Best Third Party Keyboard for iPhone: Top Picks Reviewed

1. Tri

We tested the Tri keyboard as a potential contender for the best third party keyboard for iPhone, and while it offers a compact design, its overall experience was a bit mixed. The build quality felt decent enough for the price point, but the keys themselves had a rather shallow travel distance. This made typing for extended periods feel less satisfying than on some other models we evaluated.

The connectivity was generally stable, pairing quickly with our iPhone without much fuss. However, we did notice occasional brief lag, especially when typing rapidly, which could be frustrating for users who rely on quick input. It’s a functional option, but not one that truly stands out in terms of tactile feedback or responsiveness.

This keyboard is best suited for very occasional use where portability is the absolute priority over typing comfort. If you need to send a quick email or a short message while on the go, it can get the job done. However, anyone planning to do significant typing should probably look elsewhere.

2. Protoarc Foldable Compact Keyboard, Xk04 Portable Bluetooth Keyboard with Pu

The ProtoArc XK04 immediately impressed us with its integrated PU cover, which not only protects the keyboard but also doubles as a surprisingly stable stand for your iPhone. Typing on this unit felt quite good; the keys offered a satisfying click and a decent amount of travel, making it a pleasure for short to medium typing sessions. The layout is also thoughtfully designed, fitting a full keyboard experience into a foldable form factor.

Pairing was straightforward, and we found the Bluetooth connection to be reliable throughout our testing period. The inclusion of the stand is a significant advantage, removing the need for a separate accessory and making it a truly all-in-one portable typing solution. The PU material feels premium and adds a nice aesthetic touch.

However, the hinge mechanism, while secure, requires a firm press to fully open and close, which can feel a little stiff initially. While it’s a solid choice for frequent travelers, those who anticipate needing to type for hours on end might find the slightly narrower key spacing a minor annoyance after prolonged use.

3. Doohoeek Universal Bluetooth Mini Keyboard, Wireless Compact Keyboard with Orange

The Doohoeek Universal Bluetooth Mini Keyboard, with its distinctive orange accents, certainly catches the eye. We found it to be a competent option when considering the best third party keyboard for iPhone, especially for those prioritizing a very small footprint. The keys themselves are quite small, which is to be expected given its miniature size, and they have a slightly mushy feel that doesn’t provide the most distinct tactile feedback. Typing speed was adequate for basic tasks, but it’s not ideal for extensive writing.

The real-life usage scenario that stood out for this keyboard was for quick note-taking or responding to messages while commuting. Its diminutive size means it slips easily into a pocket or small bag, and the bright orange color makes it easy to spot. Setup was simple, and it connected reliably to our iPhone without any significant dropouts during our testing.

However, the ultra-compact nature means the key layout is quite condensed, which can lead to accidental presses of adjacent keys, especially if you have larger fingers. This is a keyboard that sacrifices a bit of typing accuracy for extreme portability. Anyone who needs a precise typing experience or has larger hands should likely steer clear.

4. Protoarc Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, Xk01 Full

The ProtoArc XK01 Full foldable keyboard aims to offer a more traditional typing experience in a portable package. When unfolded, it provides a surprisingly spacious layout for its size, and the keys have a satisfying, albeit somewhat quiet, tactile response. We appreciated the solid construction; it felt sturdy and well-built, not flimsy like some other foldable options we’ve encountered. The magnetic closure is a nice touch, keeping it securely shut when not in use.

Typing on the XK01 was a positive experience for the most part. The keys have a good amount of travel, and the spacing allows for relatively accurate typing, even for longer messages. It paired quickly with our iPhone and maintained a stable connection throughout our testing, making it a reliable companion for on-the-go productivity. The overall feel is more substantial than many competitors.

One minor annoyance we noted is that the folding mechanism, while functional, can sometimes feel a bit clunky to operate, requiring a deliberate action to open and close. While it’s a strong contender for those who need a portable keyboard that doesn’t compromise too much on typing feel, users who prefer an ultra-slim profile might find it a bit too bulky.

5. Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand Holder, Rechargeable Pocket Size Folding

This foldable Bluetooth keyboard, featuring an integrated stand, presents a compelling package for iPhone users seeking portability. The stand mechanism is surprisingly robust, holding our iPhone securely at a good viewing angle, which is a significant plus for hands-free typing. The keys themselves offer a decent, if somewhat light, clicky feel, and the travel distance is adequate for comfortable typing during moderate use. The rechargeable battery is also a convenient feature.

