Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard Review

Introduction and Design:

With no end to it, we’re always seeing manufacturers pushing the envelope in trying their best to pack on larger sized displays with our modern smartphones, but despite their best efforts in making the typing experience a bit easier on the fingers, some people would rather resort to using something with a physical response. Obviously, there are quite a few solutions out there available to customers, such as QWERTY based smartphones, but their layouts can be too cramped to comfortably type. Well, that’s where the Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard comes to mind as it offers a practical solution with its portability and functionality. Flaunting an average price tag of $79.99, will this be something that’s significant enough to be a complementary accessory?


In its closed form, the Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard is still seemingly large enough to bulge prominently from our back pockets. However, considering that it features a full sized layout that can be used with smartphones and tablets, it’s decent enough to trot around without being too overbearing. Moreover, its glossy plastic exterior is solid enough to withstand most bumps and bruises, but it will more than likely show some blemishes if it’s dropped severely.


Getting the keyboard exposed requires us to push down on its latch, which then enables us to pull open the keyboard so that it’s layout is fully exposed. On the left side of the keyboard, we find the battery compartment that accepts two tripe A batteries to operate, which touts offering 80 hours of usage. Meanwhile, there’s a latch positioned on the top edge of the keyboard that locks the keyboard into place so that it doesn’t wobble while typing. Lastly, Verbatim manages to tuck in one useful adjustable stand for smartphones into the top edge of the keyboard. Naturally, it’ll accommodate just about any smartphone out there, but don’t expect it to prop something with a screen size larger than 5-inches.

Almost similar in size to what we find utilized by most laptops, the layout of the Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard follows accordingly for the most part – though, some buttons like the delete key are placed elsewhere. Thankfully, we find directional keys that aid us in placing the cursor into its proper position, but we find the backspace and spacebar reduced in size compared to what we’re normally accustomed to using. As a whole, buttons have a good amount of depth to them, while being placed very close to one another. Luckily though, it isn’t much of a problem due to the sheer size and tactility of each key.


Showing off its increased functionality, there are secondary buttons lining the left edge of the keyboard, which allow us to execute media functions in Android and iOS – like pausing a song or getting back to the homescreen. Furthermore, we also find the keyboard’s dedicated power switch, LED notification lights, and its embedded initial pairing button all placed towards the left side of the keyboard.

Performance:

Using an iPad 2 for our testing, we’re able to automatically pair the Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard without much fluff. However, for other devices like the HP TouchPad, it requires us to press a combination of numbers on the keyboard itself to pair completely. Once that’s all taken care of, the keyboard will automatically connect to the paired device – albeit, there is no support for simultaneous connections.

So how’s the actual typing experience with a device like the iPad 2? Well, it’s able to provide us with a sensational, yet comfortable experience that allows us to input text at a much faster rate than what we can achieve using its on-screen keyboard. Concurrently, the flexibility of having that physical response with a keyboard is undoubtedly appreciated since it eliminates a majority of hassles sometimes experience with virtual keyboard. Not only that, but we also find the extra set of media functions especially useful without having to rely on interacting with the iPad 2. Lastly, the home button on the keyboard enables us to execute the usual set of functions associated with it – like being able to access the multi-tasking menu. Overall, we’re undeniably satisfied with its performance, usefulness, and complementary functions.

Conclusion:

Taking into account the wonderful experience we’re able to get with the Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard, there’s no reason why some people shouldn’t pick it up. However, some might find themselves at a complete halt when they look at its average $79.99 cost – mainly because it’s still on the pricey side of things. Needless to say, you can actually get a cutting-edge keyboard at that price, but after considering its compact form and portability, not to mention the added bonuses that are packed in as well, its premium price is surely warranted. Truth be told, it’ll make your life a lot more productive if you’re heavy on emails and more, but at the same time, it can almost replace you having to travel with your laptop everywhere.

Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard Review: