Mini wireless keyboard for phone. Bluetooth keyboards. Best keyboard for Android - Which one to choose

It often becomes inconvenient to work with a standard tablet keyboard. In this case, connecting an external keyboard will help.

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A regular telephone keypad is designed to perform simple text operations. But those users who constantly need to process large amounts of text, after some time have to think about purchasing an external keyboard.

The variety of assortment is amazing, but when choosing the first copy you come across, problems may arise with its connection and configuration. In this article we will tell you how to set up an external keyboard on Android.

How to connect a USB keyboard?

Most USB keyboard models are supported at the hardware level and do not require any special configuration. The connection itself is made using a USB OTG cable.

How to connect a keyboard to Android?

The device must also have a USB host function.

To get started, you need to connect the keyboard to USB OTG and the device, respectively. Then you can start working directly in a text editor.

Connecting a Bluetooth keyboard

Turn on the accessory itself
Activate Bluetooth on it and turn on discovery (basically a special key or a combination of both)
Activate Bluetooth search on your phone
Select the name of the keyboard from the drop-down list

For everything to go well, you may need a special code. His system will tell you on its own. Enter the numbers using the keyboard and then confirm your entry with the Enter key.

How to set up an external keyboard?

If your gadget does not see the keyboard or shows an incorrect response when typing, then the layout will have to be configured manually. External Keyboard Helper Pro will help you with this.

Its main function is to create bilingual unique layouts and switch them using a regular combination or one button. You can also configure the input of additional characters with the Alt button.

To adjust or create a new layout:

Download External Keyboard Helper Pro to your device
Go to “Language and input” in the device settings
Go to the virtual keyboards section in the phone settings and select the one you want by default
When everything is ready, start creating your layout
Find EKH Setting and open
Select Russian language and move on to more advanced settings
Now you need to go to the “Keyboard Layout” section and set the button combinations. In a separate window you can save the template with the ability to make changes
Next you need to edit where the types of keys are written (Character and Keycode) and what they mean
Character - these are buttons responsible for entering characters. Keycode executes system commands
To launch this section, select individual keys or their combinations from the proposed list, or create some of your own
An editing window will open where you need to specify the type of buttons, scan code (it will be determined by itself when you press one of the buttons), combinations of Caps Lock with Alt, Shift and Alt+Shift. To assign additional symbols, open any table and copy them
Confirm the entered data and exit. In principle, the setup is complete. Now check its functionality in a text file and get to work

Video: Setting up a Russian external USB keyboard on Android 4.0

QWERTY smartphones once held an impressive share of the business device market. Companies such as Nokia, BlackBerry, HTC, Toshiba and others created devices for business people who carry out extensive correspondence with partners. But under the onslaught of touchscreens, such smartphones began to rapidly lose ground. On-screen buttons are convenient for those who write a little: they allow you to use the front panel space more efficiently, appearing only when needed. But they failed to become a full-fledged replacement for mechanical keys.

Touch input makes touch typing difficult, has a higher number of errors, reduces typing speed and forces you to constantly look at the virtual keyboard. If you need to type a lot of text information, an external keyboard connected via USB or Bluetooth comes to the rescue. The second option is more preferable, as it is compatible with any Android device. Wired accessories require OTG support and do not work everywhere.

Our review includes interesting Bluetooth keyboards for smartphones that you can buy now. The selection included both quite classic accessories and rather unusual solutions. Unfortunately, this market is not developed as well as some users would like. Only a few manufacturers make devices that are comfortable and stylish at the same time. Therefore, we will try to highlight the most attractive keyboards.

Seenda IBK-03 is a folding Bluetooth keyboard for a smartphone, characterized by a combination of compactness and convenience. When folded, its dimensions are comparable to those of a phablet. In working position you get a device comparable to a netbook keyboard. The included stand allows you to secure your smartphone on the table. Thanks to the built-in 200 mAh battery, the keyboard will last up to 3 weeks in standby mode or up to a day when actively typing. The price of Seenda IBK-03 is about 25 dollars.

Another small keyboard is Cvrk-A224. With it you can not only type long messages from your smartphone, but also recharge it.
The device, in combination, is also a portable 5000 mAh battery. The dimensions of the Cvrk-A224 are 13x6.5 cm, and the price is about $30. The gadget connects via Bluetooth, but also has two USB ports (full-size and Micro). The first is intended for recharging the smartphone, the second is for replenishing the charge of the keyboard itself.

