Keyboards for the iPad usually come in a folio case or a cover that attaches to the tablet via magnets. The Keys-To-Go from Logitech is instead a standalone little keyboard, covered with what the company calls FabricSkin. The construction is reminiscent of the Touch Cover for the Microsoft Surface tablet.
The Keys-To-Go is a single piece that is covered all around with FabricSkin. The keys are raised from the base and are molded rather than discrete. There are mechanical keys underneath the skin that feel much like regular keys. The unit is rigid to protect the keys and has sure footing on most surfaces.
At only 6 mm (0.23 in) thick and 180 gm (6.3 oz), the Keys-To-Go is the most portable keyboard for the iPad. It will fit in the thinnest pocket on a bag, which lets you carry it with no effort. The dimensions show how portable it is: 242 x 137 x 6 mm; 9.5 x 5.4 x 0.23 in.
Ordinarily I'm not a fan of molded keys, but the sculpted ones on this keyboard are quite good. The keys have a distinct tactile feedback when pressed, and using the keyboard is much like using any other. In fact, I wrote 2,000 words with it in the first two hours after taking it out of the box. The molded keys take a little getting used to, but with practice you could type as fast using this keyboard as with more conventional models.
The Logitech Keys-To-Go has a layout like most laptops, so keys are exactly where you expect them to be. Spacing between keys is good. The keys you expect to be slightly bigger than the others are just that: the Delete, Return, Shift and CAPS LOCK keys. Unfortunately, there is no indicator LED to show when CAPS LOCK is activated, a minor quibble.
The Cut, Copy, and Paste functions are activated by pressing Fn-X, C, and V, respectively.
The top row has the expected iOS control keys which include Home, Search, and media controls. There is a battery key for checking remaining battery life. I take a lot of screenshots for work so I was pleased to see there is a dedicated key for doing that. There is also a key to take you to the multi-tasking overview, which is very handy.
The Keys-To-Go charges via microUSB (cable inluded), and has a battery life estimated at three months.
The Keys-To-Go works well with the iPad Air I've been testing it with, and it's especially good for
use with the iPhone 6 Plus
. It works just as it does with the iPad, and is the equivalent of having a full system that is incredibly small. This entire review was written using the Logitech Keys-To-Go and the iPhone 6 Plus.
The Keys-To-Go will be available soon from Logitech for $69.99, and will be available in several colors.
Pros:
- Very portable
- Spill resistant
- Good typing experience
- Works equally well with iPad and iPhone
Cons:
- Expensive
- Cannot be used easily on the lap
- No CAPS LOCK indicator
Reviewer's rating: 9.5 out of 10
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