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ROCCAT SOVA Gaming Lapboard USB Keyboard English Layout - for PC, Xbox One, PS4, LED Light (Blue), Membrane Keys, Built-in Mouse Pad, (Part# ROC-12-151)

The Corsair K63+ Lapboard and the Roccat Sova are the only two serious couch keyboards on the market. I own both, having first purchased the Roccat Sova and later the K63. Both keyboards sell for similar prices (the Sova is available with both a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard, and the mechanical keyboard is usually a bit more expensive, but I've listed it for less than the K63). I ended up getting the K63 combo after spilling a glass of water on the Sova (tried to save it...the 6 and 0 keys are totally dead. All the other keys work, but the backlight goes off. is off on several). I originally went with the Sova because I've always been an advocate for wired devices. I didn't want to deal with latency, connection issues, or maintaining a charged battery. I also liked that the Sova acted as a USB hub, where I could easily plug in my mouse and receiver for an Xbox controller. For the most part, I was very happy with the Sova. Really, my only complaint was the wire, which turned out to be more troublesome than I expected. I didn't want a giant keyboard sitting in my living room all the time, and having to deal with the cable every time I put it away was a pain. I also really hate devices with breakout cables. I understand their purpose, but I still don't like them. I accidentally disconnected it frequently. After damaging the Sova, I decided to put my skepticism aside and go the wireless route. I'm glad I did. I configured a powered USB dock to handle the keyboard, mouse, and controller receivers, and all three work well with the dock tossed behind my entertainment stand. I had no disconnection or lag issues. The wireless setup is so much easier, I turn it off and slip it under the couch and it's out of the way without a mess. As a keyboard, both are fine. I don't believe the mechanical Sova uses cherry switches, but it does use switches that are supposed to be comparable to red. Both feel good, I could take either. Likewise, the mouse pad area on both is equally good. However, I find the Corsair lapboard more comfortable. The entire base is padded, while the Sova only has two padded strips at the front and back. The Sova was a bit more wobbly on my lap (which often meant it wasn't as flat, which meant my mouse was slipping). I also like the Corsair's rubberized wrist rest better than the Sova's plastic. My only complaint with the K63 is that it uses an internal battery. I would have much preferred to be able to use rechargeable AAs. That way, if the battery ran out while I was using it, I could just replace the charged batteries and continue playing. The internal battery means when it dies I'm either attached or done playing. Also, like anything that has a rechargeable battery, it means that when that battery starts to wear out, I have no option to replace it. This is a major drawback, especially on a large peripheral like a keyboard where the space could certainly have been made for a pair of AAs. In the end, I like the K63 and its lack of wire better, but both keyboards are great if you understand their limitations. Take your pick depending on whether you want a yarn or not, either way you get a solid product.