REVIEW: Adesso Flexible Keyboard
Don’t know if you’ve ever needed to tote a keyboard around or use one under damp or outright wet conditions. If so, you might read on.
I received an invite to evaluate the Adesso AKB-230W. It’s an extended full Windows keyboard. So, right off I’ve had to adjust to control-alt-option keys being in the wrong place for my Mac OS. Aside from that it’s certainly a FLEXIBLE keyboard embedded in silicone.
I worked on a product development team to develop a fruit roll up style keyboard back in the early 90’s. It was an ADB powered device. It could take a LOT of abuse, was waterproof but unlike the Adesso it was NOT dependent on spring-loaded keys.
I bring this up because the Adesso keyboard has spring loaded keys and the least little shifting sets them off.
As keyboards go, it works as advertised (on a Mac even) and had a natural full-size, keyboard feel to it. PS/2 and USB connections. Yes, it contorts reasonably well. But, if it was expected to work on a lap or something that would introduce contortion while in service… You’ll not be a happy camper.
PROS: It’s fully waterproof (Yes, I asked permission to dunk it) and plug-n-play.
CONS: It attracts lint and crud like a black suit. Good thing it’s washable 
Being flexible like it is… there are some interesting possibilities and environments where it will be ideally suited. The packaging is uninspiring (I know, nit-picky… I’m a Mac guy though… what’d you expect!?)
With a little more product development and testing this could be turned into something truly interesting. As is… I give it a B-
