A few weeks ago I got an advanced peek at the new Mokibo Fusion keyboard 2.0. This super slim Bluetooth keyboard is designed to fit like a second skin on the latest Apple iPads. Although Apple has hobbled iPadOS so that it’s not quite as fluid to use as a laptop, mostly thanks to a clumsy mouse pointer, the latest iPad Pro with an M4 processor is one of the most powerful machines Apple has made so far.
So, if you fancy buying one of the new iPads but want to use it as a hybrid laptop then the Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 could be just what you are looking for. This stylish keyboard also has a built-in trackpad to make working more fluid so you don’t have to take your fingers off the keys to use the touchscreen.
The Fusion Keyboard 2.0 launches today online and this clever piece of tech is unusual in that it includes a trackpad underneath the keyboard. Thanks to some clever engineering, users can swipe, click and scroll around an iPad’s screen without using a mouse or separate trackpad. This saves time, effort and, most importantly, space. When you are working at an airline table, there’s rarely room for a mouse.
Whether you have an iPad Air or an iPad Pro, there’s a Mokibo Fusion 2 to fit your tablet.
Other useful features include a magnetic pencil holder for an Apple Pencil. The keys have a fairly shallow travel and once you get used to the action of the device, it’s quite easy to use. The touchpad function works brilliantly although I did have a few problems reproducing some of the gestures that the keyboard recognizes. I think that’s more my lack of agility than anything else.
If you haven’t used the mouse pointed on an iPad before, it does feel slightly less responsive than, say, a MacBook. This is probably due to it being an accessibility function and I think Apple is reluctant to make iPads a replacement for a laptop.
Verdict: The Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is ingenious and makes using an iPad much easier. It’s ideal for use in a confined area where there’s no room to swing a mouse, such as on a lap. I tested the universal model but if you have one of the iPad Pro models, then go for the specific keyboard as the fit will be better. All in all, the Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is an excellent solution for turning your iPad into a MacBook.
Pricing & Availability: The Mokibo Fusion Keyboard 2.0 is available for preorder on Kickstarter now. Early backers can secure the keyboard for $109.90 for the Universal model and $119.90 and $139.90 for the iPad Pro models. As with any crowdfunding project, be sure to do your due diligence.
More info: mokibo.com
Tech Specs:
- Dimensions: Universal White 256 x 140 x 6.8mm), Weight: 340g / White for iPad Pro 11-inch: 251 x 190 x 6.8mm, Weight: 490g / White for iPad Pro 12.9-inch 285 x 225 x 6.8mm, Weight: 650g.
- Color: White.
- Battery life: 60 hours (90 days standby time).
- Charging time: 2 hours.
- Charging input voltage: 5V.
- Materials: PC+ABS, Anti-fouling material PU, Fiberglass, Neodymium magnet.
