Controllers
Need a new keyboard and mouse or gamepad? We put a dozen through their paces and tell you which one is deserving of your cash
Genius TwinTouch Optical Office

| Manufacturer: | Price: |
| Genius | £39.42 inc VAT |
| Reviewer: | Review Date: |
| Apr 2004 |
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Verdict: Wireless and rechargeable for less than £40. A bargain
The Optical Office costs only £4 more than the Belkin Wireless Keyboard and Mouse set, but offers so much more.
The main benefit is rechargeable batteries. Six are included, so you can charge the spares while the others are in use.
The charger is built into the RF receiver, and, unlike the Logitech set, doesn't require an external power supply. Plus, the receiver uses only a single USB port for both keyboard and mouse - perfect if you have a small form factor PC with not many ports to spare.
Both the mouse and keyboard feel less substantial than the more expensive Microsoft and Logitech sets, but they're still solid enough. Only the keyboard's wrist rest feels overly flimsy. If you don't like the feel of it though, it can be detached from the main body of the keyboard.The mouse offers two programmable buttons on the left side, and is designed only for right-handers.
True to its name, the keyboard has plenty of office-inspired shortcuts, such as Word, Excel, email and calculator buttons. There are also media controls and a scroll wheel, if you're too lazy to reach for the mouse. The standard layout of the main keys is good, as is the quiet and firm action.
If you're on a tight budget and you want a wireless set, the TwinTouch is an excellent value option.