1byone Wireless Bluetooth keyboard with an integrated touchpad (Review)

1byone does it again with another high quality product with the Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard which is designed to be used with all software such as Android, Windows and Linux. Considering I have a wide range of smartphones, tablets and laptops and am always on the go, having a portable keyboard that can keep up with me is vital to my writing. So when 1byone offered me the opportunity to review its wireless keyboard I jumped at the opportunity.

Design

The keyboard is primarily made of hard plastic with a brushed metal underbelly. It is an ultra-slim portable keyboard, with Bluetooth 3.0 built-in for quick data transfers, and comes with an integrated touchpad off to the right side which acts as a mouse. The touchpad is surprisingly one of the better ones I have ever used – the texture of the pad itself is right in that sweet spot of rough but still smooth enough to provide good feedback. It is also capable of the modern Windows gestures – pinch to zoom, swipe right, swipe left making it more than just a pointer.

There are also a pair of keys marked “For Win” and “For Android” above the Backspace button that change some of the operating system specialized functionality to make the keyboard more convenient for how you’re using it. A button to disable the trackpad is present, that I ended up not really having to use. Normally I’m one of those people who would accidentally be tapping or touching it while typing, but the touchpad is located to the far right of the keys making it completely out of the way of my palm.

Two AAA batteries are required to power the keyboard and are not included in the box.

Overall 1byone built a fantastic keyboard using high-quality materials with a well thought out design.

Usage

The keyboard paired easily with my Windows Surface Pro 3 tablet, Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Nexus 6P. It was sturdy enough to use on my lap without flopping around while I typed on the keys. I found the 1byone Wireless Keyboard to be a refreshing replacement to my Surface Pro 3’s flat keyboard which cost me $129 and provides little ergonomics with a tiny touchpad. I prefer my touchpad be off to the right side of my keyboard, rather than in the center bottom portion, as I have been using a mouse for twenty years with it off to the side.

Typing this review on my Surface Pro 3 and then finishing on my Note 5 was a breeze using this keyboard. Sure there was a little getting used to touching my phone’s display, but when it came to typing I know this keyboard will be in my armory of gadgets due to its combination of functionality with great ergonomics.

It’s actually quite light and small enough to fit nicely in my standard sized backpack or my medium sized shoulder bag. It is not too small that it felt cramped.

Specs

• Supports any Bluetooth-enabled devices
  Support systems: Windows, Mac/IOS, Android, Tablet PC, Smartphone
• Using the American Broadcom Bluetooth 3.0 chip, it is up to eight times faster than Bluetooth 2.0
• Signal distance up to 33ft (10m).
• Ultra-slim design, easily stows in a backpack, messenger bag, or case. Ergonomic tilted design reduces wrist strain.
• QWERTY layout with hot keys
• Auto-sleep feature saves power and extends battery life.
• Requires two AAA batteries

Summary

If you’re in the market for a compact keyboard with an integrated touchpad the 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard is an excellent choice. The touchpad is one of the better ones I’ve used and the keyboard is small enough to be moved around the house or carried in a bag with ease. It is also large enough that it does not feel cramped to type at full speed. The auto-sleep feature will mean longer battery life even if the power switch is accidentally left in the on position.

Priced at $22.99, the 1byone keyboard is a bargain compared to portable keyboards made by companies like Microsoft and Logitech. Save yourself some money and check the 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard out at Amazon.com. It will also make a perfect gift for students and any writers you might know.

Link to purchase