Bluetooth Keyboards: What do you Prefer

By sockhopsinger, 27 November, 2018

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Hello. I am debating on getting a Bluetooth keyboard for my iPhone XR. However, I want one that is ergonomic and preferably contains a full number pad. Can anyone recommend something that fits my criteria? There are a gazillion reviews about Bluetooth keyboards out there, but hey, I'd rather go to the experts. :) Thanks in advance.

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Comments

By OldBear on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

I've been using a Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 for a year now. There might be an updated modle. It's a large keyboard with a full size feel to the keys, I like the feel of their action, and a place to mount a device, so not what you might carry around. The cool part is I can switch between connections to three different devices by clicking a dial; a phone, tablet and laptop, for example.
I Haven't come across any bluetooth keyboards with number pads. I would be interested in that too, but not so much for an iPhone.

By Roxann Pollard on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

Unfortunately, as the previous commenter stated, I haven't come across something with the number pad included, either. However, I chose the Logitech K810 because of the solid feel of the keys, the ability to change between three devices, and the fact that it has a rechargeable battery, as opposed to having to replace the batteries. Also, if this matters to you, the back light can also be turned off to conserve battery; otherwise, the back light is automatic and turns itself on when your hands are over the keyboard.

Before making my final choice, I read a review on Amazon, which was written by an engineer, who said that he used the keyboard heavily for his job. Having been a medical transcriptionist myself, I know the high value of a keyboard feeling right under my hands. His review convinced me that the Logitech K810 was for me. After receiving and using the product, I do not regret my choice. I have small girl hands, but really appreciate the fact that the keys are not too crammed together. The arrow keys are "broke out", as I think of them. This means that to the left and right of the up arrow, there is no key. Many portable keyboards like to put keys in these areas. For a blind person, I personally think this is a bad idea as I use the arrows for so many tasks. Also, the keys do not feel squishy or wiggley under my fingers. They are not too sensitive, either. The keyboard paired with my iPhone easily.

As far as a case, I chose the one from Baval for $13.99 on Amazon. This is a hard EVO case with a full zipper. It has a mesh pocket inside which perfectly fits the charging USB cable and the little manual, too.

I couldn't be happier with my purchases. I hope that you will too.

By Brandon X on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

I have been browsing on Amazon and bestbuy. I was looking for a rechargeable battery and a full size keyboard. The best keyboard that I found was a foldable Bluetooth keyboard but I haven’t purchased it yet. I was thinking of the Logitech keyboard but I really couldn’t find any rechargeable ones. I hope this gives you some more information for what you’re looking for. Just go onto Amazon and type in foldable Bluetooth keyboards.

By Kris on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

I fully agree with Roxanne and the other commentor about the Logitech keyboards.

I’ve had my Logitech K810 for more than a year, now , and I love it! It makes using my iPhone and laptop so much easier. It goes with me to meetings and even on long train trips.

I don’t regret buying it and would do so again in a heartbeat.

Good luck with finding a keyboard that meets your needs.

By sockhopsinger on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

Thanks very much for the suggestions. I am going to look at the Logitech keyboard and see how that is, as well as check for foldable Bluetooth keyboards on Amazon. I must admit, that is one search phrase I never thought of.

By Roxann Pollard on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

I never considered a foldable keyboard because I wanted more stability than this type offers. Yes, you can place it on a stable surface and achieve stability but I still didn't want that option. For me, how well the keys feel under my hands, the placement of the arrow keys and the rechargeing battery were much more important. If the keys feel squishy or wiggley or the keyboard feels awkward for me, I won't use it much. This is not the case for the Logitech K810. I would rather have a bit longer case to carry the keyboard in than to put up with some of the other things found in a foldable type. These are just my personal preferences mind you.

Happy hunting.

By Fred on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

The blue tooth aluminum keyboard made in Canada is from Matias. It has a num pad and is rechargeable. It is very similar to the the corded aluminum keyboard made by Apple in looks and performance. It can connect to three devices. $99.00 USA

By sockhopsinger on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

There is a Logitech K810 and K811. I have a Windows laptop at home and, of course, an iPhone. Will that keyboard pair with both devices? I see one version of that keyboard is for Mac and one is for Windows. Just curious. Thanks for all of the great suggestions.

By Applerocks on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

it wil not work.it wil just pair with one device

By sockhopsinger on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

Do you mean it will only pair with one device overall, or that you can only have it paired to one device at a time? Let's say I wanted to go out and travel around and work in a coffee shop using this keyboard. Then, when I get home, I wanted to use it on my laptop. Would that work?

By Seongyeol on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

The only downside logitech k810 has is you can not switch function key behavior in macos.
Actually it is only possible in k811. So if you're planning to use k810 with mac, just consider it again.
And actually it doesn't contain keypad.
I've been used logitech's k780, k480, k810 and concluded that for mac, all of them are not that good. Software that can make adjustment about various options including function key behavior can't be install by ourselves as a blind especially macos version.
I rather recommend that ek820 which is mechanical keyboard can capable of pare up to 5 devices and also can be used as wired keyboard. Actually its about 80 usd so I think will be better than logitechs.

By Mani on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

In reply to by Fred

Thank you Fred. Do you own one of that ? If so how do you like it?

By Jeff on Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 09:50

I don't have this keyboard, but I saw this BT keyboard recommended on another list

Vive Comb Bluetooth Keyboard, Rechargeable
https://amzn.to/2DNaIFL

If you get something, let us know what you think of it.

By Roxann Pollard on Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 09:50

The Logitech K810 is fir Windows and iOS. If you wanted to pair with MacOS then you would need the K811. The K810 will pair with your Windows laptop and your iOS device.

HTH

By sockhopsinger on Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 09:50

As promised, here is a link to the keyboard I went with. IT is an iClever Bluetooth Folding Keyboard, and the link is below. I'm sorry, but I don't know how to post a link and make it read as text, if that makes sense.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JA6HG88/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is a really neat little keyboard with a great feeling way to type. I am not completely familiar with using Voiceover on a Bluetooth keyboard yet, but I am getting there and am really liking it, plus the feel of typing on this keyboard is very comfortable.

The only issue I had was figuring out how to pair the thing. What you have to do is make sure the keyboard is on, mainly by opening it, after charging it, and then hit Function plus T. The Function key is located right next to the control key, which is in the usual place on a keyboard. Then, using Function plus E, the keys are ready to work with an iOS device. That is all I can tell you about the paring function thus far. Still, it is a great little keyboard and I think will last a long time.

Thanks to all who recommended keyboards. I checked each and every one of them out before deciding.

Have a great one.