How to Choose the Best Portable Bluetooth Keyboard

Your Guide to buying the best Portable Bluetooth keyboards

Overview

A Portable Bluetooth keyboard is an increasingly popular accessory for those who frequently use mobile devices, such as tablets and phones. It can be a convenient way to add a laptop-style keyboard to any of these devices, providing a more comfortable typing experience. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss the various features to consider when selecting a Portable Bluetooth keyboard, including size, connectivity, battery life, and more. We’ll also provide advice on how to determine which keyboard best suits your needs.

Key features

  1. Compatibility: Does the portable Bluetooth keyboard you're considering work with your device? Ensure that you double-check the device requirements before purchasing.
  2. Layout: Look for portable Bluetooth keyboards that feature the type of keyboard layout you prefer. There are several popular layouts available, including QWERTY, AZERTY, and Dvorak.
  3. Connectivity: Some portable Bluetooth keyboards connect via USB or Bluetooth. Ensure that the connection type is compatible with your device.
  4. Size: Make sure that the size of the keyboard is suitable for your needs. Consider the size of the keys, the spacing between the keys, and the overall size of the keyboard.
  5. Battery Life: Portable Bluetooth keyboards offer a wide range of battery life. Check the manufacturer's specifications to determine the average battery life of the model you're considering.
  6. Portability: Many portable Bluetooth keyboards are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport. Consider the weight, size, and design when choosing a keyboard.
  7. Durability: Check for features that can help make the keyboard more durable, such as water-resistance and spill-proofing. Additionally, look for keyboards that are designed for heavy use.
  8. Price: Consider your budget before purchasing a portable Bluetooth keyboard. High-end models may offer more features, but they are often more expensive than lower-end models.
  9. Additional Features: Look for features such as backlighting, adjustable height, media keys, and programmable keys that may be of use to you.

See the most popular Portable Bluetooth keyboards on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability - Portable Bluetooth keyboards are highly convenient and can be easily taken on the go, allowing you to access your device from virtually anywhere.
  • Compatibility - Most Portable Bluetooth keyboards are designed to work with a wide variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Wireless/Cordless - Since Portable Bluetooth keyboards are wireless, you don’t have to worry about messy cables and cords, or any potential tripping hazards.
  • Durability - Portable Bluetooth keyboards usually have strong, durable materials that can withstand minor to moderate bumps, spills, and drops.
  • Battery Life - These keyboards often have long battery life, allowing for extended use without needing to recharge.

Cons

  • Battery Life: Portable Bluetooth keyboards typically have shorter battery lives than hard-wired keyboard alternatives due to the power needed to maintain a Bluetooth connection.
  • Compatibility: Not all portable Bluetooth keyboards are compatible with all systems, so it is important to ensure compatibility before purchase.
  • Size: Portable Bluetooth keyboards are generally smaller than traditional keyboards due to their portability, which can lead to a reduction in the number of keys or the size of the keys themselves, making them difficult to use for extended periods.
  • Price: Portable Bluetooth keyboards tend to be more expensive than traditional wired keyboards due to their convenience and portability.

Best alternatives

  1. Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard - A foldable Bluetooth keyboard is a compact, slim, and lightweight keyboard that allows you to type on the go. It connects to your device using Bluetooth and is great for travel and portability.
  2. Wireless USB Keyboard - A wireless USB keyboard is a full-sized keyboard that connects to your device using a USB dongle. It is generally more comfortable and convenient to use compared to a regular Bluetooth keyboard, but does not offer the same level of portability.
  3. Tablet Keyboard - A tablet keyboard is designed to connect to specific tablets that have a dedicated keyboard port. They offer a more comfortable typing experience than a Bluetooth keyboard, but are not as portable.
  4. Ergonomic Keyboard - An ergonomic keyboard is designed to keep your hands and wrists in a more natural and comfortable position while typing. It usually comes with a split design and adjustable height and angle settings.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Portable Bluetooth Keyboard - A slim, lightweight keyboard that connects to your device via Bluetooth.
  • Cables and Adapters - USB cables, charging cables, and adapters that are compatible with the keyboard.
  • Carrying Cases - A hard or soft carrying case to protect the keyboard while it is being transported.
  • AA Batteries - Batteries to power the keyboard when it is not connected via Bluetooth.
  • Screen Protectors - Film used to protect the keyboard's screen from scratches and other damage.
  • Key Caps - Replacement key caps that can be used to customize the keyboard.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of Portable Bluetooth keyboards available?
    There are many types of Portable Bluetooth keyboards available such as folding keyboards, roll-up keyboards, and keyboards with integrated stands. Some keyboards are designed with specific devices in mind, such as tablets or phones.
  2. What are the advantages of using a Portable Bluetooth keyboard?
    Portable Bluetooth keyboards provide a more comfortable typing experience than the on-screen keyboards of tablets and phones. By using a Portable Bluetooth keyboard, you can type more quickly and accurately. They also offer the advantage of being easily transportable and can be used with multiple devices.
  3. What should I consider when buying a Portable Bluetooth keyboard?
    When buying a Portable Bluetooth keyboard, it is important to consider the size of the keyboard, the type of device you’ll be using it with, the battery life, and the type of connection it has (Bluetooth or USB). It is also important to look at the layout of the keys to make sure it suits your typing needs.
  4. Do Portable Bluetooth keyboards need to be charged?
    Yes, Portable Bluetooth keyboards need to be charged. Most keyboards will have a rechargeable battery that can last for several hours of use. Some keyboards will have a USB cable that can be used for charging.
  5. Are Portable Bluetooth keyboards compatible with all devices?
    No, Portable Bluetooth keyboards are not always compatible with all devices. It is important to check if the keyboard is compatible with the device you are using it with, as some keyboards are designed for specific devices.

Trivia

An interesting fact about portable Bluetooth keyboards is that the inventor of the first Bluetooth-enabled keyboard, Danish engineer Jaap Haartsen, was inspired by the way that Viking kings used to send messages across long distances using runic symbols. He used this idea to create the algorithms for Bluetooth that enabled the development of wireless keyboards. This information was sourced from https://www.bluetooth.com/discover-bluetooth/bluetooth-history/.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.