If you dont mind that, its attractive design and lightweight frame make it worth considering.
But in all that time, its never made a mechanical keyboard until the SM3 came along.
The key switches feel a little heavy and theres only one switch choice.
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
That holds it back, and wed prefer more choice here.
Thats not an outrageous price to pay, especially for a full-length board.
Satechi SM3: Design
The SM3 is Satechis first full-length, 108-character keyboard.
There was no issue in low light, though.
For comparison, my Keychron K8 with its smaller tenkeyless design weighs 1.96lbs (889g).
The Satechi SM3 comes with an aluminum top and sides, while the underneath is made from sturdy plastic.
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Around the back are two pop-out feet to prop the board up.
Although there are two height options here, theyre both at a fairly shallow angle.
It would have been good to have an option for a higher incline.
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Theres also no wrist rest, but thats not a huge problem.
A more lightweight configuration would have been welcome.
This is definitely not a gaming keyboard, but its surprisingly viable for this usage.
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
There were no issues with ghosting in my testing, though.
Switching over Bluetooth takes about a second and just requires you to press a single button on the keyboard.
Should you buy the Satechi SM3?
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
Value
The price seems fair, although it doesnt come with many enticing bells and whistles.
3/5
Design
The Satechi SM3 looks lovely and feel solid, despite its slimline design.
Gaming performance is fine, though, and its easy to flip between connected devices.
(Image credit: Alex Blake / Future)
You want a numpad
The extended layout is ideal for numpad users.
Dont buy it if…
You prefer lighter switches
Satechis proprietary switches are quite heavy.
You want more switch options
You only get brown tactile switches here, and theyre not hot-swappable.
