We may live in a world of contrasting thoughts, beliefs and religions, but there’s one thing I’m pretty sure we can all agree on - the sheer ecstasy at the dawn of the weekend.
The concept of two days off from the grind comes from an Industrial-age Manchester when workers' rights activists petitioned factory owners to finish early on Saturdays. A mutual agreement was reached, and the weekend was born.
Fast forward 177 years later, and the look and location of the working week have shifted once more in the wake of the pandemic. A solid Monday to Friday in the office has been replaced by hybrid working, and now there is even chatter of a four-day week.
Like millions of office workers, I enjoy the best-of-both-worlds scenario, easing into and exiting the week at home and spending the meaty middle chunk in the office. It’s a routine that works well, and my little Acer Chromebook, bought years before 2020, has served me better than I ever expected.
Yet I think anyone who works on a laptop can agree that they’re not the greatest pieces of design. What you gain in compact dimensions, you lose in posture, hunched over a keyboard that’s locked to the screen. If you’re putting in long hours, you’ll soon start to feel the adverse effects of shoulder, neck and lower back aches.
Plus, if you’re hoping to catch up on work while travelling, I’ve found carting around an expensive and fragile laptop isn’t always appealing. But on Prime Day this year, I stumbled across a deal for a folding Bluetooth keyboard - and I haven’t looked back.
Seenda Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard Key Specs
- Dimensions: 34.2L x 11.6W x 18.2Hcm
- Keyboard type: Membrane
- Compatible devices: Laptop, PC, Tablet, Smartphone
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- Recommended uses: Travel, Everyday Use, Business
- Special features: portable, lightweight, touchpad, foldable, rechargeable
- Colours: Green and black
- Style: Qwerty UK Layout
- Accessories: Type-C charging cable, foldable Bluetooth keyboard, phone stand, manual
Packaging
Delivered in Amazon’s signature cardboard envelope with a rip-pull opening, Seenda’s folding keyboard comes without much fanfare. The gadget, a collapsible phone stand and a charging wire come in a plain white cardboard box with little padding. Everything is packed in tightly, so there’s not much chance of damage in transit.
If you’re thinking about buying one of these as a gift, you’ll need to crack out the ribbon and gift wrap to do it justice.
Design
The slim keyboard comes folded with two uneven leaves opening up and folding flat to reveal a standard-sized keyboard. The right side panel includes a touchpad mouse with buttons for right and left click below. It comes in black but I went for the green option because it’s nice to have a change from all-black ominous tech.
The rear and back leaves of the keyboard are covered in a linen-like fabric that makes it nice to hold and avoids leaving fingerprints everywhere.
Function
I am writing this review with the keyboard, with my laptop set further back to keep my posture in check, something that wouldn’t be possible if I was using the laptop’s integrated keyboard. I can practically hear my back and neck shouting their thanks.
Using Seenda’s folding keyboard is laughably simple. Charging it fully, as ever, is the first step (expect two hours for up to 150 days of life on standby mode), then switch it on using the on/off switch button that’s found beside the USB-C charging port. Next, hold down the Fn key and 1, 2 or 3 simultaneously (look for the Bluetooth symbol and the numbers in orange; on my keyboard, they are the same as the Q, W and E keys) and link your devices together and you’re ready to write.
Connectivity
The folding keyboard works with tablets, Macs, laptops and any phone that supports Bluetooth. On a recent flight, I was able to crack on with some writing (workaholic, me?) using my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and this keyboard. It was the next best thing to having my laptop and was far easier to tap away on a full-size keyboard than on the phone’s keys.
As for my fellow passengers - well, they were transfixed. The folding tech devices together are akin to a modern magic trick.
Any improvements?
I have very few grumbles about this folding keyboard; it’s probably the most useful thing I’ve ever bought from Amazon (not counting my beloved Command Strips - if you don’t know, get to know). The touchpad mouse takes a little getting used to and it would be nice to see this in more colours, but these are minor criticisms.
If you’re someone who often has to work on the move or want a way to improve their laptop hygiene and ease the burden on your protesting back, Seenda’s folding keyboard is a low-level investment that will more than earn its keep in your tech accessory arsenal.
Verdict
Seenda Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard
Perfect for working remotely or on the move, this tri-folding keyboard unfurls into a full-size design and comes complete with a touchpad mouse with the ability to right-hand and left-hand click.
The compact folded dimensions make it easy to slip into a weekend bag or backpack, and it pairs with any Bluetooth-supporting device, including iOS and Android handsets. It even comes with a collapsible phone stand to help you create a mini workstation when you’re away from home.
The two-hour charge time is a small price to pay for 150 days of battery life on standby mode. In all, this folding keyboard is an excellent piece of tech that will raise productivity levels when you’re remote working in the truest sense - and all at a price you just can’t quibble with.
Buy now £34.19, Amazon
