Our Verdict
The iClever BK08 isn't designed for gaming. It has poor latency performance, and you can't program macros; it also lacks backlighting and has fairly cramped key spacing.
- No customization settings.
- Lack of backlighting.
- High latency.
The iClever BK08 is a passable option for the office. Its ergonomics are poor, as it feels very cramped and lacks any incline adjustment. On the upside, it's a very quiet keyboard that won't bother people around you, and it's surprisingly well-built for its price point.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
- No customization settings.
- Mediocre typing experience.
The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard is excellent for use with mobile devices. It's one of the smallest and most portable keyboards we've tested. It can be used with three devices simultaneously, and switching between them is easy and works seamlessly.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Foldable design.
- Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
- Mediocre typing experience.
The iClever BK08 is sub-par for programming. It can't set macros, and its small factor might not be ideal for long work periods. The overall typing quality isn't bad for what it's designed for, but it won't be great for programmers.
- Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
- No customization settings.
- Lack of backlighting.
- Mediocre typing experience.
The iClever BK08 is decent for home theater PC use. It connects to any device via Bluetooth and has a trackpad that makes it easier to navigate the on-screen menu. It's a light keyboard, so it's not heavy if you place it on your knees, and it has media hotkeys. Unfortunately, it doesn't have backlighting, so it's hard to see in a dark environment.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
- Has a trackpad.
- Lack of backlighting.
While suitable for everyday browsing and office work, the iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard has sub-par raw performance for gaming, with poor single-key and only mediocre multi-key latency. It also lacks n-key rollover and has a very low effective update rate of only 90Hz via Bluetooth.
Changelog
- Updated Feb 27, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed HHKB Studio in the Extra Features section of this review.
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
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Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The iClever folding keyboard is unique thanks to its design and very portable size. It's a great keyboard to use with mobile devices and tablets, and it features a useful trackpad if you want to control your media center from a distance without getting up. It might not be as responsive or have an amazing typing experience as other keyboards we've reviewed, but it does a great job at what it's designed for.
For more typical keyboards, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 is more portable than the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017, but it's not as well-built, and the typing experience it offers isn't as good. The typing quality of the Apple's scissor switches is also noticeably more satisfying than the rubber dome switches of the iClever.The iClever is designed to be used wirelessly with mobile devices and tablets, while the Apple keyboard is designed for wireless pairing with both desktop computers and mobile devices, though specifically those made by Apple as it isn't compatible with Android devices.
The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 is better than the Logitech K400 Plus for mobile devices, thanks to its Bluetooth support and better portability. The Logitech isn't designed for mobile devices, but it has better ergonomics due to its slight incline and it has a companion software that allows you to make some customizations to the keyboard.
The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 is a bit better keyboard than the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad. It can pair with up to three devices at once, it has a mouse pad on the side, and it's fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. The Brydge is fully compatible on iPadOS, and it offers a much better typing experience; plus it has white backlighting if you need to use it in a dark environment.
The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 is much better than the Fintie Soft TPU Keyboard Case For iPad 7th Gen. It has multi-device pairing, it's fully compatible on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the build quality is much better. If you prefer slightly bigger mobile keyboards, the Fintie's typing area is wider, and there's an extra row on top for dedicated media and cut/copy/paste keys.
Test Results
The iClever folding keyboard is one of the smallest keyboards we've reviewed yet. It's small to begin with, but you can even fold it into a more compact format (1x16.3x8.6cm), which makes it a very portable option. If you want a portable keyboard that can also act as a protective case, check out the Logitech Slim Folio Pro.
Surprisingly enough, the build quality of this very affordable keyboard is good. Even though its frame is made of plastic, the overall build feels fairly durable. There's some light metal protecting the hinges when the keyboard is folded. The board doesn't have too much flex and its folded form feels solid enough to survive a few accidental impacts.
The ergonomics of the iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard are poor. It's designed to be as portable as possible, so it's very small and noticeably more cramped than most keyboards. It also doesn't have any incline settings or a wrist rest, which is to be expected considering its intended use.
This keyboard doesn't have any backlighting, which might not be the best option if you're trying to get some work done late at night.
This keyboard comes with a fairly short micro-USB cable, which can only be used for charging. Even when plugged in, you'll still need to be connected to your source via Bluetooth for the keyboard to work.
The iClever folding keyboard is very versatile thanks to its multi-device pairing. The board can be connected to three devices simultaneously and you can easily switch between them with a single tap. It has three buttons just over its trackpad that can be used to switch between devices or to enter the pairing mode if you hold the buttons down.
This board has media controls on hotkeys and also features a nice trackpad with two mouse buttons as well. You can also lock the Windows key by pressing Fn + F11. This keyboard offers a lot of nice little features for its small size.
If you're interested in a wireless keyboard that has a pointing stick instead of a trackpad but also incorporates programmable gesture pads and a much more premium-feeling build quality, see our review for the HHKB Studio.
The typing quality of the iClever folding keyboard is passable. The keys are small and are spaced much closer together than on a standard keyboard. You'll likely find that you hit unwanted keys like the device #1 Bluetooth key instead of the backspace. The smaller form factor of the keyboard might require you to get used to its layout, but once you do, it's fairly natural to type on. The keys feel decent, but it can get tiring to type for long periods as there's no support for your hands, wrists, and forearms. For a slightly better typing experience, check out the AmazonBasics K4R, which also has a built-in touchpad.
The iClever folding keyboard is very quiet and can easily be used in crowded environments. If you need to work in a library or cafe, it shouldn't disturb people surround you.
This keyboard features rubber dome switches that have a very short travel distance. The chiclet keys offer decent overall feedback thanks to a big tactile bump before the actuation point. If you're looking for a keyboard with less actuation force, then check out the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad.
This keyboard has poor single-key latency. While it's suitable for everyday browsing, office work, or light gaming, it's significantly too high and inconsistent for playing fast-paced or competitive games.
This keyboard has mediocre multi-key latency that's much too high and inconsistent for playing fast-paced or competitive games that require inputs while multiple keys are pressed and held.
This keyboard has poor data transmission performance. It lacks n-key rollover and cannot send multiple keys per USB report. It also has a very low effective update rate of 90Hz.
This keyboard has a fairly low 4-chord split delay, but it's very inconsistent. Furthermore, because it lacks n-key rollover, it can't register eight simultaneous keystrokes.
This keyboard doesn't have any customization software available.