With a smartphone or tablet we can do most of the things that before was only possible to do on the PC: write a letter, prepare a thesis, write and send emails or PDFs etc. The only real limitation when using writing apps is related to the screen keyboard, often too small to be able to write accurately and for a long time as normally it is possible to do with a mechanical keyboard on the PC. Instead of going back to the computer (especially when we are away from home this is impossible) we can use portable keyboards for tablets and smartphones to be dedicated to the purpose. Let's see together the best portable keyboards for tablets and smartphones that we can buy online, together with an overview of the features they must have in order to be used on any device.
READ ALSO -> Transform and use the tablet as a portable PC (Android and iPad)
Features portable keyboards
Before jumping headlong into the offers for portable keyboards dedicated to smartphones and tablets, let's see together what features must have this type of products:
- Connection : these portable keyboards can be connected both via cable (therefore they will be connected to the USB socket of the portable device) and via Bluetooth (wireless connection). In the latter case, the keyboard will be equipped with an internal battery in order to make the wireless connection correctly, while the presence of the battery is not required via cable as it will work like any other wired keyboard (it will use the power from the USB socket of the device) .
- Support : many keyboards have a slot where to place the tablet or smartphone in order to hold it in position, so as to transform it into a kind of mini notebook. In other cases the keyboard offers only a dock-style edge to rest on the device (which will remain in position thanks to the support flaps) while the cheaper keyboards do not have support systems so we will have to find an external support for the device or use it lying down on the surface (somewhat uncomfortable!).
- Layout : obviously portable keyboards will not have all the keys that can be obtained with a classic keyboard, but many of the accessory or secondary functions will be integrated with other keys, which can be activated by pressing a combination or by using the FN key (as on laptops). The numeric keypad is completely missing given the small size, so we will have to use the numbers on the upper part of the keyboard.
Buying Guide
After showing you the generic features of portable keyboards for tablets and smartphones, let's see together the best models that we can buy online, so as to obtain a considerable saving and choose only the models suitable for our needs.
1) CoastaCloud QWERTY
A cheap and simple portable keyboard, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity (therefore compatible with any tablet or smartphone), long-lasting battery and QWERTY layout so you can type quickly as if we were in front of the PC. No support to support the smartphone or tablet, we will have to take care of it ourselves.
The keyboard can be viewed here -> CoastaCloud QWERTY (15 €).
2) 1 BY ONE Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard
Another affordable keyboard ready to be connected wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet, thanks to Bluetooth technology. This keyboard is very compact (24x17x0.5 cm) and also integrates a touchpad at the bottom, excellent for moving the cursor on Android systems and thus simulating writing from a mini notebook.
The keyboard can be viewed from here -> 1 BY ONE Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard (€ 16).
3) IKOS Mini Portable Bluetooth Keyboard
Among the numerous keyboards that we can always carry with us, the IKOS certainly stands out, a folding keyboard with a small and compact Bluetooth connection, which includes a small support in the package to keep the tablet or smartphone in the writing position.
One of the best for lightness and comfort!
The keyboard can be viewed from here -> IKOS Mini Portable Bluetooth Keyboard (19 €).
4) KKmoon Mini Bluetooth keyboard
One of the most comfortable portable keyboards that we can also use for tablets is the KKmoon, which like a book can be closed to prune it and if necessary opens offering support to the device, so you can write quickly.
The connection is via Bluetooth, so as to be compatible with any portable device.
The keyboard can be viewed from here -> KKmoon Mini Bluetooth Keyboard (21 €).
5) CoastaCloud Bluetooth keyboard
Another keyboard of the manufacturer CoastaCloud but this time with the integrated support for the tablet, so that it can be closed like a book and opened at any time to be able to write with the built-in keyboard.
The rear stand will allow to support tablets up to 10 inches, while we can use Bluetooth as a connection.
The keyboard can be viewed here -> CoastaCloud Bluetooth keyboard (22 €).
6) Mini Folding Wireless Keyboard MoKo
If we want a folding keyboard, really compact and minimal to connect it to any smartphone or tablet, we can focus on the MoKo, a folding keyboard with Bluetooth technology and a really minimal weight, so that you can comfortably stay in your bag or backpack.
The keyboard can be viewed from here -> iClever Mini Wireless Keyboard (25 €).
7) Logitech K480
Logitech has also produced a comfortable portable keyboard for mobile devices, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity Easy-Switch knob and base for smartphone or tablet integrated in the upper part.
The keyboard can be viewed from here -> Logitech K480 (€ 38).
8) ESYNiC Bluetooth keyboard
If we are looking for a keyboard large enough but resealable and with support for larger tablets, we can focus on the ESYNiC Bluetooth Keyboard (€ 29) convenient to carry around, which when closed is slightly larger than a smartphone.
READ ALSO: Best tablets with 2 in 1 keyboard to buy
