The Mokibo Fusion keyboard is designed for portable use and blends a keyboard with a touchpad. It ... [+]
The Apple iPad is a powerhouse of computing prowess and has enough muscle under its hood to be a fully-fledged laptop. Understandably, Apple has shied away from giving it full laptop powers but finally gave in and added something approaching a mouse pointer to iPadOS a few years back. The pointer is a blob and it’s dressed up as an accessibility tool but even with its limitations, it’s made the iPad more like a laptop.
If you’ve discovered the power of the blob and you like to type on your iPad, then the new Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 could be just what you are looking for to turn your iPad or iPad Pro into something approaching a proper laptop with a touchscreen.
The Fusion Keyboard 2.0 offers a unique twist on traditional iPad keyboards because the surface of the keyboard includes an ingenious touchpad for navigating around an iPad’s screen without having to take your hands off the keyboard. Thanks to its clever design, users can swipe, click and scroll around their screen without the need for a separate mouse or trackball. This saves so much time and effort and will be a boon to people with limited mobility who struggle to use a mouse or touchscreen.
There are versions of the Mokibo Fusion for both sizes of iPad Pro and a universal model for use ... [+]
The new keyboard works with a wide range of devices, although it’s aimed mainly at iPad users. It also works with Windows, macOS and Android devices. If the host device supports Bluetooth 5.1, it will work with the Fusion Keyboard 2.0. The Fusion Keyboard 2.0 can connect with up to three Bluetooth devices and users can easily switch between them with a couple of key presses.
The Fusion Keyboard 2.0’s trackpad is hidden beneath the central area of the keyboard. Sensors can detect when the user wants to use the trackpad and will recognize precise touch and gesture controls directly on the keyboard surface. There are three versions of the keyboard available: Universal White, White for iPad Pro 11-inch and White for iPad Pro 12.9-inch. The built-in stand can be adjusted for the optimum 63-degree viewing angle for maximum comfort and minimum neck strain.
Setting up the keyboard with an iPad or any other device is straightforward and only needs to be done once. Then, every time the cover is taken off the keyboard, it fires up and connects to the host device. There’s a rechargeable battery inside the super-slim keyboard that provides up to 60 hours of continuous use before it needs to be recharged using the USB Type-C charging port.
The Mokibo Fusion keyboard has an integral stand so you can use it with a smartphone.
Other handy features include a magnetic pencil holder so your Apple Pencil or stylus is always within easy reach. The keyboard itself has a limited travel but I found I soon adapted to it after a few minutes typing away. The touchpad function works like a charm although I struggled to replicate some of the gestures, but that’s probably more my lack of agility than anything else.
One thing I would point out is Apple’s implementation of the mouse pointer on iOS does feel a bit laggy and clumsy at times. I have a feeling this could be a deliberate hobbling so that the iPad doesn’t eat into Apple’s laptop sales, but I’d love to see a smaller mouse pointer with the same responsiveness as macOS. I won’t hold my breath though.
Verdict: The Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is an ingenious device and makes life much easier for iPad users, especially if you are working on a limited area like the drop-down tray on a plane or train. There’s no need for a mouse and the overall design on the Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is excellent. I tested the universal model but if you have one of the iPad Pro models, then go for the specific keyboard as the fit will be better. All in all, the Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is an excellent solution for turning your iPad into a MacBook.
Pricing & Availability: The Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is available for preorder at kickstarter.com now and early bird backers can secure the keyboard for $109.90 for the Universal model and $119.90 and $139.90 for the iPad Pro models. As with any crowdfunding project, be sure to do your due diligence.
More info: mokibo.com
Tech Specs:
- Dimensions: Universal White 256 x 140 x 6.8mm), Weight: 340g / White for iPad Pro 11-inch: 251 x 190 x 6.8mm, Weight: 490g / White for iPad Pro 12.9-inch 285 x 225 x 6.8mm, Weight: 650g.
- Color: White.
- Battery life: 60 hours (90 days standby time).
- Charging time : 2 hours.
- Charging input voltage: 5V.
- Materials: PC+ABS, Anti-fouling material PU, Fiberglass, Neodymium magnet.
