1. externals
Under this point I will explain general differences. Starting in the top left there is the first difference in the status light.
Rii Mini:
In the mini Rii the individual displays are well separated from each other and also have highlighted with different colors, so they can be easily distinguished from each other. The successful connection to the receiver is signaled by short flashing of transmitting light and the button illumination. In standby mode, the transmit light will flash at regular intervals, so easy to see is that the keyboard is turned on or not.
CSL keyboard:
Here the lighting is relatively inserted into the housing and so tends to a bit more difficult to identify. In addition, a cord connects LED panel is at the bottom of fall - can happen, but does not have to.
An additional difficulty, however, that each ad (Send Screen, Battery empty, etc), the same LED color has (blue) in daylight can indeed detect without problems which LED lights up grade, but look at all the movies in the dark.
Really stupid: The keyboard is no feedback whether it is connected to the receiver: when switching the transmission light comes on briefly, then the keyboard looks like turned out. This also applies to the standby mode - so it's hard to see whether the keyboard is the one ever turned on and that you have now woken up from standby mode or not. This has already taken care of one or the other empty battery, as it lying around for days in standby mode.
-klingt banal but point deduction for CSL keyboard, because in the long run but very disturbing
On / off switch:
Same switch on both keyboards and himself position. Can potentially be flaw - the switch is simply dropped in Rii Mini after some time
-Punktabzug Both
Laser Pointer:
The laser pointer is virtually identical, and the switch is located in the same place - for presentations etc than adequate. The only difference: The CSL keyboard laser always works in the Rii Mini only when the keyboard is turned on. For me a small advantage for the Rii Mini, at least for frequent transporting. When CSL keyboard also the laser is easily shielded by the housing, since the board is apparently not fully incorporated grade.
2. keyboard layout, lighting
Keyboard:
The keyboard of the Rii Mini I find much better, because here all the keys are separated by a small plastic bar. Power buttons while even slightly smaller, but you make a mistake much less frequently. The Rii min buttons are made of rubber that. CSL keyboard plastic
- Deduction in CSL keyboard
Layout:
The Rii Mini has natively F-keys and the multimedia keys on FN assignment. The remaining keys function as normal keyboards. Only the combination of CTRL + - to zoom in negative browser I've missed.
The CSL has the standard keyboard multimedia keys, like volume, play, forward, Skip etc. natively quite a useful thing. The F keys are also available as a second assignment of the number keys. At the same time this is also a big disadvantage, because this keyboard detects more than two keys simultaneously. Entries are such as Alt + F4 to close windows so not possible because the additional Fn key should be pressed. The shift key is down right next CTRL inconvenienced you ever make a mistake.
- Deduction in CSL keyboard
Lighting:
The illumination is naturally in both keyboards rather uneven, but what do you expect even at the price.
The lighting of the Rii mini is a clear white, the keys are easy to read in all situations
The lighting of the CSL keyboard is more yellow white, as it is known from radio alarm clocks etc.. It is very dark, can read the keys well, not in the dim. Why just this color was chosen, she will not reveal to me.
- Deduction in CSL keyboard
3. Touchpad, transmit power, battery etc.
Touchpad:
The touchpad is undoubtedly the most important part of both devices. The dimensions are the same, the surfaces also. The lower part in the CSL keyboard, however, is provided for scrolling. In my opinion, very impractical because:
- You often unintentionally comes to the scroll area while surfing and so shifts the page
- The scroll area (also much too sensitive) is relatively small and therefore very imprecise
Overall, I find the touchpad of Rii Mini responds more precise, miracles should not be expected in total for the HTPC and occasional surfing but sufficient.
Incidentally, both touchpads are at low battery level completely useless the mouse pointer moves on its own and hardly responds to inputs.
- Deduction CSL - keyboard
Transmission power:
The transmitting power of the Rii mini is a little better, the transfer is mostly easily, so smooth scrolling, etc. is not a problem.
When CSL keyboard, however the mouse pointer increased more, or a key input must be repeated.
Overall, the difference is not very large (distance about 2m + glass) but falls but on. (Both 2.4 GHz version)
- Deduction CSL - keyboard
Battery etc:
Battery life is the same for regular use is 2 weeks no problem.
Conclusion:
Overall, I rate the Rii Mini with 4 stars. The CSL keyboard gets judged 2 stars, because they in some areas significantly worse cut than the Rii Mini.
On the other hand, the CSL keyboard is cheaper by about 30%. Whether it is worth must zurückzustecken for these savings in comfort and usability decide each self. Now everyone should know what he is getting at least.
