The Nokia N97 has many cutting-edge features but the one that really helps define it is the keyboard. This slide-out full QWERTY keyboard makes messaging and writing long emails, or documents, a whole lot easier. But how does it feel in the hand and is it really as accomplished as we’d hoped?  Check out our Nokia N97 keyboard review to find out…

The Nokia N97 has been in our hands a little over a week now, so we’re starting to get used to it. To access the keyboard you need to flip the keyguard button and then it pops out from the main body on a rather ingenious hinge.

Check out the full review of the Nokia N97

The size and shape of the QWERTY keyboard is a good size and means you need to use both thumbs to make the most of it. To the left-hand side there is a navigation pad, which initially looks a little odd. What’s more, at first glance the keyboard looks a little small as there is fair amount of space around the keys but we found that when you hold the Nokia N97 your thumbs hover naturally over the T and Y keys, making for a balanced typing action.

It’s worth pointing out this isn’t a membrane keyboard as you’ll find on cheaper devices but the Nokia N97 has individually mounted keys that it in a metal surround. The keys have a rubber coating and have a nice action as you type.

With only a little bit of practise we got a decent word count going, which is great as it means you’re no longer limited to short replies to emails and texts. We’ve found ourselves replying sooner and longer to emails using the Nokia N97 than we previously would have.

It’s not all plain sailing, as one problem we have found with the layout is the position of the Fn, or secondary function, key. It’s in the right-hand corner and just feels a little awkward to get too when typing at speed. Next to it is a Symbol button though that opens up a dialogue box allowing you to quickly enter the most common symbols, which is a nice touch.

Check out the full tech spec of the Nokia N97

The travel of the keys is quite shallow and you need to give them a firm but gentle push to activate – just brushing them won’t work. This is great, as it means you can easily type without fear of mistakes even when on a rocky train. As you type there is a beep to register the keystroke has been recognised.

We were asked to check out a couple of things, such as if you hold down any key will it repeat the letter. The answer is yes but you do need to hold the key down for a second or two for this to happen.

Overall, the Nokia N97 keyboard more than lives up to expectations. It’s well built, robust and what’s more actually feel nice to type on – what more could you want!

Check out the Nokia N97 keyboard review image gallery: