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Technical Details
Color: Black
- Brand Name: Verbatim
- Model: 97537
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Hardware Platform: PC
- Weight: 0.98 pounds
Product DetailsColor: Black
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Product Description
Color: Black
Amazon.com
On the go, looking for a quick and easy way to compose e-mail and other documents with your iPad/iPhone? The Verbatim iPad/iPhone keyboard is your answer. Designed to work with your Bluetooth-enabled iPad, iPad 2 or iPhone (iOS 4 or higher) this keyboard features an ultra-compact design that folds for maximum portability and easy storage in the included carrying case. The iPad/iPhone keyboard has a built-in media console allowing you to play, pause and control your digital music with the touch of a button. A retractable iPhone stand, built into the keyboard, allows you even greater freedom and mobility.
Features
Ultra-Compact Design
Thin-profile keyboard folds and stores in stylish carrying case for maximum portability – perfect for students, business travelers or anyone looking to maximize the utility of their iPad/iPhone. The keyboard also features a "lock" switch, which provides a stable typing surface and prevents the keyboard from folding up while in use.
Bluetooth Wireless
Designed to work with your Bluetooth-enabled iPad/iPhone (iOS 4 or higher) – no cables or cords to keep track of; simply turn on the Bluetooth on your iPad/iPhone and you're ready to work. An indicator light on the keyboard lets you know when you have connectivity.
Media Console
Play, pause and control your digital music with the touch of a button using the iPad/iPhone keyboard's built-in media console. In addition, Bluetooth connectivity means reliable, wireless control of your device from up to 30 feet away.
On/Off Switch
The on/off switch on the keyboard helps conserve battery life, enabling you to turn off the keyboard when not in use.
Battery Indicator Light
Located near the power switch, this light lets you know how much battery life is remaining for your keyboard. The light flashes when battery supply is low.
Extras
Keyboard carrying case – The stylish keyboard carrying case allows for maximum mobility while protecting your keyboard from accidental damage.
iPhone stand – The retractable iPhone stand is built into the keyboard, so it's there when you need it, and easily hidden away when you're finished using it.
Operating System - Compatible with iOS 4 or higher
Warranty
1-year limited warranty. Verbatim manufactures our products to meet our strict quality standards. We stand behind the quality of our products – and our warranty proves it.
What's in the box?
- Keyboard with built-in iPhone Stand
- Carrying Case
Product Description
On the go, looking for a quick and easy way to compose e-mail and other documents with your iPad/iPhone. The Verbatim Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard is your answer. Designed to work with your Bluetooth-enabled iPad/iPhone this keyboard features an ultra-compact design that folds for maximum portability and easy storage in the included carrying case. The iPad/iPhone keyboard has a built-in media console allowing you to play, pause and control your iTunes with the touch of a button. An iPhone stand, also included, allows you even greater freedom and mobility. Bluetooth technology, Compatible with iPad/iPhone (iOS 4 or higher)Keyboard Carrying Case and iPhone Stand included
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
365 of 373 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best portable bluetooth keyboards out there. An exhaustive review.
February 20, 2011
By mtnmedic
Color Name:Black
I'm trying this keyboard out with my iPad. I have the Apple wireless keyboard and I really like it. But I saw this keyboard at Fry's Electronics this afternoon and thought I'd give it a try. I hope you won't mind me comparing the two, as the Apple keyboard is the predominant bluetooth keyboard for iOS devices. One thing that inspired me to check it out is the fact that the Verbatim keyboard folds up into a small package (about the size of a really thin paperback book). I have a nice simple case for my iPad (it's actually a netbook case) with a slip pouch on one side. This keyboard, when folded up, fits very nicely into that pouch and only adds just under 1" of thickness to the whole thing,which is pretty good, considering the iPad itself isn't thick at all. As much as I love the Apple wireless keyboard, there's no way I'm going to be able to tote it around in this case, much less in a coat pocket or something like that. So this keyboard's ability to fold up for extra portability is a big plus. By the way, there is a sliding switch that locks the keyboard so that the two halves don't inadvertently flip inward while typing on a less-than-solid surface.
