Hands on: Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard review

Microsoft's new Surface like keyboard accessory is here

What is a hands on review?
Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard
Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

Early Verdict

An interesting accessory that can fit in any bag but it may prove difficult to use without a flat surface.

Pros

  • +

    Compact when folded

  • +

    Nice feel to the touch

Cons

  • -

    Can't use on lap

  • -

    Haven't tested Bluetooth

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Microsoft had a surprise accessory reveal during its conference at MWC and I got the chance to have some hands-on time with it.

The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard, possibly the catchiest accessory name on the planet, is a new Surface-like Bluetooth accessory that connects up to your phone or tablet for an easy to type experience.

The QWERTY keyboard features keys of an average size to easily hit the right keys with your fingers and has the same feel when typing as the Surface's accessories have had.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

Function buttons on the keyboard are limited with volume keys sat along the top on the left hand side. The right hand side has top row buttons for music including play and pause, skip or rewind with a search button included as well.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

The keyboard then folds into two making it much easier to carry around as it's just a little bigger than a CD case.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

There's a magnetic strip running along the left and right hand side of the keyboard meaning when the two connect up together it's not going to flop open unexpected.

Sadly we've yet to be able to connect it up to any devices so can't judge on how good the Bluetooth connection is. We do know it'll be compatible with all Windows Phone, iOS and Android phones though.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

The foldable aspect of the keyboard may prove its worth when trying to take it from A to B but it means there's a big fold running down the centre of the accessory.

This split down the centre of the keys is also going to take some getting used to. There's two space buttons because of it as well as extended G and T keys that may cause some bad typos upon the first few uses.

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

It's going to prove a problem when trying to type on any surface that isn't both solid and flat, meaning it'll only be useful in a limited number of situations.

Microsoft has yet to reveal a price or release date for the new keyboard. If it is priced competitively it may be a good accessory to keep with you in case of emergencies, making word processing easier on mobile devices, but it isn't a replacement for a full Bluetooth keyboard.

James Peckham

James is Managing Editor for Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

What is a hands on review?

Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. For more information, see TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee.