Adesso Tru-Form 150 Keyboard Review

Initial Impressions

When I first got my hands on the Adesso Tru-Form 150 keyboard, I was intrigued by its unique design. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill office keyboard. The split keyboard layout and built-in wrist rest immediately caught my eye, promising an ergonomic experience that could potentially alleviate the strain from long hours of typing. However, as we all know, looks can be deceiving, and the true test lies in the actual performance and usability of the keyboard. So, let’s dive into my experience with the Adesso Tru-Form 150 keyboard.

Ergonomics: A Mixed Bag

Ergonomics are a big selling point for the Adesso Tru-Form 150, and on paper, it sounds fantastic. The split keyboard design is supposed to encourage a more natural hand position, and the integrated wrist rest is a nice touch. When I started using it, I did notice a difference in how my hands and wrists were positioned. It felt more natural and less straining compared to a standard keyboard.

However, this improved posture came at a cost. The keys on the Adesso Tru-Form 150 require a heavier press than I’m used to. This made typing a bit more laborious, especially during longer typing sessions. The idea is good, but the execution left me with mixed feelings. I found myself wondering if the ergonomic benefits were worth the extra effort needed to press the keys.

Build Quality: Looks Can Be Deceiving

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Adesso Tru-Form 150 keyboard is its build quality. While the ergonomic design is innovative, the materials used in the construction of this keyboard leave much to be desired. The keyboard feels cheap and plasticky, which is not what I expected from a product that is marketed as ergonomic and professional.

The keycaps wobble noticeably, which doesn’t inspire confidence in their durability. It’s a bit like driving a car that looks sleek from the outside but rattles and shakes once you’re on the road. The Adesso Tru-Form 150 may look like a high-end ergonomic keyboard, but it certainly doesn’t feel like one when you’re using it.

Typing Experience: Not Quite There

Typing on the Adesso Tru-Form 150 is an experience, and not necessarily in a good way. The keyboard uses rubber dome switches, which are known for being quiet – a definite plus for office environments. However, the quietness comes at the cost of typing quality. The keys require a substantial amount of force to register, which can be tiring over time. I found myself making more typos than usual because the keys didn’t register my lighter keystrokes.

This can be particularly frustrating if you type quickly or for extended periods. The pre-travel distance is also quite high, which means the keys need to be pressed down quite a bit before they actuate. This is not ideal for fast typists or gamers who rely on quick, responsive keystrokes.

Compatibility: A Mixed Bag

The Adesso Tru-Form 150 is fully compatible with Windows, which is great news for most users. However, if you’re using macOS or Linux, you might run into some issues. While the keyboard technically works with these operating systems, not all the media keys are compatible. This means that some of the convenience features, like dedicated keys for email or music, might not function as intended on non-Windows systems.

For a keyboard that boasts so many media and shortcut keys, this limitation can be a significant drawback. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife where only half the tools work depending on what type of job you’re doing.

Backlighting: A Light Show with Limits

One of the more visually appealing features of the Adesso Tru-Form 150 is its backlighting. You can choose from three colors: red, green, and blue. This is handy if you’re working in a dimly lit environment or simply want to add a bit of flair to your desk setup. The gently-lit keys are easy on the eyes and help reduce strain during late-night typing sessions.

However, gamers and those who appreciate customizable lighting might be disappointed. The keyboard does not offer individually-lit keys, and you can only select one color at a time. While the backlighting is a nice feature, it doesn’t provide the level of customization that some users might be looking for.

Gaming: Not Its Strong Suit

If you’re a gamer, the Adesso Tru-Form 150 is likely to leave you underwhelmed. The lack of macro programmable keys is a significant drawback for gaming. These keys are essential for customizing commands and executing complex in-game actions quickly. Additionally, the high pre-travel distance of the keys means they are not as responsive as one might need for fast-paced gaming.

The overall build quality, which feels cheap, also doesn’t inspire confidence in the keyboard’s durability for heavy use. And, as mentioned earlier, the backlighting is not customizable enough to meet the needs of serious gamers. If gaming is a priority for you, this keyboard might not be the best choice.

Everyday Use: Decent for Office Work

Despite its flaws, the Adesso Tru-Form 150 does have its strengths, particularly for office use. The quiet keys are a blessing in a shared workspace, and the array of media and shortcut keys can enhance productivity. Features like dedicated email and browser keys are convenient and can save you a bit of time throughout the day.

For tasks that don’t require rapid keystrokes or heavy customization, the Adesso Tru-Form 150 performs adequately. If your primary need is a keyboard for typing out documents, emails, or browsing the web, this keyboard can get the job done. It’s not the most comfortable or the most efficient keyboard out there, but it’s functional.

Aesthetics: Looks Good, Feels Meh

The Adesso Tru-Form 150 has a sleek look that might impress at first glance. The split design and backlighting give it a modern, professional appearance. However, as you start using it, the feel of the keyboard doesn’t quite match up to its looks. The cheap plastic and wobbly keys detract from the overall aesthetic experience. It’s a bit like buying a stylish piece of furniture that’s uncomfortable to sit on – it looks great in your office, but using it isn’t as pleasant.

Durability: Questionable Longevity

When it comes to durability, I have my doubts about the Adesso Tru-Form 150. The build quality feels subpar, and the wobbling keys don’t help its case. While the keyboard boasts a 5 million keystroke lifecycle for its membrane switches, I’m not entirely confident it will hold up under heavy use. If you’re someone who types a lot or relies on your keyboard for extended periods, you might find yourself shopping for a replacement sooner than you’d like.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

The Adesso Tru-Form 150 keyboard is a mixed bag. It has some good features, like its ergonomic design and quiet keys, which make it a decent choice for office environments. The backlighting is a nice touch, and the media and shortcut keys can enhance productivity for Windows users. However, the keyboard’s shortcomings – from its cheap build quality and wobbly keys to its high pre-travel distance and limited compatibility with macOS and Linux – make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly.

If you’re looking for a keyboard that prioritizes ergonomics and you don’t mind the extra effort required to press the keys, the Adesso Tru-Form 150 might be worth considering. However, if you need a keyboard for gaming, or you’re looking for something that offers a more premium feel and better overall performance, you might want to look elsewhere.

In summary, the Adesso Tru-Form 150 is a passable keyboard for office use but falls short in other areas. Its ergonomic design shows promise, but the execution leaves much to be desired. If you’re willing to overlook its flaws, it can serve as a functional office keyboard. Just don’t expect it to blow you away.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Adesso Tru-Form 150 keyboard? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a budget-friendly ergonomic keyboard for office tasks and don’t mind a bit of extra effort in your typing, it’s worth a shot. However, for gamers, heavy typists, or those seeking a high-quality build, there are better options out there. It’s a keyboard that tries to do many things but doesn’t quite hit the mark in key areas.


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