ASUS is expanding its ProArt ecosystem with a new low-profile keyboard and mouse, catering to the needs of content creators, graphic designers, and photographers. The ProArt KD300 keyboard and ProArt MD301 mouse offer a sleek, minimalist design, robust connectivity, and impressive features that enhance productivity and comfort. Here's a detailed look at what makes these devices stand out.
A Minimalist Approach to Productivity
The ProArt KD300 keyboard is a 65% mechanical keyboard that leaves more desk space for other tools like a mouse or graphics tablet. Its compact form factor eliminates the traditional numeric keypad and a dedicated row of function keys, making it a space-saving solution for professionals. The keyboard measures just 26.8mm thick and features a premium aluminum plate with a sleek "Black Aerolite" finish, complementing high-end graphics tablets or studio monitors.
Tri-Mode Connectivity for Seamless Switching
ASUS hasn't compromised on connectivity, even with the KD300's compact size. It boasts tri-mode connectivity, allowing it to pair with up to five devices simultaneously. Users can connect via a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, Bluetooth, or a traditional USB-C cable. This versatility ensures a seamless switching process between a studio desktop and a mobile laptop, with a physical PC/Mac toggle switch and a magnetic garage for the dongle adding convenience.
Active Touch Panel and Customizable Controls
The KD300 features an integrated active touch panel and multi-function switch at the top left. This customizable strip lets users adjust volume levels, control media playback, and tweak backlight configurations on the fly. The backlights make the keyboard suitable for use in darkened edit suites, ensuring visibility in various environments.
Low-Profile Optical Switches for Precision and Silence
Under the keycaps, the KD300 uses ASUS's proprietary RX Red Low-Profile optical switches. With a fast 1.0mm actuation point and a light initial force of 40-55g, these switches provide smooth and precise key travel. Dual layers of integrated silicone dampening foam eliminate hollow pinging noises, making it ideal for quiet communal studios.
Customizable Settings with Gear Link
ASUS has developed a web-based Gear Link interface for customization, accessible through HID-compatible web browsers like Google Chrome or Brave. This approach allows users to map keys, record macros, and program up to 10 preset "showcards" with shortcuts for third-party software packages like Adobe's Creative Suite.
Impressive Battery Life
The KD300's internal 4,000mAh lithium-ion battery offers impressive longevity. With the backlighting turned off, it can last up to 16 months on a single charge. Even with the backlights on, users can expect 100 days of continuous use. A clever battery gauge on the top row of keys provides real-time feedback, ensuring users never run out of power.
A Lightweight, Ergonomic Mouse Companion
The ProArt MD301 mouse complements the KD300 keyboard. It's a lightweight, ergonomically sculpted mouse weighing less than 100g, featuring a high-performance 8,000 DPI optical sensor that tracks flawlessly on glass studio desks. The mouse supports tri-mode connectivity and offers a 1,000Hz polling rate, ensuring responsiveness for gaming and precision for intricate pen-tool work.
Programmable Buttons and Hot-Swappable Switches
The MD301 boasts six fully programmable buttons, including forward and backward buttons, a horizontal thumb wheel, and left/right buttons. All controls can be programmed using the Gear Link browser tool, and the mouse features a fast-spinning scroll wheel. The primary switches are rated for up to 80 million clicks and are hot-swappable, allowing users to easily replace them with micro or optical switches.
Pricing and Availability
The ProArt KD300 keyboard and ProArt MD301 mouse are available now via the ASUS website. The KD300 is priced at $164.99, and the mouse sells for $99.99. These devices offer a powerful combination of performance, portability, and customization, making them an excellent choice for professionals seeking an efficient and comfortable workspace.
In summary, ASUS's expansion of the ProArt ecosystem with the KD300 keyboard and MD301 mouse showcases a commitment to innovation and user experience. These devices cater to the specific needs of content creators and professionals, providing a seamless and productive workflow with a focus on minimalism, connectivity, and customization.