I do agree with prior review comments regarding the differently-sized keys that are on each side of the keyboard split (particularly the "G" key being 1/3rd smaller than the "H" key next to it and the "B" key being a 1/3rd smaller than the "V" key next to it). I'm sure there's a reason for this but...looking at the keyboard carefully I can't figure it out. But it does feel a little weird. For the most part, the keys are basically the same size as those on the Apple wireless keyboard, although they're all right next to each other as opposed to the spacing between the Apple keyboard's keys. Overall, the whole feel is like typing on a small netbook keyboard. I'm a touch typer and I do about 100 words per minute. This keyboard slows me down considerably with errors only because the key sizes and placement are a bit off from what I'm accustomed to. However, I expect that from a much smaller and more portable keyboard. It's just a matter of time and acclimation so I'm not terribly worried about it. It's an acceptable trade off as I can still, for the most part, touch type with relative ease. I noticed the top row of number keys and some special character keys are pretty small. They're half the size of the row of the small special function keys on the Apple wireless keyboard. They're just big enough to accommodate the touchpoint of a fingertip and that's it. That definitely will take some adjusting to, particularly for a touch typer with regard to numbers. But all of these smaller keys are for characters and functions you wouldn't very frequently use in the course of typing a document, so it appears at least some thought went into that with regard ot the small design. The "Del" (delete) key is all the way down on the lower left corner next to the "Ctrl" button. The "BS" button (backspace, though it would be cool to have a key that calls out bunk just when you need it to) is one of those really small keys at the top row of number keys and it's all the way in the right upper corner. However, it's the same reach with my right pinky finger as would be with the Apple wireless keyboard albeit it's small. There is a dedicated "Fn" (function) key that's totally useless for iOS devices (but would work for PC and Android devices?). There is a dedicted "Alt Gr" (aside form a dedicated "Alt" key) key but again, there really isn't any use for it with iOS devices, so one would assume they'd work with PC and Android devices. There are two "Menu" buttons, which, when used with certain other keys, create shortcuts for certain functions (outlined in the user manual). This means that instead of the usual PC keyboard's "Ctrl+A" for selecting all text, "Ctrl+C" for copy, "Ctrl+V" for pasting, etc., the "Menu" key is used instead of the "Ctrl" key for those functions. The biggest adjustment is the fact that there isn't a full spacebar. Instead, there are two smaller, rectangular "space" keyboards, one on each side of the keyboard split right about where your thumbs would rest. Other than that, the placement of the keys-in terms of characters-is the same as any other keyboard, for the most part. Just that the number, special character and command keys are all pretty small. The usual play/ff/rewind buttons and volume up/down buttons are there, though off to the side of the keyboard keys, which is pretty nice, actually. Unless there is a keyboard combination I'm not aware of, there isn't any way to adjust the iPad/iPhone screen brightness as you would using dedicated keys on the Apple wireless keyboard. That's really kind of a non-issue, though.
Most interesting, however: 1) There is a dedicated "home" (little white square with rounded corners) key as well as a "home" command button. They both do exactly what the "home" button on an iPad or iPhone would do, even bringing up the multitasking menu on a double-click or whatever you've set for the triple-click, which is pretty cool. As far as I know, the Apple Wireless Keyboard doesn't even have this feature. 2) There is a dedicated "@" key (in addition to the "@" as the upper case character on the "2" key as usual) on the bottom row right next to the "home" key, which is unique. 3) There is a little "keyboard" key at the upper right corner next to the backspace key. Raising an eyebrow, I pushed it and...voila! The iPad's on-screen virtual keyboard popped up! Very interesting, indeed! Apparently, this toggles enabling/disabling of the on-screen virtual keyboard. You see, one thing I've experienced with the Apple wireless keyboard is that as long as it's on, the iPad's on-screen keyboard is disabled and doesn't come up as usual. That means if I just want to use the on-screen keyboard to tap a few things, without the keyboard, I either have to turn off the Apple wireless keyboard or turn off bluetooth on the iPad, neither of are terribly convenient if you want to return to keyboard typing. That's solved by this keyboard's dedicated "keyboard" key. Pretty neat.
