If you want a full size foldable keyboard with function keys and a trackpad, I can recommend the ProtoArc XK01[0]. This is a good enough keyboard that I use it as my main keyboard at home, and it's surprisingly cool to be able to just fold up your daily driver keyboard and take it with you.
I've just recently got a mechanical keyboard, after doing a workspace ergonomics assessment, and also cultural influence from various other developer friends, etc...
It's a Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) - looks like a split keyboard but it's one piece. It's excellent typing, has both wired (USB-C) and wireless (Bluetooth, probably also radio too? I don't use that) connectivity too. I don't normally use the LED lights, but occasionally they are fun...
It's heavy, so not portable like the one the author uses. Had something like that before, the portability was nice, but then didn't use it much. This is not (practically) portable, but still has all the flexibility, and it's a joy typing with it. I wouldn't go as far as I love a piece of euqipment, but I do look forward using it every day.
I do think more about keyboards as I use Mac, Linux, built in laptop keyboards, this stand alone one, etc... And because of the variety it's really hard to build up some muscle-memory. Ctrl, Option, Alt, Fn, ... basically all the extra keys beside the alphabet are slightly different in all systems. So it's more conscious typing than I'd hope for, but not toooooo bad (and it's not the keyboard's problem, I might have to look into remapping stuff, but it's not that level of pain yet).
Happy typing, everyone!
I've recently bought a samsung galaxy tab s11.
I had some huawei tablet for reading before, but now the main goal was to be able to ssh/kubectl to remote machines and for quick surfing, chats, etc (my new laptop is heavy).
I was trying to find a case + keyboard with good reviews, no luck
then, I didn't think it was possible, I've found out that you can use an apple magic keyboard with it and I had a spare one, so I have a case and a bluetooth magic keyboard.
The keyboard, comparing to anything that is sold for tablets is amazing, laptop experience.
At least with android devices, you can plug in any usb keyboard, and have it work. Those are free, in the garbage all over the place
Next step is to get a foldable keyboard: Action is selling one for 6 eur or go fancy with IC bk-05s). Fits in a jacket pocket and with some getting used is almost as good
I'd highly recommend the iClever BK05S. It's the same size as a normal laptop keyboard, so your fingers don't need to feel cramped. It lays flat and stable, it types well, it pairs easily, it charges with USB-C, and you can use it as a wired USB-C keyboard in a pinch.
Only problem is where to get it. Unavailable everywhere, spoke to the manufacturer on alibaba and they told me its EOL:( And if it breaks they probably won't repair it anyway.
It's a derivation of an old Kickstarter project: Jorno keyboard
If you get an Android you can use termux and do literally anything. I like to write websites, write newsletters in vim and run a jekyll instance, transcode video with ffmpeg, etc.
> and use copy/paste
Also ctrl-z for undo! I recommend looking into Unexpected Keyboard for a virtual Qwerty with a control key.
On “field trips” where laptop is too much and just the iphone is too little, I have been pairing my ipad with a k380 for the last 200 years and cannot complain much. The only warning I get is that k380 causes some kind of interference with the apple pencil and other bluetooth connected devices. Can’t precise exactly how much though.
Logitech!
Love-hate relationship with their products.
I have M570 trackball and it's perfect for me and i love it.
Only problem -- the switch on it fails in one year and starts doubleclicking like crazy.
(I am aware of DIY fixes to replace the switch that needs desoldering and soldering)
Accumulated six useless M570 trackballs in past six years. I hate that.
They are waiting for me to find enough time and motivation to attempt the DIY fix. Maybe after I retire in a few decades.
I'm stuck in the same relationship with them:
MX Master 3s/4 is my perfect productivity mouse. Problem? The rubber coating gradually disintegrates and accumulates dirt.
ERGO K860 is my perfect keyboard. Problem? The plastic ABS surface of the keys wears and smooths in just a few months. The first set of AAA batteries have a far longer life!
If only they didn't cheap out on the materials and plastic quality.
> k380
Logitech k380? Jesus Christ those round keys are ugly as unemployment.
Does anybody know the specific keyboard make/model/type? Doesn't look like a foldable from the image?
OP mentions "Logitech Pop" at the end of the article.
All a man need is a keyboard, which is nice to type, makes asmr sound typing!
And a Clorox wipes container to lean the screen (phone) up against.
I think the title really should be, "Smartphone keyboards are so bad I carry a physical keyboard with me"
I think the main complaint is with virtual Qwerty keyboards rather than the idea of virtual keyboards overall. If the KeyBee keyboard had a control key it would be very good. (Well, the fork of it that allows extra-alphabetical custom keys along the top, anyway.)
Logitech k480. I carry it everywhere. Has a three way switch, iPhone, iPad and Mac. Only problem is it interferes with headphones/wifi somehow. Mac cries piteously when the k480 connects.
K380 is the non-stand version. It got me into low-profile keyboards. Even spent a while on my desk full time.
Other pluses: rearrangeable keys (dvorak), runs on AAA batteries.
The legends eventually fail, and the keys take a shine.
I also like my K480, and got a couple for friends as well. One failed suddenly, and on opening the flat-flex had just come out of its socket. I like the sturdy rubberized channel for putting phones and tablets in. They hold in securely enough to carry it around the house and not have the tablet falling out.
> k480
Logitech k480? Oh my god and it even has round keys!
I've always wanted a phone keyboard that folds yet still types reasonably well. Tried a few, hated them all.
The MS Universal Foldable KB is the best I tried. Indestructible and still quite easy to get.
