Most of us travel with multiple mobile devices. As a person getting up in age, I find that it is difficult to continually type on the screen keyboards. I am a touch typist, a skill I was required to learn in the grand old days of manual typewriters. This skill has aided me during my career and i find that the tactile feel of an actual keyboard allows me to type faster and more error free. For many years, I have carried a Bluetooth keyboard for my mobile devices and received many strange looks and comments from fellow cruisers. It is not unusual for me to find a quiet location on a ship and type messages to friends or notes for myself. I generally write my drafts on my iPad or iPhone, then process the final copy on my laptop when it is available.
There are many Bluetooth keyboards available online now. I prefer Logitech keyboards since they are rugged and have the feel I like. However, there are many other alternatives. In this post, I will provide some pointers for selecting the right Bluetooth keyboard for you.
Size
The first criteria is the size of the keyboard. You want one that supports full-size keys so that typing is natural. Be wary of keyboards that compress the keys. I have found at 11” x 5” (28cm x 13cm) is the right size. Anything smaller can not accommodate a full-size keyboard and you really don’t need anything larger, unless you have a desire for a separate numeric keypad or touch pad.
Also, pay attention to the thickness of the keyboard. You want a slight wedge design (thicker at the top) for comfort, but some keyboards have a large battery compartment. Look at the profile to make sure it is ergonomic for you.
Weight
Most of these keyboards are light, generally into 8-16 ounce range ( 227-454 grams). The Logitech keyboard weighs in at the higher end of this range, but I like the solid construction.
Device Compatibility
When I purchased this last keyboard, I was still traveling with my laptop. So, I was looking for a keyboard that was compatible with my laptop, smartphone, and tablet. Always read the specifications to ensure that the keyboard is compatible with your device. Many of the newer keyboards support Bluetooth 5.0 and are backward compatible with previous Bluetooth version.
Multi-device support
I selected a keyboard that can support up to three separate devices. Otherwise, I would need to pair it with each device when I change devices. The keyboard has three keys which determine which device is paired. I have my paired to my iPhone, iPad, and laptop. Many of the inexpensive keyboards only support one device, which may be fine for you if you only plan to use it with a single device.
Power Source
Most portable keyboards are powered by AAA batteries which last six months or more. The keyboards switch off when not in use, but I like having an on/off switch on mine so it does not activate when I pack it. Some keyboards are rechargeable. I find these less attractive to me, as rechargeable devices generally do not last as long. Instead, I use good rechargeable batteries (I recommend Eneloop batteries which hold their charge a long time).
Backlighting
Unfortunately, my keyboard does not have backlit keys. Backlighting can be an aid if you type in dim environments, but it will also drain your batteries faster. My two AAA batteries last me at least a year of regular use (Logitech literature claims 24 months). I am not sure how much that would be degraded by backlighting, but would expect a significantly shorter duration. Unless you really need the backlighting, I suggest you select a keyboard without backlighting.
Avoid Folding and Flexible Keyboards
Your sill find folding and flexible keyboards when you search. Since I like to type with the keyboard in my lap, I find these to be highly unsatisfactory and they are not stable. Further, the flexible keyboards do not have a good feel and are difficult to use if you touch type. As they do not save any space nor are they easier to pack, my recommendation is to avoid them.
Recommendations
Based on my most recent review of portable Bluetooth keyboards on Amazon, here are some recommendations.
Please let me know what experience you have with portable keyboards in the comments below.
