Keyboards, they come in many sizes and shapes, with endless features, but what do I really need in a keyboard? That was the question I was recently confronted with when I changed over to an iOS iOS only user. What I was looking for was a keyboard that was portable, Bluetooth, and rechargeable. I also needed a keyboard that would not break the bank. I found the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard a multi-featured, affordable, portable keyboard.
What is it?
The Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard is a compact, rechargeable, backlit, Bluetooth keyboard, with multiple backlight color options and and two backlight brightness settings.
Hardware Specs
- 9.3” length
- 5.3” width
- 0.24 thick
- 0.37 pound
- Lithium battery
What’s in the box?
Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard
Micro USB to USB cable
User manual
6 3M rubber feet dots
Design and features
The top view of the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard shows the key layout, the on/off switch, the connect button, and the indicators LEDs (CAPS, Status, Charge, and Power).
Other than the Micro USB charging port on the right hand side of the keyboard there are no features on the front, back, sides and bottom of the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard.
Two things you should notice in the above pictures. First is the backlit keys. The key colors that I can see are purple, turquoise, green, blue, red and light blue. I did notice another green in the rotation but I cannot tell if it is any different from the first green color. Along with the color options, you have two brightness levels for the backlit keys, as well as the ability to turn the backlight function off. The second item of note in the above picture is the key size on the keyboard. The keys are smaller than my Apple Magic keyboard and the reason why will be evident in the next picture. For me, the key size is not a major issue but for some, it may be.
As you can see from the above picture this keyboard is smaller than my 10.5” iPad Pro. This makes the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard a perfect travel companion. The 500mA rechargeable Lithium battery means I should never be without a useable keyboard.
What I like
- The keyboard is compact enough to be a great travel keyboard
- The price of $19.99 on Amazon makes it a winner
- The 24-month warranty is better than almost any of its competitors
- Rechargeable battery
- Metal construction
What needs to be improved
- Not all of the iOS functions work
- I could not use the keyboard while it was charging
- The keyboard could use the ability to set the keyboard on an incline
Final thoughts
So, what do I think of the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard? So far I think it is a winner. Size, price, and features all make this keyboard a favorite, and the two-year warranty doesn’t hurt. I will be honest though while researching this keyboard I did see some complaints about the keys coming off of the keyboard but the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon made me willing to take a risk on it (did I mention the two-year warranty?). Now, if you are a finicky typer this keyboard may not be for you, but if you can accommodate for smaller keys in a smaller footprint you may want to take the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard for a spin.
Price: $19.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: I bought this keyboard with my own money.