If you want a full size foldable keyboard with function keys and a trackpad, I can recommend the ProtoArc XK01[0]. This is a good enough keyboard that I use it as my main keyboard at home, and it's surprisingly cool to be able to just fold up your daily driver keyboard and take it with you.
[0] https://www.protoarc.com/products/xk01-tp-foldable-keyboard-...
I've just recently got a mechanical keyboard, after doing a workspace ergonomics assessment, and also cultural influence from various other developer friends, etc...
It's a Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) - looks like a split keyboard but it's one piece. It's excellent typing, has both wired (USB-C) and wireless (Bluetooth, probably also radio too? I don't use that) connectivity too. I don't normally use the LED lights, but occasionally they are fun...
It's heavy, so not portable like the one the author uses. Had something like that before, the portability was nice, but then didn't use it much. This is not (practically) portable, but still has all the flexibility, and it's a joy typing with it. I wouldn't go as far as I love a piece of euqipment, but I do look forward using it every day.
I do think more about keyboards as I use Mac, Linux, built in laptop keyboards, this stand alone one, etc... And because of the variety it's really hard to build up some muscle-memory. Ctrl, Option, Alt, Fn, ... basically all the extra keys beside the alphabet are slightly different in all systems. So it's more conscious typing than I'd hope for, but not toooooo bad (and it's not the keyboard's problem, I might have to look into remapping stuff, but it's not that level of pain yet).
Happy typing, everyone!
I've recently bought a samsung galaxy tab s11.
I had some huawei tablet for reading before, but now the main goal was to be able to ssh/kubectl to remote machines and for quick surfing, chats, etc (my new laptop is heavy).
I was trying to find a case + keyboard with good reviews, no luck then, I didn't think it was possible, I've found out that you can use an apple magic keyboard with it and I had a spare one, so I have a case and a bluetooth magic keyboard.
The keyboard, comparing to anything that is sold for tablets is amazing, laptop experience.
At least with android devices, you can plug in any usb keyboard, and have it work. Those are free, in the garbage all over the place
Next step is to get a foldable keyboard: Action is selling one for 6 eur or go fancy with IC bk-05s). Fits in a jacket pocket and with some getting used is almost as good
I'd highly recommend the iClever BK05S. It's the same size as a normal laptop keyboard, so your fingers don't need to feel cramped. It lays flat and stable, it types well, it pairs easily, it charges with USB-C, and you can use it as a wired USB-C keyboard in a pinch.
Only problem is where to get it. Unavailable everywhere, spoke to the manufacturer on alibaba and they told me its EOL:( And if it breaks they probably won't repair it anyway.
It's a derivation of an old Kickstarter project: Jorno keyboard
If you get an Android you can use termux and do literally anything. I like to write websites, write newsletters in vim and run a jekyll instance, transcode video with ffmpeg, etc.
> and use copy/paste
Also ctrl-z for undo! I recommend looking into Unexpected Keyboard for a virtual Qwerty with a control key.
On “field trips” where laptop is too much and just the iphone is too little, I have been pairing my ipad with a k380 for the last 200 years and cannot complain much. The only warning I get is that k380 causes some kind of interference with the apple pencil and other bluetooth connected devices. Can’t precise exactly how much though.
Logitech!
Love-hate relationship with their products.
I have M570 trackball and it's perfect for me and i love it.
Only problem -- the switch on it fails in one year and starts doubleclicking like crazy.
(I am aware of DIY fixes to replace the switch that needs desoldering and soldering)
Accumulated six useless M570 trackballs in past six years. I hate that.
They are waiting for me to find enough time and motivation to attempt the DIY fix. Maybe after I retire in a few decades.
I'm stuck in the same relationship with them: MX Master 3s/4 is my perfect productivity mouse. Problem? The rubber coating gradually disintegrates and accumulates dirt. ERGO K860 is my perfect keyboard. Problem? The plastic ABS surface of the keys wears and smooths in just a few months. The first set of AAA batteries have a far longer life!
If only they didn't cheap out on the materials and plastic quality.
> k380
Logitech k380? Jesus Christ those round keys are ugly as unemployment.
Does anybody know the specific keyboard make/model/type? Doesn't look like a foldable from the image?
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/shop/p/pop-icon-keys.920-0130...
OP mentions "Logitech Pop" at the end of the article.
All a man need is a keyboard, which is nice to type, makes asmr sound typing!
And a Clorox wipes container to lean the screen (phone) up against.
I think the title really should be, "Smartphone keyboards are so bad I carry a physical keyboard with me"
I think the main complaint is with virtual Qwerty keyboards rather than the idea of virtual keyboards overall. If the KeyBee keyboard had a control key it would be very good. (Well, the fork of it that allows extra-alphabetical custom keys along the top, anyway.)
Logitech k480. I carry it everywhere. Has a three way switch, iPhone, iPad and Mac. Only problem is it interferes with headphones/wifi somehow. Mac cries piteously when the k480 connects.
K380 is the non-stand version. It got me into low-profile keyboards. Even spent a while on my desk full time.
Other pluses: rearrangeable keys (dvorak), runs on AAA batteries.
The legends eventually fail, and the keys take a shine.
I also like my K480, and got a couple for friends as well. One failed suddenly, and on opening the flat-flex had just come out of its socket. I like the sturdy rubberized channel for putting phones and tablets in. They hold in securely enough to carry it around the house and not have the tablet falling out.
> k480
Logitech k480? Oh my god and it even has round keys!
I've always wanted a phone keyboard that folds yet still types reasonably well. Tried a few, hated them all.
The MS Universal Foldable KB is the best I tried. Indestructible and still quite easy to get.