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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: JohnehJH on Wed, 19 January 2011, 02:04:39

Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: JohnehJH on Wed, 19 January 2011, 02:04:39
Hi, I'm new here.

This is probably moreover me satiating my curiosity, but does anyone know of mechanical keyboards that are bluetooth that could be used on the android/iphone platform. I guess what I'm really asking is:


I mean--I've gotten to the point where I text. A lot. Enough to justify modding a keyboard with an iPhone holder and basically using it as a laptop. I know how crazy that sounds, but think about it--you can use your phone for IM, long e-mails, blog posts, everything you can use your computer for. However, your computer doesn't text. Well, whilst looking for a new keyboard bluetooth was in the back of my head. But, I sorta arrived here and after hours of reading you guy's reviews (thanks for keeping me up before work in the AM) I am absolutely sold on getting a mechanical keyboard. So now I'm really curious if a reliable bluetooth mechanical keyboard exists.

I've seen the majestouch one (FKBT104M/EB), but I've never bought anything overseas and am kinda sketchy about it since I wouldn't be able to return it if it didn't work with my phone. Also, my computer doesn't have bluetooth, but I'm assuming the keyboard comes with a USB adapter. I also read a bad review of it, I think it was here I'm not sure.
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: wap32 on Wed, 19 January 2011, 04:09:54
Usually bluetooth keyboards use the standard HID profile, so they're pretty much universal.
As for iPhone support I'm not sure (if I had to bet I'd say no). For Android devices I think it depends on the manufacturer firmware but if your device can be rooted I don't think it would be hard to implement.

Besides the majestouch, I don't know any other BT models, but I'm sure there are more.
In last resort, you could always mod one, I think someone here has done that already.
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: YpoCaramel on Wed, 19 January 2011, 04:46:50
Adding bluetooth to a computer is like, ~$5 these days anyways. iOS4.0+ now supports bluetooth keyboards, most of which should work fine. But can't help you with mechcanical there, sorry.

Also too bad camera kit connector doesn't work post-4.2 on iPads... Though the only one I'm interested in for mobile use is the HHKB... That Zagg keymate for iPad actually looks tempting, non-mechcancial of coruse but it looks really mobile.
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: JohnehJH on Wed, 19 January 2011, 17:38:35
Quote from: YpoCaramel;280943
Adding bluetooth to a computer is like, ~$5 these days anyways. iOS4.0+ now supports bluetooth keyboards, most of which should work fine. But can't help you with mechcanical there, sorry.

Also too bad camera kit connector doesn't work post-4.2 on iPads... Though the only one I'm interested in for mobile use is the HHKB... That Zagg keymate for iPad actually looks tempting, non-mechcancial of coruse but it looks really mobile.


When you saying adding bluetooth to a computer, do you mean like a USB stick or like something into the PCI slot?

I'm curious as to how a USB or PS/2 to Bluetooth adapter could work. I'm assuming most mechanical keyboards wouldn't be able to power one.

Yeah, I'm sad Apple is so dead set on locking down their mobile devices. I'm sure there will be a jailbreak hack if there isn't already.
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: laden3 on Wed, 19 January 2011, 17:57:16
well...errrr... I read this thread on KBC a long time ago...but, I was too lazy to mention it here...
since no one mentioned...
http://bbs.kbc-china.com/thread-2377-1-1.html

I think the pictures explain the procedures clearly,maybe someone with nifty fingers can figure it out without the help of some translation =P
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: JohnehJH on Wed, 19 January 2011, 17:59:47
Quote from: ripster;281414
I wouldn't get the Filco though.  I'd wait.
[/IMG]


I'm assuming this is because Filco has an upcoming bluetooth keyboard without all the problems (and hopefully a USB rechargeable internal battery)?

I'm really tempted to mod a tenkeyless to be bluetooth. I'm sure it's not all that hard.
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: laden3 on Wed, 19 January 2011, 18:16:41
can't see a white guy in your LEGO pics :confused:
time to deport

Oops sorry... you have to register...
http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=280378&postcount=2

ok now... the attached file should do the job...
Title: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: kbfreak on Mon, 30 April 2012, 13:00:45
The up and coming KBtalKing BW-7050 would fit the bill and then some. KBtalKing (http://kbtalking.cool3c.com) from Taiwan will be releasing a multi-pairing bluetooth wireless mechanical keyboard (using I believe cherry browns initially) that also allows for USB wired connection. So basically you can use it on your main computer, while pair up to 10 BT devices (laptop, ipads, iphone, anroid devices, TV, etc.) and control any of them almost instantly and switch back. Imagine switching between any of those devices on demand and type/control any of the devices from the nice feel of a mechanical keyboard as the ultimate command center for everything! Should be coming to the states in 1-2 months and go for around $140.

I will try to post up more stuff as they release more info. =)
Title: Re: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, phone ready.
Post by: kbfreak on Tue, 25 December 2012, 04:57:12
Update:

The KBtalKing Pro is the official name, and it has been released a couple of months ago! Since my last post, the US website with full specs, features and order information is also there now. check it out:

http://kbtalkingusa.com

Let us know if you found your solution yet either way!