Office Suites™ Underdesk Keyboard Drawer
4.7
5
3
3
Perfect for where needed
I made a desk out of a bakers rack. This drawer was easy to install. It holds the keybord. I don't use the mouse pad much, the mouse worksfine on the top. Great for the money
February 25, 2013
Durable & affordable
Most employees use this keyboard. Very durable and sturdy.
Very inexpensive and a great product .
November 8, 2012
Easy to install; Great Value for Money
Ever since I shifted to using an IBM Model M keyboard. It's made of metal and it's HEAVY. I have been a little frustrated at the amount of effort needed to put it aside and make some space on my desktop so that I can carry on working with my Newton as required.
When I had a run of the mill el-cheapo keyboard it was easy to put that aside as it weighed just a few ounces. But the Model M?! It weights a few pounds. The answer? A keyboard drawer. I settled on a Fellowes 91403.
This drawer came with good instructions. I didn't have to read it that closely before I got the gist of it. They gave me more screws than what was listed in the parts list. I had read other reviews about how difficult it was to install Fellowes drawers. They mostly seem to use the same system of four brackets that requiring screwing to the underside of your desktop. The brackets are connected to the two ball-bearing runners on either side of the tray. The instructions are clear: Screw the runners to the tray; Screw the brackets to the runners; drill pilot holes into the desktop first; screw the brackets into the holes. Done.
Typing on it after installing the drawer is a pleasure. Hardly any lateral movement. The drawer allows for three height settings. The Model M is big especially with its legs down so I used the lowest setting and it just fits with about 4-5mm of clearance between it and the desktop. I use a laser USB mouse so there is no need for a mousepad on the mouse tray but I can imagine that some users would like a little more friction between the Mouse and the tray surface. If a mousepad is required then one might need to cut it to size as its only 180mm wide and 190mm deep. The tray can be slid back under the tray so anticipate the extra width required when sliding out the mouse tray especially if there are built-in drawers under the desktop.
Some Amazon reviewers of other Fellowes drawers have been disappointed that their units were mostly plastic. On this one, only the ball-bearing runners are made of metal. It doesn't matter to me whether its made of plastic or metal so long as the material is sturdy enough to do the job. The plastics used on this one certainly seem sturdy enough for me.
The drawer is meant for typing on a keyboard so don't expect it to be able to survive long if users lean on it with their elbows. If someone falls over and they put their hand out to catch their full weight I expect that they will tear it from its brackets.
I've been using it for a few hours now. The reclaimed desk space is great. I can use it for resting my notes and other reference documents while I'm typing. If I want to focus on what I'm doing on my Newton I just shift the mouse and slide the keyboard under the desk and roll my chair forward. Excellent.
Installation Tips:
1. The instructions have an actual sized plan view facsimile of the tray printed on it showing where the holes should be drilled. I cellotaped it to the underside of the desktop and then drilled the pilot holes through the paper. The pilot holes only need to be about 8mm deep (that is, not very deep at all, less than a fingernail). Don't get too enthusiastic and drill all the way through your desktop!
2. Make sure that your screws and screwdriver is near at hand before beginning. Hold the tray in place with one hand and put the screw through the hole in the bracket and push it against the pilot hole until it "sticks". Then carefully reach for your screwdriver without moving anything and screwing it in. You only need to go half way and then start on the other one diagonally across from the one you started with. Again you don't have to screw it all the way in, half way will do. Now you can release the tray and give your arms a rest! Once you have recovered then you can start on No 3 and No 4. When all are in, tighten them all up until it is firm but again don't get too enthusiastic as you don't want to tight them too much and strip the thread. You should be done. Pour yourself a double malt and admire your handiwork.
February 7, 2012