Explore our review of the upgraded, lightweight Poplar i8 wireless keyboard with improved battery life and durability... Read more
Test of (Upgraded)Rii 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard (i8+ Black)
Cena: $25.95
Pros
- Improved, high-quality construction
- Lightweight yet robust
- Excellent button tactile feedback
- Efficiently laid out keys
- Convenient for web surfing
- Improved built-in battery life
- Operates seamlessly with Windows PC
Cons
- No removable battery
- Touchpad doesn’t wake it from sleep
- Occasional pause/play issues with other keyboards
“After spending three insightful days with the Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard, I can confidently say that it impresses with its lightweight yet robust construction, efficient key layout, and the tactile sensation upon clicking, which is a boon to me. While it’s unfortunate that the touchpad can’t resurrect the device from sleep mode, I feel it’s a small concession for the enhanced battery life. Its ruggedness and good looks make it a worthy addition to my collection of remotes. For its affordable price, I highly recommend it as a reliable, superior quality wireless keyboard that delivers a satisfying user experience.”
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Specifications
Brand | Rii |
Compatible Devices | Tablet |
Connectivity Technology | wireless |
Keyboard Description | Backlit |
Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
Special Feature | Ergonomic, Backlit, Rechargeable |
Color | Black |
Operating System | Android,Mac,Windows |
Number of Keys | 92 |
Keyboard backlighting color support | Single Color |
Introduction to Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard
Take a deep breath folks, because today we’re diving into the world of tech accessories. The star of this show? The Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard. From the temporary delight as we unboxed it, to the fingers-on experience with the keys, we must say, this keyboard has got some personality.
First Impressions: Lightweight Yet Robust
The first thing that stands out about the Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard, right off the bat, is how surprisingly light it feels. Despite its lightweight construction, the reassuring sturdiness doesn’t fail to catch your attention. Just goes to show that sturdy does not always equate to heavy. A real win-win there.
Overview of Upgrades and Improvements Over Previous Model
The manufacturers sure have stepped up their game this time around, imbuing this keyboard with several upgrades and improvements over the older versions. As loyal tech enthusiasts, we always appreciate improvements, and the Poplar i8 didn’t disappoint. The changes are thoughtful, addressing some of the common pain points users often report. Good job on that front.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and see how these upgrades actually transform the user experience. Keep in mind – the good, the bad, and the ugly – we’re tackling it all. Fasten your seatbelts, people!
Getting Interactive: A Look at the Keys and Buttons
- Poplar i8 keyboard provides solid tactile, audible feedback
- Keypad layout is intuitive and user-friendly
- Efficient placement of important keys enhances user interaction
As soon as I got my hands on the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard, I was immediately drawn to the array of keys and buttons it features. And trust me, this keyboard does not disappoint in that department. It’s like the keyboard perfectly understands its user’s needs!
My Take on the Audible and Tactile Click of the Buttons
The first thing that I noticed about the buttons was the solid tactile and audible click they generate. It’s a pet peeve of mine when small keyboard buttons don’t give any feedback when you press them – and I know I’m not alone in this. Thankfully, the i8 delivers excellent feedback. You can really feel when you’ve pressed a button, and that’s a feature that I genuinely appreciate. It’s the little things like these that enhance the overall user experience.
The Efficiency of the Keypad Layout
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The layout of the buttons on the keyboard is surprisingly intuitive. The main controls are within easy reach of my thumb, which is just where you would want them. On the left side, you have essential buttons like the forward and backward keys, pause and play, volume up and down.
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Over on the right, a directional keypad is well-positioned for when you’re scrolling through menus – whether that’s on a streaming service or your computer settings. The placement of these buttons, plus the inclusion of speed keys and a home button, makes navigating around my device a breeze.
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Not to forget the keyboard’s mute button – a simple yet convenient feature to have on a wireless keyboard. It’s particularly useful during those moments when you need to quickly tone down the noise without having to fiddle around.
In the final analysis, I’d say the design team at Poplar’s done a commendable job with the layout of the keys and buttons. They have made sure that the most frequently used keys are within easy reach and have been responsive to user feedback, which makes interacting with the i8 a pleasure.
Operation More Than Just Typing: Ease of Web Surfing
- Poplar i8 keyboard offers easy web surfing
- Features full keyboard, speed keys, and control pads
- Improved, non-removable, long-lasting battery
In this section, we delve into a very crucial aspect of any keyboard’s functionality, the ability to surf the web effortlessly . Evidently, the Poplar i8 keyboard takes on this challenge with ease.
Easy-to-Use Full Keyboard
Right off the bat, one of the things you will notice about this device is the addition of a full keyboard . Yes, you heard that right, it has all the keys of a regular keyboard, just in mini form. This feature is particularly convenient when surfing the web. It eliminates the need for on-screen typing, which as you know can be painstakingly slow and laborious.
