Key points of ZDNET
- The keyboard and dockable case are on sale for $45.
- It’s a travel-friendly keyboard that feels good to type on and supports multiple operating systems.
- However, its design is not the most ergonomic.
More purchasing options
If you’ve read my computer reviews, you know I’m a fan of a good keyboard. I love the comfort and tactile feedback they provide and that’s the main reason I prefer laptops over tablets. I also despise smashed my finger against the glass. I digress.
If I could, I would take my keyboard with me whenever I travel with my tablet, but I can’t. Good wireless keyboards are bulky and inconvenient to carry. Luckily, a solution exists in the form of Pluggable full-size folding keyboard.
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This lightweight accessory is mainly for tablet users who want to improve their productivity. You no longer have to press on the glass as the keys provide a “satisfying typing experience”. It doesn’t work exclusively with tablets as the device supports multiple systems, but more on that later.
When asked if I wanted to try it out, I immediately jumped at the chance because I was curious to see how Plugable’s utility stacks up against a traditional keyboard. After about a week of continuous use, I can confidently recommend this accessory to tablet owners; however, there is still room for improvement.
As the name suggests, this model has a tri-fold design that allows you to close the keyboard like a pair of doors. When opened, it measures 0.5 x 11.4 x 4.6 inches. When folded, it shrinks to 0.6 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches, allowing the device to fit into most pockets. The folding keyboard is extremely thin but typing on it feels quite comfortable.
Pluggable state it uses “high quality scissor switch [which] delivers a satisfying feeling when typing.” The smooth typing performance is easily one of the things I love most about the keyboard.
My other favorite feature is its versatility. The keyboard can connect to Windows, Android, and iOS devices wired via a micro-USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Changing modes is done by pressing certain key combinations. For example, Fn plus Q connects to Android, while Fn plus W connects to Windows. Press Fn and “1” key to enable wireless connection. Press Fn and “2” will switch to wired connection.
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The cool thing is that you can connect to two systems at the same time. After working on my Windows PC, I unplugged the cable from the Folding Keyboard and immediately started typing on my Android tablet. The opposite is not possible. After reconnecting the cable, you need to switch back to your computer’s operating system by pressing Fn and W.
The foldable keyboard boasts a long-lasting battery. Even after a week straight, it’s still going strong. Plugable claims the keyboard’s battery can last weeks on a single charge.
As great as the Foldable Keyboard is, there are some changes I’d like to see made in a future model. First, it must have a more ergonomic design. The keyboard lies virtually flat on the table, forcing your hands into an uncomfortable position that can lead to hand fatigue. Second, I like some backlighting for working in the evening. And third, it should support USB-C instead of Micro-USB to make the keyboard more suitable for modern hardware.
ZDNET Buying Tips
The pluggable full-size folding keyboard retails for $45 above company website And Amazon. It is available in two sizes: small and large. My review unit is the latter, which explains why typing feels so good. I recommend this accessory to anyone who enjoys writing during the day in a coffee shop or outdoors. I should also mention that it comes with a hard leather case that can be used as a tablet stand.
