We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. You can find him on Twitter @Bombur. Which is the best keyboard for you? Some are compact enough to slip into a pocket, while others will fit in a bag or briefcase but not a pocket. The Casio CTK-6250 is a 61 key keyboard that is a little bit heavier than some options. The track pad doesn't work with iOS devices, and owners used to a mouse had trouble maneuvering it. This version of the K380 has a macOS-specific layout, so the Fn, Control, Option, and Command keys are where Mac users expect. The most notable of those features would be the backlight and dished keys. Look for a foldable keyboard with a standard layout. Being equipped with a number of supportive attributes, Aspire 5 secured the 2nd position on my list. Many companies keep their keyboard and mouse combos on the market for a long time. Some also have nonstandard layouts or aren't compact enough when folded. They’re great if you’re trying to declutter, or like typing with your keyboard on your lap. Here are some of the major benefits: A foldable keyboard is much easier to type on than the onscreen keyboard on a smartphone or tablet. The XME Xkey Portable is one great example. The full-size keys placed in a typical layout makes this comparable to typing on a standard computer keyboard. These may be manufactured by well-known brands, made from exceptionally durable materials, or have features that cause them to stand out from the crowd. On the plus side, though, devices with Bluetooth support can connect to phones, tablets, and other devices without a USB port. Check the product description to find out the exact folded dimensions because this can vary quite significantly between models. Use the links below to check the most up to date prices for on Amazon. Doesn't pair with Windows-powered phones. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Microsoft Modern Keyboard With Fingerprint ID is a solidly built, low-slung board with a useful fingerprint scanner. With their exceptional wireless keyboard and mouse combination package, you can use this for so much more than simple typing. Bluetooth adds a lot of versatility, though. Basic foldable keyboards start at around $20 to $30. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. The bottom line? With the help of a foldable keyboard, you can write reports, send emails, code, or work on your novel pretty much anywhere. With that in mind, the best wireless keyboards don’t overcommit to that aesthetic so much that the keys feel bunched together too closely. Most arrive only partially charged so you can't be sure how long the battery will last. A top pick from Wirecutter, this compact accessory is a true powerhouse that can connect with up to three devices — whether they run Mac OS X, Android, iOS, Windows, or Chrome.. The best Bluetooth tablet keyboards can transform your modest tablet into a de facto laptop with very little effort. Can be used wired or wirelessly and pairs easily, Works well with Windows Hello setup for easy and secure fingerprint sign-in, Can buy some mechanical keyboards with more features for less, Razer Pro Type Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Happy Hacking Professional Hybrid Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Corsair K83 Wireless Entertainment Keyboard, Logitech K580 Slim Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard Chrome OS Edition, Microsoft Modern Keyboard With Fingerprint ID, Best for Productivity With a Little Flash, Best for Extreme Key-Switch Connoisseurs, Programmers. The latter connects to your device via a USB dongle; Bluetooth models assume your host computer supports Bluetooth, or you have your own Bluetooth dongle. Some owners report it drops Bluetooth connections. They also always have a touchpad or other mouse substitute to make input control more manageable, with no separate mouse required. A foldable keyboard lets you turn your tablet into a basic. Q. It's also worth looking at how long the battery lasts on standby, especially if you'll only be using your keyboard occasionally. Like standard keyboards, mechanical keyboards generally offer a better typing feel and better build quality than membrane-switch keyboards, but they are also considerably more expensive. Best thin-and-light laptop: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 9310[dell.com] Best laptop under $500: Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R19L Best … Includes a case that doubles as a stand for phones and tablets, elevating them like a screen for easier typing. Tablets with keyboards are more portable than laptops; All tablets have touch screens, where many laptops don’t “Anything you can do, I can do better,” is the song that tablets sing to laptops in 2020. Entertainment keyboards, sometimes called “media center keyboards” or "lapboards," are all-in-one solutions made to work on your lap, rather than sit on a surface. But since you're here, let's go through the issues specific to wireless keyboards. In addition to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, any good wireless keyboard lets you directly connect to a device using its charging cable. You don't need to be right up close to the device your Bluetooth foldable keyboard is paired with. Need a keyboard that lets you work or play without cables getting in the way? Whether you’re planning to use the board for work, gaming, or just everyday computing, it isn’t hard to cut the cord without compromises. This is ideal if you want a foldable keyboard to use with a gaming console or. Otherwise, it will be awkward to view the screen while you type. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. This 13” device has been designed and manufactured to provide you with an eased experience with precision engineering details unlike anything else. Since LED backlighting heavily affects battery life, it’s good to look for customization and controls to help you manage power. Most foldable keyboards on the market today use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to devices. Currently only offered with Cherry Red switches. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. Bluetooth connections are reliable, but slightly more prone to lag and/or momentary connection loss, especially when you have many Bluetooth connections going on in one place (such as an office or a coffee shop). Unless your desktop computer is Bluetooth-compatible, you won't be able to use the majority of foldable keyboards with it. Some models can last for about six months on standby, so they're ready to use even if you've neglected them for some time. Q. Though a few keyboards on our list come with a wrist rest, it’s less likely that a wireless keyboard will include one. Almost all will work with Android, iOS, and Windows phones and tablets, but some have more limited compatibility, so always double-check. If you’re looking for more in-depth explainers on how to choose the right keyboard for you, also check out our roundups of the best keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best gaming keyboards, all of which have wireless candidates mingling with the best of the wired models we've reviewed. Wireless keyboards serve many masters. Q. Backlighting can be dimmed or turned off. 5 Best Foldable Wireless Keyboards. Most wireless keyboards these days rely on built-in lithium-ion batteries you can recharge, though you do occasionally run into some that rely on good old AA or AAA cells. This backlit keyboard boasts a long-lasting battery, nice-feeling keys, and a track pad. Some models also have an underside surface contoured to rest on your lap. Decent battery life and low latency rating for a wireless keyboard. A full charge of the battery provides 48 hours of typing and lasts 3 weeks on standby. Casio is one of the best-known names in keyboards, and this model delivers reliable, versatile sound in a rugged and portable package. Shop for portable keyboard at Best Buy. Best laptops of 2021. For an internal battery, most keyboards in the last two years get at least 20 hours of continuous use with its key backlighting on (if it has key backlighting, that is). Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up We purchase every product we review with our own funds — Most are long, and some have larger-than-ordinary keys. ; Our list of recommendations covers several subcategories, including the best portable keyboard for Mac users, the best ergonomic option, and the best choice for mechanical keyboard fans. It’s otherwise identical to the standard K380. The wireless ergonomic keyboards we’ve seen employ a curved, unibody design that prevents you from twisting your wrist. You can also find a few foldable keyboards that attach to devices via a micro USB cable or through the. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. They are, by and large, helpful if you experience wrist or arm pain when you type, though they can take some getting used to when you first switch to one from a standard keyboard. Because they’re designed for only occasional typing, they often don’t make for the best general-use keyboards (though there are exceptions). A. Effortless Windows Swift Pair connections, Connects via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Expensive for a non-mechanical keyboard without key backlighting. A foldable keyboard is much easier to type on than the onscreen keyboard on a smartphone or tablet. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. And because a USB dongle is an extra part, you can lose it if you often swap it between systems or carry your keyboard around. In modern keyboards, 2.4GHz RF offers a stable connection and, at times, a near-imperceptible amount of typing lag. With removable AAs or AAAs, look for the estimated battery life to be measured in weeks or months, not hours. Here is a quick overview of the best foldable wireless keyboards marked according to its profile; bi-fold, tri-fold or even quad-fold. This is ideal if you want a foldable keyboard to use with a gaming console or smart TV. …Hopefully the pictures I shared illustrate this: smaller than my a5 notebook and a little bigger than my nexus 5x phone. The Logitech MX Keys Advanced is a really nice keyboard that is perfect for people that like the feel of laptop keyboards. At 10 oz., it's a little heavier than others and didn't comfortably accommodate larger hands. It might seem like it wouldn't cause too much difficulty, but if frequently used keys, such as the return key or space bar, are placed even slightly off from what you're used to, it can throw your whole typing experience out of whack. The smallest keyboard we tested