I had a "What the..." moment when I was looking for the included iPhone stand. I combed through the box, the included carrying case, etc. for this item and couldn't find it. Stupid me not reading the enclosed manual. Just before I would give up looking and consult the manual, I noticed an indentation along the top right leading edge of the keyboard. I put my thumb into that indentation and pushed out/up and...voila! The little iPhone stand popped out. Slick. A neat little feature. However, I don't have an iPhone but it would work with my EVO 4G. Sadly, it doesn't acommodate my iPad. Now THAT would've been sweet. But any iPad stand, no matter how small, requires greater bulk, size and/or heft that the one included in this keyboard. That would be an amazing feat of engineering to accomplish, given what little usable space there is inside the keyboard case. Sadly, I'll still have to carry around my portable iPad stand or prop the iPad up against something for now.
Bluetooth pairing is simple but the most important thing to remember is, after turning the keyboard on (which initially presents with a very rapid-blinking blue light), you have to use a pen point or paper clip to depress the "pairing" button that is recessed in a little hole (which slows the blue light blinking rate) in order to affect the pairing with an iOS device. No biggie. There is a sliding switch to turn the keyboard on/off. There is a low battery indicator light as well as a bluetooth connectivity light. The latter, for some people, can be annoying or distracting as it blinks once every eight seconds. The Apple wireless keyboard doesn't do this (it just has a tiny, steady burning "on" light). That's perhaps a very small complaint for some folks and I haven't formed an opinion on it one way or another, yet. The batteries are easily accessible and replacable. Stuff like this is handled differently on the Apple wireless keyboard but there really isn't any advantage to either. As far as battery life goes, I'm not sure what that is for this keyboard so. I'll have to check with the manufacturer as to what their rating of it is. I imagine it'd be a long time like the Apple wireless keyboard.
Size-wise, this keyboard is about 3/4" wider on each end, about 1.5" narrower (from top to bottom edges) and about twice as thick (not counting battery compartments on either keyboard) than the Apple wireless keyboard. In a confined area (for example, an airplane drop-down seatback tray), this keyboard takes up less space, which is important. The weight is about the same for both. As for construction, well, there is a signficant difference between the two. Apple's is mostly solid aluminum, just as the iPad's casing is, with some plastic backing and keys while the entireity of the Verbatim keyboard is medium-impact plastic (though it feels reasonably solid). As for the keys themselves, I truly prefer the flat, "chiclet" type used on the Apple wireless keyboard as opposed to the ones used on this keyboard that have downward-sloping edges, which are typical fare for most keyboards.
FOLDED dimensions are: 6-1/4" long, 4" wide, 3/4" thick
I have only three complaints about this device. 1) Because of the split in the middle of the keyboard, it creates a chasm between the keys straddling the split. That space sometimes creates a problem if my right or left index finger should dip low around the split: it snags the underside of a key's corner. It's happened several times. But then, that's the price of having a folding keyboard and requires a bit of discipline in finger placement and movement as well as wrist position when it comes to typing. Read more ›
I do agree with prior review comments regarding the differently-sized keys that are on each side of the keyboard split (particularly the "G" key being 1/3rd smaller than the "H" key next to it and the "B" key being a 1/3rd smaller than the "V" key next to it). I'm sure there's a reason for this but...looking at the keyboard carefully I can't figure it out. But it does feel a little weird. For the most part, the keys are basically the same size as those on the Apple wireless keyboard, although they're all right next to each other as opposed to the spacing between the Apple keyboard's keys. Overall, the whole feel is like typing on a small netbook keyboard. I'm a touch typer and I do about 100 words per minute. This keyboard slows me down considerably with errors only because the key sizes and placement are a bit off from what I'm accustomed to. However, I expect that from a much smaller and more portable keyboard. It's just a matter of time and acclimation so I'm not terribly worried about it. It's an acceptable trade off as I can still, for the most part, touch type with relative ease. I noticed the top row of number keys