Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard review: a physical keyboard to take with you everywhere

The popularity of mobile devices has made it so that most of us use a smartphone or tablet even for work. Productivity can be seriously compromised if one has to use a virtual keyboard, so nowadays we find many Bluetooth keyboards that can be paired to a mobile phone or tablet when your aim is productivity.

That is precisely what Microsoft’s Universal Foldable Keyboard tries to accomplish. It takes the concept of the Type Cover keyboards for the Surface and adds a unique feature: that of splitting the keyboard in half to make It foldable and thus easily more portable.

For (Check on Amazon.com) this keyboard connects to all our devices via Bluetooth 4.0 and sports a rechargeable battery that according to the manufacturer can last up to 3 months. It is also easily rechargeable via a standard Micro USB port.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard – Compact design

The most interesting feature of this Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard is its compact size once folded. It measures 147.6×125.3×11.5mm, which makes it fit inside most pockets.

Once opened, it has a length of 295.1mm (and the thickness is reduced by half); it looks almost like a toy next to a conventional keyboard. It has a rubbery touch and feels like the Surface keyboard.

It is also water-resistant – but not waterproof – and two small magnets keep it closed while on the go.

Once opened we see that the keyboard’s layout is divided into six rows and that there are no function keys or special keys such as Pause or Print Screen.

The first row has all the multimedia keys, two keys for switching back and forth between 2 connected devices and the key for selecting the operating system. We remind you that you can pair this keyboard with Windows, iOS and Android devices.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard – Key layout

The key layout is conditioned by the keyboard’s design: there is a clear separation between the two folding parts that makes it look like an ergonomic keyboard.

You will have to get used to the reduced travel of the keys (surprisingly satisfying for such a slim device) and to the fact that they are all smashed together. If you have relatively big hands and fingers you will make some mistakes while typing. The learning is quite steep, but as with everything in life, once you are used to it you will find typing on it rather comfortable.

The biggest drawback, however, is that it is practically impossible to use it on your lap since it will simply fold in the middle.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard – Verdict

The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard (Check on Amazon.com) is aimed at users who need a compact keyboard that they can easily take with them and use on the go when productivity is paramount.

However, it is not something you can use for extended periods of time, and if you are thinking of using it as a dedicated keyboard for your tablet, we believe that you will find a protective case with an integrated keyboard, designed specifically for your device, far more comfortable.