SpeechWare’s USB TravelMike & Base and
USB KeyboardMike Review
As an assistive technology trainer and product developer, I’ve spent years writing books, building online resources, and creating bespoke voice commands for Dragon Professional. In that time, I’ve tested more headsets and microphones than I can count—Bluetooth, wired USB, and everything in between— all in search of the best tools for reliable voice recognition.
That experience, along with the insights I’ve gathered from clients with a wide range of needs, has given me a clear sense of what makes a speech recognition microphone stand out.
So, when I was invited to review two new products from SpeechWare, a Belgian company that has been dedicated to high-quality microphones for over a decade, I was intrigued.
The products in question are the USB TravelMike & Base and the USB KeyboardMike (Normal Range)—both promoted as the smallest desktop microphones for laptops and tablets, and both designed specifically with speech recognition users in mind.
The USB TravelMike with USB Connector & Base
The first thing you notice about the TravelMike is its smartly packed travel case. SpeechWare clearly put thought into this kit, which includes:
• A USB MultiAdapter that doubles as an external sound card and even accepts a 3.5 mm headphone.
• A detachable cardioid microphone with flexible positioning for perfect positioning.
• A snug-fitting wind foam cover (plus a spare) for reducing noise.
• A rounded base with a 15 cm hidden cable that doubles as a 4-port USB hub (one fast USB 3.0).
• A USB-C to USB-A converter for modern laptops.
• A small L-shaped adapter to hold the MultiAdapter upright when plugging it directly.
At the heart of the setup is the unique MultiAdapter, for normal and long-range dictation (+50 cm) with outstanding accuracy, powered by SpeechWare’s VoiceMatic V10 Audio Chipset. Built specifically for speech recognition, it also offers Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto EQ, both of which enhance dictation accuracy.
Setup
Setup is refreshingly simple—a welcome change from many overcomplicated devices. If your laptop has a USB-A port, just plug in the MultiAdapter. Using a USB-C-only machine? SpeechWare has you covered with the included converter. Once connected, snapping in the pivoting microphone takes only a second. It’s the kind of plug-and-play convenience that makes you appreciate thoughtful design.
When I tested the TravelMike with Dragon Professional on my Windows PC, the operating system instantly recognised it—no extra drivers or fiddling required. The hub design also meant I didn’t lose a port, which was handy for plugging in a USB stick.
Using the TravelMike
The MultiAdapter has three modes, indicated by the LED button:
- Red – Microphone muted.
- Green – Long-range dictation mode (best at 50cm, 10–20 inches in a quiet space).
- Blue – Normal mode (best for closer use, e.g. Zoom, Teams, or with tablets/phones).
In long-range mode, Dragon delivered impressive results—virtually 100% accuracy without any training, which is remarkable given the microphone’s size. I tested SpeechWare’s claim that the mic automatically adjusts EQ and volume as you move closer or farther away, and it worked exactly as promised. I didn’t have to raise or lower my voice, making it a genuinely hands-free experience.
Switching to blue mode made it ideal for VoIP calls and video meetings, where clarity is key at shorter distances. In both cases, the performance was solid.
The USB KeyboardMike (Normal Range)
The KeyboardMike is packaged with the same attention to detail. As its name suggests, the key difference is that it comes with a normal-range USB Adapter rather than the MultiAdapter, a longer boom and a velcro. It still features the same VoiceMatic V10 chipset with AGC and EQ, but is geared towards closer use.
The microphone itself is a 20 cm flexible, detachable boom—perfect for consistent positioning and to compensate for the lack of long-range. The Velcro strips, allow you to attach the mic to a keyboard or back of your monitor for convenience.
Testing it with Dragon Professional produced excellent results, and it performed equally well in Teams and Zoom meetings, with no complaints from other participants.
Verdict
Both the USB TravelMike & Base and the USB KeyboardMike are compact, portable, and thoughtfully designed for speech recognition users. They’re ideal for anyone who dislikes bulky wired headsets or finds Bluetooth setups fiddly, time consuming to recharge and unreliable.
That said, my personal pick is the TravelMike & Base. The rounded hub base not only keeps it stable on my desk but also adds three extra USB ports, making it practical for both travel and office use.
A point to note
On my Windows laptop with an “always-on” USB 3.2 port, I noticed the KeyboardMike stayed powered even after the laptop was switched off. To save energy, I’d recommend plugging it into a standard port.
Pros
- No Bluetooth pairing or setup required
- No batteries or charging needed
- True plug-and-play
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Excellent dictation accuracy
- Free courier shipping is currently available to most countries.
Cons
- A touch on the expensive side
Final word
If you rely on voice recognition, either of these microphones will serve you well. But for sheer versatility and convenience, the USB TravelMike & Base earns the edge.
You can find more information in these short videos:
Exclusive Discount for Readers
SpeechWare have kindly provided a 10% discount code for anyone interested in purchasing these microphones. Simply enter the code [dragontipsdiscount] at checkout when ordering directly from their website.
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