inateck BK1002E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products
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Bluetooth keyboards from Inateck: Review and giveaway
Today we're going to be looking at a pair of Bluetooth keyboards that have just come out from accessory manufacturer Inateck. The first is the BK1002E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products (US$29.99, available on Amazon.com for $18.99), while the other is the BK1001E Wireless Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Keyboard ($39.99, available on Amazon.com for $21.99). Check out the review of these two new keyboards, then have an opportunity to win one or an Inateck TPB-IA sleeve for iPad Air valued at $18.00. Specifications BK1001E Wireless Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Keyboard Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.5 x .15 inches (270 x 140 x 4 mm) Weight: 7.4 ounces (210 grams) Rechargeable battery BK1002E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products Dimensions: 10.63 x 4.72 x .87 inches (285 x 120 x 22 mm) Weight: 9.8 ounces (277.8 grams) without batteries Requires two AAA batteries Design The Ultra-Slim keyboard is perfect if you're looking for a really thin keyboard. At just 4 mm thick at its deepest point, the BK1001E can be easily tucked into a bag or even a loose sleeve along with an iPad Air or iPad mini. The Ultra-Slim is designed to pretty much work with any type of computer, tablet or smartphone, so don't be surprised that it has "Win" and "IE" keys. However, the top row of the keyboard is set up with most of the standard keys that you'd use for special functions on an iPad, so it will definitely work with Apple's tablet. Who is this designed for? Frankly, it can be used by anyone with any type of computing device, and the low price tag makes it a good candidate as a spare keyboard. I found the keys to be acceptable, with a surprising amount of play considering just how thin the keyboard is. As with Apple's keyboard, the F and J keys are marked with a subtle bump to tell you where to put your index fingers. All of the keys are where they should be, and Apple fans will have no problems using the Ultra-Slim with any of their devices. Now let's take a look at the BK1002E, also known as the Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products. With a name like that, you'd expect the keyboard to be a replacement for the Apple Wireless Keyboard, and you'd be entirely correct. It's an exact replacement, with all keys in the same locations and dimensions that are approximately the same. Like Apple's keyboard, the BK1002E takes two replaceable or rechargeable batteries, although these are AAA batteries and not the AA batteries used in Apple's design. Functionality I gave both of these keyboards a workout with three Apple devices - an iPhone 6 Plus, an iPad Air, and a 27-inch iMac. As noted above, the Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products is a clone of Apple's Wireless Keyboard, and I couldn't tell the difference when typing on one or the other. The key play was identical to the Apple Wireless Keyboard, and it felt good to type on from the start. At the price of just $19 from Amazon, the BK1002E is much less expensive than Apple's solution at $69. I'm seriously considering buying one and putting it in my "spare parts" drawer so I'll have an extra keyboard on hand if my main one fails. As for the Ultra-Slim Keyboard, I didn't find the feel of the keyboard to be as compelling as the other unit. On the other hand, you've gotta love a keyboard that's just 4 mm thick - that can squeeze into even the most tightly-packed computer bag or sleeve. At $22 on Amazon, the Ultra-Slim is much less expensive than every iPad keyboard case and would make an excellent choice for an iPad companion. Conclusion Both of the new keyboards from Inateck are well-done and priced at a point that any bargain hunter will love. The BK1002E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products is a wonderful and low-cost replacement for the Apple Wireless Keyboard, while the BK1001E Wireless Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Keyboard will work well for anyone who wants to use an external keyboard with an iPad. Ratings BK1001E Wireless Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Keyboard: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible BK1002E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Thanks to the folks at Inateck, we have one each of the two types of keyboards reviewed today to give away to lucky TUAW readers. In addition, we also have the iPad Air version of Inateck's wonderful felt sleeve to give away. You can read a review of the MacBook Protect version here. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 14, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected in a random drawing. One will receive an Inateck BK1001E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard valued at $39.99, one will receive an Inateck BK1002E Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple Products valued at $29.99, and one will receive a Inateck TPB-IA felt sleeve for iPad Air valued at $18.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
