ProtoArc EK01 Plus Backlit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Wrist Rest
$99.99
ProtoArc EK01 Plus Backlit Bluetooth Ergonomic Keyboard offers dual Bluetooth and USB connectivity, cushioned wrist rest, and rechargeable design for comfort and productivity. Wireless, full-size, split, compatible.
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Introducing the ProtoArc Ergonomic Keyboard, your ultimate solution to discomfort during long typing sessions. Designed with a full-size layout and a unique curved, split-keyframe design, this keyboard significantly reduces muscle strain on your wrists and forearms, promoting better posture. The scooped keys fit your fingertips effortlessly, making every keystroke feel natural and fluid.
Illuminate your workspace with adjustable soft white LED backlighting featuring three brightness levels: low, medium, and high. Perfect for varying lighting conditions, this customizable backlight helps reduce eye strain while keeping your productivity high. For added convenience, the backlight adjusts based on inactivity—turning off after 1 minute and entering power-saving deep sleep mode after 60 minutes, ensuring efficiency while conserving energy.
Connect seamlessly with up to three devices using Bluetooth or 2.4G USB technology. Switching between your laptop, tablet, and computer is as easy as a simple key press. Compatible with Windows 8/10 or above, Mac OS X 10.12 or above, and Android 4.3 or above, this keyboard is tailored for a variety of platforms (note: wired connection is not supported).
Enjoy extended working hours with the keyboard’s robust 2000mAh rechargeable battery, providing uninterrupted functionality, especially with the backlight off. This USB-C fast charging keyboard allows you to focus on your tasks without the hassle of frequent recharging.
The included cushioned wrist rest delivers 54% more support, effectively reducing wrist fatigue, while four adjustable tilt feet let you choose from three angles for the most comfortable typing position, whether you’re seated or standing.
Please note that for optimal performance, charge the keyboard using a computer’s USB port or a DC 5V 1A charger; avoid high-power adapters. The F1-F12 keys default to multimedia functions and can be switched to traditional key functions by pressing Esc + Fn.
With dimensions measuring 19.69 x 10.43 x 1.57 inches and a weight of 3.79 pounds, the ProtoArc Ergonomic Keyboard is designed to enhance your workspace while maximizing your comfort and productivity. Ensure it fits your desk space by double-checking the dimensions before purchasing. Step up your typing experience with ProtoArc today!
| Product Dimensions | 19.69 x 10.43 x 1.57 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 3.79 pounds |
| Manufacturer | ProtoArc |
| Item model number | EK01 Plus |
| Date First Available | October 2, 2024 |
370 reviews for ProtoArc EK01 Plus Backlit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Wrist Rest
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AT –
I’ve been using a virtual desktop app in VR a lot lately for productivity, and I didn’t really have a great solution for typing. Even with the use of the home keys, my old wireless keyboard made it difficult to get a sense of where my fingers were over its surface when I couldn’t see it. It often led to moments of annoyance where I’d have to delete a typo and then keep making the same mistake several times in a row before I could adjust my positioning correctly. I was looking for a change, and I haven’t used an ergonomic keyboard since the 90s, so I figured I’d give this one a shot. I put my order in, and didn’t really think about it until it arrived.
What showed up genuinely impressed me, even at first glance. The wine red has a nice matte finish, and the way the board is contoured where it splits in the middle immediately feels like a natural angle to work with. The leather wrist rest is soft, but not so thick as to be obtrusive like some other products are. The backlit keys are helpful for writing in the dark, and the way they’re fanned out makes it easy to figure out what I’m about to write while my vision is obscured in VR. The ability to quickly switch between different devices via either the USB dongle or two Bluetooth channels makes it very convenient if you swap between different devices as often as I do.
I’ve also found that unlike most other keyboards I’ve tested out, I haven’t really had to make many changes to the way I type. It turns out that I’ve gotten into the habit of going for the B key with my right index finger and the Y key with my left, and that doesn’t really work with this layout, but apart from that I haven’t found a need to make any other changes to my typing style. Everything just feels natural right away, and it’s already considerably easier on my wrists.
As for complaints, I don’t really have anything serious to worry about. I’m a little skeptical about the magnet holding the USB dongle to the back of the board when it’s packed up, but it seemed to do its job well enough before I plugged it into my desktop. I also might have preferred a trackpoint nub for cursor movement rather than media controls, but that’s probably just due to my particular use case. The keys themselves are a little louder than my old wireless board, but not by much. Other than that, I think it’s one of the best-designed keyboards that I’ve ever used.
I would also like to draw attention to the addition of a letter from the product designer included in the packaging. I haven’t seen something that personal included with a computer peripheral before, and I was surprised at how genuine it seemed. Honestly, I can’t help but wish the guy success, and given the quality of his creation here, I hope this endeavour is going well for him. Thanks for doing a great job, Howard!
