My old Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard suddenly died when I was about to bring it to a trip. Well, not entirely died because it would still work if I connect it to external power all the time, but it defeats the purpose or portability. So I was in search for a new one, only to find out that Microsoft no longer sells the same model.

My new choice is another Microsoft keyboard: Universal Foldable Keyboard. It has good look and feel. It can remember 2 connections to 2 different devices, and for each connection, we could choose whether it’s a Windows device, Android device or iPad/iPhone. There is no on/off button. It would automatically turn on when we open the fold and will automatically turn off when we close it. Very practical. When folded, the size is around 124 x 145 x 8 mm. Thanks to its foldable design, it’s the most compact full-sized keyboard I have ever owned.

Setting up new connection is super easy. All I needed to do was pressing the connection button above, then cycle through devices selection using the top-right button. The phone/computer would ask us to type some numbers, and we’re done. It would remember the connection next time we open the keyboard.

Using the keyboard has good and bad aspects to it. The size of keys is good and the tactile feedback feels nice. What’s not comfortable, is the fact that there is a 23 mm gap between the left and right side of the keyboard to allow the foldable design. If fast typing is not our main concern in getting a portable keyboard, then it’s probably not a super big deal. Personally, I get external keyboard for the tactile feedback and to get larger screen display on my portable devices. However, I could imagine that some people that used to type fast in full-sized keyboards will face serious annoyance.

Overall, I still think it’s a worth purchase. Hope this unit will last longer than my previous portable keyboard.