Should You Buy the Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for Your Mobile Device?

Published December 10, 2013

I purchased the Logitech Bluetooth keyboard (Amazon affiliate link)to act as the default keyboard for my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition). I’m new to Android (and wireless technology) so I was concerned as to whether or not a newbie could pair the device and get things rolling quickly.

It couldn’t be any easier. On the inside of the keyboard shipping box is a link to the Logitech site for instructions on how to pair the device. Actually, pairing it was so easy that even I didn’t need the instructions.

Using the Keyboard

What I love most about the keyboard is its full-sized QWERTY keys. Having purchased other compact keyboards I found the actual keys and spacing were not of the standard size which made it difficult for me to type. I’m a touch typist and have grown accustomed to regulation-sized keyboards.

The only sacrifice that I can see is the lack of number pad to the right of the letter keys. I fully understand why the numbers aren’t there and it’s a small sacrifice in order to be able to touch type on a portable keyboard.

Shortcut Keys

There are several short-cut keys. By depressing “FN” plus the shortcut of your choice, you can open your email, a web browser, adjust the volume or even fast-forward or rewind your video/music. In addition to the blue FN keys, to the right of the space bar are the much-used Home, Back and Menu keys and to the left there is the Search key. Anyone using an Android device knows how frequently these keys are used.

Tablet Stand

When not serving as a case to protect the keyboard, the hard case turns into a stand to hold the tablet upright. At the bottom of the stand is a sliding tray, which allows you to adjust the angle of the tablet to your liking.

Configuration

I’ve configured my Galaxy Note 10.1 to use the Logitech as the default keyboard. I dislike the on-screen keyboard and will only use it in a pinch. I get much more work done using the Logitech than I would if I were to tap the on screen keyboard.

Orientation Snafu

Just before this post went live I came across a snafu (actually this snafu occurred once before).  When I change the orientation on the tablet, the keyboard sometimes takes a while to catch up.  Going from portrait to landscape or visa versa caused the keyboard to hiccup.  Instead of typing straight across in a horizontal line, the characters displayed vertically like

t
h
i
s
.

It took me a minute to figure out what was going on.  The first time it happened I shut the keyboard off and turned it on again.  All was fixed.  The second time it happened, it took a little longer to fix so I re-paired the keyboard with the tablet and all is well. It doesn't happen all the time so I'm not quite sure what triggers it.  You can bet I'm keeping a watchful eye to find out what causes it and how to prevent the orientation lag in the future.

All in all, I think it’s a great keyboard and highly recommend it for those of us who must use a keyboard to get our work done.

Unverified Grapevine Tip: I’ve heard through the grapevine that this keyboard also works with the iPhone 4.

Update 12/28/13: Re-booting the Samsung Galaxy is the surefire way to get rid of the odd keyboard behavior.  It’s an unfortunate work around, but it works.

Update 11/10/15: While this Logitech keyboard has a few quirks, it works well enough to get the job done. Unfortunately, the keyboard isn't much of a drinker.  Yes, I said drinker. I accidentally spilled a glass of wine and some splattered onto the keyboard. I cleaned it up as quickly as possible, but the damage was already done.

The Logitech keyboard becomes an ornery drunk.  I attempted to type a sentence and it told me @$&$@#!  After seeing such language I decided to wait until it sobered up. After it dried out and sobered up only the letter "g" and "c" were working.  The remainder of the keyboard was dead. RIP Logitech keyboard. It was fun while it lasted. In the meanwhile I've ordered a waterproof (aka wine proof) portable keyboard. Once it arrives, I'll test it out and write a review.

Last Modified: 10 April 2023