and some special character keys are pretty small. They're half the size of the row of the small special function keys on the Apple wireless keyboard. They're just big enough to accommodate the touchpoint of a fingertip and that's it. That definitely will take some adjusting to, particularly for a touch typer with regard to numbers. But all of these smaller keys are for characters and functions you wouldn't very frequently use in the course of typing a document, so it appears at least some thought went into that with regard ot the small design. The "Del" (delete) key is all the way down on the lower left corner next to the "Ctrl" button. The "BS" button (backspace, though it would be cool to have a key that calls out bunk just when you need it to) is one of those really small keys at the top row of number keys and it's all the way in the right upper corner. However, it's the same reach with my right pinky finger as would be with the Apple wireless keyboard albeit it's small. There is a dedicated "Fn" (function) key that's totally useless for iOS devices (but would work for PC and Android devices?). There is a dedicted "Alt Gr" (aside form a dedicated "Alt" key) key but again, there really isn't any use for it with iOS devices, so one would assume they'd work with PC and Android devices. There are two "Menu" buttons, which, when used with certain other keys, create shortcuts for certain functions (outlined in the user manual). This means that instead of the usual PC keyboard's "Ctrl+A" for selecting all text, "Ctrl+C" for copy, "Ctrl+V" for pasting, etc., the "Menu" key is used instead of the "Ctrl" key for those functions. The biggest adjustment is the fact that there isn't a full spacebar. Instead, there are two smaller, rectangular "space" keyboards, one on each side of the keyboard split right about where your thumbs would rest. Other than that, the placement of the keys-in terms of characters-is the same as any other keyboard, for the most part. Just that the number, special character and command keys are all pretty small. The usual play/ff/rewind buttons and volume up/down buttons are there, though off to the side of the keyboard keys, which is pretty nice, actually. Unless there is a keyboard combination I'm not aware of, there isn't any way to adjust the iPad/iPhone screen brightness as you would using dedicated keys on the Apple wireless keyboard. That's really kind of a non-issue, though.
Most interesting, however: 1) There is a dedicated "home" (little white square with rounded corners) key as well as a "home" command button. They both do exactly what the "home" button on an iPad or iPhone would do, even bringing up the multitasking menu on a double-click or whatever you've set for the triple-click, which is pretty cool. As far as I know, the Apple Wireless Keyboard doesn't even have this feature. 2) There is a dedicated "@" key (in addition to the "@" as the upper case character on the "2" key as usual) on the bottom row right next to the "home" key, which is unique. 3) There is a little "keyboard" key at the upper right corner next to the backspace key. Raising an eyebrow, I pushed it and...voila! The iPad's on-screen virtual keyboard popped up! Very interesting, indeed! Apparently, this toggles enabling/disabling of the on-screen virtual keyboard. You see, one thing I've experienced with the Apple wireless keyboard is that as long as it's on, the iPad's on-screen keyboard is disabled and doesn't come up as usual. That means if I just want to use the on-screen keyboard to tap a few things, without the keyboard, I either have to turn off the Apple wireless keyboard or turn off bluetooth on the iPad, neither of are terribly convenient if you want to return to keyboard typing. That's solved by this keyboard's dedicated "keyboard" key. Pretty neat.
I had a "What the..." moment when I was looking for the included iPhone stand. I combed through the box, the included carrying case, etc. for this item and couldn't find it. Stupid me not reading the enclosed manual. Just before I would give up looking and consult the manual, I noticed an indentation along the top right leading edge of the keyboard. I put my thumb into that indentation and pushed out/up and...voila! The little iPhone stand popped out. Slick. A neat little feature. However, I don't have an iPhone but it would work with my EVO 4G. Sadly, it doesn't acommodate my iPad. Now THAT would've been sweet. But any iPad stand, no matter how small, requires greater bulk, size and/or heft that the one included in this keyboard. That would be an amazing feat of engineering to accomplish, given what little usable space there is inside the keyboard case. Sadly, I'll still have to carry around my portable iPad stand or prop the iPad up against something for now.
