The mouse, assessed in the article, is described as adequately suitable. It is slim yet offers sufficient palm support, which helps prevent hand discomfort. The scroll wheel and buttons are responsive and smooth, although there is an occasional squeaky noise from the left side during clicks, which can be somewhat bothersome. The mouse charges via USB-C and boasts a standby battery life of up to 200 days.
The stand, identified as highly adjustable, surpasses the non-adjustable Logitech Casa in this regard. It contributes to better posture and allows for height adjustments based on working conditions, accommodating laptops ranging from 13 inches to 17.3 inches. The stand, used with a 14-inch MacBook Pro, has shown sturdiness and versatility, suitable for various activities such as writing and video calls.
Unlike the Casa’s larger, non-detachable stand, the ProtoArc XKM01 stand occupies less surface area but presents a bulkier overall setup. The XKM01 CaseUp Combo’s keyboard is as long as the combined length of the Casa’s keyboard and trackpad. Although this setup is roomier, preferences may vary depending on typing styles.
The XKM01 has been utilized successfully in a local coffee shop without causing the user to miss a more curated work environment, which typically includes various peripherals such as a mechanical keyboard, Apple Studio Display, and a Logitech mouse. The ProtoArc solution facilitated several hours of work, including writing and email correspondence, without the need for additional accessories. This functionality even extended to use at a kitchen island for a change of environment.
With a focus on aesthetics, the CaseUp is portrayed as having a professional appearance suitable for a corporate office, albeit less visually appealing than the Logitech Casa, which is available in pink with complementary accessories. The Casa’s playful design elements, such as an Emoji button, can make working more enjoyable, justifying its higher cost by $80 over the ProtoArc CaseUp.
The ProtoArc XKM01 could enhance appeal by offering more color variations, though it remains an excellent portable workstation for those unconcerned with color options. The peripherals demonstrate robust construction and reliable connectivity, with a comfortable keyboard for extended use. The stand offers decent adjustability, and the overall affordability makes it a compelling choice. The entire setup is easy to pack and transport, alleviating concerns about battery life, with a playful suggestion for a pink version to be offered.
