The Satechi SM1 Slim marks the brand’s entry into the world of small form factor and low profile wireless mechanical keyboards. There have already been some brilliant options from other brands in the space, but the SM1 Slim is an option that will appeal to most people. This is because of its responsive switches, smart looks, reasonable price and its convenient wireless connectivity.
Design
First and foremost, you will immediately notice that the Satechi SM1 Slim looks sleek and stylish. This is particularly true for the light grey and white colorway that works for both home office environments and modern offices. You can also get it in a black and darker grey combination. The keyboard is on the light side at 471g, but it does not feel cheap. The plastic chassis with the metal plate on top give it a sturdy feeling.
You will find a 75% layout available and it works quite well for a keyboard this size. Along with alphanumeric keys, there are dedicated arrow keys, a function row and a navigation cluster on the right side. This key layout will be quite familiar to anyone who has used a full-sized keyboard. The keycaps have slight indents that help with typing and rather than PBT, they come with standard-issue ABS.
There are two adjustable feet on the underside of the SM1 Slim and this gives a better angle when typing. There is also a USB-A receiver for supporting 2.4GHz wireless operation. There is an on/off switch that makes things simple and the USB-C port comes in handy if you prefer wired use.
Performance
Similar to other low-profile mechanical keyboards, the Satechi SM1 Slim comes with soft-tactile Brown switches and the key travel makes them a good choice for typists. But, there are no other switches available and it is not possible for you to swap out the existing ones. The good news is that the Brown switches are some of the good ones. They are very tactile and highly positive actuation. This makes the keyboard very comfortable for typing.
You can opt for Bluetooth when it comes to connectivity, go with the USB-C wired connectivity, or the 2.4GHz receiver. Hence, you have a total of three channels for wireless connectivity. You can switch between them without any hassle. The SM1 Slim also has a good battery, as long as you do not use backlighting too often. It can last for as long as two months, but with the light on, it can function for 16.5 hours.
Software and Lighting
The SM1 Slim only has a bright white backlight that provides coverage beneath the keys. You will not find any software, but there are 14 different presets available for backlighting. You can have pulsating keys, per-key illumination and more. This might make the keyboard appear a bit cheap.
The Verdict
If you are looking for a tactile typing experience, the SM1 Slim is a great option thanks to its Brown switches. It is a fantastic keyboard for its price.