Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: 1 minute review
Microsoft has led the way in accessible technology proverbs, and Microsoft Adaptive Accessories continues the trend.
This line of PC peripherals has four products, each with its own character and purpose. There is an adaptive mouse and separate mouse tail and thumb support. An adaptive hub that functions as a hybrid remote control and keyboard to connect and control other devices. Adaptive D-pad controller that doubles as a dual button and joystick controller.
Each product is 3D printed and designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled to combine different parts to create new gadgets, and an adaptive hub manages all these specialized macros as a control center. help you to Of course, each device can have its own macros, but Hub makes it easier to organize and even lets you set up your own profiles.
Each device is 3D printed, so the material used to build them is plastic, but the quality is still pretty solid, and each one is Bluetooth compatible. However, these devices have a learning curve, especially when it comes to setting up your own macros. Microsoft official page (opens in new tab) There are FAQs on how to use them, but it would have been more convenient to include the instructions in the package itself.
Once you start learning the tricks of customizing accessories, it becomes much easier and you realize how complex and flexible programming can be. It goes without saying that it is easy.
Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: Pricing and Availability
- how much does it cost? Adaptive Mouse: $45 (£44 / AU$83); Adaptive Mouse Tail and Thumb Rest: $15 (£15 / AU$28); Adaptive Hub: $50 (£58 / AU$110); Adaptive D-Pad: $40 (£39 / AU$73).
- where can i get it? available now
- where can i get it? Available in US, UK and Australia
Microsoft makes these adaptive accessories available in multiple regions, including both the UK and Australia. The Adaptive Mouse is $45 (£44 / AU$83) and the bonus Adaptive Mouse Tail and Thumb Rest is $15 (£15 / AU$28). The Adaptive Hub is $50 (£58 / AU$110) and the Adaptive D-pad Button is $40 (£39 / AU$73).
The pricing itself isn’t too bad, but it’s still a bit steep for those who don’t have the extra cash to buy basic accessories and customized parts. It is also important to consider that, despite it being, the manufacturing quality is also not high.
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Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: Design and Features
- well designed
- Materials are affordable, but not cheap
- Plenty of ports and Bluetooth enabled
Because Microsoft’s adaptive accessories are 3D printed, both materials and design are pleasingly simple. The device is lightweight and small, making it easy to carry. Still, surprisingly, it lacks the cheap plastic feel that plagues similarly small products with well-made, sturdy shapes and well-integrated tech.
All of the main devices are black, but some of the additional add-ons are in different bright colors to better indicate the purpose of each accessory. It’s as lightweight and well made.
Each accessory has a USB Type-C port for charging and connectivity, and Bluetooth functionality when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smart device, laptop, or PC. The adaptive hub also has multiple ports including 3 Type-C USB and 5 3.5mm switches.
Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: Performance
- Easy to attach add-ons to the main device
- Macros have many options and combinations
- Compatible with smart devices
Microsoft’s full suite of adaptive accessories can be combined with a variety of other add-ons and customized to your needs. For example, the adaptive his mouse itself is flat and keeps your wrist flat when you move it. This is great for people with carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions that require the wrist to remain stationary.
However, other add-ons such as mouse tails and thumb supports can be easily attached to the main device. The fit of the parts is also solid, and there is no feeling that it will break even if you apply a little force.
The Adaptive D-Pad is convenient for both work and play. The basic design allows macros to be assigned in each direction for those with limited mobility, and with add-ons it can be converted into a joystick or dual button setup.
As for the macros themselves, they work quite well, basically allowing you to create and assign a simple set of instructions to each of these adaptive accessories, from repeating mouse and keyboard strokes to opening different applications. increase.
There’s definitely a learning curve to setting and navigating all possible options, as well as learning how to assign them to different profiles that you can switch between. It’s a little more complicated as it’s used as a base between up to 3 profiles.
Our only problem is that setting up these macros is complicated, and even combining some add-ons with accessories, so clear instructions should be included with each device. Microsoft has a Disability Answer Desk with an amazingly powerful set of demonstrations and instructions, as well as additional 3D printing options for American Sign Language and Shapeways.
However, some may need hard copy instructions with large print and pictures to better understand how to assemble the accessories and create the macros.
Should I buy Microsoft Adaptive Accessories?
Then buy…
Then don’t buy…
Microsoft Adaptive Accessory: Report Card
| worth | It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth the money and is available in a wide variety of regions. | 4.5/5 |
| design and function | Well designed with high quality materials and well integrated technology. | 5/5 |
| performance | Macros offer a lot of useful options, but the learning curve is a bit steep. | 4.5/5 |
| total | These are great devices that make navigating the Internet, working and playing games much easier. | 4.5/5 |
test method
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Read more about how we tested
- first review December 2022
