Satechi Slim EX Keyboards Feature Replaceable Batteries
▼ Summary
– Satechi has launched two new ultrathin wireless keyboards, the compact Slim EX1 and full-size Slim EX3, featuring a user-replaceable rechargeable battery.
– The keyboards’ unique design allows the lithium battery to be accessed and swapped by removing a single screw, addressing long-term battery degradation.
– Both keyboards automatically remap keys for Mac or Windows and can connect to up to four devices, including Android and iPadOS.
– The keyboards offer quiet scissor-switch keys, USB-C charging, up to five weeks of battery life, and are priced at $49.99 (EX1) and $69.99 (EX3).
– Satechi also launched a Slim EX Wireless Mouse with a replaceable battery for $29.99, and all devices are available for purchase now in black or silver.
Finding a wireless keyboard that combines a sleek, modern design with practical, long-term usability can be a challenge. Satechi addresses this directly with its new Slim EX series, which introduces a standout feature: an easily replaceable and rechargeable battery housed within an impressively thin chassis. The compact Slim EX1 and the full-sized Slim EX3 both manage to incorporate this user-friendly design without sacrificing their slim profiles, stowing the removable power cell in a dedicated compartment on the bottom.
This design choice is a significant departure from the norm. Many contemporary wireless peripherals feature sealed, non-removable batteries, making them difficult to service once the battery’s capacity inevitably diminishes. Satechi’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. A single Phillips head screw on the battery compartment allows users to slide off an access door and swap the lithium battery themselves. This extends the functional lifespan of the keyboard considerably, turning it from a potential short-term gadget into a longer-term investment.
Beyond this core upgrade, both keyboards are built for versatility. They offer automatic key remapping for seamless switching between Mac and Windows operating systems. Each model can also pair with up to four different devices simultaneously, supporting connections with computers, tablets, and smartphones, including those running Android or iPadOS.
In terms of performance, the keyboards are equipped with quiet scissor-switch keys for a comfortable, low-profile typing experience. They charge via a modern USB-C port and are rated to deliver up to five weeks of use on a single charge. The full-sized Satechi Slim EX3 Wireless Keyboard, which includes a numeric keypad and navigation keys, is priced at $69.99. The more compact Slim EX1 model is available for $49.99. Completing the new lineup is a Slim EX Wireless Mouse, also featuring a user-replaceable battery, for $29.99. Satechi confirms that the batteries in these devices are covered under warranty, and customers can contact the company directly for a replacement if needed.
The Slim EX keyboards and mouse are offered in classic black or silver finishes. They are available for purchase immediately through Satechi’s official website and on Amazon.
(Source: The Verge)
