Keyboards, they come in many sizes and shapes, with endless features, but what do I really need in a keyboard? That was the question I was recently confronted with when I changed over to an iOS iOS only user. What I was looking for was a keyboard that was portable, Bluetooth, and rechargeable. I also needed a keyboard that would not break the bank. I found the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard a multi-featured, affordable, portable keyboard.
What is it?
The Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard is a compact, rechargeable, backlit, Bluetooth keyboard, with multiple backlight color options and and two backlight brightness settings.
Hardware Specs
- 9.3” length
- 5.3” width
- 0.24 thick
- 0.37 pound
- Lithium battery
What’s in the box?
Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard
Micro USB to USB cable
User manual
6 3M rubber feet dots
Design and features
The top view of the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard shows the key layout, the on/off switch, the connect button, and the indicators LEDs (CAPS, Status, Charge, and Power).
Other than the Micro USB charging port on the right hand side of the keyboard there are no features on the front, back, sides and bottom of the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard.
Two things you should notice in the above pictures. First is the backlit keys. The key colors that I can see are purple, turquoise, green, blue, red and light blue. I did notice another green in the rotation but I cannot tell if it is any different from the first green color. Along with the color options, you have two brightness levels for the backlit keys, as well as the ability to turn the backlight function off. The second item of note in the above picture is the key size on the keyboard. The keys are smaller than my Apple Magic keyboard and the reason why will be evident in the next picture. For me, the key size is not a major issue but for some, it may be.
As you can see from the above picture this keyboard is smaller than my 10.5” iPad Pro. This makes the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard a perfect travel companion. The 500mA rechargeable Lithium battery means I should never be without a useable keyboard.
What I like
- The keyboard is compact enough to be a great travel keyboard
- The price of $19.99 on Amazon makes it a winner
- The 24-month warranty is better than almost any of its competitors
- Rechargeable battery
- Metal construction
What needs to be improved
- Not all of the iOS functions work
- I could not use the keyboard while it was charging
- The keyboard could use the ability to set the keyboard on an incline
Final thoughts
So, what do I think of the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard? So far I think it is a winner. Size, price, and features all make this keyboard a favorite, and the two-year warranty doesn’t hurt. I will be honest though while researching this keyboard I did see some complaints about the keys coming off of the keyboard but the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon made me willing to take a risk on it (did I mention the two-year warranty?). Now, if you are a finicky typer this keyboard may not be for you, but if you can accommodate for smaller keys in a smaller footprint you may want to take the Arteck HB030B Bluetooth Keyboard for a spin.
Price: $19.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: I bought this keyboard with my own money.
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ive had it for awhile and like it. i just glued little rubber pads to put it on incline.
for the $$ cant beat it
I got one so that my daughters could put their laptops on a stand for better ergonomics. It was too small for my older daughter. The younger one has smaller hands, so can use it comfortably. I had to get Arteck’s next larger BT keyboard for my older daughter.
i like mine. Sits right on top of my defective netbook keyboard– keys are almost in exactly the same position. But i wish i could figure out function-lock– i don’t like having to hold down the Fn-key to get Escape.
If you press Fn-E once it is paired, it will switch to Windows mode, and the Escape key will not require Fn. Also, the alt/option key will default to Alt, so you won’t need to press Fn for that, either.
Usining the keyboard to get away from that silly thing on my cell, it would be nice if one key could be reassigned, say for “send”. I bet many others have suggestions. Folding Feet to incline the keyboard would also be nice.
I keep my iPad Air 3 in a folio case https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NQC9NFN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
to keep it upright in it’s usual position on my lap. I attached this keyboard the horizontal surface of the case with a binder clip on each side at the top of the keyboard. The thickness of the unit is a BIG help in keeping the iPad in the groove of the folio. This has worked out very well. As far as the quality and ease of use goes, I’d buy this Artech agin in a heartbeat.