The Kanex Multisync Mini Bluetooth Keyboard is a sleek Bluetooth keyboard that has been designed for Mac and iOS devices. And by devices, I mean multiple devices. This particular keyboard can switch between as many as four different devices with a quick press of two keys. Let’s check it out.
My main computer is a 13″ MacBook Pro and when I’m not using it on my lap while I’m sitting on the couch, it’s at my desk paired to an Apple Wireless Keyboard like you see in the image above. Both keyboards feature an aluminum shell. The Kanex doesn’t feel near as solid as the Apple keyboard, but it’s not like you’re going to use either one as a weapon, so it’s not a huge concern.
The Kanex Multisync Mini and the Apple Wireless Keyboard are almost identical as far as the physical key size and layout right down to the inverted T shaped arrow keys in the lower right corner.
On the back of the Kanex you find some rubber feet that keep the keyboard from sliding around on your desk, along with a power switch and a pairing button.
On the back edge is a micro USB connector that is used to charge the keyboard and LED indicator lights that show charging, pairing and caps lock status. I find it odd that they placed the cap locks LED on back edge of the keyboard where you can’t see it unless you pick up the keyboard and turn it around to purposefully look at it.
Although this keyboard is supposed to be used with Macs and iOS devices, I did all my testing with my MacBook Pro and Nexus 6p Android smartphone. Did I run into any issues using it with an Android device instead of an iPhone or iPad? Nope, not at all.
After fully charging the Kanex, I paired it with the MacBook and then the Nexus 6p. The order you pair devices is important because that translates into the numbered keys that you press to switch between each device. On the 1,2,3,4 keys there are small icons with the Bluetooth logo and a number from 1-4. Pressing the Fn plus one of the numbered keys will switch to that device. For my test, I was switching between numbers 1 and 2 to flip between typing on my MacBook Pro and my smartphone. There was almost no lag when switching between devices… especially when switching back to the MacBook. Sometimes I would need to press the Fn + 2 key combo two times to get my 6p to wake up, but this wasn’t a consistent issue.
Being able to switch between devices is a nice feature if you receive a text message and find that typing your response is quicker and easier for you.
Along the top row of the keyboard are smartphone controls keys that change brightness, go Home, search, bring up the on screen keyboard, launch Siri, control media playback, volume and lock the screen. Most of these buttons performed the appropriate task on my Nexus 6p Android phone. The only buttons that didn’t do anything were the Siri button and keyboard button.
I’ve been using the Kanex Multisync Mini Bluetooth Keyboard for a few weeks now and can’t find too much to complain about. I can type on it just as easily and proficiently as my Apple Wireless Keyboard. I have noticed that the angle of Kanex keyboard on the desk is lower than the Apple keyboard and that the key travel, or how far it moves when you press the key, is not as deep as the keys on the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Is that a huge deal? Only if you’re very picky about your keyboards. As a touch typist, I’m fall into the picky category so I do prefer the feel of the Apple Keyboard, but it’s not so much that I hate using the Kanex. It’s actually a nice keyboard with a very small footprint and the advantage of being able to recharge it instead of looking for fresh batteries, which is something that I find annoying each time my MacBook alerts me that my keyboard’s batteries are getting low. Add in the fact that I can quickly switch to typing on my iOS or Android device is a very nice perk to this keyboard.
When it’s all said and done, I’ll probably go back to my Apple Wireless Keyboard because I prefer the angle and key travel, but I’ll keep the Kanex around for vacations when I only take my tablet and would like to bring along a very portable keyboard that I can also use with my phone by just pressing two keys.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kanex. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon for the lowest price.
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What’s the monitor on the 5th picture?
It’s the LG 21:9 UltraWide IPS LED monitor (29EA73)
Typo? “The Kanex doesn’t near as solid as the Apple keyboard”
Yes, it should read as: “The Kanex doesn’t feel near as solid as the Apple keyboard”
Hmmm, I love this idea when traveling. My traveling bag has evolved (and radical shrunk) over the last few years. I currently travel with TWO tablets and no laptop. I do about 75% of my work on an Samsung Note 10.1 2014, and the remaining 25% on a 9″ Windows 10 Chinese Knock off $100 Tablet when I absolutely have to use windows software and I can not connect to my Terminal Server farm. I carry 2 Bluetooth keyboards, this would further reduce my laptop bag.
Cool Idea (I want Royalties if someone makes he, GRIN). A Bluetooth keyboard and MOUSE combo, which switches the mouse as well when you hit key combo. now that would rock.
The only solution that I can think of that switches a keyboard and mouse between multiple devices is the IOGEAR Keyshair. You could plug that into your Win10 tablet assuming that it has a USB port.
How can you use the keyboard to send text messages after typing and when using online like when searching on google scroll and select the search sight. Instead of just scrolling up and down the page and having to touch to select.. Basically use the keyboard only and not have to touch the screen to select or move about or to send a text message after done texting..?
It depends on what OS the device it’s connected to is using. You can probably do that with a Mac or Windows machine but for iOS and Android, I am not aware of keyboard shortcuts that will “press enter” on a link or send button.