AmazonBasics K4R  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Mar 18, 2020 at 09:08am
Writing modified Nov 03, 2021 at 03:37pm
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
AmazonBasics K4R

Track

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Gaming 
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Mobile/Tablet 
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Office 
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Programming 
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Entertainment / HTPC 

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The AmazonBasics K4R is a rather cheaply-built wireless keyboard that comes with an integrated trackpad. It doesn't offer the best typing experience, but for its price point, it's decent. The board is entirely made of plastic and shows a good amount of flex and the keycaps feel poorly made. On the upside, the touchpad is easy to use and typing on the keyboard is quiet enough to use in an open-office environment. Its wireless design with touchpad is also great to use with a smart TV.

Our Verdict

0.0
Gaming 

The AmazonBasics K4R isn't designed to be a gaming keyboard. Although it has very low pre-travel distance, it requires a lot of force to actuate each key, which isn't ideal for gaming. It also lacks backlighting and you can't program any macros on the board.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
Cons
  • No customization via software.
  • No backlighting.
  • Heavy-feeling keys.
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Mobile/Tablet 

The AmazonBasics wireless keyboard with touchpad doesn't support Bluetooth and isn't designed to work with mobile devices and tablets.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
  • Lightweight design.
Cons
  • Only connects via USB receiver and not Bluetooth.
  • Heavy-feeling keys.
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Office 

The AmazonBasics K4R is a decent keyboard for the office. Its low-profile design is decently comfortable to type on, it's very quiet and won't bother colleagues surrounding you, and the overall typing quality is okay. The wireless design with a touchpad is great if you want to use it in a meeting room, without having a full mouse and keyboard setup.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
  • Lightweight design.
Cons
  • Cheap build quality.
  • Only connects via USB receiver and not Bluetooth.
  • Heavy-feeling keys.
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Programming 

The AmazonBasics wireless keyboard is sub-par for programming. It can't set macros and its overall typing quality isn't the best. The build quality is mediocre and feels very cheap, which might not last you a while.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
Cons
  • No customization via software.
  • No backlighting.
  • Only connects via USB receiver and not Bluetooth.
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Entertainment / HTPC 

The AmazonBasics K4R is designed as a home theater PC keyboard, but it's disappointing for that use. It only connects via its USB receiver, so it might not work on all TVs, and it lacks backlighting. On the plus side, it has a built-in trackpad and media hotkeys to skip through your content.

Pros
  • Built-in touchpad.
  • Lightweight design.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • Only connects via USB receiver and not Bluetooth.
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Oct 28, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
    2.  Updated Mar 18, 2020: Review published.
    3.  Updated Mar 13, 2020: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Mar 11, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.

    Check Price

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    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    Although the AmazonBasics K4R is cheaply made, it does a good job at what it aims to do, which is being a basic wireless keyboard. It won't offer all the bells and whistles like higher-end products and won't be as durable, but if you're looking for a wireless office keyboard that won't break the bank, it's a good option. For more options, see our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best keyboards for writers.

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    The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a better overall keyboard than the AmazonBasics K4R. The Microsoft is noticeably better built, and it offers a better overall typing quality. It connects via Bluetooth instead of a dedicated receiver, which means it can also be used with mobile devices. On the other hand, the AmazonBasics has a built-in touchpad instead of a Numpad, which can be useful.

    iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08

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    The AmazonBasics K4R and the iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 both have an integrated touchpad. The iClever is better for using with mobile devices, while the AmazonBasics is better for the office. The AmazonBasics' typing experience also feels noticeably heavier than the folding keyboard.

    Logitech K800

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    The Logitech K800 and the AmazonBasics K4R are fairly different affordable keyboards. The AmazonBasics has an integrated touchpad and features rubber dome switches that feel a bit mushy. On the other side, the Logitech has backlighting, scissor switches, a fixed wrist rest, and a Numpad. The Logitech is rechargeable while the AmazonBasics uses disposable batteries.

    Logitech Keys-To-Go

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedTenKeyLess (80%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedN/A
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Board Design
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedN/A
    Maximum Incline
    LockedN/A
    Wrist RestLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlighting
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    Color
    LockedLocked
    Individually Backlit Keys
    LockedLocked
    Color Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Programmable
    LockedLocked

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    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedN/A
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programmable Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    WheelLockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    Keystrokes
    Mechanical
    LockedNo
    Key Switches
    LockedLocked
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    0.0
    Typing Quality

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    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
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    AmazonBasics K4R Typing Sample Sample
    Noise
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Latency
    SAMPLE
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    AmazonBasics K4R Latency Video Sample
    Latency Wired
    LockedN/A
    Latency Receiver
    LockedLock ms
    Latency Bluetooth
    LockedN/A
    Software and Operating System
    0.0
    Software & Programming
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Account Required
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Cloud Sync
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of Use
    LockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Keyboard Compatibility
    WindowsLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    LinuxLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    iPadOSLockedLocked

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