Wireless keyboard recommendations (similar to Apple keyboard)

[EssentialParado]

All wireless bluetooth keyboards will sleep after inactivity to reserve battery life, then when you begin typing it will wake up and take a second or two to reconnect…

When you do this on most cheap wireless keyboard alternatives (e.g., a few popular iPad keyboard cases), you’ll be missing those initial typed characters on screen and you’ll have to start over with your sentence.

However, when using an official Apple wireless keyboard on either a Mac or iPad, when it wakes from its temporary sleep, you’ll see a sudden string of characters appear on screen from what you were typing, almost as though it’s logging it into on-board memory on the keyboard then relaying the initially typed characters once connected so you don’t lose anything.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Basically, I’m looking for a keyboard that does this like the Apple keyboard does, but doesn’t cost £99(!). Are there any that people use which they would recommend?

 

[Eric5273]

I’ve used a few different keyboards with my iPads and even the expensive Brydge keyboard case did not do that. Only the Apple Magic Keyboard has done this. I think it may be due to some sort of enhanced link they have between Apple products. You will notice it also shows you the battery level in the iPad’s battery widget, something that it won’t do for any other bluetooth keyboard.

 

[EssentialParado]

Thanks for the confirmation, @Eric5273 – that’s a shame to hear.

I’m not sure if an enhanced link is necessary to do it though. The keyboard just needs some very small on-board memory to store the key-presses while making connection, and then once connection is made, send them all in order. Surprised it’s not something other manufacturers have tried imitating. Just one of those small little ‘Apple magic’ things that you take for granted until you switch to another brand.

 

[sracer]

I have run a few tests with my Logitech K380 keyboard and my 2018 iPad. I've let it sit on and idle for 15+ minutes and then started typing. No lost keystrokes. The first keystroke was registered properly.

 

[EssentialParado]

I have run a few tests with my Logitech K380 keyboard and my 2018 iPad. I've let it sit on and idle for 15+ minutes and then started typing. No lost keystrokes. The first keystroke was registered properly.

I’ve heard good things from Logitech products recently so that’s encouraging. It’s not a bad looking keyboard either, if I can get past the yellow keys!

 

[sracer]

I’ve heard good things from Logitech products recently so that’s encouraging. It’s not a bad looking keyboard either, if I can get past the yellow keys!

I have about 4 logitech keyboards, none with yellow keys.

 

[sparksd]

I have about 4 logitech keyboards, none with yellow keys.

He probably means this grey version (which I have & like):

 

[sracer]

He probably means this grey version (which I have & like):

Ah, I have the orange one.

Yellow keys on that wouldn't be noticed. I preferred the grey version, but for $11 for the orange, I could deal.

 

[sparksd]

Ah, I have the orange one.
View attachment 762968
Yellow keys on that wouldn't be noticed. I preferred the grey version, but for $11 for the orange, I could deal.

That's what I call colorful!