come extremely handy. Some wireless keyboards have a "so-so" range, we have used K481 approximately 10 feet a way from the source and didn't had any problem. K481 run on two AAA batteries which could be recharged over and over again. Very handy. We would like to award K481 a strong 9/10. Great value!
Light and compact.
Easy to use.
Quiet keys.
Multi touch track pad.
Media keys.
None that we could find.
<p><img src="logo.jpg" style="float: left;" />Just very recently I've build a media PC for my house. With all the pictures and videos of my family I just had to make a massive storage media PC. Parts were easy to get so why not? The only part I forgot was the keyboard. Unfortunately we don't have Kinect type interface just yet so an old fashioned wireless keyboard should do. Everywhere I looked I saw a full size keyboards and nothing small and miniature. Today we are going to take a look at a miniature size wireless keyboard which is designed exactly for media centers and easy access. A big thanks goes to Arctic for providing us with this review unit. Arctic doesn't like to use naming convention for their products so today product code name is K481. Let's spend some time and see what features K481 has.</p><hr id="system-readmore" /><p></p><p><strong>About the Product</strong></p>
<p>Following information is taken from the Arctic's website.</p>
<p><strong>Features</strong></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><p>The K481 is a wireless mini keyboard designed for users on-the-go. Designed with a light and compact profile, the K481 rests comfortably on your lap which makes it perfect for the living room.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="16" width="110"><img alt="" src="http://www.arctic.ac/p/uploads/DCI/blind.gif" width="110" height="1" /></td>
<td width="275"><img alt="" src="http://www.arctic.ac/p/uploads/DCI/blind.gif" width="275" height="1" /></td>
<td width="110"><img alt="" src="http://www.arctic.ac/p/uploads/DCI/blind.gif" width="110" height="1" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="110" align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.arctic.ac/p/uploads/Icon/2.4_GHz.jpg" /></td>
<td valign="top" width="385" colspan="2"><p><strong>Wireless Operation</strong></p>
<p>Using the USB signal receiver that is included, the <strong>K481</strong> connects to it wirelessly within a distance of up to 10 meters. Featuring four hot keys for multi-media playback, it is perfect for home entertainment and a good complement for MC001.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="385" colspan="2"><p><strong>Multi-Touch Pad</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>K481 </strong>is a full-featured keyboard which incorporates a multi-touch pad to take the user experience further. You can navigate the cursor, click left and right, drag and scroll effortless with a swipe on the pad.</p></td>
<td valign="top" width="110" align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.arctic.ac/p/uploads/Icon/Multi-Touch.jpg" width="94" height="126" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.arctic.ac/p/uploads/Icon/Auto_Power_Saving.jpg" width="94" height="126" /></td>
<td valign="top" width="385" colspan="2"><p><strong>Power Saving</strong></p>
<p>Operated by two AAA batteries, the <strong>K481</strong> enters automatic power saving mode after being idle for 10 minutes.</p></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><strong>Specifications</strong></p>
<table border="1" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<th>Dimensions (Packaging)</th>
<td>298 L x 148 W x 23 H mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions (Product)</th>
<td>280 L x 112 W x 17 H mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Product Net Weight</th>
<td>280 g</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Connectivity</th>
<td>USB Mini Receiver</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Battery </th>
<td>AAA x 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Compatibility</th>
<td>Windows 7 / Vista / XP / NT / ME / 2000<br />
Mac OS X</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Operation Distance</th>
<td>10 m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Touch Pad Sensitivity</th>
<td>800 dpi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Limited Warranty</th>
<td><a href="http://www.arctic.ac/en/support/rma-flowchart.htm">2 years</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>UPC</th>
<td><strong>CZ</strong> : 0872767004504<br />
<strong>DE</strong> : 0872767004498<br />
<strong>UK</strong> : 0872767004474<br />
<strong>US</strong> : 0872767004481</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>itemnumber</th>
<td>KBACO-K4810-GBD01</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>UPC</th>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Gross Weight</th>
<td>0.8 kg</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Now that we got basic information out of the way, lets take a closer look at Arctic's K481.</p><p><strong>Closer look </strong></p><table align="center" width="60%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0934.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th><th scope="col"> </th><th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0935.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
</tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><strong>Front Shot </strong></div> </td> <td> </td> <td> <div align="center"><strong>Rear Shot</strong></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p>The first thing that jumps at you from the packaging box is the Multi Touch feature of K481. If you ever had or used Mac then you know all about the double finger scroll and triple finger right click. This is extremely handy when you are sitting on the couch and the only thing you have this is a small media center keyboard. From pictures you probably figured out that K481 has a built in track pad. K481 packaging is very easy on the eyes but then again it does a good job showing all the features and specifications of K481.</p><table align="center" width="60%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0936.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th><th scope="col"> </th><th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0937.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
</tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div> </td> <td> </td> <td> <div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p>K481 is a fully wireless keyboard so it makes a great couch accessory. Over all packaging of K481 is very nice and solid. Once we have opened the box we found K481 in a protective pouch which keeps the unit a way from scratches while in transport. </p>
<table align="center" width="60%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0940.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
<th scope="col"> </th>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0941.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
<td> </td>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>In addition to K481 we found a wireless transmitter, a set of AAA rechargeable batteries and instructional manual for the unit. The whole unit is extremely small. We are looking at 280x112x17 mm dimensions. From the front of the unit we can see that the track pad is located on the right side of the keyboard. This keyboard also doesn't have a number pad. But let's face it, who would need a number pad when it comes to a media PC.</p>
<table align="center" width="60%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0943.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
<th scope="col"> </th>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0944.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
<td> </td>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> K481 keys are very small and soft. When pressing the keys no clicking sounds could be heard. What you are basically getting here is a mini laptop keyboard. You have all of your standard keys here including Function and Windows keys. </p>
<table align="center" width="60%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0945.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
<th scope="col"> </th>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0947.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
<td> </td>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Besides the track pad K481 also offers convenience keys for media controls. If you are planning to have music on your media server, these keys will be a great help. The connection of K481 is wirelessly linked by a small wireless adapter. Just plug this adapter in to the media PC and you should be all set to rock and roll. No installation required and this unit is plug and play.</p>
<table align="center" width="60%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0952.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
<th scope="col"> </th>
<th scope="col"><img src="../img/reviews/m34/IMG_0950.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
<td> </td>
<td><div align="center"><strong>Mouse Jiggler</strong></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>K481is very thin and light so it will fit just about anywhere. As you can see from the pictures they keyboard is just about the same size as a macbook.</p>
<p><strong>Testing</strong></p>
<p>While playing around with K481 we have noticed that the track pad support multi touch technology. If you are familiar with single finger and multiple finger gestures then you know how helpful these commands really are. The range of the keyboard from the source was about 10 feet and we had no problems with reception.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p>K481 definitely is a useful keyboard. If you are looking for a small and handy keyboard for media center K481 is a good candidate for that. There aren't many features that we found with K481 however the multi touch tracking pad and media control buttons come extremely handy. Some wireless keyboards have a "so-so" range, we have used K481 approximately 10 feet a way from the source and didn't had any problem. K481 run on two AAA batteries which could be recharged over and over again. Very handy. We would like to award K481 a strong 9/10. Great value!</p>
<p><strong>Some pros we found:</strong></p>
<p>Light and compact.</p>
<p>Easy to use.</p>
<p>Quiet keys.</p>
<p>Multi touch track pad.</p>
<p>Media keys.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Some cons we found:</strong></p>
<p>None that we could find.</p>
<p> </p><p align="center"><img height="415" width="183" src="../img/awards/9.jpg" align="center" /></p></p>
Just very recently I've build a media PC for my house. With all the pictures and videos of my family I just had to make a massive storage media PC. Parts were easy to get so why not? The only part I forgot was the keyboard. Unfortunately we don't have Kinect type interface just yet so an old fashioned wireless keyboard should do. Everywhere I looked I saw a full size keyboards and nothing small and miniature. Today we are going to take a look at a miniature size wireless keyboard which is designed exactly for media centers and easy access. A big thanks goes to Arctic for providing us with this review unit. Arctic doesn't like to use naming convention for their products so today product code name is K481. Let's spend some time and see what features K481 has.