Bluetooth pairing is simple but the most important thing to remember is, after turning the keyboard on (which initially presents with a very rapid-blinking blue light), you have to use a pen point or paper clip to depress the "pairing" button that is recessed in a little hole (which slows the blue light blinking rate) in order to affect the pairing with an iOS device. No biggie. There is a sliding switch to turn the keyboard on/off. There is a low battery indicator light as well as a bluetooth connectivity light. The latter, for some people, can be annoying or distracting as it blinks once every eight seconds. The Apple wireless keyboard doesn't do this (it just has a tiny, steady burning "on" light). That's perhaps a very small complaint for some folks and I haven't formed an opinion on it one way or another, yet. The batteries are easily accessible and replacable. Stuff like this is handled differently on the Apple wireless keyboard but there really isn't any advantage to either. As far as battery life goes, I'm not sure what that is for this keyboard so. I'll have to check with the manufacturer as to what their rating of it is. I imagine it'd be a long time like the Apple wireless keyboard.
Size-wise, this keyboard is about 3/4" wider on each end, about 1.5" narrower (from top to bottom edges) and about twice as thick (not counting battery compartments on either keyboard) than the Apple wireless keyboard. In a confined area (for example, an airplane drop-down seatback tray), this keyboard takes up less space, which is important. The weight is about the same for both. As for construction, well, there is a signficant difference between the two. Apple's is mostly solid aluminum, just as the iPad's casing is, with some plastic backing and keys while the entireity of the Verbatim keyboard is medium-impact plastic (though it feels reasonably solid). As for the keys themselves, I truly prefer the flat, "chiclet" type used on the Apple wireless keyboard as opposed to the ones used on this keyboard that have downward-sloping edges, which are typical fare for most keyboards.
FOLDED dimensions are: 6-1/4" long, 4" wide, 3/4" thick
I have only three complaints about this device. 1) Because of the split in the middle of the keyboard, it creates a chasm between the keys straddling the split. That space sometimes creates a problem if my right or left index finger should dip low around the split: it snags the underside of a key's corner. It's happened several times. But then, that's the price of having a folding keyboard and requires a bit of discipline in finger placement and movement as well as wrist position when it comes to typing. Read more ›
94 of 98 people found the following review helpful
By J. Schmidt
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
I won't go into the pros and cons of this keyboard.
There are no directions for pairing with an Android device, so here are the steps:
In Android:
Turn on blue tooth.
Scan for devices.
Keyboard:
Turn on the keyboard.
Push the "Pair" button with a pen.
Android:
Select the keyboard.
It will ask for a 4 number password. Enter any 4 numbers.
Press OK
Keyboard:
Enter the same 4 number password you entered in Android.
Press Enter.
Also, this keyboard is nearly exactly the same as the "Freedom Pro Bluetooth Portable Folding Keyboard". It looks the same and has the same internal packaging. The only difference is that the Freedom keyboard has a switch to change from HID to SPP. From the directions, I gathered that SPP is for Blackberries. Also, the printing on the keys was different. Otherwise, they're twins. Oh, and the Freedom is thirty dollars more expensive. I bought both.
There are no directions for pairing with an Android device, so here are the steps:
In Android:
Turn on blue tooth.
Scan for devices.
Keyboard:
Turn on the keyboard.
Push the "Pair" button with a pen.
Android:
Select the keyboard.
It will ask for a 4 number password. Enter any 4 numbers.
Press OK
Keyboard:
Enter the same 4 number password you entered in Android.
Press Enter.
Also, this keyboard is nearly exactly the same as the "Freedom Pro Bluetooth Portable Folding Keyboard". It looks the same and has the same internal packaging. The only difference is that the Freedom keyboard has a switch to change from HID to SPP. From the directions, I gathered that SPP is for Blackberries. Also, the printing on the keys was different. Otherwise, they're twins. Oh, and the Freedom is thirty dollars more expensive. I bought both.
103 of 112 people found the following review helpful
By Aaron Horne
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
It is what it is, and works so far. I mean, its a bluetooth keyboard and pairs with my iPad, and the keys I press make it to the device. Its small, though not as small as I'd like. Don't get me wrong, its small, and folded it fits in more places, bit its thicker than my ipad and you really need a bag for it.