with the longest-lasting battery. EXTRA FEATURES. The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. The dongles are often keyed to the specific keyboard you own, so losing one can mean the keyboard is out of commission for good. As such, they should be compatible with any Bluetooth-capable device. At the moment, most, but not all, wireless mechanical keyboards are gaming-focused. The only problem with a Bluetooth keyboard is that you either need to charge it or it contains single-use batteries that need replacing every so often. Some also have nonstandard layouts or aren't compact enough when folded. A great value for this price. Synapse software offers customization often reserved for gaming keyboards, including a macro editor. Best portable wireless keyboard: Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard; ... As more of us carry laptops or tablets, however, we’ll look for models that are compact or portable… Logitech's Ergo K860 is a well-crafted keyboard for sparing your arms and wrists when you work your fingers to the bone. Without this option, there’s always a chance that you’ll forget to charge the keyboard or replace its batteries, and you may find yourself temporarily unable to use it. UPDATE: Jelly Comb Foldable Bluetooth Portable Keyboard with Touchpad – TRI-FOLD Check that your chosen keyboard is compatible with your device. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-wireless-keyboards. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews. A foldable keyboard is great for creative professionals who might want to write ideas down when inspiration strikes, even when out and about. A few millimeters shouldn't make much of a difference once you've gotten used to it, but a tiny keyboard will be extremely tricky to type on, which negates the whole point of buying a foldable keyboard in the first place. Amazon's Choice for “portable keyboards for laptops ... best portable keyboard - better than my laptop's fullsize keyboard! Some keyboards support both connections. If you use your keyboard regularly, the cost of replacing single-use batteries can add up, not to mention it's not exactly environmentally friendly. Pairs easily over Bluetooth and also connects to devices via USB. We at BestReviews have written this guide to help you learn what to look for in a foldable keyboard so shopping is a breeze. Some configuration apps, like Corsair’s iCue, offer more universal power-related controls and features, like controlling when the board goes to “sleep,” and adding a system-level battery indicator. Works seamlessly across multiple synced wireless devices, even with differing OSs. Mechanical keyboards tend to be wired models, more often than not, though there are exceptions. It wasn't too long ago that you had to sit down at a large desktop computer to do any work, but today’s technology allows for more flexibility. 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To start, it has Bluetooth, 2.4G Wireless Dongle, a rechargeable battery, dished keys, and a backlight. What matters most, though, is that you have a cable option of some kind. This aluminum top, a comparatively easily portable laptop exhibits a wide 15.6 inches Full HD 1920 x 1080px IPS and LED-backlit display for sharp and captivating visuals, further enhanced by the Intel UHD Graphics 620 integration. Most wireless keyboards are full-size, meaning they have 104 keys or more, including a number pad. In fact, you’ll need one of the best keyboards on a laptop, if you hope to type on it for eight hours straight without fatiguing. jack. A foldable keyboard lets you turn your tablet into a basic laptop , which makes working wherever you … Almost all will work with Android, iOS, and Windows phones and tablets, but some have more limited compatibility, so always double-check. The Corsair K83 is a solid living-room keyboard, great for navigating streaming sites and videos, though its ambitions as a keyboard-shaped "universal remote" and gamepad replacement are a reach. You can find plenty of excellent options at this price that are both durable and highly functional. Also, if you like the clack a keyboard makes, mechanical keyboards make more noise and, according to some, a more appealing sound. Summary List Placement. Keys are less sensitive than on a standard keyboard. The slightly different key layout and gap down the center may create a learning curve for touch-typists. Apart from introducing a couple of new factors that you need to pay attention to (namely, connectivity and battery life), picking out the best wireless keyboard isn’t all that different from picking out the best keyboard overall. Weighing only 6 oz., this portable model opens like a book to reveal a full-size keyboard with a standard key layout. Bluetooth also tends to drain a keyboard’s battery faster. The 2 pairs of hinges don't interfere with typing. . Bluetooth worked inconsistently on our sample. Wireless keyboards (and wireless mice, too) use two primary technologies to connect to devices: Bluetooth, or a 2.4GHz radio-frequency (RF) connection. Best laptops cheat sheet: Our top picks. This set comes with the … Happy Hacking Professional Hybrid Wireless Mechanical Keyboard So, how long should a wireless keyboard battery last? Wireless Keyboard and Mouse, WisFox 2.4GHz Compact Keyboard Mouse