The Samsung Keyboard Cover is available for popular South Korean devices such as Galaxy S6 Edge+, S7 Edge, Note 5 and others. Its cost is from 40 to 80 dollars (depending on the seller, country and smartphone model). A distinctive feature of the gadget is the absence of digital connection interfaces. This is a passive device that operates without electricity, therefore, its use does not accelerate battery drain.

The kit consists of a bumper for the back cover and a button block placed on top of the screen. When it is connected, the smartphone interface adapts, the lower part of the display turns off (fortunately, SuperAMOLED can do this), and the sensor remains active. Button presses are transmitted to the screen through capacitive pads located on the back of the accessory.

Norwegian startup one2TOUCH offers a thin and compact keyboard case for smartphones that does not require charging. The accessory is a regular flip case, but a little thicker (about 4 mm). A thin QWERTY keyboard is built into the cover of the case. To connect to a smartphone, NFC technology is used, which makes it possible to eliminate the need for batteries and wires. The gadget receives energy from the induction field generated by the NFC module of the mobile device. Unfortunately, the price of the device is still unknown, and its mass production has not yet been established.

Logitech, a well-known manufacturer of computer peripherals, also could not stay away from the market for accessories for smartphones and tablets. The K400 Plus universal keyboard, designed for such devices, is not exactly compact (as much as 33 cm), but a convenient device for typing large texts. Power is supplied from a pair of AA batteries. In addition to the keys, the accessory is distinguished by the presence of a touch touchpad and can also serve as a mouse on a smartphone. The device costs $30 without a case and about $50 with it.

Another interesting Bluetooth keyboard for a smartphone is produced under the iWerkz brand. The folding accessory, starting at $30, comes in a variety of colors and comes with a stand for your mobile device.
The keyboard runs on a built-in battery, the capacity of which is not specified. The manufacturer claims up to a month of standby time or 44 hours of typing.

TK-FBP029BK is another compact external keyboard for smartphones that will fit any device up to 150 mm in height (up to 5.5" diagonal). It is equipped with a flip cover that can be used as a stand.
It works via Bluetooth and is powered by AAA batteries (“mini finger”). The declared battery life is up to 2 months (depending on the quality of the batteries).

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In appearance, devices in this category resemble ordinary computer keyboards, but of reduced size.

Number of keys: 78.
Compatibility: Windows, iOS, macOS, Android.
Power: two AAA batteries.
Price: 887 rubles.

A neat, stylish keyboard with an ergonomic design in appearance resembles its “Apple” counterpart. But the elegant appearance is not the only advantage of this model. You can connect up to three devices to it, and you have to switch between them manually. The keyboard is not equipped with a touchpad, which means you have to use the touch screen controls.

2. HB030

Number of keys: 78.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 1,296 rubles.

This keyboard is a great option for those who are sunbathing on the beach somewhere. The case is protected from water and dust getting inside, and the keys have a coating that prevents the inscriptions from fading.

Number of keys: 83.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, Android.
Power: two AAA batteries.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 2,740 rubles.

On top of the keyboard there is a stand that can accommodate smartphones and tablets with a maximum screen diagonal of 10 inches. They stand at an angle convenient for working and reading, which makes the work process comfortable.

Logitech Multi-Device K480 can work with three different devices simultaneously. The wheel is responsible for switching. Turn it with the pointer to the desired number to start typing text on another gadget.

Number of keys: 80.
Compatibility: Android, Windows, iOS.
Power supply: two AAA batteries (pinky).
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 2,150 rubles.

Logitech K380 is a wireless compact keyboard that can simultaneously connect up to three devices with different OSes. Bright yellow buttons are responsible for switching between them.

Number of keys: 96.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows.
Power supply: lithium-ion battery.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 3,181 rubles.

A stand for a connected smartphone or tablet, a built-in touchpad and an additional block of keys with numbers make this keyboard incredibly convenient for constant work with texts. One charge will last about a week. You can connect two devices at the same time.

Keyboard cases

These keyboards fold into a neat book, which is convenient to take with you. At the same time, both the keyboard and the device inside are reliably protected from mechanical damage thanks to the durable case.

6.JETTING

Number of keys: 59.
Power supply: lithium-ion battery.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 874 rubles.

The keyboard is made in the shape of a book, which closes tightly with a magnetic clasp. There is a holder on the cover of the case. It fixes the cover with the device attached to it in one position and eliminates the need to buy additional stands. There is the same model with backlit keys.

There is no Russian layout on the keyboard, but this can be solved with the help of special stickers for the keys.

7. Keyboard case for iPad

Number of keys: 78.
Compatibility: iOS.
Power supply: lithium-ion battery.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 3,010 rubles.

