Kolude KD-K1 Keyhub is a unique keyboard that features a beautiful aluminum-based design, scissor-switch keys, a complete USB hub with an SD card reader, HDMI, and Power Delivery support. The keyboard caters well to the needs of Mac and iPad users who can plug-in the USB-C based keyboard and connect external peripherals, including a display, for the best productivity.
Kolude KD-K1 Keyhub started as a Kickstarter project and hit its finance goal in less than a day. We were sent a review unit by the company. Read on to find out if this is the right keyboard for you.
Package
The packaging of Keyhub is very minimal. Once you open the box, you are greeted with the keyboard, with the manual beneath it. A USB-C to USB-C cable is included which helps you easily connect it to an iPad or MacBook. If you have a device that only has USB-A, you would have to get a cable separately.
Technical Specifications
With most keyboards, we only talk about the number of keys and other such specifications. But with the Keyhub, there is a lot more going on. It has the following ports:
- HDMI (Supports 4K/30Hz output)
- TF Card reader
- SD Card reader
- USB 2.0
- USB 3.0 (3 ports)
- USB-C
- USB-C Power Delivery (with support for up to 100W and two 4K displays)
The inclusion of USB-C Power Delivery means that you can connect the keyboard to your MacBook or iPad, and the charger to your keyboard, and it will charge your device while you use it.
Design and Usage
The keyboard is available in space gray and silver colors, to match the color variants for MacBooks and iPads. The design is striking and looks right at home next to Apple's products. It has a unibody aluminum design with diamond-cut edges. There are some non-slip foot pads at the bottom of the keyboard which help keep it stable.
The keys are round but easy to type on thanks to the scissor-switch mechanism and low travel. If you are a Mac user, all the shortcut keys are available on the keyboard, with the function keys, to help you easily navigate. There is also a complete number pad available on the keyboard.
The ports are located on the front of the keyboard and are not visible to you when you are using it. The ports work flawlessly with both iPad and MacBook and make it easy to stop using a separate dock. Thanks to the keyboard's slim profile, I've been able to carry it around in my bag, and during the few days that I have been using it, it has been comforting to know that I have the ports with me anytime I need them.
Conclusion
Some of my workflows include capturing photos on my camera and then plugging in the SD card to my iPad to transfer photos. With the keyboard, the process is way better. Not only is the keyboard much better to type on then Apple's Smart Keyboard, but it also makes it very easy to plug in the SD card, open up Lightroom and transfer photos. I no longer have to plug in a dongle first.
If you use an external keyboard with your MacBook, the Keyhub is a no brainer. It provides a lot more value than Apple's own keyboard. However, if you use an iPad, you do lose some of the benefits that a Smart Keyboard provides in terms of portability. But you make up for that with the ability to plug in devices thanks to the plethora of ports available on the Keyhub.
Check out Kolude KD-K1 Keyhub on the official website. It's available for $115.
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