Impecca Bamboo Bluetooth Keyboard Hardware Review
:: Price: $99.95
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Yes. It's a keyboard. Yes, it has a unique, natural finish.
It's Impecca's Bamboo Wireless Keyboard.
The styling is interesting - the bamboo finish all but defines the product from the get-go and the wood exterior tops the keys and most of the top surface, with dark brown lining on the sides. The grain of the wood is probably the best aspect of its appearance, with a polished feel that is almost surprising; the natural imperfection creates a somewhat regal look.
It seems compact, but it comes as close to being a full-size keyboard as any portable unit. Coming in at 11 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches, it is only a hair smaller than the typical Apple Bluetooth Keyboard. It's full QWERTY, and mimics said Apple keyboard closely with regards to layout, with six rows that encompass function keys, numbers, and option/tab buttons. At the top right there is a LED for battery level and Bluetooth. The bottom has the same bamboo finish, and there is an extra ledge that allows the otherwise flat keyboard to be raised at the front. Towards the front, right around dead center, there's a micro-USB port for charging.
The keys fit on the board much like a "regular" portable keyboard, which means they can be replaced in the event of a mishap; it did take a decent amount of force to pry one off, and it's fairly easy to snap it back on.
RIght then, time to play. After charging, it's a matter of pairing it with a compatible iOS device using the related menu and inputting a key via the keyboard. Pairing proved to be a relatively seamless affair. After that , it registers as the lead input method when a keyboard is invoked. In testing, it's snappy and should feel natural to anyone who has worked on a computer or laptop. The range is fairly decent too, and well beyond reasonable viewing distance. The hot keys were not as intuitive as I would have liked, but once I figured out the combos they were easy to navigate. For the most part, the unit worked well.
My biggest, "first-world-problem" gripe is the disconnect sequence; basically, one needs to ensure that the keyboard it turned off. If the Bluetooth on one's device is toggled off when both devices are connected, one has to go through the pairing process again (which, to be fair, isn't overly hard). it should be noted this unit works with devices on other platforms as well, albeit without the hotkey functionality.
Less importantly, I would have loved the option of an accessory case, supplied or even as an extra. I'm used to tossing my Apple Keyboard in the go-bag without much concern, but something about this makes me want to protect it.
All in all, it's a fine offering that's good enough to be attractive inside as well as out. Paired together with the iPad Mini Bamboo case, it is nifty accessory for the aesthetically inclined, especially as comes in four distinct finishes.