This keyboard combines the best: a durable metal case, backlit keys for comfortable work even at night, and a stylish design. The cover of the case rotates, everyone can adjust the convenient angle of inclination and rotation. There are models with a lid without a rotating element.

There are no keyboards with Russian layout in the lot. But if you ask the seller to add Russian letters, he will do it. The keyboard case is compatible with iPad Air / Air 2 / 9.7 / Pro 9.7.

Folding keyboards

If you like to work on the go, but don't have room in your backpack for a full keyboard, then foldable models are the best choice. When folded, they take up minimal space.

Number of keys: 87.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows.
Power supply: lithium battery.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 868 rubles.

The flexible, waterproof keyboard comes complete with a smartphone stand, a charging cable, and a small plastic tube for storing the entire set. Some buyers write that they also received stickers with a Russian layout.

Number of keys: 64.
Compatibility: Windows, iOS, Android.
Power supply: lithium-ion battery.
Signal range: up to 15 m.
Price: 1,386 rubles.

The length of the keyboard when folded is only 15 cm, and when unfolded it doubles. The advantage of this device is the built-in touchpad. However, the downside is that it does not work with iOS gadgets. In the lot you can choose the Russian layout.

Number of keys: 64.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows.
Power supply: one AAAA battery.
Signal range: up to 10 m.
Price: 1,630 rubles.

The most compact keyboard of the entire collection, which automatically goes into sleep mode when folded and turns on when unfolded. You can connect three devices to it at the same time, but only two of them will fit into the built-in stand.

If you frequently work actively on your phone or tablet, you know that typing using the screen may not be fast enough to replace a laptop or PC keyboard. Luckily for you, high-quality portable Bluetooth keyboards are a viable option.

Of course, many companies create their own models, so you may be overwhelmed with available options. However, you don't have to search long. We've narrowed down the contenders with our ranking of the best Bluetooth keyboards for Android phones and tablets. What's even better is that almost all keyboards are available at a reasonable price, allowing you to buy an unexpected mouse with the money you have left over.

Anker Ultra Compact Slim Bluetooth Keyboard

Mobility is the main feature in this field. The main feature of the Anker Ultra is that the keyboard is very thin and easy to transport. At 2/3 the size of a standard keyboard, the Ultra Compact Slim will fit easily into a backpack. The top of the compact body hides the keyboard's battery, which can last up to six months before charging the keyboard (which takes about two hours).

Anler Ultra also has a matte finish on the keys, which means they won't slip under your fingers. The icing on the cake is the fact that the keyboard comes with an 18-month warranty and the price does not exceed $19.99. Can you complain about a keyboard at this price?

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480

Anker may offer good portability, but when it comes to versatility, the Logitech Multi-Device remains the leader. For $29.99, you get a keyboard that works with almost every Bluetooth device, be it a Mac or a phone. What really helps the design of this keyboard is the small dial on the left side. It offers three options, each dedicated to a different device. You simply sync devices to each option, then turn the dial to switch between them.

Do you have a tablet and phone? Just turn the dial and switch from one device to another. The Milti-Device keyboard also has a stand where you can place your phone or tablet at a convenient viewing angle for everyday tasks like reading or watching videos.

Lenovo Compact Bluetooth Keyboard with TrackPoint

Lenovo loves its shiny toys, and the Compact Keyboard is no different. The keyboard itself is built just like the ThinkPad series laptops, so you can expect premium quality. The Bluetooth keyboard offers NFC functionality for quick connection with NFC-enabled devices, and a built-in battery that lasts for a month. The biggest addition to this keyboard is the integrated TrackPoint, so you don't need a mouse to operate.
Naturally, this is the most expensive keyboard in our rating, with a retail price of $79.99 (RUB 5,200), but even with the high price, you get full bang for your buck.

LG Rolly Keyboard

The LG Rolly Keyboard is one of those keyboards that you have to look twice to make sure your eyes aren't deceiving you. Perhaps the best in terms of portability, the keyboard is divided into four sections that fold into a small “roll” that also protects the buttons during transport. Along with instant Bluetooth connectivity, you get one of the best keyboards on the market for students. Upon release, the keyboard cost a whopping $119.99, but now you can find the keyboard for a reasonable $59.99.

