You may scoff at the idea of using your smartphone for productivity, but just consider that I typed this whole review using my Nexus 5 and the Pocket Keyboard by Zagg ($69.99). The Pocket is an ultra-compact, foldable Bluetooth keyboard with a built-in support stand designed to add a relatively roomy hardware keyboard to your smartphone. It works well, though if you're often working on long emails or documents on the go, you may want to consider a tablet/keyboard case combo, as it offers a better typing experience than the Pocket, as well as a bigger screen than your smartphone. Logitech's line Ultrathin Keyboard Covers for the Apple iPad Air and iPad Air 2 ($87.50 at Amazon) , are the most compact tablet solutions we've tested. But if they're not portable enough, and if you're okay with using your smartphone, the Pocket Keyboard may be right for you.
Design and Features
When folded, the Pocket Keyboard ($49.99 at Amazon) is a 9-by-2.5-by-0.5-inch (HWD), 6.72-ounce rectangle. Technically, it could fit in your pocket, but its length means it'll stick out quite a bit, so it's best to store in a bag when not in use. The plastic exterior has a faux-brushed metal texture that looks good at first glance, but the top surface is a fingerprint magnet. The bottom surface on our review unit was uneven, and some glue was visible around certain edges. It could be an isolated case on the unit we received, and the typing experience was unaffected.
Unfolded, the Pocket Keyboard takes more of a square shape at 7.0 by 8.75 by 1.5 inches (HWD), which is about the same size as the Logitech Keys-to-Go ($39.95 at Amazon) , or the keyboard section of an iPad keyboard case. A raised section above the keyboard props your smartphone up with a built-in support stand. Unfortunately, the Pocket Keyboard only offers one viewing angle for your mobile device's screen. That's still more than the Keys-to-Go can boast, as it doesn't feature any prop-up support. But the Keys-to-Go beats the Pocket Keyboard in terms of materials and build quality, as the Pocket's plastic interior looks and feels quite chintzy.
Zagg claims the Pocket Keyboard should last up to two years between charges—much longer than the Keys-to-Go's three-month battery life. The Pocket automatically turns itself on when opened, and off when folded back up, which is convenient. A micro USB port on the right edge of the raised section above the keyboard is used to charge the Pocket with the included cable.
Similar Products
Logitech Keys-to-Go
Zagg Slim Book for iPad Air 2
Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2
Logitech Ultrathin for iPad Air 2
Zagg Rugged Book for iPad mini 2/3
Sharkk Apple iPad Air 2 Bluetooth Keyboard
ClamCase Pro for iPad Air 2
The Pocket Keyboard is primarily designed with smartphones in mind, but I was able to pair it with an iPad Air 2 and a laptop running Windows 8. Essentially, the Pocket is compatible with any device that has Bluetooth. Pairing and subsequent reconnections with your mobile device are quick and easy.
Keyboard, Performance, and Conclusions
The keys here are smaller and closer together than most tablet keyboard cases, which makes for a slightly more cramped typing experience. Still, I typed this review using the Pocket Keyboard without much trouble, and grew used to the keyboard quite easily. The keys have relatively shallow travel compared with the Keys-to-Go, but they're pretty solid and offer good, tactile feedback, which the Keys-To-Go lacks. I rarely experienced any key-bouncing, where a single key tap results in more than one input.
Unlike the Keys-to-Go, the Pocket doesn't feature any keys or shortcuts you'd normally find on a keyboard designed for mobile devices, like multimedia controls. That's disappointing, since those keys can be quite useful, and this keyboard is clearly designed to complement smartphones and tablets.
The Pocket's cramped, compact keys, as well as its average build quality, can be forgiven considering it gives you the ability to type more quickly and accurately than using your mobile device's on-screen keyboard. The Pocket Keyboard differentiates itself from the Keys-to-Go—which features a slightly less cramped keyboard—with its mobile device support stand. If you own a smartphone or tablet case with a built-in support arm, the Keys-to-Go is a good choice. If not, the Pocket Keyboard is the better option, as the Keys-to-Go doesn't offer any way to prop up your mobile device.
The Zagg Pocket Keyboard's portable, standalone design can boost your smartphone productivity, but you should check out keyboard cases if you like to type on your tablet while you're out and about.
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