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Working with the HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard is generally a pleasure. Unfortunately, the model is not completely free of frustrations, even if not everyone will be confronted
Working with the HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard is generally a pleasure. Unfortunately, the model is not completely free of frustrations, even if not everyone will be confronted with it.
The programmable wireless keyboard HP 970 (119 euros incl. VAT) is a gem. The minimalist design is stylish in any environment, just like the silver color. The spacious keyboard features a number pad and an extended row of functions at the top. The functionalities set by default are displayed in this line with clear symbols. For example, it’s not a long search for the button to mute your microphone. Style is important, but the main function of a keyboard is of course typing.
Good news on that front: HP hasn’t prioritized form over function. The keyboard is even better to type on than it looks. The keys are defined and give a very pleasant feedback when pressed. In our opinion, the added value compared to even the best laptop keyboard is great.
HP manages to strike the delicate balance between robust feedback and fluidity. Every keystroke is almost satisfying while our fingers are still flying at high speed over the HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard. Ten out of ten, no comments.
Of course, before we can type, we need to connect the keyboard to our PC. We have some notes on that. The first impression is positive: we can find the keyboard immediately via the Windows 11 Bluetooth menu. Then we must enter a PIN code on the numeric keypad, after which the connection will be successful.
HP uses a similar system on the 970 keyboard as on the HP 930 Creator Mouse. In other words, you can connect up to three devices to the keyboard. You connect two with a primary and a secondary Bluetooth channel, the third via an included USB-A dongle. There is one button on the keyboard for both channels and the dongle. In theory, a simple push of a button is enough to connect to the desired device.
In practice it is different. We experience a lot of annoyance when the keyboard doesn’t automatically connect to a previously connected PC in channel one after using it for a while with another device on channel two and vice versa. Adding back then was suddenly a tedious job. No trace of initial smoothness: the keyboard did not appear, the connection failed after a long thought… Occasionally we received a notification from Microsoft Swift Pair, but it did not take into account that a new connection requires a PIN code The connection was made with the Keyboard blocked.
Persistence wins and in the end it was always possible to connect the keyboard to the right device. We’re not sure if the issue is with Windows or HP. The fact is that we never had such problems with the mouse. Also important to know: If we simply use the programmable wireless keyboard HP 970 with one device, everything continues to work smoothly.
The connectivity issues were made worse by the keyboard’s design. The white letters on the silver keyboard are easy to read, but in bright daylight it’s very difficult to tell if the keyboard backlight is on.
Not a disaster except when struggling with the Bluetooth channels. After all, the active channel will light up when it’s active and blink when you can connect a new device. You have to shield the keys with your hand to see any of it. A blue light instead of a white light would have solved quite a bit here.
Two aspects of the name still require clarification. Wireless also means truly wireless. You can charge the programmable wireless keyboard via USB Type-C, but you can’t connect it to a computer with a cable.
Now the keyboard lasts for several weeks on a charge, but if it unexpectedly dies there’s not much you can do but wait. This gives a crooked feeling when the thing is connected to the PC via cable on which you want to use it.
Programmable refers to the customization of 23 keys, including the entire function row and the Home, page up And S.Dwn-Testing. You can use the function to set the desired function HP Accessory Center: An app from the Windows Store. This app is neat and easy to use.
A simple menu allows you to assign functions of your choice to buttons. You can choose from a variety of options conveniently divided into different categories. Think media (pause, fast forward), window management (maximize, move left or right), editing (cut and paste), browse (previous, next) and much more. With little effort, you can set up the HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard to perfectly fit your workflow.
The HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard is a gem, unless it’s an annoyance. If you use it mainly with a computer and don’t forget to charge it occasionally, don’t hesitate. The phenomenal typing feel, the adaptability and the slim design make this keyboard an absolute winner, both on the desk at home and in the office.
If you find yourself wanting to switch between two or three devices often, then we’re a little more reserved. Fiddling with it during our testing period is undeniable. Since we tested the keyboard over the same period and on the same devices as the HP 930 Creator Mouse and had no issues with it, we tend to blame HP and the keyboard. The keyboard is therefore a winner, but one that’s not without its flaws.
HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboard – 119 euros incl. VAT
Source: IT Daily
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