The fatal flaw I mentioned in the title is the keyboard layout. Its sort of laid out like a standard keyboard, and they tried to make up for its size by making the letter keys larger and the number and function keys smaller. Even so, the relative positions are off slightly from a standard keyboard, and not all the letter keys are the same size. The V key for instance is twice as wide and the adjacent B key. The 1 key is centered of the W, not slightly to the left of the Q, that's where the escape key is on this one. Also the tiny backspace and tab buttons throw me off and I find I often am hitting keys I don't intend. I have only used it for a few hours, but I still haven't gotten used to it. I can't seem to keep my fingers over the keys I expect them to be over and I find that even if I watch my hands while I type, its still a bit cumbersome. I am very familiar with typing on a keyboard, so this isn't a user-related problem.
Bottom line is that I got this for the tactile feedback of a real keyboard while using my iPad and trying to avoid sacrificing the portability. The reality is, that it is easier to type on the iPad than on this keyboard.
If I find I get used to it, or if I find it so unusable that I decide to return it, I'll come back and post an update.
**UPDATE** 8/12/2011
I couldn't get used to it. I returned it.
The fatal flaw I mentioned in the title is the keyboard layout. Its sort of laid out like a standard keyboard, and they tried to make up for its size by making the letter keys larger and the number and function keys smaller. Even so, the relative positions are off slightly from a standard keyboard, and not all the letter keys are the same size. The V key for instance is twice as wide and the adjacent B key. The 1 key is centered of the W, not slightly to the left of the Q, that's where the escape key is on this one. Also the tiny backspace and tab buttons throw me off and I find I often am hitting keys I don't intend. I have only used it for a few hours, but I still haven't gotten used to it. I can't seem to keep my fingers over the keys I expect them to be over and I find that even if I watch my hands while I type, its still a bit cumbersome. I am very familiar with typing on a keyboard, so this isn't a user-related problem.
Bottom line is that I got this for the tactile feedback of a real keyboard while using my iPad and trying to avoid sacrificing the portability. The reality is, that it is easier to type on the iPad than on this keyboard.
If I find I get used to it, or if I find it so unusable that I decide to return it, I'll come back and post an update.
**UPDATE** 8/12/2011
I couldn't get used to it. I returned it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great day ...
It was a great day for me when I unwrapped a package containing a Verbatim Keyboard. Setup was fast to my iPhone. Read more
Published 8 days ago by William J. Lambert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great addition to my iPad mini
This keyboard is sturdy, stays open, is responsive, and has a great carrying case. The keyboard layout is a little different in key sizes, but I adapted to it immediately. Read more
Published 12 days ago by AUtigerinnc
4.0 out of 5 stars
As good as I hoped
Keyboard works well and is a good size. Price was great. Occasionally it does lock-up, but turning it of and on again fixes that. Read more
Published 14 days ago by CAL
4.0 out of 5 stars
Does what it is supposed to do
Does what it is supposed to do. OF COURSE if you are a rapid touch-typist you will have difficulty with this thing as it's supposed to be a compact keyboard. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Eric A. Cable
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very Poor Keyboard layout.
Everytime I go to hit the left shift key, I hit the up arrow instead. The keys are poorly laid out and the touch of the keyboard is not very responsive. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Joanna Knoepfel
1.0 out of 5 stars
Unless you can adapt to the keyboard layout, stay away!
I've been a typist for years and unless you watch your fingers while you type this keyboard is a nighmere. Everything else about the keyboard is fine. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Devoted StepMom
4.0 out of 5 stars
Compact, paired instantly
I carry this with my Kindle Fire HD 8.9" because I touch-type about 100 wpm. The a-z keys are pretty much laid out the same as a standard keyboard; however, some keys, like... Read more
Published 1 month ago by JHK
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great in theory, hard to use
I so wanted to love this little keyboard, but it's really hard to use. Because of the break down the middle where the device folds, some of the keys in the middle are in funky... Read more
Published 1 month ago by L. Chan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great keyboard.
I love this keyboard. It answers my need to type docs via ipad2. Highly recommended for those who are using ipad2 to write papers and other docs.
Published 1 month ago by Joseph, Jecho and joshua houston texas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Keyboard!
I had to return a similar but cheaper keyboard; see my evaluation by clicking on see all my reviews. The adage that you get what you pay for was evident in these two keyboards. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gordon Staley
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