MyKeyO Keyboard and Organizer

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

September 29, 2006

It never seems as if I have enough storage space for all of the "stuff" that magically gravitates to the limited surface space of my desk. I'm talking about the type things that I may not need right now, but that I can't misplace; things like extra earpieces or jack adapters for a set of headphones, a stick of lip balm, loose memory cards, or a pair of earrings I just removed and don't want to roll off the side of my desk and under the couch - or worse, be eaten by my dog.. Since I have a desktop box that also serves as the base for my monitor, it only seems natural that it should also function as a catch-all for crap (errrr, things) that need to be perched somewhere safe until needed. On any given day there will be a small pile sitting there - the sight of which never ceases to aggravate me because I really don't like clutter.

When Julie asked if I would like to give the MyKeyO Keyboard and Organizer a try, my reasons for accepting were two-fold: I had already killed the letters silk-screened upon the more frequently used keys of my Saitek (yeah, evidently I bang the keys that hard when I type), and I really liked the premise of the MyKeyO - a sectioned organizer hidden underneath the keyboard. After all, clutter is okay as long as it's unseen, right?

It wasn't long before I had received not just one, but two MyKeyO keyboard samples, one in black and the other in white. A quick tour of their site showed that it won't be long until custom printed versions are also available; what an intriguing gift idea! But I digress...

Included in the boxes were the MyKeyO keyboard, two plastic extension feet, a multimedia keyboard driver (for computers running pre-Windows Me), and a user's guide. The MyKeyO will work with all Microsoft Windows® computers and Apple computers. The MyKeyO has a full sized keyboard, directional keys, function keys, and a dedicated number pad.

Like everything else, keyboard technology has evolved to the point where much of the formerly utilized space inside the typical keyboard is now empty - yet most keyboards have still retained their forbears' larger footprint. The MyKeyO measures approximately 17.5" wide x 8" wide x 1.5" thick. There are four small anti-slip pads on the back, the bottom two are the only ones that will touch when the feet are installed.

With the two plastic extension feet installed, it stands 2.25" at its tallest point. These feet just slide into the receiving brackets on the rear, but can be removed and stored inside the keyboard if not needed. One improvement I would like to see would be a rubber coating on the removable feet, which would help keep the keyboard from scooting on a smoother desk.

An organizer built into a basic keyboard would be a great idea, but the MyKeyO goes a step further. This is a fully functioning multimedia keyboard, and as such it has some very handy built-in features. Let's take a look...

We'll start with the lower row, where the left arrow returns the browser to its previous page, and the right arrow take the browser forward when it has been backed up. The circled "X" button stops the browser when it is loading, and the next button refreshes the browser page. The last button launches the computer's Search feature. Above this longer row of buttons are the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons which directly control the system volume levels.

At the top center of the keyboard are the media player control buttons which will control the default player. Directly above the buttons is a 4.25" long compartment that is labeled "Store two batteries in this compartment." Well, I thought it was a pretty ugly label, so of course I had to remove it.

However, the sticker was not the type to leave without a fight; unless you want this constant reminder, you'll need to break out the Goo-Gone. The compartment can also be used to store loose rubber bands or paperclips if battery storage is not needed.

To continue on with the button explanations, we'll start at the upper two. The one on the right mutes the system volume, and the one on the left opens the default media player. On the lower level, the buttons are as follows: the file labeled button opens and docks the internet browser's favorites list on the left of the browser window. The home button takes the user to their internet home page, and the email button will open the user's default email program. The next button opens the computer's calculator utility, and the button with the computer icon opens the main My Computer / Computer file. The typical LEDs for numbers, caps and scroll lock are present and will glow when activated.

The keys on this keyboard have a fair bit of travel as they are pushed - they will sink down about 0.25'. These keys will "clack" a bit, so if you are used to a quiet, more muted keyboard, this one may sound a bit jarring at first. I have to admit that there is something quite satisfying about clicking and clacking away on a keyboard though...

From the front and sides the keyboard looks very similar to many other flat styles, but of course this keyboard has a secret...

Cutaway finger tabs on the bottom of the right and left front corners allow the user to hook a finger underneath and easily lift the keyboard's hood.

When lifted, the raised keyboard reveals a sectioned storage area that can hold a variety of smaller items.

The depth of the items that can be held varies depending on whether the slot is nearer the bottom or top of the board. Those on the bottom are more shallow - about 0.25", while the slots in the back have a deeper 0.75". Included are a variety of slots, including one with a built-in CD spindle. The larger section near the bottom is perfect for stamps, smaller post-it notes, or other relatively flat items. Thicker items stored here will cause the keyboard to sit a bit cock-eyed, so even though my 4G iPod looked like it would easily fit, it was a bit too thick. Ah well, perhaps it's just what I needed - yet another excuse to buy a new 8GB nano. ;0)

(The keyboard will stay propped open on it's own when fully lifted)

The only real disappointment was that there was no place to keep a standard pad of post-it notes, which measure 3" x 3". The bottom compartment's certainly wide enough, it's just slightly too short. Smaller sized pads will fit, so if you are terminally addicted to this office standby, a slight down-sizing may be in order.

The MyKeyO Keyboard Organizer will not appeal to everyone; there are those that will think that it is too utilitarian, that it isn't ergonomic or "natural" enough, that the keys are too noisy, or that it doesn't have the one particular feature which they love on their present keyboard. However, anyone that needs a convenient and completely out of the way place to stow the little loose items which always seem to multiply when one's back is turned...well, they're the ones that will see the value of this keyboard immediately.

The MyKeyO Keyboard Organizer can be purchased here.