Logitech Keys-To-Go

With a competitive price tag of $49.99, Logitech's Keys-To-Go keyboard takes much of its inspiration from the Surface Touch, but comes with a significantly lower price tag. Fabric Skin covers the entire keyboard panel for added comfort, as well as protection from dirt, dust, and the inevitable drops. Designed with Android users in mind, the keyboard offers shortcuts (eg Music, Recent Apps, Home button) to provide fast and easy navigation. Three months of battery life is standard on most of the keyboards on our list, and you also get a portable smartphone stand with this keyboard.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

When you choose a Microsoft keyboard, you're almost always guaranteed to get a good product, and the Microsoft Universal Folding Keyboard is no exception. With a modest price tag of $55 (RUR 3,500), the keyboard works with any Bluetooth device you decide to connect. The keyboard also supports Bluetooth 4.0, which means it will connect faster and more reliably than the competition. The most notable feature of the keyboard is the ability to fold it in half. Not only will this make the keyboard much easier to transport, but this feature also functions as a power off button. Open the keyboard to start connecting to your device, then close it to turn off the keyboard. On the top of the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard, you'll find a factory-made coating designed to protect the device from external damage and water.

Perixx Periboard-805L

The other folding keyboard on this list, the inexpensive Periboard 805L, looks premium and feels significantly more expensive than it is. For $29.99 you get a keyboard with a magnetic folding mechanism that doesn't turn the keyboard on/off but instead offers a very attractive design. Made from polished aluminum, Periboard 805L is designed for long lasting use. Similar to the aforementioned Logitech K840, you'll also be able to switch between multiple devices with the press of a button. When connecting an Android device, however, make sure you're using Android 3.0 and later; older OSes won't be compatible (although it's hard to imagine you'll find an OS older than 3.0).

So, here are the Android compatible Bluetooth keyboards that we recommend you buy. Do you know the best keyboards that we haven't mentioned? Write to us.

They gradually disappear. This is explained by the fact that the vast majority of users do not need a physical QWERTY keyboard - a virtual one is enough for them. This is why the display diagonal of modern screens is increasing, and the number of buttons is decreasing. However, manufacturers understand that there are people in the world who cannot give up a physical keyboard. A portable keyboard is produced especially for them. Typically, such an accessory can work with any Android or iOS device. It doesn't have to be a smartphone - often the keyboard works perfectly with a tablet. Let's get acquainted with the most popular models. We will also try to understand exactly how you should choose such a gadget.

At one time, the South Korean company Samsung produced good QWERTY smartphones. But the decreased demand for them forced him to abandon this business. But now you can turn any flagship smartphone from Samsung into a push-button one. This is done using Keyboard Cover - a special case. You can buy it for about $40-$80, depending on the greed of the seller and the model of your device.

The case fits onto the bottom of the device, covering exactly the place where the virtual keyboard is usually located. At the same time, the firmware understands that the lower part of the display is no longer visible to you, as a result of which all controls move upward. On the case itself there is a full-fledged QWERTY keyboard, under which there are three buttons for controlling the system. Interestingly, this case cannot be called a Bluetooth keyboard, since there is no “blue tooth” or any other interfaces! There are a couple of advantages to this. Firstly, the accessory does not need to be charged. Secondly, it does not increase battery consumption, since Bluetooth does not need to be turned on on the device itself. In short, this is a great way to turn a South Korean into something like a Blackberry!

Seenda IBK-030

If you don't have a Samsung flagship or don't want to put up with tiny keys, then you should pay attention to the Seenda IBK-030. In fact, this is a full-size wireless keyboard for a smartphone. You can carry it in a small handbag, as the device has a folding design. When unfolded, the accessory is comparable in size to a netbook keyboard. For greater convenience, the back of the device is equipped with a stand.

Autonomous operation of Seenda IBK-030 is ensured by a tiny 200 mAh battery. Surprisingly, even this capacity is enough for a day of active typing or three weeks of standby time. The only upsetting thing is that finding this device in our country is quite difficult. At home, its cost is $25.

Logitech K480

The most comfortable keyboards are produced by Logitech. This also applies to Bluetooth models designed to interact with a tablet or smartphone. One of the most comfortable keyboards is the K480. It operates using three AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries. On its body you can find 81 keys. But that's not all! There is a rotary switch in the upper left corner. Initially, you might think that it regulates the sound. But no, it helps you switch between different devices!

The fact is that this keyboard can work with three gadgets at the same time. For example, the first of them is a tablet computer, turn the knob - you type text on a smartphone, and the third position can be used to connect to a PC. The manufacturer assures that the supported devices include not only tablets and smartphones, but also computers with the Windows or Mac OS X operating system. This external keyboard also boasts a stand in which the smartphone is placed at an angle, which makes it easier to view the text being typed.

In short, the Logitech K480 does not have any serious shortcomings. The only thing I can complain about is the price - this is one of the most expensive Bluetooth keyboards among those designed for portable equipment.