Overall, this is now my favourite keyboard by a long shot. It has convinced me to check out the store page for other products from this company, and that doesn’t happen very often. I will be using this as my primary keyboard going forwards, and I’ll be looking to buy more of this company’s products once my finances recover from this holiday season.
I absolutely recommend this product.
Honest_Reviews –
With Microsoft no longer offering ergonomic keyboards, I was looking for something for my home office that was as close as possible in layout to the MS Surface board I had at work after a mishap ruined my MS keyboard at home.
When this ProtoArc Ergonomic Keyboard was offered for review, I jumped at it.
What I have been using for the past month has been very impressive.
PROS:
1. My favourite part: The feel, responsiveness & layout of the keys. Simply put, they *feel* solid yet soft (if you are used to low profile keys) and the layout is incredibly comfortable, IF YOU ARE USED TO IT.
(If you are not used to this type of layout, it does not take long to switch over – trust me. I hate change and had used traditional keyboards (and even my parent’s typewriter) over the past 40 years. When given this style a couple of years ago, I found it difficult and frustrating at first. However, after a couple of days and taking my time (and lots typos), my well-aged fingers started finding their groove. A week later? I was typing faster on this style of layout then my old keyboard at the time. After a few weeks, my wrist pain was dramatically improved and my typing speed and accuracy was also better than ever. Just give it a real shot.
2. The board itself has a stable chassis and good weight to it. I assume the weight is due to the internal batteries. I have been using it a month and other than topping off the charge when I first got it, I have not had to charge it again.
3. The board has the typical *rear tilt legs* that most keyboards do but this one also incorporates the increasingly, essential *front tilt legs* to, well, lift the front of the keyboard instead of the rear. For me, this feature on keyboards has reduced wrist and forearm pain significantly in recent years.
4. USB dongle (that stores on the back of the keyboard when *not* in use which is never nowadays) allows me to easily switch this keyboard between using it with my computer, or pressing a simple button on the top, right corner of the keyboard and switching it over so I can use it with our smart TV (for entering passwords or searching for shows, movies etc). I currently have the dongle plugged into the USB jack on the back of my smart TV – it picks up the signal from this keyboard when in use.
CONS:
None. (Yet.) As always, if anything changes, I will immediately come back and update this review.
All the best,
The Honest Review Family
💯𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖𝐒💯 Rating Scale:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐= LOVE THIS!
⭐⭐⭐⭐= Really good. Still recommended.
⭐⭐⭐= Neutral. Typically has both good & bad points.
⭐⭐= An overall disappointment.
⭐= AWFUL. AVOID.
Nathalie –
la couleur est vraiment belle, j’ai eu une adaptation , car j’utilisais les droits. mais une fois fait, c est vraiment le fun, en plus j’ai moins mal aux poignets ! juste pour ca ca en valait la peine .
The Goat –
I have been a devout Microsoft comfort curved keyboard user for many years… I have gone through at least a couple dozen of them between work and home over the past decade or so. I have used several variants, but all have been wireless. They worked great for me and now it appears that they have discontinued them. Booo. For the mouse I used it, but usually I use a Logitech M510 as I find it more comfortable. That all said, I have tried other brands and they were all substandard to say the least, including the abysmal Logitech K350 that is simply bad on all counts.
That led me to start a renewed search for a quality curved/ ergonomic keyboard. I was getting discouraged until I came across the ProtoArc unit… I ordered one in blue and decided to give it a chance. At first it was different — not bad, just different with key location and feel. I have used split keyboards before and after a couple of days, I was in a rhythm. The things I miss are the hot keys for the calculator and mute. I use both often and do miss them, but have come to grips that I can still mute with F11 key and for the calculator I can create a hotkey shortcut. Not as svelte as the MS keyboard, but at least it is a workaround without having to stray over to the mouse. As far as function overall I do like the keyboard and it does have several redeeming qualities that the MS units lacked — the biggest is I do use a desktop and an laptop — it allows me to switch between both with only a keystroke. That is nice and has prevented me from constantly having to switch the dongle if I want to use it on a second (or third) system. There is a key devoted to locking my system — and at work it is something I always did with a key combination — so I guess I swapped mute for lock…. and I use lock much more often. Otherwise typing is smooth and the only missed letters are by the operator…me! The only change that I need to make is to use my left hand of my space bar more often…I am ambidextrous but do tend to use the right half more. Practice and persistence will definitely fix that.
So overall really like the look and feel… definitely more modern and the finish is matte so no reflections. Keystrokes for me are nice and as mentioned above –different– but definitely good and overall quiet. Is it a good replacement…yes! I do plan to buy more soon for work and home.
