An Evaluation of the Acer OKR212 Keyboard: A Cost-Effective Alternative to the Logitech K480

For over four years, I relied on the Logitech K480 keyboard until its performance started deteriorating. Despite initially dismissing the idea of replacing it, continuous lagging, unresponsiveness, and key repetition compelled me to seek a new solution. Though my initial plan was to buy the same model, the bulkiness of the Logitech K480 led me to consider alternatives. Ultimately, I opted for the sleek and feature-rich Acer OKR212. In this article, I will compare the two keyboards and discuss my experience with the Acer OKR212 as a more portable and affordable replacement.

Design and Delivery:

Upon delivery, the Acer OKR212 impressed me with its well-packaged and stylish appearance. The keyboard exuded a premium build quality, featuring a seamless design devoid of the typical plastic feel associated with other Bluetooth keyboards. In contrast, the Logitech K480 appeared bulkier and less aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the Acer OKR212 weighed significantly less, making it easier to carry and use alongside a tablet.

Size and Parameters:

While the dimension comparisons between the Acer OKR212 (289.7*159.8*16mm) and the Logitech K480 (299*195*20mm) display negligible differences, it is the Acer OKR212's noticeable slimness that sets it apart. The softer edges and sleek profile of the Acer keyboard added to the overall comfort and ease of use. On the other hand, the Logitech K480 felt sturdier but lacked the modern, streamlined appeal of its counterpart.

Typing Experience:

Undoubtedly, the key experience of the Logitech K480 surpassed that of the Acer OKR212. Having used the Logitech keyboard for four years, its tactile feedback, crisp sound, and responsive keys had become second nature. The Acer OKR212, while still functional, offered a softer keystroke and lacked the same level of precision and auditory satisfaction. However, the Acer keyboard's performance compared favorably to laptop keyboards.

Battery Life and Power Supply:

The Acer OKR212's built-in 150 mAh battery exhibited decent endurance, with a 92% remaining charge upon arrival. Although the official usage duration is unspecified, a comprehensive assessment of battery life is yet to be determined. In contrast, the Logitech K480 relied on two AA Nanfu batteries, lasting approximately six months. With a cell capacity of 1200 mAh, the Logitech keyboard's battery life proved reliable, but ultimately required more frequent changes.

Functionality and Connectivity:

Both keyboards possessed similar functionality, but with slight differences in terms of function keys. Acer OKR212 introduced a mode switch key and a dedicated switch key, while the Logitech K480 offered a device switching knob on the front and system switching keys for different operating systems. Although Logitech K480 provided support for up to three devices, allowing seamless device switching and effortless pairing, Acer OKR212's support for two devices (via Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless) still offered convenience for most users.

Card Slot and Portability:

Both keyboards featured card slots suitable for accommodating tablets or smartphones. The Logitech K480 employed a flexible rubber slot that minimized the risk of device scratches, while the Acer OKR212 utilized a standard hard plastic slot. The Logitech K480's slot exhibited a slightly steeper angle (126°) compared to the Acer OKR212 (124°), but this had minimal impact on user experience. In terms of portability, the Acer OKR212's size and weight made it a more travel-friendly option.

Considering the keyboard's appearance, battery life, typing experience, functionality, and price, the Acer OKR212 proved to be an excellent replacement for the Logitech K480. Its sleek design, comparable features, and affordable price tag made it a cost-effective alternative. Although sacrificing some tactile feedback, the Acer OKR212's superior portability and overall performance make it a worthy contender in the realm of wireless keyboards.