If you’re working on the road, especially if you do a lot of writing, you’ll NEED a travel keyboard. Between writing client notes, answering questions on social media, writing books, blog posts, grocery lists… I write over two thousand words every day. So before heading off on this adventure, your Guide tried a few travel keyboards. Not on purpose, though. I bought each one thinking it would be The One. And then ran into problems, until I found the Logitech K380 (which I am using to write this on a terrace at Cannúa, looking out over the Antioquia countryside). This is my K380 travel keyboard review and I’ll share about the others that didn’t work out. There are affiliate links in this post because I would definitely recommend getting a travel keyboard if you’re working on the move.
The Lenovo Professional Wireless Keyboard (was too large)
I was afraid that travel keyboards would just be too tiny and I’d be typing like a T-rex. So I grabbed a wireless keyboard with good reviews: The Lenovo Professional Wireless Keyboard. It retails for around $60 with a wireless mouse included.
It’s a great keyboard but not intended for travel. So it’s no fault of Lenovo’s that this didn’t work out. The weight isn’t too bad (1.5 lbs / 700 g), it’s comfortable to type on, but it’s 17 inches long (45 cm). It couldn’t fit in my Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack.
So I accepted I did need to get a keyboard more specifically designed for travel…
The Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard (was too heavy for my nimble needs)
The Logitech K780 is a sleek keyboard, has excellent reviews, and retails for around $50. It’s designed for pairing wirelessly with multiple devices, and has a built in holder across the top where you can place your phone or tablet. It’s two inches shorter than the Lenovo, so it just fits in my Timbuk2 backpack, but it is heavier than the Lenovo. The K780 is 1.9 lbs / 875 g. The device holder at the top is metal, and it needs to be heavy so it doesn’t flip over if you place a tablet in it. But adding that two pounds to my carry-on wasn’t appealing. Also…
The K780 I received was defective. There were some keys that wouldn’t display and some keys that got stuck whenever I hit them. I chatted with Logitech support and they told me to send it back. So I took advantage of that to go for a lighter Logitech keyboard, the K380.
The Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard works perfectly for working while adventuring
Not only was the Logitech K380 the smallest keyboard I tested (11 in / 27 cm) and also the lightest (1 lb / 423 g), it was also the cheapest, at around $30.
My fears about smaller keyboards turned out to be unfounded. I use it everyday. It’s not uncomfortable. It’s super quick to type on. I enjoy the feel of the keys. The multi-device features have worked perfectly. I can do a client call with my phone in my Joby tripod, type up notes on my phone using the K380, or just hit one of those yellow buttons at the top and flip over to type on my laptop. It’s small enough that I can throw it in a tote bag, take it to a cafe, and it’s not awkward to have a coffee, a notebook, and the keyboard all on the same table. It also makes typing on a train or plane way more manageable.
Happy writing!
Related Posts:
Pig Gym or My An Sport Center in Da Nang?
If you’re looking for a gym in the My An / An Thượng / Mỹ Khê Beach are of Da Nang, Vietnam, you’ll likely be
Do you trust an airline to supply your wardrobe to Japan?
As somebody who only has three bags, your Guide is intrigued by the possibility of not needing to carry clothes. What to bring, what to
Review: Christmas at Xinalani, Puerto Vallarta
A short boat ride down the coast from Puerto Vallarta, Xinalani Retreat rests on the slopes of a leafy green hill overlooking a pristine sandy
Pingback: Review: GlocalMe DuoTurbo Portable WIFI • The Mindful Field Guide