Speed Keys and Control Pads
What’s even more impressive are the speed keys and the primary control pads placement. The manufacturers have indeed outdone themselves here. There are dedicated keys such as the home, mute, search buttons , among others, all within reach of your thumbs. The best part? The position of the control pads is just perfect, no more awkward thumb extensions or strenuous hand movements. Simply put, navigating through web pages has never been so easy.
Critical Evaluation of Built in Battery
Moving onto the power side of things, there is a slight change in design that’s worth noting. The new Poplar i8 keyboard comes with a built-in, non-removable battery. At first glance, the decision to go with a built-in battery might be a turn-off for some users, especially those who prefer to have an extra battery on standby. But hold your horses! The manufacturers have made significant improvements to the battery life!
The decision to not include a removable battery doesn’t mean it’s a step down. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The wireless keyboard impresses with its long-lasting battery life, even with heavy use. This change seems to point towards a more environmentally-friendly approach, reducing the need for replacing batteries frequently.
In conclusion, the new Poplar i8 wireless keyboard integrates typing and web surfing seamlessly while maintaining excellent usability, satisfying battery life and an easy-to-use full keyboard. It surely stands out amongst the rest.
Putting It to the Test: Using Poplar i8 with My Windows PC
- Poplar i8 works well with Windows PC
- Excellent performance on YouTube and CBS.com
- Offers efficient functionality and control
It’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty and see how the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard fares while being connected to my Windows PC. The goal here is to understand its functionality and compatibility when interacting with different websites and media players. I’ve tested it primarily with YouTube and CBS.com, two platforms I frequent for streaming content. My impressions? Allow me to break it down for you.
How Well It Works with YouTube Streaming
In all honesty, the user experience was surprisingly smooth. You might have faced situations where keyboards do not respond well with YouTube’s streaming interface, but this wasn’t the case with the Poplar i8. Its play and pause feature work brilliantly in controlling the YouTube stream, showing excellent responsiveness that made my viewing experience a breeze.
Putting the Pause and Play Feature Under the Spotlight
This particular feature deserves a special mention. It not only works seamlessly with YouTube streaming but also controls CBS.com effectively. I was impressed by how smoothly the controls functioned without any noticeable lag or response issues. It’s a delightful feature that certainly boosts the overall user experience.
My Experience Using the Keyboard with CBS.com
Like YouTube, it provided an excellent user experience on CBS.com. Whether it was streaming shows or browsing the site, the keyboard’s responsiveness was on point. The play and pause feature continued to work efficiently, giving us easy control over the streams.
However, as comprehensive as I want to be, it’s worth noting here that the performance may vary depending on the specific circumstances and third-party apps. Although the Poplar i8 proved to be an efficient tool in my case, you might want to thoroughly explore its compatibility with your own choice of streaming platforms before making a decision.
Final Thoughts:Overall, the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard exhibited high-quality performance and versatility while being used with my Windows PC, particularly on heavy-use platforms like YouTube and CBS.com. Its efficient functionality and seamless control mechanism make it a great tool for comprehensive navigation and control, providing a satisfying streaming experience.
How Does It Fare While Playing DVDs on VLC?
- Keyboard has responsive buttons for media control
- Problems waking up from sleep mode
- Exceptional, long-lasting battery life
As a consummate user of VLC for DVD playback, I deemed it necessary to test the keyboard in this setting. After all, a good wireless keyboard should not only excel in web browsing but also in controlling media playback.
Instant Feedback with Quick Button Response
One of the first things I noticed while watching DVDs was how responsive the keys were. I had total control over my media playback, thanks to the extremely reliable buttons. I was particularly impressed when I pressed the buttons to stop and start the DVD. It was almost like there was no lag time at all. For anyone like me who appreciates instant feedback, this feature can be a game-changer.
Dealing with Sleep Mode
When the keyboard slips into sleep mode, the touchpad won’t wake it up. This means you have to press one of the other buttons to get it back into action, which is not as I would have expected. This is one area I think could have been made better for it to be a flawless product.
Is it a Deal-Breaker?
However, considering the exceptional battery life, I quickly realized this was no flaw but a clever power-saving feature. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but I felt it was well worth it for the outstanding battery life. If long-lasting battery life matters to you like it does to me, then this little trade-off shouldn’t be a big concern.
Overall, I was quite satisfied with its performance in a DVD-playing context. With quick button response and a reasonable sleep mode function, the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard proves itself to be a reliable device for media playback.
A Worthy Find: Weighing the Pros and Cons
- Keyboard proved robust and durable under testing
- Modern design, cost-effective, and user-friendly
- Minor drawback: reactivation requires button press
The Keyboard’s Ruggedness Tested! Not Even a 17-Month-Old Can Break It
An essential part of my extensive usage involved testing out the keyboard’s claim of superior robustness. In an unexpectedly successful and extreme durability test, it withstood being mishandled by a toddler – something not many gadgets can boast about. It really speaks volumes about its claim of being sturdy and long-lasting – making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for something that retains functionality even under tough circumstances.
