Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review
Looking for a compact and lightweight wireless keyboard that can connect to multiple devices at once? Look no further than the Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard.
It has some caveats compared to the best keyboards, like its lack of backlighting, and the small size of the keys takes a little getting used to. But these are minor and don’t impact the functionality of this low-profile board in any way.
Although less than some of the best wireless keyboards, the keyboard’s 60-hour battery life is more than enough to get you through a working week and it slots perfectly into my work bag, making it convenient for me to get some writing done on the train with my iPad.
Is Lenovo’s wireless keyboard for you? Find out more in my full Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review.
Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review: Cheat sheet
- What is it? A compact and lightweight, low-profile keyboard
- Who is it for? For anyone on the go who needs a keyboard to go in their bag
- How much does it cost? The Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard is available for $39/£54
- What do we like? It’s affordable, portable and can connect to multiple devices via Bluetooth
- What don’t we like? There is no backlighting and the height is not adjustable
Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review: Specs
Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review: The ups
The Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard is the ideal multitasker. Not only can you connect to up to three devices at a time, but it’s comfortable to type on and super compact, making it convenient for writing on the go.
Typing experience
The Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard is super comfortable to type on. The keys are low profile for fast typing, similar to my MacBook Air M2’s keyboard. And while the profile may be alike, they feel entirely different. The Lenovo scissor-switch keys are ultra-quiet and cushioned. The keys are made from plastic and have a matte finish.
If you want the most comfortable low-profile typing experience, you’ll need to consider one of the best mechanical keyboards rather than a scissor-switch keyboard. Low-profile mechanical boards like the NuPhy Air75 V2 ($119) and Lofree Flow84 ($159) are super comfortable, although they cost a lot more.
The quiet nature of the keys make it perfect for typing literally anywhere, like on the train or in a café, without fear of disturbing anyone around you. I actually found my MacBook keyboard super annoying and loud after testing Lenovo’s board.
Keyboard | Type test speed (WPM) | Type test accuracy |
Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard | 59 | 99.66% |
MacBook Air M2 built-in | 61 | 96.19% |
I took a typing test on 10fastfingers.com and wasn’t shocked to see that it gave a similar result to that of my MacBook, since the profile of the keys is similar. However, I was more comfortable using the Lenovo Multi Switch board despite having used MacBook keyboards almost everyday for 8 years.
Connectivity
The keyboard can be used with a USB-C connection or wirelessly using Bluetooth. The keyboard, as suggested by the name, can be connected to multiple devices at once and has three Bluetooth channels. These channels are activated by pressing function keys 1, 2 and 3.
This is similar to the Bluetooth controls on Logitech keyboards, like the Logitech MX Keys S ($109) and MX Keys Mini ($99), where the connection buttons also cover F1-F12. This is annoying, as it removes default macOS commands such as App Exposé.
I was able to connect to both my laptop and iPad and easily toggle between the two, giving myself a dual monitor setup on the go. The keyboard was able to flip between the two with just a click of a button and didn’t lag at all when switching.
Portability
The Lenovo keyboard is very compact and shorter than the board on my MacBook. It’s only 10 inches in width and 0.22 inches deep, so it slips easily into my bag alongside my iPad and laptop.
It also doesn’t add any noticeable weight since it’s a feather-light 6.3 ounces. This board is even thinner and lighter than the super compact Logitech MX Keys Mini ($99), which is 0.86 inches deep, and a comparatively weighty 17.6 ounces.
Decent battery life
The keyboard offers up to 60 hours of battery life with a single charge. The battery diminished by only 5% after every 8-hour working day during testing, so the rated battery life seems accurate.
If it did die at your desk, however, it can still be used via the USB-C connection while charging.
Affordable
At $39 / £54, the Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard is an affordable option with exceptional functionality. It is more affordable than the Logitech MX Keys Mini, although that offers 5 months of battery life with backlighting turned off. That said, it’s also a lot cheaper than the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini ($149), which lasts a huge 10 months without backlighting.
The Keychron B1 Pro is also priced at $39, and has a whopping 1,200 hours of battery life. But Lenovo’s keyboard certainly looks better, and given most of the other functions are the same, I’d personally choose styling over battery life — but that’s a decision you need to make yourself.
Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review: The downs
Despite offering a comfortable typing experience, seamless connectivity and fair battery life, the Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard still has its downsides. If you’re in need of backlighting or a bigger size, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
No backlighting
The Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard has no backlighting, but that’s probably best given the 60-hour battery life (as I mentioned earlier, some of the rivals can last up to 10 months). If you need to use the keyboard in a dimly lit setting or even in the dark, it would be nearly impossible.
But if you do like your keys to be backlit, you have that option with the Logitech MX Keys Mini.
Compact size takes getting used to
As you may tell from its size, this is a pretty small keyboard. While this makes it the perfect commuting companion to the iPad, it does mean that key size has been sacrificed.
I had to adjust how I type slightly, as the keys themselves are slightly narrower than on my MacBook Air, so for the first half hour, I was slipping over keys. However, once I got used to it, I had no issues. So, be sure to factor in some time to adjust.
Non-adjustable height
The height of the keyboard is slightly raised, providing a really comfortable angle to type at. However, this isn’t adjustable, so while I found the angle nice to work on, it won’t suit everyone. The NuPhy Air75 V2 is an option to look at if you like to alter the height of your keyboard.
While the keyboard is super thin, the bar that supports the keyboard sticks out. This could have been foldable and adjustable, making for an even more compact design with some customization.
Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard review: Verdict
There are some drawbacks to the Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard. The lack of backlighting and 60-hour battery could be a deal breaker for some, and the height of the keyboard is fixed — I would prefer an adjustment to make it more comfortable for different users, not to mention more compact.
Once I got used to the smaller size of the keys, though, I realized there’s a lot about this Lenovo keyboard to love. It’s very portable, fitting perfectly in my bag along with my laptop and iPad, and the ability to switch between the devices with the multi-point connection made my workflow so much easier.
Best of all, the keyboard is affordable. If you don’t want to spend much but need a solution for your on-the-go work setup, the Lenovo Multi Device keyboard will do the job.
