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👉 Foldable Keyboard “ProtoArc XK04” (paid link)
I bought the ProtoArc XK04 Foldable Compact Keyboard about a year ago because I wanted a more practical way to type on a phone or tablet when I was away from my regular desk setup.
This purchase originally stemmed from the daily struggle of working from home – like trying to look professional on Slack while a pile of laundry is staring me down from three feet away. When the domestic chaos and visual distractions in my home office get too loud, I don’t even bother opening my laptop at my main desk. Instead, I trigger a ‘micro-workspace’ routine. I grab my phone, unfold this pocket-sized keyboard, and isolate myself from the household mess. It forces an instant focus zone where the rest of the house ceases to exist.
After using it for about 12 months, I wanted to share what I like about it, where it works well for me, and a few things to keep in mind before buying one.
Why I Bought a Foldable Keyboard
Typing a longer email, article draft, or set of notes on a phone screen can become uncomfortable fairly quickly. A physical keyboard gives me a more familiar typing experience while still allowing me to keep my mobile setup relatively small.
The main reason I chose the XK04 was its folding design. When folded, it takes up much less space than a conventional full-size keyboard, while unfolding into a wider typing surface.
The keyboard can be used with phones, tablets, and computers through Bluetooth, and it supports switching between up to three paired devices. That combination of portability and multi-device connectivity is what interested me most.
Design and Portability
The XK04 weighs about 7.8 ounces, according to the product specifications, so it is light enough to carry without adding much weight to a mobile setup. It also has a PU leather cover, which gives the folded keyboard a more polished appearance than a basic plastic design.
After a year of carrying it around, I still appreciate the folding cover. It keeps the keyboard in a compact form when I put it in a bag, and I don’t need a separate keyboard case.
For me, portability is the biggest reason to choose this type of keyboard over a conventional one.
One thing to remember, though, is that a folding keyboard involves some compromises. The unfolded layout is smaller and different from a standard full-size keyboard, so it may take a little time to get used to the spacing.
Typing Experience
The XK04 has a compact layout designed for mobile use. The keys are much more comfortable for longer typing sessions than a phone’s on-screen keyboard, at least for me.
When I first started using it, I needed some time to adjust to the folding layout. After about a day of use, I became much more comfortable with it.
The keys also feel relatively quiet to me. That’s useful when I’m typing in shared spaces where I don’t want a loud keyboard to become distracting.
I wouldn’t describe the XK04 as a replacement for a full-size desktop keyboard for every situation. If I were sitting at a desk and typing for many hours, I would still prefer my regular keyboard. The XK04 makes more sense to me when saving space and keeping things portable are priorities.
Connecting Three Devices
One feature I use regularly is the ability to pair the keyboard with up to three Bluetooth devices.
For example, I can have a phone, tablet, and computer paired with the keyboard and switch between them using the keyboard’s dedicated controls.
In my experience, switching between paired devices has been straightforward and generally reliable.
There is also a simple point worth mentioning if you’re setting it up for the first time: make sure the keyboard’s physical power switch is turned on before starting the Bluetooth pairing process.
That sounds obvious, but it’s an easy step to overlook when you’re setting up a new device.
Battery and Charging
The XK04 uses a rechargeable battery and charges through USB-C, which is convenient for my travel setup because I already carry USB-C cables for other devices.
ProtoArc lists a standby time of up to 150+ days. That’s a manufacturer specification rather than a measurement I made myself, so I wouldn’t interpret it as 150 days of continuous typing.
In my own use, the keyboard has not required frequent charging. I can leave it in my bag for an extended period and still find it useful when I need it.
The keyboard also has an auto-sleep function when it isn’t being used.
Where I Find It Most Useful
After a year of use, these are the situations where I find the XK04 most practical.
Foldable Phone Stand
It comes with a foldable phone stand, which is useful when I want to use my phone as a small writing setup.
Travel
The folding design is useful when I want to take a physical keyboard without packing a conventional one.
It can be useful on trips when I’m working from a hotel room, using a tablet while traveling, or simply want a more comfortable way to type on a mobile device.
Small Tables and Cafés
A compact keyboard can also make sense when desk space is limited. I can use a tablet or phone with the XK04 when the task doesn’t require a full computer.
Notes and Short Writing Sessions
I particularly like having a physical keyboard available when I need to write more than a few sentences.
For emails, notes, short drafts, and similar tasks, I find physical keys much more comfortable than typing everything on a touchscreen.
What I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
The XK04 isn’t necessarily the right keyboard for every type of user.
The biggest trade-off is the compact folding layout. If you regularly type long documents for hours at a time, you may find a larger keyboard more comfortable.
The folding design also means the typing surface isn’t identical to a conventional full-size keyboard. It took me some time to become comfortable with it, although I adjusted fairly quickly.
So, for me, the main question isn’t whether the XK04 can replace every keyboard. It is whether portability is more important for a particular situation.
One Year Later: My Take
After about a year of use, the main reason I continue to use the ProtoArc XK04 is its portability.
I like being able to keep a physical keyboard available without carrying a conventional keyboard around. The folding design, rechargeable USB-C battery, and ability to connect with multiple Bluetooth devices make it convenient for the way I use my mobile devices.
At the same time, I wouldn’t choose it instead of a full-size keyboard for a permanent desk setup. The compact layout is the trade-off for having something that is easier to carry.
For me, the XK04 works best as a portable keyboard for travel, mobile writing, and situations where desk space is limited.
If those are the situations you’re buying a keyboard for, the XK04 may be a practical option to consider.
👉 Foldable Keyboard “ProtoArc XK04” (paid link)