Customer Reviews for Lenovo - ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II (US English) - Wired/Wireless Connectivity - Bluetooth - 2.40 GHz - USB Type A In - Black
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I spent quite a few hours doing my research before purchasing this keyboard. Not to mention countless, sleepless nights hoping that the retail price will drop from its original price (fortunately, it did which was one of the catalysts to proceed with my purchase). So here’s what I think of this product.
During my preliminary research, I had read that many people complained about the position of the Fn and Ctrl keys, which I didn’t quite understand. Then on my first day, as I was typing (whilst highlighting by using Ctrl + arrow keys), it dawned upon me that said keys should have been reversely positioned. It’s been about a month since my purchase and I am slowly getting accustomed to the “reversed” key positions. Now I sympathise with other reviewers.
One of my initial reluctance (actually more like hesitation or discouragement) to purchase this keyboard was due to its lack of back-lit keyboard function. Frankly, I still wish Lenovo had made it with the back-lit function. Granted that the battery life is approximately 2 months based on a single charge, which is quite impressive. FYI, my keyboard is still going strong. But personally I would rather have the back-lit keyboard function with a shorter battery life (say 1 month which is more than sufficient - at least for me).
The set-up was incredibly easy & self-explanatory. So far (after approximately a month of continuous usage of 12 hrs/day), I have yet to lose connection via the dongle connection. Plus I do like the fact that the keyboard has a built-in dongle slot which is rather clever & convenient. But the packaging was shockingly slight (yet tight). When I saw the original package, frankly I was surprised that it actually made the trip from Hong Kong in one piece. There’s no protector, foam, bubble…etc. It’s just densely packaged in a thin cardboard box. The important thing is that it arrived safely and surprisingly quickly. I am not sure how to travel with this keyboard though since I have yet to find the carrying case/pouch for this keyboard. I reckon I will have to use bubble wraps for now.
Over all, I would strongly recommend this keyboard to anybody who is looking for a compact keyboard. One of the reasons that this keyboard drew my attention was its compactness. I prefer typing whilst the centre of my keyboard is aligned with the centre of my monitor. With a conventional keyboard, I would have to move the keyboard to the right side slightly in order to position the centre of the keyboard (where the G and H keys are located) aligned to the centre of the monitor (since the right side of the keyboard side usually has the built-in numeric keypad). And this repositioning will further move the mouse away from the centre. Perhaps others don’t mind this but I am a bit eccentric when it comes to positioning my hands when typing & using the mouse. Since I can use both the built-in track point and an additional mouse (which I am doing), I am quite pleased with this keyboard. I would say it’s the best purchase I have made in a long time.
My only recommendation would be for the next model, the built-in tilt adjustable stand should be somewhat longer (additional 0.5cm would perfect). But I do like the rubberised ends. Clever engineering on that part. Lastly, Lenovo’s offering of an additional discount for seniors via ID.me (I initially applied for it as a joke then I realised I am THAT old) was a plus for me. I can’t wait for the version III. Hopefully it will have the back-lit feature.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I also have the previous version external keyboard (bluetooth only) from maybe four years ago (and I've had a ton of thinkpads over the years).
The lower profile keys on this version are not great (seems like they get lower and lower profile with every kbd revision), but the keys didn't change that much compared to the trackpoint click buttons, which are way too low profile and have too way little travel, especially the middle click. If it were just about the feel of the keyboard, these issues would make it a bit worse that the BT version, but the connectivity (bluetooth and 2.4ghz dongle) is great for my use case.
Works well for iPad but a little tough in the dark. Could better define the brightness and volume keys (but I do love that they’re there, not even my magic keyboard cover has those buttons!) Wish I could turn off right click as well, otherwise no issues, great typing
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] One of (if not the) best external keyboard with much beloved ThinkPad layout. Quality is superb, there is no flex. Key travel is excellent, no issues with trackpoint positioning neither. Definitely a keeper.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Compared to the first Trackpoint Bluetooth Keyboard, this one is an extreme step up. The keys feel far nicer than the original, the mouse buttons are clicky, the fact I can now use a USB Dongle and not only bluetooth is wonderful in situations where I do not have access to bluetooth.
The selector switch and power switch are nice because instead of just holding it and waiting for an LED to light up like the original, they are proper on and off switches so I know if the keyboard doesn't turn on, it's likely dead.
All in all the Trackpoint Keyboard II is, in my opinion, a far cry above it's original and a great choice for a backpack keyboard, a media center keyboard, or a secondary backup keyboard.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is a great improvement over the older micro-usb wired version. Connects instantly with the RF USB dongle or bluetooth. Recharges via USB-C and has great battery life. I'm still running from the first charge.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The trackpad is very well designed and can be used as a 2-1 in the sense that it has both a keyboard and mouse functionality. The buttons have the unique thinkpad feel and the red cursor button is easy to use. It connects through a USB dongle. Overall I would recommend this to anyone looking for an alternative to all the Logitech keyboards out there.