My Dad was going online for the first time so having set up one of my older PCs for him I also needed a simple but decent keyboard for him to use. I had an old white one that came with my first ever PC that I bought in 2001. The PC abandoned long ago but the white keyboard remained in use as it was good quality and proved to be better than any of those that came with subsequent new desk top computers that I bought. The only problem was that the letters on the keys had worn away and this was of no use to my Dad. I had another spare wireless keyboard but this was continually problematic due to very stiff keys that were becoming less respondent to key pressing - whether this was to do with the wireless connection or the physical keyboard I was never quite sure.

I decided to go to PC world because I wanted to be able to test the keyboard and ascertain if it felt right, that is, I wanted to be certain that the keys were comfortable to use and were not too small or too closely positioned together. I couldn't be sure of this if I had taken a gamble by buying one on line - even though I knew I would inevitably be paying at least a few pounds extra in a shop.

I remember in the shop that there was a keyboard on offer for about £10 - I can't recall the brand - but the keys were tiny and there was no number pad. I knew I wanted a black keyboard because this would blend in better in the living room, especially on a dark wooden desk. In the end I decided upon the Logitech K200 because it fitted most of my requirements. The main enter key was of ample size and nicely positioned and didn't interfere too much with the surrounding keys. The keys in general seemed a nice size, well spaced and comfortable to use. I could tell that this keyboard would be reasonably quiet to use as you wouldn't have to hammer down the keys because they were too stiff or too high. The keys also have bold, bright white characters that are easy to read even in subdued lighting. If I recall correctly I think I paid £15.

The keyboard connects to your PC with a standard USB connection. The lead for this USB is a nice length and not too thin. From the keyboard placed on a desk it could easily reach a port at the back of the PC placed on the floor. Upon first use and plugging in the USB for the first time, I would say that the keyboard was ready to use after about a 2 minute wait for the software to load.

On the keyboard itself there are the usual qwerty keys that most people will be familiar with: a number pad on the right, the number keys above the letter keys and above these the 12 function keys (F1 to F12). Although this is a very basic keyboard it does have a few useful one-touch access keys along the top and, unlike any keyboard I've used before, all of these worked as soon as the keyboard had been set up. These one-touch keys include pause/play, mute and volume controls for playing media; an internet home page button; a launch default email application button; PC Sleep and a handy one to bring up the calculator.

According to the box the keyboard has a durable spill resistant design - this is untested of course. There are also two adjustable tilt legs that are sturdy enough and allow for a more ergonomically correct typing position.

In conclusion I really feel I got a good deal with this keyboard. I think I could have bought it on Amazon for £3 less than I paid but it was nice just to pick it up from a shop for a change and be able to partially test it on the spot. One is always weary when buying electrical goods at the cheaper end of the market, but as I am sure it will be for many others, the K200 performs efficiently and was exactly what I needed. My Dad is also very pleased.