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Should you buy a foldable keyboard? This one I tested is a game-changer for work travel
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Plugable Folding Keyboard and Case is on sale for $45.
- It's a travel-friendly keyboard that has a nice typing feel and supports multiple operating systems.
- However, its design isn't the most ergonomic.
If you've ever read my computing reviews, you'll know I'm a sucker for a good keyboard. I enjoy the comfort and haptic feedback they provide, and it's a major reason why I prefer laptops over tablets. I also despise mashing my fingers against the glass. I digress.
If I could, I'd bring a keyboard whenever I travel with my tablet, but I can't. Good wireless keyboards are bulky and impractical to carry. Fortunately, a solution exists in the form of the Plugable Full-Sized Folding Keyboard.
Also: Why I pick this ultraportable Lenovo tablet over the iPad Air for multimedia consumption
This lightweight accessory is primarily meant for tablet users who want to improve their work productivity. You no longer have to press against the glass as the keys deliver a "satisfying typing experience." It doesn't operate exclusively with tablets since the device supports a wide array of systems, but more on that later.
When asked if I wanted to try it out, I immediately jumped at the opportunity because I was curious to see how well Plugable's gadget matched up to traditional keyboards. After about a week of constant usage, I can confidently recommend the accessory to tablet owners; however, there is room for improvement.
As the name suggests, the model sports a tri-fold design that lets you close the keyboard like a pair of doors. When opened, it measures 0.5 x 11.4 x 4.6 inches. Folded up, it shrinks to 0.6 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches, allowing the device to fit inside most bags. The Folding Keyboard is incredibly thin, yet typing on it feels quite nice.
Plugable states it utilizes "high-quality scissor switches [which] supply a satisfying sensation when tapping away." The smooth input performance easily became one of my favorite things about the keyboard.
My other favorite feature is its versatility. The keyboard can connect to Windows, Android, and iOS devices either wired via a micro-USB cable or wirelessly through Bluetooth. Changing modes is done by pressing certain key combinations. For example, Fn plus Q connects to Androids, while Fn plus W goes to Windows. Hitting Fn and the "1" key enables wireless connectivity. Pressing Fn and "2" switches to the wired connection.
Also: Finally, my search for the best cheap Android tablet is over, and now it's $70 off
What's neat 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 began typing away on my Android tablet. The reverse is not possible. After reinserting the cable, you'll need to switch back to the computer's OS by pressing Fn and W.
The Foldable Keyboard boasts a long-lasting battery. Even after a week of continuous, it's still going strong. Plugable claims the keyboard's battery can last for weeks on a single charge.
As great as the Foldable Keyboard is, there are some changes I would like to see made in a future model. First, it should have a more ergonomic design. The keyboard sits mostly flat on tables, forcing your hands into an uncomfortable position, which can lead to hand strain. Second, I would love some backlighting for evening work. And third, it should support USB-C instead of Micro-USB so the keyboard is more in line with modern hardware.
ZDNET's buying advice
Plugable Full-Size Folding Keyboard retails for $45 on the company's website and Amazon. It's available in two sizes: small and large. My review unit was the latter, which explains why typing felt so good. I recommend the accessory for anyone who likes to write the day away in a cafe or outdoors. I should also mention that it comes with a hard leather case that can double as a tablet stand.