Just the other month (seen here), we told you about a new series of keyboards that ZAGG was releasing, meant to go with your full-size devices (read: computers and laptops) as well as your more mobile devices. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 as my daily driver, and we’re ready to share some thoughts with you.
Why a wireless keyboard?
That’s a good question to ask, and one you need to settle for yourself if you’re considering something like the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15. If you’re constantly moving stuff around on your desk or workspace in order to have room to type, and then moving the keyboard to take notes or draw, and so on, a wireless keyboard could definitely make life easier. They can also be convenient for those situations where you’ve only got a few ports available on your laptop, and you don’t want to tie one up just for a keyboard.
Why THIS wireless keyboard?
We mean, there are any number of wireless keyboards you could use – so why opt for the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15? First off, you’ve got three different sizes to chose from – the very compact 12″ version, the mid-side 15″ (which is what we’re reviewing) that adds in the numpad, and then the larger 17″ which gives you a little more space around the arrow keys and some of the other functions.
Secondly is the fact that the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 can be easily paired – and switch between – three different devices. So, you could be using it on your work machine, switch over to type up a quick email on your tablet, or even fire off a novel-length text on your phone. Or, say, connect it up to your smart TV so don’t have to type in a search using the remote.
A third thing it’s got going for it is the compatibility. The keys at the bottom are labelled for both Windows and Macs, and it’s also going to be happy talking to a device running ChromeOS, iOS, or Android. In other words, just about anything you can think to connect it to, it should work for.
Finally, let’s talk power management. Wireless keyboards don’t necessarily have to consume a lot of power, as they’re just sending the signal, and not really worrying about receiving. And that plays out, as over the time I’ve been using the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 in my work day, it has not dropped below 100% yet. When it comes time to charge it, I can do that via the USB-C port on the back of the board, or place it on top of a Qi-compatible pad.
What would we change?
You know us, we can’t leave well enough alone. So, with this, I’ve got a few things I’d pick out for improvement. First off, while the power button for off/on works in an at-home environment, there’s a danger of it getting switched on if you’re carrying it in a bag for work. To that end, I wouldn’t mind a physical hardware switch to ensure it stays off during transport.
Secondly, I would like to be able to adjust the typing angle some. I quickly got used to the “chiclet” style keyboards, and the relatively flat profile. I mean, it’s not that different from any other laptop keyboard you’re already using, frankly. If I could kick it up a little taller in the back though, that would be superb. That might be a little tricky to design in, as I’m guessing there’s the battery and other wireless components up there, so it might be as simple as a small wedge that attaches on magnetically, rather than feet that flip down. Not a deal breaker, but if it showed up on a second gen, we wouldn’t complain.
How is it using the keyboard?
Coming into this review, I’ve been primarily a mechanical keyboard user for the last three or so years. I’ve gotten used to that satisfying tactile feedback, so I wasn’t sure how I’d like the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 as a daily driver. Frankly, I came away quite surprised by just how much I did like using the board. It took a little to retrain my fingers to where things were, but once that was done, it was a breeze to use, no matter the device it was connecting to. Past that, the relatively quiet keys meant I could type things up while on a call without muting, so there was another advantage there for sure. Now that we’re starting back at the office more, I can definitely see that the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 is what will be slipping into my backpack to use at the office.
If you want to pick one up, the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 runs $79.99, while the smaller and larger versions add (or subtract) $10 from the price. They also have compact 12″ keyboards that are wired (USB-C or Lightning) for $49.99 – $59.99. You can pick them up, of course, from Amazon, or directly from Zagg.
Details from ZAGG
- Wireless Charging: No cables needed! You can simply place the ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Or, if you prefer wired charging, use the Type-C charging cable included in the package.
- Optimized Typing Experience: When you press down on the keys, you get the optimal keystroke length and resistance for a fast, comfortable typing experience.
- Compatible with Multiple Operating Systems: It?s so convenient to have a keyboard that can work with all your devices. ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Enjoy using a comfortable, spacious keyboard with all your devices, big or small. The ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 pairs with up to three devices without the need for additional pairing software.
- Mid-Size Desktop Keyboard: Type comfortably for extended periods of time on the 15-inch, 99-key ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15.
- Long-lasting Battery: The keyboard has a Li-polymer battery that allows for three months of use before it needs recharging.*Based on regular use of one hour per day.
- Contains Sustainable Materials: The ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15 contains 10% post-industrial recycled materials