Satechi Launches Slim EX Keyboards with Replaceable Batteries

Satechi has introduced two new wireless keyboards, the Slim EX1 and Slim EX3, featuring a design focused on longevity and user accessibility. The primary innovation is the inclusion of a rechargeable battery designed for easy replacement, a feature that is notably rare in the current market for ultrathin wireless keyboards.

Despite their ultrathin profiles, both models successfully integrate a removable battery compartment on the underside of the device. This design choice allows users to replace the lithium battery when it eventually degrades, rather than discarding the entire keyboard. The Slim EX3 model is a full-size keyboard that includes a number pad and navigation keys, while the Slim EX1 offers a more compact layout. Accessing the battery requires a simple mechanical process: removing a single Phillips head screw to slide off the access door.

The Slim EX1 and Slim EX3 mark a shift in peripheral design by prioritizing repairability. Satechi has managed to stow the removable battery in a compartment on the undersides of both keyboards. This is a significant engineering feat given the ultrathin profiles associated with the Slim series.

Traditionally, slim wireless keyboards utilize non-removable internal batteries to save space. However, this often leads to the device becoming unusable once the battery reaches the end of its lifecycle. By including a dedicated access door, Satechi ensures that the devices remain functional for a longer period.

The process to replace the battery is straightforward:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the device.
2. Remove the Phillips head screw securing the access door.
3. Slide off the access door to access the lithium battery.

This mechanical approach ensures that the battery is secure during use but accessible for maintenance.

Finding a wireless keyboard with an easily replaceable and rechargeable battery is currently difficult, especially for consumers who prefer ultrathin aesthetics. Many manufacturers opt for sealed units to achieve sleek designs, often at the cost of long-term sustainability. The Satechi Slim EX series attempts to bridge this gap.

The inclusion of a replaceable battery addresses a specific pain point: lithium batteries do not last forever. Over time, all rechargeable batteries lose their capacity to hold a charge. Without a replaceable option, the entire keyboard typically becomes electronic waste. Satechi's design change allows for the continued use of the keyboard chassis and keys, requiring only the replacement of the power source.

The Slim EX3 specifically caters to users who require a full-size layout for productivity. It includes:

• A standard number pad for data entry.
• Navigation keys for efficient document handling.
• The same slim profile as the compact EX1.

This utility makes the device suitable for both professional environments and personal use where space is at a premium but full functionality is desired.

The core technical specification distinguishing the Slim EX1 and Slim EX3 is the battery compartment architecture. The devices utilize a standard lithium battery that can be sourced and replaced by the user.

The Slim EX3 is identified as the full-size variant, explicitly featuring a number pad and navigation keys. This distinguishes it from the Slim EX1, which is described as compact and likely omits the number pad to maintain a smaller footprint. Both units share the same underlying chassis design regarding the battery access location on the underside.

The reliance on a Phillips head screw for the battery door suggests a design that prioritizes security and accidental prevention over tool-less convenience. This ensures that the battery does not dislodge during transport or heavy use, while still remaining accessible to the average user with common household tools.

The launch of the Satechi Slim EX1 and Slim EX3 introduces a practical solution to the issue of battery degradation in modern peripherals. By integrating a user-replaceable lithium battery into an ultrathin form factor, Satechi offers a product that balances aesthetics with long-term usability. The Slim EX3 provides full-size functionality, while the Slim EX1 offers a compact alternative, both maintaining the core benefit of serviceability. This design philosophy extends the lifecycle of the keyboards, providing a sustainable option for users seeking reliable wireless input devices.