Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II Review: The Complete Guide

Alright folks, buckle up! Today we’re diving into the world of keyboards, and not just any keyboard, but the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “How exciting can a keyboard be?” But hold onto your hats because this sleek piece of technology might just surprise you.

First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

Unboxing the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II is a bit like opening a gift on Christmas morning. Inside the box, you’ll find the keyboard itself, a USB receiver for wireless connectivity, a USB-C charging cable, and some paperwork that you’ll probably never read. The design is reminiscent of the classic ThinkPad laptops, with the iconic red TrackPoint nestled comfortably between the G, H, and B keys. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those of us who’ve spent hours typing away on a ThinkPad.

Design and Build: Simple Yet Elegant

The first thing that strikes you about the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II is its design. It’s compact, slim, and screams minimalism. The chiclet-style keycaps and scissor switches are not just for show—they’re designed to provide a light and responsive typing experience. The keyboard has a low profile with a single incline setting, which might disappoint those who prefer adjustable heights. But let’s face it, we can’t have everything, can we?

One minor gripe here: the Fn key is placed right below the Shift key. If you’re used to having the Ctrl key in that spot, prepare for a lot of accidental Fn key presses. Unfortunately, there’s no way to reprogram these keys in the software. It’s a small annoyance, but something to keep in mind.

Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB Receiver

This keyboard is all about flexibility. You can pair it with one device via Bluetooth and another via its USB receiver. Switching between devices is a breeze. However, if you’re the type who likes to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, you might find this limiting. But for the average user, it’s more than adequate.

The TrackPoint: A Blast from the Past

Ah, the TrackPoint. This little red nubbin has been a staple of ThinkPad keyboards for decades. It’s not for everyone, but for those who love it, it’s irreplaceable. It allows for precise cursor control without the need to lift your hands from the keyboard. The left, right, and middle-click buttons below the space bar are perfectly placed for quick access. It’s a feature that’s especially useful for those who frequently switch between typing and using the mouse.

Typing Experience: Light and Responsive

Typing on the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II is like a dream. The scissor switches provide a light, tactile feel that’s both satisfying and efficient. The keys are quiet, making this keyboard ideal for office environments where the sound of clacking keys might drive your coworkers up the wall. The low profile and slight incline make for a comfortable typing experience, even during long typing sessions.

Backlighting: Or Lack Thereof

One notable omission is the lack of backlighting. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you often find yourself working in low-light conditions, it could be a bit of a nuisance. The lack of backlighting is a surprising oversight, especially considering how common this feature has become in modern keyboards.

Compatibility: Mostly Good, Some Quirks

The Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II is designed to work with a variety of operating systems. It’s great with Windows, and all the alphanumerical keys work on most operating systems including macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. However, some keys don’t function properly on macOS and Linux, which might be a drawback for some users. If you’re a die-hard Apple or Linux fan, you might want to take this into consideration.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Performance

One area where this keyboard shines is battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II boasts impressive battery longevity. A single charge can last up to two months with average use. When it does run out, you can simply plug it in using the included USB-C cable and continue using it while it charges. It’s a small convenience, but one that can make a big difference in day-to-day use.

Portability: Travel-Friendly Design

Given its compact size and lightweight build, the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II is incredibly portable. It’s thin enough to slip into a laptop bag without taking up much space, and its wireless functionality means you don’t have to worry about carrying around extra cables. The integrated pointing stick and mouse click buttons mean you don’t need to bring a separate mouse, which is a huge plus for travelers.

Office Use: A Quiet Performer

In an office setting, the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II excels. Its quiet keys ensure you won’t disturb your colleagues, and its compact size means it won’t dominate your desk space. While it might not be as ergonomic as some dedicated office keyboards, it’s comfortable enough for prolonged use. The lack of backlighting might be a minor inconvenience, but the overall performance and ease of use more than make up for it.

Gaming: Not Its Strong Suit

If you’re a gamer, this probably isn’t the keyboard for you. The Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II has high latency and no backlighting, which are significant drawbacks for gaming. While it does have dedicated software, you can only change the pointer speed and set macros to just the F12 key. It’s clear that this keyboard is designed with productivity in mind, not gaming.

Pros and Cons: The Rundown

Let’s summarize the pros and cons of the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II.

Pros:

• Compact and Portable: Easy to carry around, perfect for travel.
• Wireless Connectivity: Pair with devices via Bluetooth or USB receiver.
• Quiet Keys: Ideal for office environments.
• Integrated TrackPoint: Precise cursor control without a mouse.
• Long Battery Life: Up to two months on a single charge.

Cons:

• No Backlighting: Can be a problem in low-light conditions.
• Fn Key Placement: Might lead to accidental presses.
• Limited Compatibility: Some keys don’t work on macOS and Linux.
• Not Suitable for Gaming: High latency and limited customization.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, should you buy the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a keyboard. If you’re a fan of the ThinkPad design and you need a portable, wireless keyboard for productivity on the go, this is a fantastic choice. The typing experience is excellent, the battery life is impressive, and the integrated TrackPoint is a unique feature that sets it apart from other keyboards.

However, if you need a keyboard for gaming or you frequently work in low-light conditions, you might want to look elsewhere. The lack of backlighting and high latency make it less than ideal for these scenarios.

Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II is a solid choice for anyone who values portability, wireless connectivity, and a comfortable typing experience. It’s not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Check It Out!

Ready to upgrade your typing experience? Click the button below to check the price of the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II on Amazon and see if it’s the right fit for you. Trust me, your fingers will thank you!

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