iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Mar 12, 2020 at 07:57am
Writing modified Feb 27, 2024 at 01:09pm
Tested using Methodology v1.3.1 
iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08

Track

0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 
0.0
Programming 
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 
0.0
Raw Performance 

Track

 0
The iClever folding keyboard is an amazing wireless keyboard to use with mobile devices. It can connect via Bluetooth to practically any device and will offer a better tactile typing experience than typing on a touchscreen. It's also one of the smallest keyboards we've tested so far, especially since it can become even more compact when you fold it when you are on the move. The board has chiclet keys with very tactile rubber dome switches. It's surprisingly well-built and does a good job for what it's designed for, but won't be the best keyboard to work on during an actual full day at work.

Our Verdict

0.0
Gaming 

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.

Pros
None
Cons
  • No customization settings.
  • Lack of backlighting.
  • High latency.
0.0
Office 

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.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
Cons
  • No customization settings.
  • Mediocre typing experience.
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 

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.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Foldable design.
  • Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
Cons
  • Mediocre typing experience.
0.0
Programming 

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.

Pros
  • Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
Cons
  • No customization settings.
  • Lack of backlighting.
  • Mediocre typing experience.
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

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.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Multi-device pairing with 3 Bluetooth devices.
  • Has a trackpad.
Cons
  • Lack of backlighting.
0.0
Raw Performance 

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.

  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 27, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed HHKB Studio in the Extra Features section of this review.
    2.  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.
    3.  Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
    4.  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.

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    Apple Magic Keyboard 2017

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    Logitech K780

    Track

    The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 and the Logitech K780 are very different keyboards for mobile use. The iClever is a better keyboard if you're on the move often, while the Logitech is better if you want a separate work station at your desk with a mobile device or tablet. The iClever is more portable and practical if you move a lot and need to work in tight spaces like on the train, but the K780 is a more typical office keyboard with better build quality and an overall better typing experience.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedCompact (60%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedN/A
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Curved/Angled
    LockedLocked
    Split Keyboard
    LockedLocked
    Key Alignment
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedN/A
    Maximum Incline
    LockedN/A
    Home Row Height
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Hardware Customizability
    Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
    LockedLocked
    Stabilizer Fixation
    LockedLocked
    Spacebar Stabilizer Size
    LockedLocked
    Size Of Right Mod Keys
    LockedLocked
    Hot-Swappable Switches
    LockedNo
    Switch Stem Shape
    LockedLocked
    Switch PCB Socket
    LockedLocked
    North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Backlight Features
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    RGB
    LockedLocked
    Per-Key Backlighting
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Software Controllable
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlight Clarity
    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Macro Keys And Programming
    Dedicated Macro Keys CountLockedLock
    Onboard Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming With Software
    LockedLocked
    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Control Knob
    LockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    0.0
    Typing Quality
    Key Spacing
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 Typing Sample Sample
    Average Loudness
    LockedLock dBA
    High Pitch Clicks
    LockedLocked

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    Switches
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 Wobble Video Sample
    Switch Name
    LockedLocked
    Switch Type
    LockedScissor
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Keystrokes
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    Performance
    0.0
    Single-Key Latency
    Best Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Best Connection Std DevLocked±Lock ms
    Wired
    LockedN/A
    Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Bluetooth
    LockedLock ms
    PCB (Estimated)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Multi-Key Latency
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

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    iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 Latency Video Sample
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    Key Press
    LockedLock ms
    Key Release
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Data Transmission
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    USB Polling Rate
    LockedN/A
    Effective Update Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
    LockedNo
    Multiple Keys Per USB Report
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Chord Split
    4 Chord Split Delay
    LockedLock ms
    8 Chord Split Delay
    LockedN/A

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    Software and Operating System
    Configuration Software
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Computer Compatibility
    Windows
    LockedLocked
    macOS
    LockedLocked
    Linux (Ubuntu 22)
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Mobile Compatibility
    Android
    LockedLocked
    iOS
    LockedLocked
    iPadOS
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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