Portable bluetooth keyboard

[epiphany]

So I'm looking for a very portable bluetooth keyboard to use with a tablet and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? I typically move between MX blacks and IBM model M's. I realize that I'm not going to get anything that feels remotely like the M in a portable keyboard, but is there a way to put a bluetooth module in a Cherry g84 or something?

Anyone have any luck with a particular bluetooth keyboard that isn't horrible? Something with nice scissor switches perhaps?

[JimByr]

How about the bluetooth version of the Filco Minila? You can get it with the usual Cherry switches including MX blacks if that's what you prefer. Check Ebay.

http://www.diatec.co.jp/en/det.php?prod_c=1469

[epiphany]

That's interesting. I hadn't seen that before. Thanks for pointing that out. Looks like it might still be a little bit big to throw in a bag with a tablet (due mostly to the thickness), but it might be worth checking out. I like how narrow it is and that it might be usable as a desktop keyboard as well.

[agodinhost]

12 bucks

small and decent.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300916225354?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[esoomenona]

https://jornostore.com/

Though, to be fair, I've been watching this thing for a LONG time, and it still hasn't shipped, missing many proposed dates...

[BlackWidowMan777]

Believe it or not but the iPad Camera Connection Kit works even for some mechanical keyboards - you just stick the adapter in the iPad and the keyboard into the usb. But it only works for some. For example it doesn't work on the unicomp or matias mini because they draw too much power. But it's a pretty cheap alternative to a bluetooth keyboard.

Then there is the Bluetooth Keyboard Adapter that will turn any USB or PS2 keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard!

http://handheldsci.com/kb

[fatmav]

My portable bluetooth keyboard is a Matias Laptop Pro. It's not exactly portable, but it's a keyboard that I am willing to travel in.

[ValerieV]

Believe it or not but the iPad Camera Connection Kit works even for some mechanical keyboards - you just stick the adapter in the iPad and the keyboard into the usb. But it only works for some. For example it doesn't work on the unicomp or matias mini because they draw too much power. But it's a pretty cheap alternative to a bluetooth keyboard.

Then there is the Bluetooth Keyboard Adapter that will turn any USB or PS2 keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard!

http://handheldsci.com/kb

What does a built in hub mean? The reason i ask is because it says that this device won't work with the HHKB because it has a built in hub. If they mean the USB hub then the Matias keyboard wouldn't work with it either right? Thanks.

[Pacifist]

Believe it or not but the iPad Camera Connection Kit works even for some mechanical keyboards - you just stick the adapter in the iPad and the keyboard into the usb. But it only works for some. For example it doesn't work on the unicomp or matias mini because they draw too much power. But it's a pretty cheap alternative to a bluetooth keyboard.

Then there is the Bluetooth Keyboard Adapter that will turn any USB or PS2 keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard!

http://handheldsci.com/kb

dam thats expensive

[BlackWidowMan777]

Believe it or not but the iPad Camera Connection Kit works even for some mechanical keyboards - you just stick the adapter in the iPad and the keyboard into the usb. But it only works for some. For example it doesn't work on the unicomp or matias mini because they draw too much power. But it's a pretty cheap alternative to a bluetooth keyboard.

Then there is the Bluetooth Keyboard Adapter that will turn any USB or PS2 keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard!

http://handheldsci.com/kb

What does a built in hub mean? The reason i ask is because it says that this device won't work with the HHKB because it has a built in hub. If they mean the USB hub then the Matias keyboard wouldn't work with it either right? Thanks.

Yes, it means the HHKB has a built in USB hub. I've got one on the way, so I'll let you know if the Matias works on it or not. I'll try hooking up the Matias to my iPad using the iPad Camera Connection Kit and see if that works. I think the HHKB's hub draws too much power even when unused.

You may also want to have a look at this one http://www.iogear.com/product/GKMB01/  - you need the bluetooth adapter to be connected to your computer or a usb power adapter (which is plugged into a wall outlet) though, and I have no idea what its range is. It appears to be the same as this http://www.aten.com/data/solution_new/Tap_CS533/.

Edit: the iPad Camera Connection DOES work on my iPad 1 with leopold FC660M, cm storm qfr stealth (greens).
It does NOT work with Matias Mini Quiet Pro (it actually says that the device draws too much power). It is sold in most electronic shops

[BlackWidowMan777]

Believe it or not but the iPad Camera Connection Kit works even for some mechanical keyboards - you just stick the adapter in the iPad and the keyboard into the usb. But it only works for some. For example it doesn't work on the unicomp or matias mini because they draw too much power. But it's a pretty cheap alternative to a bluetooth keyboard.

Then there is the Bluetooth Keyboard Adapter that will turn any USB or PS2 keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard!

http://handheldsci.com/kb

What does a built in hub mean? The reason i ask is because it says that this device won't work with the HHKB because it has a built in hub. If they mean the USB hub then the Matias keyboard wouldn't work with it either right? Thanks.

Just saw this on reddit:

http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1sg89h/my_on_the_go_poker_and_ipad_battlestation/

his solution to get more power = Apple Camera Adapter (USB) + a Targus 4 port USB hub = cool.

[ValerieV]

Please let me know how yours works with the adapter for the Matias keyboard. Thanks for your help. 

[BlackWidowMan777]

Please let me know how yours works with the adapter for the Matias keyboard. Thanks for your help. 

The Bluetooth Keyboard Adapter just arrived (so quick!) and I am now tapatalking on my iPad with my SGI Granite dampened ALPS keyboard via PS/2 adapter. I have already confirmed on typeracer.com that there is NO discernible lag. It also worked with the leopold FC660M and cm storm QFR!

Unfortunately, no luck with the Matias MQP. As advertised, the HHKB won't work either.

But, instead of being saddled with one non-backlit usb bluetooth keyboard, I am now free to roam to any free wireless hotspot just me, my iPad and Poker 2 and buy more keyboards (using VPN, of course)! The device itself is chargeable via usb and your home PC, laptop or USB charger (not supplied).

The other device I mentioned may work with the Matias, so try contacting them about it.

[ValerieV]

Thank you so much! I think i am going to buy what you bought. I have a Leopold topre so the HHKB is a little bit of a disappointment but that's okay. Thanks again for the update. I appreciate it. 

[BlackWidowMan777]

Thank you so much! I think i am going to buy what you bought. I have a Leopold topre so the HHKB is a little bit of a disappointment but that's okay. Thanks again for the update. I appreciate it. 

You're welcome, I'm using it right now . Got my iPad, Poker 2 (browns w/ o-rings), grifiti fat pad, lapdesk, and bluetooth adapter. And a hot cup of coffee. What more could one ask for?

Please share your experiences once you get yours. Thanks!

edit: on second thoughts, things could be so much better  now that we  can be mobile. For instance, why aren't I being served a refreshing beverage right now  on some beach in Tahiti? Ah, at least I can dream...

[ValerieV]

I have the Poker 2 cherry mx blue. I like it but i am most looking forward to using the Leopold and the Cherry ml 4100 keyboards on it. I will post pics of my setup. I do have the Filco bluetooth keyboard but i don't want to limit what keyboards i use with my iPad and i don't want to hook anything into the iPad if i don't have to. I wonder if they will ever make a more powerful adapter and it would work with the HHKB or Matias. Thanks again.