Bluetooth keyboard

A Bluetooth keyboard is a wireless keyboard that connects and communicates with its parent device via the bluetooth protocol. These devices are widely used with such portable devices as smart phones and tablets, though they are also used with laptops and ultrabooks. Bluetooth keyboards became popular in 2011, coincident with the popularity of portable devices.^[1][2] Most bluetooth keyboards have standard qwerty layouts, though some mini bluetooth keyboards may have a different layout.

Bluetooth keyboard

Compatibility

Bluetooth keyboards are compatible with all the leading operating systems such as Android, iOS, Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. Since they are used primarily for portable devices bluetooth keyboards have special function keys for Android and iOS operating systems. Most bluetooth keyboards, except a few, are not compatible across operating systems, so compatibility of the keyboard needs to be checked before purchasing one; this is because of the special function keys which differ between Android^[3] and iOS.^[4]

Form Factor

Bluetooth keyboards are available in a variety of form factors. Some of them are:

• Foldable - hinges allow for folding of keyboard^[5]

• Mini - small size with thumb typing ^[6]

• Portable with Stand - comes with tablet/smartphone stand ^[7]

• Standard - full size qwerty keyboard for regular typing

• With touch pad - combined keyboard and touchpad ^[8]

References