$69.99

A trifold mobile keyboard and stand that fits in a purse or suit pocket and works with Apple and Android devices.

I have yet to tire of typing with my fingers on my smartphone, but of course, I avoid sending long texts or emails. If I have to write an email or text of even moderate length, I can feel my fingers protesting. Still, I’ve never felt the need to review a mobile keyboard as I didn’t use one myself. A little while ago, however, a wireless keyboard sold by ZAGG fell into my lap. I’ve been using it off and on with my phone in an attempt to figure out whether this piece of technology has a place in my bag. While I have reviewed hardware previously, this will be my first foray into mobile keyboards.

ZAGG Pocket Foldable Wireless Keyboard
for Apple and Android Devices

I’ve always wondered whether I’ve been unconsciously shortening my messages in an attempt to type less on my phone. Was I missing out somehow by lacking a keyboard? Would my messages get longer while using a keyboard? I was intrigued to find out.

The keyboard comes in sturdy packaging, which is reminiscent of Apple’s product packaging. The items were well-secured and laid out in the packaging, relieving any worries over safety in transit.

The ZAGG pocket keyboard is a diminutive keyboard for smartphones and small tablets for when your fingers get tired of tapping. It also includes a built-in stand. The company claims that the keyboard is 85% of the size of a regular keyboard, though to me it felt more cramped than that.

To power up the device, you simply unfold it and it is ready to be used. It is in standby mode when folded up.

The keyboard syncs to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, but you will need to charge the keyboard via a USB cable, which is included. The instructions, also included in the packaging, provide the steps to connect your smartphone or small tablet to the keyboard. The keyboard has a built-in adjustable kickstand, which keeps your phone or tablet upright for easy viewing. There is also a display stand to position your device at an appropriate eye height, though I’m not sure I would trust a tablet on this stand for very long.

The device is sturdy and feels solid in my hand. It folds into a 9-inch by 2.5-inch by 0.5-inch rectangle that can slide into a large pocket or purse.

The keyboard itself is decent, though there are issues that potential users should be aware of. The keys don’t seem to have great feedback, though that should not be surprising given the small form factor. When typing, I would periodically stop to check and make sure that what I had typed had registered and was reflected on my phone. Additionally, as I said, the keyboard felt a bit cramped to me. Again, given the small form factor, users must decide whether they are willing to put up with the size.

While the small form factor clearly forced ZAGG to make some compromises, it also contributes to the best feature about the keyboard: The way it folds up. Its trifold is unique and allows you to slip the keyboard into a small bag or purse, or even the inside pocket of a suit jacket. The keyboard was clearly built only for typing long texts or emails. Editing documents would probably be doable, but it wouldn’t be fun for an overly extended period of time.

ZAGG claims that battery life is preserved when the keyboard is folded and that the battery will last up to two years with regular use. There is no on/off button, but once the unit is properly charged, it will indicate that it is powered up and ready to be used via a green light to the right of the display shelf for your device. A red light indicates the keyboard is low on charge.

The green light doesn’t always blink as it should and I am still not sure why. Trial and error generally gets it to work for me, but it is a little disconcerting.

ZAGG’s keyboard is a competent alternative should you be in the market for a portable Bluetooth keyboard for your smartphone. There are shortcomings that may deter some users, ranging from its display stand to the cramped keys. Still, given its price, it is a reasonable option for mobile warriors on the go or anyone who doesn’t enjoy typing on their phone or small tablet.

After spending time with this product, I had answers to my two questions above: Was I missing out somehow by lacking a keyboard? Yes. Would my messages get longer while using a keyboard? Not demonstrably. I realized that using a mobile keyboard opens up a whole bunch of possibilities that simply using your finger doesn’t. On the other hand, behaviors are entrenched and I found that I still sent the same sorts of short messages even with the keyboard.

Pros

• Slim form factor
• Nearly full-size keyboard when unfolded
• Relatively inexpensive
• Long battery life

Cons

• Small display stand may not support larger devices
• The keys feel cramped

ZAGG Pocket Foldable Wireless Keyboard for Apple and Android Devices

$69.99 (currently $69.99 from Amazon.com)