When companies design some of their products to be directed for a more affordable price range, things can start to be simplified. While this can sometimes be an aspect that is easy to overlook, it is hard to do that with the KORONA KORE II keyboard and mouse combo kit. Luckily, IOGEAR and Kaliber Gaming did seem to keep a few things in mind as they created this combo kit. Sure, they made a smaller keyboard, which may even be perfect for some users, but as a user who enjoys their standard keyboard with 101 to 104 keys, it was the added mouse that really brought this option to reach its value.

What’s In The Box

Once you open the box, you will see a small blocked-off section that contains the KORONA II gaming mouse and in the bulk of the box is the KORE II compact keyboard. Along with this, they are wrapped in a protective styrofoam-type paper and placed on top of the quick start guide and warranty card. Both of these devices are hard-wired, so you will simply have to plug them into your computer to get started.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

When it comes to the keyboard, you will find yourself with a thick and bulky, matte black keyboard. The key caps also are not removable, so this base look is the one you will be sticking with too. It isn’t exactly unappealing, but it is incredibly bare. There are some RGB setting options once you utilize the downloadable software from IOGEAR, but it is a pretty limited selection. Once you get set up, you can even use the volume knob at the top of the keyboard to control the lights a bit by simply switching the function of the knob. There is even a light next to the knob that highlights which function it is actively controlling.

Sitting next to this bulky beast of a keyboard is a small mouse that is lit up with some RGB all around it. This mouse is actually pretty well decked out and is also customizable with the software. You can use the side buttons as needed, the top bottoms behind the wheel to cycle some of the RGB options, and generally use this mouse to game with properly. Funny enough, I was reviewing the HVER STEALTH keyboard from IOGEAR around the same time and found that the KORONA II mouse that comes in this combo kit looks very aesthetically pleasing when paired next to the HVER STEALTH instead of the KORE II keyboard.

Even so, both the mouse and keyboard come with a pretty solid and durable build quality to them.

Specs and Requirements

All you need in order to use this keyboard and mouse combo kit is a Windows 10 or above operating system and a couple of USB slots to plug them into. As for the specs, when it comes to the KORE II keyboard:

Compact 89-key design
Rotary control knob for easy audio and lighting adjustments
26 Anti-Ghosting keys
Windows key lockout prevents accidental menu pops
POM structured plunger keys offer a soft, smooth tactile feel

When it comes to the KORONA II mouse:

7 buttons with macro programming software
RGB backlighting with multiple lighting modes
Pixart 3327 optical sensor with up to 6200dpi optical sensor
Double injected non-slip rubber side panels
Non-slip rubber coated click wheel
125/500/1000Hz adjustable report rate
32KB built-in memory

What It Could Have Done Better

The keyboard itself is just simply not aesthetically pleasing. There are some obvious choices made in the design process that show a focus on function. While functional quality is important, it isn’t usually an issue with products from the IOGEAR lineup. That said, I don’t see why they kept the RGB options so limited, don’t allow users to change out the keycaps, and made this keyboard with such a big, bulky base.

Verdict

If you are looking to get a high-quality set for cheap, then the KORONA KORE II combo kit is definitely an ideal choice. It would be easier to use if you are used to working off of a laptop or perhaps are just getting started with your days on a computer. Converting from the standard keyboard options to this one was a hard adjustment and one that was personally uncomfortable to do. I can’t say that I can see myself using this keyboard much more, but I definitely see the quality in it for those looking for a compact set or simply an affordably basic starter kit.

The KORONA KORE II combo kit is available now for $49.95 USD on the IOGEAR website.