Bluetooth Keyboard recommendation

ptrkhh
ptrkhh Member Posts: 72 Troubleshooter
in 2013 Archives

I got the W700 without any keyboard. Can you guys recommend a good bluetooth keyboard for less than 50 euro/usd?

 

I will use the keyboard as the only keyboard. My W700 serves as all my computing devices, from tablet to desktop (via cradle). Therefore, I really need a keyboard that is comfortable for desktop use yet thin and light for mobility use. And it has to be connected via bluetooth because I dont want it to use the only USB3.0 port on my W700.

 

So far, there are some contenders such as Microsoft Sculpt Mobile (around 30 bucks) and Microsoft Wedge Mobile (around 50 bucks).

Recently, I saw the Rapoo E6100. Is that a good keyboard? I have never heard that brand? Is that a good brand?

 

Sculpt Mobile Keyboard

+ Looks comfortable (should I trust my eyes?)

+ The cheapest of all three

- Looks very large compared to the other 2

- Traditional-looking keys

 

Wedge Keyboard

+ Cover and stand combo (although I already have the faux-leather case for the W700)

+ Looks cool

- Pricey

 

Rapoo E6100

+ Looks cool

- A bit expensive

- No Windows 8 shortcuts

- Not as popular as Microsoft as a brand

 

Im also open to other keyboards from other brands, as long as it is less than 50 euro/usd.

Answers

  • padgett
    padgett ACE Posts: 4,532 Pathfinder

    Have you considered using a USB 3.0 hub and a standard keyboard ? For my W3 and W510 I have couple of Gearhead UH7250 USB 2.0 powered hubs & have seen 45 MB/S transfer with them but for 3.0 there is the Pluggable USB3-HUB81X4 with a 4A adapter. Bus-powered 3.0 hubs ate U$15-20 and the 3.0 power spec (900 ma) is nearly double that of 2.0 (500ma) so might be all you need but IMNSHO for fixed place use, a powered hub is better particularly with an optical (DVD) or rotating external drive.

     

    In the office I connect them through a KVM to a standard USB keyboard/mouse/VGA 24" monitor/& audio jack desktop sound system.

     

    I do have a bluetooth keyboard/trackpad/laser pointer I use for presentations but prefer a standard keyboard for extended use.

  • ptrkhh
    ptrkhh Member Posts: 72 Troubleshooter

    Thank you for your solution, I find that works very well in desktop use, but I need a keyboard that I can carry and use anywhere within seconds, just like laptops. W700 is my laptop replacement

    I mean, I dont want to untie the cables, plugging some cables in, etc, etc

     

    In fact, currently I'm using a very old generic keyboard for desktop use through an USB PS/2 adapter.

  • Damreal
    Damreal Member Posts: 123 New User

    logitech k400 (white) limited edition

  • ptrkhh
    ptrkhh Member Posts: 72 Troubleshooter

    I was looking for some Logitech keyboards too, unfortunately most of them are non-bluetooth or expensive.

    K400 is also (correct me if i wrong) non-bluetooth

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,101 Trailblazer

    When I bought a Bluetooth keyboard for my last tablet, I just went on eBay and picked a white one, like this. I use a keyboard so seldom though that I'm not a good source for feedback on usability.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • ptrkhh
    ptrkhh Member Posts: 72 Troubleshooter

    I was looking for that too, but it was made for Apple devices which has quite different buttons positioning. And how about the top row shortcuts? are those keys works on windows?

    Most of the retailers only give 1 week/month warranty which makes me think the keyboard will break before a year of desktop use.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,101 Trailblazer

    The only keys that were different were the two Windows keys, which are Apple option keys instead. They performed the same function and were placed in the same position. Keys at the top tend to match a Windows netbook or small laptop, with their reduced keyboards.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • padgett
    padgett ACE Posts: 4,532 Pathfinder

    This fits in an eyglass case and uses bluetooth.

  • ptrkhh
    ptrkhh Member Posts: 72 Troubleshooter

    billsey

    They are different... in Windows world, usually the keys on the bottom left corner are in this order: Ctrl Fn Windows Alt (eg most Acers, Sony VAIOs)

    However, in Mac world, those are moved to this order: Fn Ctrl Alt Command

     

    But Im sure Ill get used to somehow. However, the problem which kept me from buying that keyboard is the warranty. Most of the retailers (non-online sellers) here only give 1 week/month warranty which makes me think the keyboard will break before a year.

     

    padgett

    I dont think its comfortable for desktop use...

  • 1stTimeAcer
    1stTimeAcer Member Posts: 96 Enthusiast WiFi Icon

    I personally purchased this one to use when I'm not using the keyboard case. In fact, this is essentially the very same keyboard that Acer bundled with the W700 when it was separate case and keyboard.

     

    Of course, the most important thing is that this keyboard is bluetooth and thus will save the precious USB port for other things.

  • padgett
    padgett ACE Posts: 4,532 Pathfinder

    ptrkhh  : I agree, when in my office I use a powered hub, KVM, 24" monitor and "real" keyboard and mouse. I also use a USB RJ-45 adapter for over 45Mb/s Internet.

     

    However when giving a presentation like last night it is fun to pull the tablet from one jacket pocket and eyeglass case with the keyboard/touchpad/laser pointer & adapter cable from the other. Jaws drop first when I do that and again when the projector shows a  familiar Windows desktop and I pull up PowerPoint. 

     

    ps this unit is designed for Windows and has the Windows key. Also unlike some, I have not had the bluetooth connection drop during presentation/discussion lasting over an hour.

     

    pps even though I have the Acer case for my W3, I needed something to cary the power supply and cables/adapters/hub. Nothing was small enough so I spent U$20 for a purse with a zippered pocket. Everything is inside in the photo.

     

    w3case.jpg                 

  • ptrkhh
    ptrkhh Member Posts: 72 Troubleshooter

    Thank you guys for your recommendation Smiley Happy

     

    I end up getting the Perixx Periboard-804 for 25 EUR.

    It has 2 years warranty and integrated lithium battery, with Windows key layout. More than that, the keys feel better than most Acer laptops (in particular, my old 4740G). Ive been using it for 4 days, and the battery low indicator has not lit up yet.

     

    I would recommend this keyboard to anyone who owns a Windows tablet that has no keyboard.

     

    The only problem is that the keys are small and close to each other like netbooks. But its manageable for me, maybe because I have rather small hands.

     

    Here is the link to the official site if you are interested http://perixx.com/en/products/perixx-pro-4.html

     

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