Digital Trends

Zippy WK-712

June 4th, 2003 | by Brian Bordenave

Introduction

Looking for a stylish, compact keyboard to go with your latest computer?  Then consider this latest offering from Zippy.  Introducing the WK-712. This little number has stealthily found its way into stores and e-tailers with little fanfare.  The WK-712 shares virtually all the same features as its brethren the larger WK-711 and Viewsonic Viewmate, except its about 20% smaller.

Features

This little device packs the punch of some of the big name boards into a much more attractive package.  The metallic silver chassis houses a keypad consisting of light grey and bluish-purple keys.   Along the top edge, there is a row of hot keys and three power management keys.  These buttons are made of a soft dark grey rubber material that provides a good level of feedback when pressed.  The keyboard is easy to navigate.  All of the hot keys worked without any special drivers needing to be installed.

Media hot keys :

• E-mail and Internet keys: Previous page, next page, WWW home, stop, refresh, my favorite, search, e-mail
• Multimedia Keys : Mute, previous, play/pause, next, stop, volume down, volume up
• Programmable key: Optional
• ACPI Keys: Wake, sleep, power

The incorporation of the 2-port USB port makes this keyboard very utilitarian.  Being able to add on devices through the keyboard or switching the mouse from right-handed use to left-handed orientation is invaluable. 

Setup and use

The only major drawback to this board is its size.  It bridges the gap between its ultra small cousin the EL-610 and its bigger relative the WK-711.The keys on the WK-712 are similar in size to the EL-610 making them about two-thirds the size of the average keys.  This single characteristic makes this keyboard slip in the Ease of Use category.  Yet, users with smaller hands will undoubtedly find it easier to use than users with big hands.

Conclusion

This keyboard lays virtually flat on your desktop and will make a great companion to a new LCD display.  Thanks to a fairly reasonable pricetag, this keyboard ranks an impressive 8 overall.