A Seamless TV Stand Addition: A Good-Looking Cheaper Option
Moving on to aesthetics, the keyboard is more than just a functional gadget. It’s sleek and modern in design – perfectly complementing your other remotes on your TV stand. The price point is also commendable. For the assortment of features it offers, it stands out as a wallet-friendly alternative to its pricer counterparts.
Pros:
- Lightweight & Durable: It feels light in hand yet proves to be robust and enduring.
- High-quality Construction: The built and finish of the keyboard are top-notch. Each button gives a solid tactile click, offering a great user experience.
- Efficient Key Layout: The keys are strategically positioned for easy accessibility enhancing the overall user-friendliness of the device.
- Improved Battery Life: Despite being non-removable, the keyboard’s built-in battery lasts considerably longer and charges quickly.
- Cost-Effective: It offers an array of features within a reasonable price bracket, providing value for money.
Cons:
- Reactivates Only Through Buttons: Waking the keyboard from sleep mode requires hitting a button instead of simply using the touchpad. This might be a slight inconvenience for users who prefer seamless touchpad usage.
To sum it all up, with just the right balance between functionality, quality, price, and aesthetics – this keyboard definitely stacks up well. Like any other product, it does have its minor drawbacks, but its pros significantly overshadow them. Whether you’re an avid YouTuber or someone who simply values a good quality keyboard, the Poplar i8 is a solid contender in the market that you should consider.
Final Verdict and Further Details
After using the Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard consistently for three days, I can pretty much say, it’s a great blend of functionality and affordability. However, keeping an unbiased standpoint, let’s break down my experience to see what this keyboard really brings to the table.
The Final Verdict after Three Days of Regular Usage
I must admit, I am impressed by its response speed, keypad layout, and durability. Specifically, the quick button response feature stood out for me while streaming on YouTube and playing DVDs on VLC.
Despite some minor flaws such as waking the keyboard from sleep mode which requires hitting a key instead of using the touchpad, the benefits I’ve derived from using this keyboard absolutely outweigh these minor drawbacks. It offers a good balance between user-friendly design and effective performance. That’s a winning combo for me.
Where to Find More Information About the Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard
Craving to know more about this cool gadget? Want to delve into specifics? You may want to check out the full review on websites that specialize in electronics and gadgets. Here, you can learn more about its complete list of features, the pricing, and how it stacks up against other wireless keyboards in the market.
All in all, the Poplar i8 Wireless Keyboard seems to be an excellent choice for those looking for a cheaper, yet quality option. It’s budget-friendly, user-friendly, and quite the robust device. I’d definitely recommend it!Remember, everyone’s experience varies and what works for me might not necessarily suit you. So, don’t hesitate to try the keyboard out and form your opinions. Happy tech-shopping!
Should you buy the (Upgraded)Rii 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard (i8+ Black)?
Buy it if…
You Want Lightness and Quality
The Poplar i8 keyboard is lightweight yet the construction quality is very high, which makes it easy to handle and durable.
You Need an Efficient Control Layout
The layout of the keys and buttons is perfectly aligned for ease of use, making navigation and control significantly easier.
You Desire Longer Battery Life
The keyboard comes with a built-in non-removable battery that has been optimized for extended usage, reducing the need for frequent recharges.
Don’t buy it if…
You Want a Keyboard with Removable Battery
The Poplar i8 keyboard doesn’t have a removable battery which may not be ideal if you prefer the flexibility of changing batteries manually.
You’re Annoyed by the Need to Awaken the Keyboard
The touchpad cannot wake the keyboard from sleep mode, you’d have to use other keys to wake it, which could be inconvenient at times.
You Prefer a Keyboard with Immediate Connectivity
There is a slight lag in connectivity with the computer after waking the keyboard from sleep, which may be a minor annoyance if immediate connectivity is crucial for you.
FAQ
- What are the upgrades in the new version of the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard?
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The new version of the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard is lighter, has a high-quality construction, improved button layout, built-in non-removable battery, improved battery life, and includes special speed keys for easier navigation.
- What is the unique thing about the buttons on the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard?
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The buttons on the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard have a solid tactile and audible click, providing better feedback than some other small keyboards.
- Does the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard work well with streaming platforms?
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Yes, it works well with YouTube and CBS, controlling the play/pause function very effectively. It also works well with VLC for playing DVDs.
- What are the benefits of the built-in battery in the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard?
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Even though the battery is not replaceable, it has been improved for extended battery life.
- How does the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard wake up from sleep mode?
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The touchpad does not wake the keyboard from sleep mode, you will need to press one of the other keys to do so.
- Is the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard durable?
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Yes, it has been tested as very rugged, even surviving interaction with a 17-month-old child.
- Where can more details about the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard be found?
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Details and a full review on the Poplar i8 wireless keyboard can be found on core cutters news.com