The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is an ideal option for those who need to add a travel keyboard to their iPad and don’t want to limit the accessory to only one tablet. Or want to add a portable keyboard to their iPad without giving up the case they like.
It can switch between computers with a simple push of a button. Plus, it’s not limited to tablets.
I’ve tested the multi-device input device with my iPad and iPhone, and came away quite pleased.
Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand review
Don’t try to tell me I need a Mac to get work done — I’ve used an iPad as my primary computer for a decade. That said, a physical keyboard is a real bonus for people who use their iPad as a productivity tool. Sure, you can peck out text with the on-screen keyboard, but that can’t compare with the ease and speed of a physical keyboard. You just need to choose the right one.
Most iPad keyboards work with a single model or family of models. My Apple Magic Keyboard works only with a 13-inch iPad Pro, for example. And I must hope Apple doesn’t redesign a future version of the tablet so the keyboard will stay compatible.
That’s never going to be a problem with the Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand. Unfold it, and any iPad model can sit in its stand, ready for you to type on it. Or an Android tablet can be used, or a Windows one. They just need to support Bluetooth. Heck, you could use it with the Mac mini you use as your travel computer.
Just as important, you don’t need to take your tablet out of its protective stand to use Satechi’s keyboard/stand.
The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is a compact, travel-ready typing solution designed for professionals who work from anywhere. With a protective cover that transforms into a sturdy, adjustable stand for tablets or smartphones, it delivers portability and productivity in one sleek package, perfect for staying efficient without the extra bulk.
- Compatible with any iPad, plus iPhone too
- Folds flat for easy transport
Table of contents: Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand review
- Portable keyboard designed for any tablet
- Bluetooth multidevice pairing
- Usable typing performance
- Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand review: Final thoughts
- Pricing
Portable keyboard designed for any tablet
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
When not in use, the accessory folds flat. Really flat: just 0.4 inches. As the length and width are 16.3 inches and 5.8 inches, the keyboard is very easy to carry around. It’s much smaller than my iPad, and weighs only 1.2 pounds.
When it’s time to get work done, the accessory’s protective cover unfolds into an adjustable stand for phones or tablets up to 13 inches in size. A kickstand supports the computer at angles from almost completely straight up to almost laying back flat.
I kept my iPad Pro in a slim folio case when using the Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand, and that was never a problem. The tablet was always supported firmly, with absolutely no wiggling even when I tapped the touchscreen firmly.
Another advantage of this accessory is that the tablet can be in either portrait or landscape orientation when I’m typing.
My review unit is black, but sand is another color option.
Photo: Satechi
Bluetooth multidevice pairing
With the Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand, you don’t have to worry that your next iPad will be compatible — it will be. Size and shape won’t really matter.
But you don’t have to wait that long to take advantage of the accessory’s flexibility. It can be paired with up to three computers at once, and switch between them at the press of a button. A family or group of coworkers might share one keyboard with it being easily handed around.
Or — as I mentioned — you can use it with your iPhone. Suppose you’re on an overnight trip when something blows up at work. You didn’t bring your iPad, but with your iPhone and Satechi’s keyboard, you can write the 500-word email you have to send immediately to calm things down.
The disadvantage of Bluetooth is that the accessory requires a built-in battery, which is charged through a USB-C port on the right edge. You won’t need to charge it very often, though – I tested mine for weeks and the battery still sits at 100%.
Usable typing performance
There’s nothing cramped about typing on the Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand. The key area is 10.1 inches wide, typical keys are 0.6 inches square, and key separation is 0.1 in. Those are measurements that would fit a good desktop keyboard. I can easily touch type on it.
That said, the keys suffer from the limitation of every travel and notebook keyboard I’ve ever used: limited travel. The amount of up/down movement I get pressing each key is only about 1 mm, but you might not notice if you type on a MacBook every day. Only those accustomed to a desktop keyboard might be used to more key travel.
And take note, the CMD key is usually 50% larger than typical keys on Apple keyboards. It’s not here, making it slightly harder to find with a finger.
Still, Satechi included a row of iPad function keys, making it easy to start/stop media from playing, open the app launcher, adjust the tablet’s backlight, and more.
Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand review: Final thoughts
Photo: Satechi
As much as I love the Apple Magic Keyboard with my iPad Pro, I haven’t had a problem using Satechi’s keyboard/case instead during this review. I ordinarily keep my iPad in a lightweight folio, only switching to Apple’s keyboard/case when working away from the office. With the OntheGo model, I don’t need to remove my regular iPad case — I simply drop it and Satechi’s keyboard into my gear bag and I’m ready to work. It’s more convenient.
I also like the assurance that this keyboard will work with any tablet I buy in the future.
★★★★☆
Like your iPad case with a built-in stand? The rival Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 is very nearly this keyboard but without the stand. Read my review.
Pricing
The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand can be ordered now. It costs $79.99.
Buy it from: Amazon
The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is a compact, travel-ready typing solution designed for professionals who work from anywhere. With a protective cover that transforms into a sturdy, adjustable stand for tablets or smartphones, it delivers portability and productivity in one sleek package, perfect for staying efficient without the extra bulk.
- Compatible with any iPad, plus iPhone too
- Folds flat for easy transport
Satechi provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