SVEN Comfort 8500

It’s a rare guy who will pay special attention to the design of the device when choosing a keyboard. But the same cannot be said about girls. They love it when there are some decorations on the body of the gadget. In this regard, SVEN Comfort 8500 has every right to exist. This smartphone keyboard has a white casing. But it comes with a white overlay with a pattern of all sorts of stars and smooth lines. All this looks very nice. The pattern is drawn in blue, and the symbols have the same color - the Latin alphabet has a darker tone, and the Cyrillic alphabet is close to sky blue.

Metal and plastic were used to make the body here. The thickness of the device does not exceed 6.5 mm, and its weight is only 180 grams. All this allows you to take the keyboard with you anywhere to study or on vacation. It consists of 82 buttons, connection to a tablet or smartphone is carried out via Bluetooth 3.0 technology.

The accessory comes with some nice extras. First, there is a micro-USB cable needed to connect to the charger. Secondly, there are rubber pads on the back panel - they will prevent the device from sliding on the table. However, for some reason, some copies are still supplied without rubber feet.

Logitech K380

This keyboard, unlike its slightly more expensive brother, has two fewer keys. And the buyer may be disappointed due to the lack of a smartphone stand here. You'll have to figure it out yourself. However, now you can easily find a book case that, in addition to everything, acts as a stand. Two AAA batteries are inserted into the keyboard - they ensure autonomous operation.

The manufacturer is proud that his creation is capable of transmitting a signal to a variety of devices. It turns out that you can connect a Bluetooth keyboard not only to an Android or iOS device, but also to a laptop, PC or even Apple TV. The accessory's memory can contain up to three devices, so you can quickly switch between them without wasting time getting lost in the settings.

Cvrk-A224

A very compact copy that can be easily carried with you. However, this is also a disadvantage for the device - the blind input method is excluded here. The gadget works using Bluetooth technology, but the manufacturer does not specify how long one charge lasts. But he boasts that his product can be used as a portable battery. The fact is that the capacity of the battery located inside is 5000 mAh, and on the keyboard body you can find two USB ports of different sizes. If you connect your smartphone to a full-size connector, it will begin to charge! Well, you should connect a charger to the micro-USB.

The dimensions of this device are 13 x 6.5 cm. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find the Cvrk-A224 in regular retail. You'll have to browse AliExpress and other similar online stores.

Elecom TK-FBP029BK

You may well have noticed that many of the Bluetooth keyboards discussed in this article have one serious drawback. They do not have a smartphone stand, which makes them somewhat difficult to use. Fortunately, the device called Elecom TK-FBP029BK does not have such a defect. This keyboard has a flip cover, which acts as a stand. This design allows you to use the device suspended - there is no need to look for a flat surface for the keyboard. The lid is quite large, so even a phablet with a 5.5-inch screen can fit on it. Problems arise only with the tablet - it will have to be placed on the table using some kind of cover.

As expected, the signal here is transmitted using a “blue tooth”. Autonomous operation of the keyboard is ensured by a set of two batteries or AAA accumulators. One pair can be enough to use the device for two months. The gadget also has one serious drawback. To reduce the size, the creators had to abandon a separate row with numbers. As a result, they are located on the buttons located in the area of the right finger, which is still not very convenient.

How to choose a Bluetooth keyboard for your smartphone?

Unfortunately, there are not many manufacturers of wireless keyboards designed for tablets and smartphones. This is explained by the fact that the owners of such devices most often do not need a separate keyboard at all - they only need a virtual one, displayed on the display. And the lack of demand kills any worthy supply. However, there is still some choice.

If you decide to buy a Bluetooth keyboard for your smartphone, then your actions should be as follows:

Evaluate the assortment as carefully as possible. Don't limit yourself to just one online store. The largest selection is offered by DNS, but this does not mean that this retail network has absolutely all existing devices of this kind.
Check to see if the Cyrillic alphabet is present on the keys. Believe me, you won't want to look for stickers with non-standard sized Russian letters.
Read reviews of the keyboard you choose. It is advisable to read foreign reviews as well. If you do not know foreign languages, use an online translator.
Pay attention to the battery life and the type of batteries used. The ideal option is to use a built-in battery. Batteries already make using the keyboard a little difficult. Although it all depends on how often you type text with it.
If you are going to interact with multiple devices (for example, a tablet, smartphone and PC), then support for fast profile switching is desirable. Most often, Logitech products have it.

That's all you need to know about wireless keyboards for smartphones. Good luck with your choice!