This article was taken from the April 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
WIRED put the BrydgeAir and Logitech K480 keyboards to the test under Katrina Arratoon, Executive PA magazine's PA of the Year for 2014/15. Functionality, ease of use and speed of keyboard were all tested, along with the product's weight and portability. Both keyboards were tested under a variety of conditions to complete several tablet (and mobile phone and laptop) functions, with any new or special features scrutinised for usefulness.
With its ability to pair with three devices simultaneously, the K480's efforts to please all parties are commendable, but it would be better pleasing one consumer comprehensively. "I could never see myself connecting all [phone, tablet and laptop] screens, not unless you could drag files between the three - which you can't," says Arratoon. A ten-metre wireless range is handy, but a tilting screen would be better received. 7/10 £50 logitech.com
Dimensions 30cm x 19.5cm Weight 820g Battery life Approx two years (2 x AAA batteries) Connectivity Bluetooth 3.0
This sturdy, Apple-like aluminium keyboard transforms your iPad Air/Air 2 into a diddy MacBook by slotting it landscape into the 180° hinges. Connected via Bluetooth, its Apple-aping abilities could be the keyboard's undoing. "You can't help but reach for the trackpad," says Arratoon. It won't trouble its rivals for value, but charging is a doddle and it's a worthy upgrade for commuters tired of heaving a laptop on rail-replacement buses. 8/10 £111 brydgekeyboards.com
Dimensions 24cm x 17cm Weight 520g Battery life Approx three months (rechargeable via USB) Connectivity Bluetooth 3.0
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
