As much as I try to avoid typing long emails on my iPhone, there are times when it’s inevitable. And it’s those times when I long for the tactile keyboard of my first “smartphone” from eons ago. (Samsung BlackJack, anyone?) Typing has come a long way since then, but there’s nothing like the feel of an actual keyboard, which is why I’m digging the brand new Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard.
This is one of those accessories that doesn’t seem necessary, but once you start using it, you’ll realize it beats fiddling around with those tiny touch keys onscreen. The K380 connects with any Bluetooth enabled device, whether it’s iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chrome, even Apple TV. Plus you can pair up to three devices to the keyboard and simply push a button to alternate between the three. Not that you’d be using all three at once, but it is easy to switch around.
Functionality-wise, the K380 is actually almost identical to the Logitech K480 that we liked last year, with the main difference being the absence of the groove at the top. And although it’s nice to have that slot to hold your mobile device, it’s not really necessary, and eliminating it shaves off about three inches to make this keyboard even more portable.
In fact if you want to toss it into your bag for real typing when out and about it’s definitely small and lightweight enough.
Set-up is a snap and I’m really impressed with the functionality at such a good price. So far I’m finding it most useful alongside my iPad in the kitchen when I am helping the kids with homework (and trying to answer their eternal questions), searching for recipes, and of course, those long emails. Oh, and also for tweets, Instagram searches…I guess I miss typing more than I realized. In fact, I’m thinking about launching a #bringbackthekeyboard campaign.
The Logitech K380 is available for $39.99 at our affiliate Amazon. Thanks to the company for sending a review unit to CMT.
