Having a keyboard is always very useful if you have a small screen like a mobile phone or mini iPad. Personally, I find even using a full size iPad quite annoying sometimes that the keyboard fills up half of the screen. This means that most of the time, I am not able to scroll up to see what is covered by it.
As an alternative, I have reviewed a foldable portable keyboard but it curves inwards when I press the buttons around the middle. So now I have decided to use a proper keyboard for my iPad for work purposes.
Inateck have a range of three different Bluetooth keyboards and they have sent me the BK1003E for review. It comes in black colour with a stainless stain back panel.
It measures 28 cm by 13.5 cm by 1.4 cm which is slightly bigger than the iPad. The keyboard is in a UK layout. Before you decide to buy this, it is best to check if it compatible with your device. On their site, they mention that it is compatible with Mac OS/ iOS, Android, Windows, and all Bluetooth-enabled tablets, PCs or Laptops.
My first impression of the keyboard is that it is very sturdy, comfortable to type, compact and lightweight. It comes with instructions and a USB cable (about 88cm long).
It is quite easy to set it up the Bluetooth. Once I turned on both the iPad Bluetooth and the keyboard, it immediately found it.
For the first time using the keyboard, do remember to select FN + Q/W/E with either Android/Win/IOS on the keyboard according to the type of device you are using it with. I didn’t do it the first time around and it gave a me a different keyboard layout. Once I selected it, my iPad remembers the keyboard layoutand I didn’t have to do it again. Also for the first time, you need to press FN + C to turn on the Bluetooth on your keyboard.
I do find it strange that the on/off button is found on the back at the top right of the keyboard. I have to flip the keyboard around in order to switch it on but now I have just left it on. It comes with an energy saving sleep mode which is enabled if inactive for 10 minutes. To reactivate from sleep mode, just press any button and wait for 3 seconds. It is not an instant connection but it is quite quick to get back the Bluetooth connection.
It has a built-in 200mA lithium battery which works for up to 4 months in standby without charging with 8 hours of continuous use every day. So far it has been very efficient.
I used the USB cable to charge the keyboard (red light will light up on the side of the keyboard). I find it quite disappointing that the cable head is slightly exposed.
The usability of the keyboard is great. Each button is an excellent size and I find it easy to navigate as it is exactly the same as my laptop buttons. Each press of the button feels very responsive and is a delight to use and type with. The sloping design of the keyboard adds a natural angle towards you which makes it easier to type too.
Overall, I am very happy with the keyboard as it is very efficient, lightweight, comfortable to type with and great value for money. I would give it 4.5 stars out of 5. It is available to buy on Inateck through Amazon.
This is not my first time reviewing products from Inateck. Do check out what I think about their Inateck water resistant speaker, Inateck hub HB5001, Inateck 2-Port Rapid car charger, Inateck USB 3.0 Hub, Inateck laptop backpack CB1001 and Inateck camera case.
Disclosure: We have received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.