Looking for the best portable keyboard isn't easy, as there aren't many out there on the market, as it's rather niche. Laptops feature their own keyboard, and many tablets have a keyboard accessory you can purchase that's attachable to the device itself. However, if you're okay with a detached keyboard that you can connect to tablets, phones, and computers, we've got an excellent selection of the best portable keyboards for students, many of which pair excellently with the best laptops for college.
The best portable keyboard for most students is none other than the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2, a simple, light, and easily portable keyboard that is compatible with Android, ChromeOS, Windows, iPadOS, iOS, and macOS. It's battery-powered (utilizing two coin cell batteries), and features a built-in cover to protect the keys from damage. It connects through Bluetooth, its battery is rated to last 3 years (based on two hours of continuous typing per day), and its incredibly light at half-a-pound.
If you're in need of something even more affordable than the $79.99 Logitech Keys-to-Go, look no further than the Logitech Pop Icon keyboard. It's only $49.99, features the same 3 years of battery life (based on two hours of continuous typing, has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with iOS, Windows, and ChromeOS. It features less compatibility, alongside not having a key cover, and it's also more than twice the weight of the Keys-to-Go 2.
Let us not waste anymore time and jump right into the best portable keyboards for students you can buy.
Quick list
Best portable keyboard for students overall
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Compatibility: Android, ChromeOS, Windows, iOS, macOS.
Size: 9.8 x 4.1 x 0.2-0.4 inches
Weight: .5 pounds
+ Only half a pound
+ Comes with a key cover
+ Lots of compatibility
- Tiny arrow keys
- No caps lock indicator
We fell in love with the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2, as it's a travel friendly keyboard that's shockingly lightweight at only half-a-pound, and is perfect for typing between PC, phones, and tablets. It's also under $100 and includes a travel cover, alongside useful media keys. While its arrow keys are a tad tiny, and there's no caps lock indicator, we absolutely fell in love with the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2. Keep in mind, this is a battery-powered keyboard.
Best budget portable keyboard for students
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB.
Compatibility: Windows 10, macOS 12, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS 15, iOS 13.4, Android 12.
Size: 12.8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches.
Weight: 1.2 pounds.
+ Only $49.99
+ Programmable keys
+ Full arrow keys
- No USB Type-C connection
If you're in the market for a more affordable portable keyboard that doesn't sacrifice quality, the Logitech POP Icon keys is absolutely the choice for you. It's only $49.99 and features full arrows, programmable keys, and plenty of color options that allow you to bring a little bit of personality in your life. It's a bit heavier than our number one pick, and it doesn't feature a key cover, but it's an excellent choice for cost-conscious consumers.
Best high-end portable keyboard for students
Connectivity: 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth, USB.
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux.
Size: 12.5 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches.
Weight: 1.3 pounds.
+ Customizable switches
+ 2.4Ghz connectivity
+ Key backlight
- Heavy and expensive
If you want your keyboard usage to mirror that of a traditional desktop keyboard as closely as possible, the NuPhy Air75 V2 is your best bet. It comes with multiple low-profile switch options, whether it's red, blue, brown, aloe, wisteria, cowberry, or moss, alongside featuring full arrow keys and a polling rate of 1000Hz. It also has a 2.4Ghz dongle connection option, which is perfect for those who need it. You can also create keybindings, and there's a swap between Windows and Mac functionality as physical switch.
How to choose the best portable keyboard for students
As mentioned in the introduction, there aren't many choices for the best portable keyboards. Laptops are already built with a keyboard, and tablets usually feature a purchasable accessory that can attach to the device itself. What you're likely in need for with a portable keyboard is something to connect to a 2-in-1 laptop while it's folded, or a tablet (if you don't want to buy the coupled peripheal), or just something to connect to your computers at college.
The first thing you'll need to figure out is connectivity type, but that shouldn't be an issue as long as you have Bluetooth. However, other options include wired and 2.4Ghz dongle, and if you're someone who'd prefer using either of those methods over Bluetooth, it's important to keep in mind when purchasing a keyboard.
Size and weight are similarly vital aspects to keep in mind, as some of these keyboards are far heavier than others. Our lightest option is only half a pound with the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2, while the heaviest option, the NuPhy Air 75, is nearly three times as heavy at 1.3 pounds.
You'll also want to consider if you're in need of a keyboard cover, which can help protect your keys from damage and dirt during travel. Unfortunately, only the Keys-to-Go 2 has a keyboard cover, but you can purchase specially designed packs for the NuPhy Air75 V2.
Typefeel is also something to keep in mind, as for the most part, you won't be able to enjoy the deeply satisfying sensation of a typical mechanical keyboard when purchasing a portable keyboard. Instead, these keyboards will feel a little more shallow in comparison, but you can opt for more expensive options like the NuPhy Air75 V2, which features a low-profile mechanical switch.
FAQ
Do portable keyboards have USB ports?
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Not all portable keyboards feature USB ports, so it's important to check which do and do not when purchasing them. Since these keyboards are typically designed to be light and thin, a USB port can add unnecessary bulk, so you'll typically only find the inclusion of a USB port on the thicker (and often more expensive) products.
For example, the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 connects exclusively through Bluetooth, which is a result of it being an immensely light product that only weighs half-a-pound. On the other hand, the Logitech POP Icon Keys and NuPhy Air75 V2 both feature USB ports, yet they're more than twice the weight.
Essentially, if you want a USB port, you're going to have to opt for something a bit bulkier. If that's okay with you, we absolutely recommend the POP Icon Keys or NuPhy Air75 V2.
Do portable keyboards need to be charged?
Whether or not your portable keyboard needs charging depends on if it's a rechargeable keyboard or battery-powered keyboard. Typically, battery-powered portable keyboards utilize coin cell batteries. This means you'll need to replace the coin cell batteries when they run out of juice, but at the very least, you won't have to worry about charging it. Keyboards of this kind include the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 and Logitech POP Icon Keys.
Other keyboards, like the NuPhy Air75 V2, are rechargeable and have a battery capacity of 4000mAh. It's estimated to last 35 to 57 hours with its lights on, and up to 220 hours with its lights off. Other keyboards will have their own battery capacity, and that will largely depend on the size of its battery alongside how much power it consumes.
Can portable keyboards connect to iPhone?
While not all portable keyboards can connect to iPhone, most can. Products like the Logitech POP Icon Keys and Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 are portable keyboards which can connect to iPhone devices, alongside functioning on iPadOS and macOS.
It's important to check compatibility when purchasing a portable keyboard, as some exclusively work on PC devices like Windows and macOS, while others have functionality included for tablets and phones.
