Product in a nutshell: A full-sized laser projected keyboard, ideal to work with tablets and other mobile devices on the go without the limitations of carrying a bulky mobile keyboard or typing on-screen.

 

A very practical way to work on the go. Plus it looks very futuristic too!

A very practical way to work on the go. Plus it looks very futuristic too!

My experience

I tried this portable laser keyboard for a week on my tablet and Samsung Galaxy S4. In my profession there is a lot of writing involve, so I tested the product typing a document using the mobile version of Microsoft Word. So, to answer the key question that anyone thinking of getting this device must have: can it substitute other types of portable keyboards? The answer: yes. I was able to type without any problems at a decent speed (video on the way). So all those times that you need to work at a coffee shop or on the train/plane before heading to that important meeting, this device will definitely make the process of editing word documents easier. The device projects a full sized keyboard, so I think this can also work with those tablets that have a reduce-sized keyboard that make typing for a long time uncomfortable. Plus there is also the wow factor that typing on a laser keyboard while on a public space will make.  The device also allows to swap to a mousepad function, however you need to swap that function (i.e. cannot use them both simultaneously, and this can be a bit of a hassle).  Yet I found that whenever your device has a touchscreen, this does not become a big limitation as you can just click directly on the screen of your mobile or tablet instead.

 

How does it connect? It uses Bluetooth or you can connect it via a USB cable that is also provided.

What about the size? It is a little rectangular device smaller than the majority of the smartphones. For specific measurements go to the specs section in this post, but here’s a picture to give you an idea:

IMG-20150723-WA0005

The laser keyboard is about 2/3 the size of an average smartphone

Better to carry Merlin's laser keyboard than a portable keyboard

Better to carry Merlin’s laser keyboard than a portable keyboard

Product specs:

  • Compatibility: Bluetooth compliant devices, Windows XP/7 or higher, LINUX, iPad, iPhone, Android 3.0 or higher.
  • Size: 36 x 18 x 74 mm
  • Weight: 40g
  • Price: $105 USD

 

Pros:

  • It makes working on the go with a smartphone or a tablet easier, especially if you have to write a lengthy document.
  • It is very portable, if you compare it to other alternatives such as a portable keyboard, this is really a device designed to work on the go.
  • Good battery life, plus it charges using the USB, so it can be charged using portable power banks.

Cons:

  • The device makes a sound whenever you type. Some people might like this, but personally I would prefer the option to modulate the volume of those tones or to eliminate them completely if needed (e.g. a night flight)
  • If you are writing only in English it is a good option, however it is hard to access special characters and foreign characters.
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