KEY FEATURES
- Aluminium top
- Supports any Corsair K70 or K65 keyboard
- Can be used with any mouse
- Two extra USB 3.0 ports
- Padded lap rest
- Integrated mousemat
- Manufacturer: Corsair
- Review Price: £110.00
WHAT IS THE CORSAIR LAPDOG?
PC gamers need no longer be confined to the back room – advances in TV technology and compact PC cases mean that it's possiblr to partake in a bit of gaming from the comfort of the living room. However, having to deal with wired mouse and keyboard in such a scenario can prove a bit of a faff. Although bog-standard Bluetooth keyboards are now fairly cheap, they can't compare to a proper mechanical keyboard. With the Lapdog, Corsair looks to solve this problem in one expensive swoop.
The Corsair Lapdog consists of a base unit that can house one of Corsair’s keyboards and a mouse of your choice; it all connects to your PC via a single cable. With a padded underside and integrated mouse mat, the Lapdog provides everything you should need for stable and comfortable gaming from the sofa. It's like a much larger version of the Razer Turret keyboard and mouse combination.
CORSAIR LAPDOG – DESIGN AND FEATURES
The Lapdog is made of two main sections: a tough plastic piece on which sit the mousemat and keyboard, and a second plate that magnetically attaches to the underside to provide the padding.
Usefully, it's possible to replace the actual padding on the latter section without having to invest in a complete unit. Considering the abuse it may incur, and the fact that it isn't washable – nor can it be wiped down like the rest of the Lapdog – this is an advantage.
The plates are 2mm-thick slabs of aluminium, consisting of the 277 x 251mm mousemat, a top piece into which you can hide and cables, a lower section that holds the bottom edge of the keyboard, and an optional piece that comes into play only if you're using the shorter K65 range of keyboards that don’t feature a number pad.
Corsair has made quite a name for itself for producing mechanical keyboards with a premium vibe and solid feel, so it’s great to see it continue in that vein with the Lapdog.
However, those who prefer another brand of keyboard are out of luck since the Lapdog is only compatible with the company’s K70 and K65 keyboards. You can use any mouse, though.
The Lapdog includes a fully powered two-port USB 3.0 hub that can be used for connecting a USB headset, attaching another set of peripherals (for multi-player on a single computer perhaps), or just charging your phone.
CORSAIR LAPDOG – SETUP
Setting up the Lapdog requires the removal of the top plate and mousemat; depending on whether you’re using a full-sized K70 keyboard or the shorter K65, you may need to remove the central metal plate, too.
Inside, there are a couple of USB ports into which you plug the mouse and keyboard (ignore the second USB plug on the keyboard) then it’s simply a case of tucking all the excess cable beneath the top plate and mousemat. The keyboard’s cables won't be visible at all; with regards to the mouse, you simply thread as much cable as you need out through a channel under the top plate, just next to the mousemat.
As already mentioned, it's possible to use any mouse of your choosing with the Lapdog, and in theory you can even opt for a different mouse mat if you’re not a fan of the Lapdog's hard plastic mousing surfaces. However, the one included is perfectly good, and its raised edges along the right and bottom ensure your mouse stops short of sliding off the unit.
The slight downside to the whole setup is that you do still need a cable to connect it all to your PC – this isn’t a wireless solution. What’s more, Corsair also recommends you provide extra power to the Lapdog courtesy of the included power supply.