iClever Tri-folding Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad IC-BK08 [Review]

Around a year ago I took a look at the iClever Tri-folding Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard, having previously examined the iClever Portable Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard. The latest addition to the range follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, but this time boasts a trackpad.

This is a Bluetooth keyboard that can be configured to connect to up to three devices -- phones, tablets, laptops, and so on. The keys are nearly full-sized (just 9 percent smaller than normal), and the right-hand side of the fold-out unit is occupied by a laptop-style trackpad that allows for easier control of the device you connect to, and eliminates the need to carry a mouse as well.

Measuring 158.7 x 90.7 x 18.2mm (and 278 x 90.6 x 5.7mm when unfolded) and weighing in at just 220g, this is a piece of kit that's easy to chuck in a bag or suitcase (or even a pocket) and you'll hardly notice it's there... until you need it, that is. As before, there is decent build quality in the metal body, but this time around the hinges feel rather less sturdy than on previous models. One of them on our review unit was rather prone to popping out of its housing. It's not a major problem as it is not essential to the keyboard, and it is easily snapped back into place, but it's something of a concern nonetheless -- will it stand the test of time?

As with the backlit version of the keyboard from last year, when unfurled, there are fold-out feet to ensure that the unit remains perfectly level and doesn’t wobble when used on a flat surface. The hinges are semi-locked when opened, meaning that the keyboard can also be used on your knees if necessary. It's not perfect, but unless you are typing really hard, you're unlikely to find that the keyboard folds up beneath your fingers.

The ability to connect to three Bluetooth devices at once is a great benefit of the keyboard. Of course, this does not mean you control three phones, tablets or laptops simultaneously, but once you have established connections to a trio of devices, a quick press of a keyboard shortcut is all it takes to switch control from one to another. Despite the small size, the keyboard features not just the standard range of keys, but also function keys and media shortcuts.

The 210mAh battery charges via USB (sadly not a USB-C connection) over the course of a couple of hours, and should last you 60 hours until a recharge is needed. The trackpad offers a surprisingly accurate level of control over a mouse cursor, and in Windows and Android there is support for a range of multi-touch gestures including pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling.

While there should be no reason that the keyboard could not be used with any system with Bluetooth support, the manual specifies that Windows Mobile is not supported. Android, iOS and Windows are all specifically mentioned (and it has been tested with Windows and Android for this review), but it should also work with macOS and Linux if that's your bag.

Speaking of bags, there is a soft carry bag supplied which can house not only the folded-up keyboard, but also the charging cable when you’re traveling.

The iClever Tri-folding Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad is available to buy on Amazon, currently discounted from $79.99 to $49.99.

Photo credit: Mark Wilson