Review: Brydge Keyboard

When I am traveling my iPad is one of the best travel gadgets I could ask for. Whether field producing, hosting my travel show or trying to stay up to date on emails, I can stay caught up without hauling a heavy laptop around town. But I didn’t make the transition from my oversized laptop to an iPad until I came across the Brydge+ with Speakers iPad Keyboard ($149.99). I can keep workflow in motion because I can type efficiently- it basically turns your iPad into a laptop. I struggled quite a bit with the touchscreen on the iPad. To save myself from frustration, I would haul out my computer or worry about catching up on work later. But no longer that I have a super star accessory that makes it possible to travel light without my work suffering.

The keyboard is a level above your typical Bluetooth keyboard: it’s ergonomically designed, stylishly sleek, and even features powerful speakers for watching videos, listening to music or Skyping on the go. If I have to take a call in the field, I don’t have to worry about a shotty connection. While you lose some protection without extra padding on top, this design means the whole thing is thinner and easier to fit into your day-to-day bag. No longer do I need to lug around a backpack large enough to fit a traveling office, instead I can put the iPad and Brydge keyboard in a purse of much smaller pack without work suffering.

 

More on the keyboard:

The Brydge keyboard case is made with anodized, aerospace grade aluminum for seriously sturdy protection, is definitely more expensive than the competition. But its versatility and high quality of experience make the splurge totally worth it.

For an even more lightweight option, there is the BrydgeAir ($199). It’s forged out of a single piece of aluminum, and 35% lighter than the original Brydge. It still includes upgraded stereo speakers and helpful features like backlit keys.

And if you’re looking for something slightly more affordable, the Brydge+ Speakerless ($139.99) offers the same aluminum body and fully functional keyboard without built-in speakers.

A real steal is the Brydge+ Polycarbonate ($99). If you’re after features vs. feel, this industrial grade black polycarbonate option offers all the same functionalities as the original Brydge+, minus the hefty price tag.

All Brydge keyboards are available to shop online at brydgekeyboards.com.