Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

Description

If you plan to travel and work at the same time, the Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard is probably an ideal travel companion. It is a lightweight QWERTY keyboard that can be unfolded on a desk or even on your lap. When folded, the device is compact and small enough to fit in a large back pocket or a small bag.

Many of us have multiple devices which could also be on multiple operating systems. The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard is a thin and light keyboard that can easily switch between iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

*As of July 2015, tablets and smartphones must be Bluetooth® 4.0 enabled, have a Human Interface Device (HID) keyboard support and be running one of the following operating systems:

• Windows 8, 8.1
• Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2
• Apple iOS 7-8.1
• Android 4.3-5.0

You can pair it simultaneously with any two mobile devices on various operating systems* via Bluetooth by just pressing and holding either the keys “1” or “2” in boxes. These buttons can be used to save two devices to memory so you can instantly switch between them with a single touch.

You can switch between different keyboard configurations using a button in the upper right hand corner of the keyboard. The combination of Alt/Option as well as Fn/Cmd is a nice design feature. You might have realised that both “N” and “T” keys are much longer than the width of the rest, similar to the design of an ergonomic keyboard.

It also has some other functions, such as volume and playback controls, search, a key to lock the phone or tablet at the top row.

The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard is ultra-thin (less than half an inch thin) and when extended, it measures 11.6 inches by 4.9 inches.

It folds up neatly both forward and backward, and is kept closed with magnets. Closing it powers it off.

It has a similar look and feel to Microsoft’s flat Surface Type Cover keyboard, but smaller, cheaper, minus the touchpad and some standard top-row keys (to accommodate the Bluetooth/OS-switching keys) and with a seam down the middle.

This seam in the middle, which allows the keyboard to fold, makes it harder for touch typists to adjust, and also forces non-touch typists to type correctly like a touch typists. For example, it’s no longer easy to type the letter ‘h’ with my left index finger using this keyboard.

The foldable keyboard is said to be spill-resistant, which is great especially if you throw the keyboard into your bag with everything – from your umbrella to your breakfast and travel water bottle.

You may be asking whether it will last your trip? Well, the keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to three months before you need to charge it again using the micro USB connector at the side.

Microsoft’s foldable keyboard is not the only portable and lightweight solution out there- check out some of the other recommendations below – but I must say that the Microsoft Universal foldable keyboard is pretty well-designed and built to feel like an actual keyboard. It’s very comfortable to use, unlike many ultrathin portable keyboards, though those who doesn’t like split keyboards may not love it. I don’t.

You can buy it from the Microsoft store, but it is now selling at a discount on Amazon.

Features:

• Works across devices: The Universal Foldable Keyboard was designed to work with iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows tablets, and Windows Phone.
• Ultra-thin and lightweight: Only 5mm thin, the innovative, foldable design easily fits into a purse, bag, or pocket.
• Bluetooth Smart: Clutter-free and reliable experience utilizing the latest in Bluetooth 4.0 technology, consuming less power.
• Easy on/Easy off: Open the keyboard to connect to your tablet or smartphone.
• Simply close the keyboard to shut it down.
• Full-size keyset: The full-size keyset provides fast, accurate typing.
• Spill-resistant design: Water repellent keyset and fabric helps protect against accidents.
• Rechargeable battery: The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to three months of usage on a single charge.

PROS
Very portable
Spill-resistant
Full sized keys

CONS
Folds vertically down the middle
Expensive
Keys near the fold different sizes from others