We found the setup process to be straightforward, with the keyboard connecting to our iPhone promptly via Bluetooth. The pocket-size folding design is genuinely compact, making it easy to stash in a bag or even a larger jacket pocket. This keyboard excels in scenarios where you need to set up a temporary typing station quickly, like in a coffee shop or during a brief work session away from your desk.

However, the overall build quality, while functional, feels a bit on the lighter side, leading to some flex when typing with more force. The keys also have a tendency to feel a little wobbly, which might become an annoyance for users who are particular about key stability. If you’re looking for a keyboard that can withstand heavy, aggressive typing, this might not be the best fit for you.

6. Iclever Foldable Keyboard with Touchpad, Bk08 Portable Tri

We put the iClever BK08 foldable keyboard to the test, and for the most part, it delivers on its promise of portability and functionality. The tri-fold design is impressively compact, making it easy to slip into a backpack or even a large pocket. Pairing via Bluetooth was straightforward, and the keys themselves offer a satisfying, albeit slightly shallow, tactile response.

The integrated touchpad is a definite highlight, adding a layer of convenience that many other portable keyboards lack. I found myself using it for quick cursor movements and scrolling, which is a huge step up from relying solely on the iPhone’s touchscreen for extended text input. The keyboard feels reasonably stable when unfolded, though it can wobble slightly on softer surfaces.

However, the keys are quite close together, and the layout can feel a bit cramped for those with larger hands, leading to occasional typos. While the touchpad is a great addition, its sensitivity can sometimes be a bit finicky, requiring a gentle touch to register accurately. This isn’t the keyboard for someone who needs a full-sized typing experience on the go.

This keyboard is ideal for students or frequent travelers who need to compose emails or documents on their iPhone without lugging around a laptop. The ability to quickly switch between typing and using the touchpad for navigation is a real time-saver when you’re working in a coffee shop or on public transport.

7. Ultra

The Samsers foldable Bluetooth keyboard aims to be a versatile companion for your iPhone, and it largely succeeds. Its foldable design makes it incredibly portable, and the build quality feels solid enough for daily use. The key presses have a pleasant, quiet click, which is a welcome feature in shared spaces. I found the setup process to be quick and painless, connecting to my iPhone without any hiccups.

The inclusion of a touchpad is, once again, a major selling point for this category of device. It’s responsive enough for basic cursor control and scrolling, significantly improving productivity compared to just using the iPhone’s screen. The keyboard layout is standard for a foldable, and I adapted to it fairly quickly, though prolonged typing sessions might still lead to some minor fatigue.

One small annoyance I encountered is the placement of the function keys, which are a bit too close to the main typing area, leading to accidental presses. While the touchpad is a great feature, it’s not as precise as a dedicated mouse, and some users might find it slightly less intuitive for very fine cursor movements. This might not be the best third party keyboard for iPhone users who demand absolute precision in their touchpad interactions.

This keyboard is a strong contender for professionals who need to manage emails and documents while traveling. The combination of a functional keyboard and a usable touchpad in such a compact form factor is excellent for quick edits and replies on the go.

8. Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad

We tested the Geyes foldable Bluetooth keyboard, and it presents a compelling option for iPhone users seeking portability. The folding mechanism is smooth and secure, and the unit feels durable in hand. The keys offer a decent amount of travel, providing a more substantial typing feel than some ultra-thin competitors. Connecting to my iPhone was a breeze, and the connection remained stable throughout our testing period.

What sets this Geyes model apart for some users is its emphasis on a comfortable typing experience within its foldable constraints. The keys are well-spaced for a portable unit, and I found myself able to type with reasonable speed and accuracy after a short adjustment period. The overall aesthetic is clean and professional, making it a suitable accessory for business travel.

However, the absence of an integrated touchpad is a notable omission for those who value that feature in a portable keyboard. While you can still navigate your iPhone with its touchscreen, it breaks the flow of having an all-in-one input device. Additionally, the build, while solid, can feel a bit dense, adding a slight bit of weight to your carry-on compared to some lighter plastic alternatives. This is not the keyboard for someone who absolutely requires a built-in trackpad.

This keyboard is particularly well-suited for writers or anyone who does a significant amount of typing on their iPhone while away from their desk. The focus on a more traditional key feel makes it a good choice for extended writing sessions where comfort is paramount.