Sadia Naeem –
I’m really impressed with this ProtoArc Ergonomic Keyboard! The full-size layout and split, curved keyframes have made a noticeable difference in my typing comfort. It’s designed to reduce muscle strain on the wrists and forearms, and the scooped keys feel natural under my fingertips, making typing effortless.
The cushioned wrist rest is incredibly supportive, reducing wrist fatigue even after long hours of typing. Plus, the adjustable tilt feet let me find the perfect angle, which is great for both sitting and standing.
The backlight feature is a nice touch, especially with its adjustable brightness levels. I can work comfortably in low-light environments without straining my eyes. The keyboard is super versatile too, with Bluetooth and 2.4G USB connectivity options, letting me easily switch between devices like my laptop, tablet, and computer.
Charging is a breeze with the USB-C port, and the 2000mAh battery lasts a long time, even with the backlight on. The sleep mode after 60 minutes of inactivity is a handy feature for power-saving. Overall, this keyboard has greatly improved my typing experience, and I love how it enhances my workflow.
Joshua –
I’ve tried a whole bunch of keyboards. My favorite before I went ergonomic was the mechanical keyboards with cherry MX blue switches, and getting an ergonomic keyboard with mechanical switches is expensive. Of all the ergonomic keyboards I’ve tried, this has been the best combination of value and function.
Insignia ergonomic keyboard – cheap, space bar especially hard to press, sometimes other keys hard to press as well. The cheap keyboards with full size keys seem to have this problem.
ZSA Moonlander – expensive! Awesome keyboard, but too much time fiddling with software mapped key placement, not to mention that certain keys I was used to HAD to be remapped because there just weren’t as many keys as a full size keyboard. Also couldn’t get used to keys placed in columns or placement of keys under thumbs.
Microsoft Sculpt – somewhat expensive, chews up batteries in the keyboard and mouse much faster than equivalent Logitech products. Replacing batteries gets tiresome. Some instances of repeated key presses, especially space bar. The detached number pad always gets lost in my desk.
Pros – this keyboard has chicklet style keys like the Sculpt, which I think makes it easier for a manufacturer to produce an inexpensive keyboard that still feels good. It has an internal rechargeable battery, can be recharged via USB C, doesn’t seem to cause any repeated key presses, and looks really nice in blue. It has conventional key placement and an attached number pad.
Cons – The “Super” key (Windows key or Mac Command Key) doesn’t have the Windows logo that I’m used to, so it takes me just a second longer to figure out what I’m doing with that key for now.
Unknown – I haven’t really figured out how long the internal battery is going to last.
Jimmy L Parker –
I just got the keyboard. I have two das keyboards too. I have Model S Professional and the now discontinued 4C TKL. I wanted a ergonomic to go along with them. I had a Microsoft 4000 but it quit working.
Coming from the 4000 I must say, this keyboard feels good. Connected right up to my TP-Link Bluetooth Dongle. My Logitech Master 3 mouse is connected to the dongle too, and is not effected.
So far I’m liking the ProtoArc. Nice build quality, all the keys are working. I’m typing on it right now. I have no complaints so far. I’ll do a update in several months after I have typed on it for some more. It’s a nicely made keyboard. I have the das keyboards too. coming from to this keyboard has not been a problem. I’m used to working on laptops and S7 Tablet with keyboard case, so no big deal changing configurations. If you are looking for a good ergonomic keyboard, I believe the ProtoArc is worth the money.
S G –
I’ve been using this ergonomic keyboard for about a month now, and it’s a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to improve your typing comfort. The split design is definitely a step up from my old flat keyboard, and the wrist support has made a noticeable difference in how my hands feel at the end of long workdays.
The keys themselves are low-profile and quiet, which I really appreciate. They have a nice, light touch that makes typing feel smooth and effortless. The media controls are conveniently placed in the middle of the keyboard, and they work well for adjusting volume and skipping tracks without taking my hands off the keys.
However, there are a couple of things to note. First, the keyboard is quite wide, which might be an issue if you have smaller hands or limited desk space. I found myself occasionally hitting the wrong keys or not pressing them hard enough, especially when I first started using it. It took me a little while to get used to the wider key spacing after being used to a narrower keyboard.
Another minor quirk is that some keys sometimes register as double-taps, which can be annoying when you’re in the middle of typing a document. This hasn’t been a major issue for me, but it’s something to keep in mind if you rely heavily on precise key inputs.
Overall, this keyboard has improved my typing experience and comfort level, but it might take some adjustment if you’re used to a more traditional layout. If you have larger hands or are willing to adapt, it’s definitely worth considering.