Combo, Small Quiet USB Laptop Keyboard Portable Mini Wireless Keyboard for Computer Window PC Notebook (Black) 4.6 out of 5 stars 777 $23.99 $ 23 . Low-profile switches are an acquired taste. Any backlit keyboard lets you turn these lights on and off, but some offer extra options, such as brightness-level controls and the ability to automatically turn off the lights when the power gets low. Battery lasts up to 40 days. Need a featherweight laptop that lasts all day on a single battery charge? It isn't as simple as it sounds. Lenovo’s pricey-but-comfy ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II offers the excellent ThinkPad typing experience, including the little red TrackPoint, in the form of a wireless keyboard that works with any Windows or Android device. Each connection type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Best Portable Computer Keyboards: Computers have gone a long way from the days of the universal machine to now when we can carry them in our pockets (the smartphones).As they continue to advance in making life easier for us, the input options have also found a way to keep up to include a portable computer keyboard. The best: Logitech G915 Lightspeed The G915 is not aware that it is a wireless keyboard. I would urge you, though, to not count out a keyboard just because it relies solely on Bluetooth, as you may not even notice a difference if you’re using it at home. However, it still only weighs 19 pounds, so it still fits the definition of a portable keyboard in my eyes. Made from rugged aircraft aluminum. Only its super-steep price keeps it from snagging an Editors' Choice. Hit that link for our best picks across wired and wireless models. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Beyond connectivity and battery life, there’s no difference between picking a standard, wired keyboard and a wireless one, though you are picking from a much smaller range of options. The two major benefits to a wireless mechanical keyboard are its more decisive feedback, and the longer travel, both of which allow for more confident typing. Consider buying a stand for your tablet or smartphone, too. Mechanical keyboards do the same via a physical switch with a spring or other tactile actuator. Extended asymmetrical keys make it easier to find your way around. Our choice of the best portable keyboard overall is the Logitech K380 for its combination of portability, comfort, affordability, and beautiful design. Possibly more important than the size of your foldable keyboard is the layout. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Battery charges in only 2 hours. This slim, lightweight keyboard slides into a backpack or even a laptop case so you can take it anywhere. Those models that fold in two places are generally more compact when folded than those with a single hinge down the middle. Here's all the advice, nuances, and deep-dive reviews you need to pick the right wireless keyboard and keep your fingers happy. OTHER SWITCH TYPES. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. You can find keyboards in more vibrant colors, but you'll need to shop around. Now this might be a strange first entry and it’s not really for adults (the image is a dead giveaway) but this review covers “all ages” so infants, toddlers and older kids are included. While you want your keyboard to be as compact as possible when folded, most users prefer a large size when unfolded. Scissor-switch keys can't compare to mechanical keyboards' typing feel. Among wireless keyboards, you'll spot the occasional model using membrane or mechanical key switches. Without a PC-connected cable to power it, every wireless keyboard, of course, needs a battery to run. If you're still on the fence about whether you need a foldable keyboard, you might be wondering what's so great about them. You may have read or seen his tech and gaming coverage at IGN, Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Variety, Digital Trends, and, of course, PCMag. A foldable keyboard is a huge time-saver when you want to write large amounts of text. Fans of flat, laptop-style keyboards may like the design, but its slim frame forces comfort compromises. This usually works just fine because users generally want to pair the keyboard with a, or smartphone, which comes with built-in Bluetooth. Some foldable keyboards are made from a combination of plastic and aluminum. Some keyboards have a storage slot for their dongles, which is great, but it's still a tiny part you need to keep track of. KEY LAYOUT. Generally speaking, wireless keyboards tend to come with some quality-of-life features, such as dedicated media and macro keys. Foldable keyboards are ideal for getting work done while you're traveling. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best? The Arteck Steel Portable Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard is the best value-to-price keyboard on this list, making it our favorite pick on the market. A compact accessory that fits into a back pocket yet opens to a full-size keyboard. Cannot access iCUE software over Bluetooth. Great for touch-typists and those with larger hands, but the full size of the keyboard means additional weight. Swift and stylish, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed has it all—it sets a new benchmark in gaming keyboards. Most foldable keyboards are only available in one color (black), though some models give you two or three choices, such as white and silver. These generally don't need charging since they're physically connected to your tablet or smartphone. Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Portable Keyboards at Guitar Center. . Mike Epstein is a freelance technology and culture critic based in New York. Naturally, the main reason for purchasing a folding keyboard is that it folds down to a smaller size for carrying, otherwise you could buy a non-folding. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. Casio keeps surprising me with their entry-level options as they’re getting some pretty nice sounds on them. Models that rely on disposable AA or AAA batteries, though, likely don't have a USB connection option. The newest wireless Happy Hacking keyboard makes a few smart changes and a strong case for minimalist “designer” keyboards. What sort of range do you get with a Bluetooth foldable keyboard? The 2.4GHz RF kind is generally the better connection type, especially if you’re planning on connecting to one, stationary PC. Though not sturdy enough for typing on one's lap, the attachable silicone pads prevent sliding on a tabletop. Despite offering rare priority to Chrome OS, Logitech's K580 Slim Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard is arguably more useful for laptop- and phone-toting travelers than for Chromebook users. A lightweight, pocket-size keyboard that opens flat and pairs easily with mobile devices for convenient typing on the go. It's also worth considering whether your chosen keyboard has a built-in battery or takes single-use batteries. In our review testing, we find 25 to 30 hours often translates to somewhere between one to two weeks of heavy daily use. At almost 1 lb. Although they aren't as common, you can find a handful of foldable keyboards with backlighting, which is useful for typing in low-light situations. Sleek look, with environment-aware backlighting. and 1 ft. long, this keyboard is much larger than others, though still portable. You don't need to be right up close to the device your Bluetooth foldable keyboard is paired with. This keeps their dimensions slim, making them more portable and helping to maintain the sleek, minimalist look popularized by Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Our favorite laptop keyboards: MacBook Pro 15-inch Apple's flat-topped island-style keyboard is the same one the company has used on the previous couple of generations of the MacBook Pro. However, those that connect to devices via a USB cable will work with a. High-end foldable keyboards cost between $50 and $80. Many people prefer the low action and light touch of scissor switches, though, so this ultimately comes down to personal preference. You can also find a few foldable keyboards that attach to devices via a micro USB cable or through the headphone jack. These are more durable than those made from plastic alone. They're great if you're trying to declutter, or like typing with your keyboard on your lap. You can opt for a compact, portable keyboard that fits comfortably in a laptop bag, right up to full-size 88-note models with weighted hammer-action keys. A few, like Logitech's high-end keyboards, also come with the ability to connect to multiple devices and swap among them with a single button press. This usually works just fine because users generally want to pair the keyboard with a tablet or smartphone, which comes with built-in Bluetooth. Even the cheapest battery-powered keyboards should get hundreds of hours of battery life from a set, especially if they do not have backlit keys. Relative to scissor switches, both types of keyboards provide more key-press travel, which leads to a more comfortable typing experience. Wireless keyboards serve many masters. We like the weight of the keys and the durable design. Models that support a more forgiving RF dongle, like the ones with Logitech's Unifying technology, can work using a replacement dongle or another device's dongle. These foldable keyboards tend to cost between. These generally don't need charging since they're physically connected to your tablet or smartphone. Last, but not least, in the last year or so, multiple companies have produced wireless ergonomic keyboards, which use an alternative key-layout shape to minimize repetitive stress injuries in your hands, wrists, and arms. Razer’s first productivity keyboard blurs the line between gaming and office gear, and that’s a good thing. . Comes with a case that folds into phone or tablet stand. Now that you what to look for in a good wireless keyboard, we’ve taken all the guesswork out of the equation and put together a list of the best ones we’ve reviewed. Your subscription has been confirmed. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best tablets with keyboards, from top-of-the-line iPads to budget tablets for $500. Very comfortable low-profile key switches. You can find keyboards in more vibrant colors, but you'll need to shop around. With such a huge range available to you, the choice can be overwhelming. For example, our best laptops guide is filled with the crème de la crème of portable systems, while our best 2-in-1 laptops guide has machines that can act as both a laptop and a tablet.