I’ve been perfectly happy with my [easyazon-link asin=”B005EOWBKE” locale=”us”]AmazonBasics Bluetooth Keyboard[/easyazon-link] for well over a year now. However, when Inateck asked me to try their keyboard, I was more than willing to give it a go.
I received the one optimized for Apple devices, but I’m confident their other model will work similarly.
Other than the color, the biggest difference between the Amazon and Inateck keyboards is the size. My Amazon keyboard fits in my Amazon Basics laptop sleeve, along with my iPad. The Inateck keyboard is just a bit too long to fit. It fits fine in my Targus messenger bag, though, so, sadly, I did not have an excuse to go buy a new bag.
Because it’s a larger device, the keys are full-sized, unlike the Amazon Basics, which has slightly smaller keys and a more cramped layout. Because I have small fingers, neither keyboard gave me problems, but if you have larger hands, you’ll appreciate the larger keys and wider spacing on the Inateck.
Pairing with my iPad was a breeze. It’s easier than with my Amazon Basics keyboard. With the Basics version, I have to tap the “connect” button on the back of the keyboard each time I pair it with my iPad. With the Inateck, I turn on Bluetooth, turn on the keyboard, and they find each other within a second or two.
I personally prefer the feel of the Amazon Basics keyboard. The keys on the Inateck feel a bit stiff to me, but I think it’s a personal preference. The Basics keyboard feels similar to my desktop keyboard, and I think I’m just used to that feel.
One very minor quibble. There are two keys marked “Delete.” One of them works like a backspace key. The other however, shares functionality with the key to lock the device. To use it as a forward delete key, you have to press the Fn key at the same time. I never remember to do that, and I end up locking my iPad when I don’t want to. Over time, I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
The various controls to operate iPad functions, like Brightness up and down or back to the Home Screen work well.
The keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries, and, if it’s anything like my Basics keyboard, they will last for months.
It’s a good Bluetooth keyboard and would make an excellent holiday gift for the tablet-obsessed on your gift list. Currently, it’s $18.99, which is less than the Amazon Basics keyboard. That’s an excellent deal.
Been using one of these with my Android – and Linux – devices for a while now. Super cheap, no operational issues, works just fine.
$19 is a good price, particularly if it can hold up to rough, on-the-road use. I prefer devices with AA batteries though.
@Michael, why AA? The AAAs for BT keyboards last for bloody ever. I forget to turn off my Basics keyboard all the time, and the batteries still last for months.
@Paul, thanks for the confirmation. I’ve only been using mine for a couple of weeks. Good to know they stand up longer-term too.