INTRODUCTION

   Even though the market is flooded with keyboards of all kinds and countless different switches there's one type we don't see that much, ergonomic ones. As a matter of fact, after checking all available keyboard models several of the big online stores carry i was only able to find just a handful of ergonomic ones. Of course, that number drops more if you're looking for a compact wireless ergonomic keyboard for use with bluetooth enabled devices such as tablets, smartphones, notebooks, MACs and even desktop PCs. Some of you did ask of me to find one such keyboard however and so after quite a bit of digging around i came across what is probably the best ergonomic wireless keyboard in the market today, the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard by Goldtouch.

   At Goldtouch, we pride ourselves in providing our customers with the kinds of ergonomic products and comfort peripherals that will benefit both individual and business needs by reducing the pain and discomfort so commonly associated with repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions for ergonomic computer accessories at the workstation. Unlike other ergonomic companies, we build products that adjust to each unique individual, allowing every person to find their own personal solution. We also know that promoting health, safety, creativity and productivity in the workplace requires more than just a simple “off the shelf” solution. It’s our mission to provide you and your company with a steady flow of ergonomic products and information to help mold your work-space into a hub for productivity, innovation, and creativity. From our offices in Cedar Park, TX, we’ve already helped many Fortune 1000 companies, including Chevron, Google, Apple, Yahoo, eBay, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Toyota. Try out our ergonomic computer accessories today and experience the difference when the products at your workstation fit to you.

   As revealed by its name the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard is a compact keyboard that features a special 2-piece design, Bluetooth connectivity, low-profile scissor switches (40-45g activation force with 2.7mm travel distance), internal lithium ion rechargeable battery (provides the keyboard with up to 128 hours of typing) and an adjustable ergonomic system thanks to Goldtouch's patented lock and lever system which not only allows the end users to fold the keyboard for easier transport and storage but also to find the ideal layout/fit for their hands (0-30 degrees adjustment on both the horizontal and vertical axis). So, is this the keyboard to get for your all your Bluetooth enabled devices? Time to find out exactly that.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Goldtouch uses a plain yellow cardboard box to pack the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard in (just their logo is placed on it).

The keyboard is just wrapped inside a plastic bag so in terms of protection things could be better (still the sample did arrive in perfect shape).

Just the quick start guide and the user manual are packed in the box with the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard.

THE GO!2 GTP-0044W

Measuring 342.9mm in length, 152.4mm in width and 22.9mm in height the roughly 500g heavy Go!2 Mobile Keyboard is among the smallest models in the market today.

The lever seen above is used to unlock and lock the two pieces of the keyboard in the desired place.

Just raise it up to unlock and down to lock the two pieces of the keyboard.

This ball is what allows the two pieces to rotate up to 30 degrees on either axis.

This is how the keyboard looks with a 30 degree angle on either the horizontal or vertical axis.

Of course, F1 through F6 and F8 through F12 also act as multimedia keys when used with the Fn key (previous/play-pause/next/volume down-up-mute/email client/calculator/home screen/favourites/my computer).

The keyboard also has a function (Fn) and two windows keys.

Turning the keyboard over we find a total of 8 rubber feet (4 on each side), the on/off switch, PC/MAC switch, lock/unlock switch (this allows you to further extend the connection between the two pieces to fold the keyboard) and the Bluetooth pairing button.

Here you can see how the keyboard looks like when folded.

AUDIBLE FEEDBACK

Many people ask my opinion on what keyboard they should get for their needs. Some want a “silent” model for use in their living room or even in their bedroom while others ask for a model with good audible feedback for use in the office or for gaming. Because of this I decided to test keyboards by placing our ExTech HD600 vertically over each keyboard (5cm distance) and typing NikKTech a total of 6 times with each (after that the max recorded number - max hold - is placed in the graph). I have to admit that this methodology may not be 100% accurate but it does give a good idea on what you can expect from each model since aside the type of switches used keycaps and keyboard material also matter.

CONCLUSION

   I can't say that i ever liked using a keyboard with my smartphones and tablets so i have to admit that most of the time i ended up testing the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard (almost one full month) was with my 2 bluetooth enabled PC desktop systems (not a MAC user either). Needless to say, the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard was used not only to type several reviews (this one included) but also to play quite a few games as well (not particularly fast passed ones however) including Death Stranding, Days Gone, Godfall and World of Warships. Starting with the ergonomic design of the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard i have to admit that it felt strange at first, perhaps because i haven't used an ergonomic keyboard for almost a decade. You do get used to it quite faster than expected really, as long as you decide on the end shape that fits your hands best. As expected however both the size of the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard and its low-profile scissor switches are far from ideal for long periods of typing and/or gaming. Still size and switches should produce the exact opposite results for people who want a compact keyboard they can carry around with them to use for small periods of time (much faster typing than on a touch screen). Now in regards to battery life things are very good since the maximum time i recorded during my tests was just over 100 hours. Again, this may not be on par with what's reported by the manufacturer but i never used the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard for just 4 hours per day (as stated in the specifications page) so that might had also something to do with that.

   As I type these lines the Go!2 Mobile Keyboard (GTP-0044W) by Goldtouch retails for USD101.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for around 160Euros inside the EU, a price which is very balanced, at least on the other side of the Atlantic. That being said at the end of the day it all comes down to what you want (you can find good regular RGB mechanical keyboards at that price point after all) so if that’s a compact wireless ergonomic keyboard then the Go!2 by Goldtouch is a very good place to start looking and for that it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Compact Size
- 2 Piece Ergonomic Design
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Battery Life (Up To 128 Hours)
- PC & MAC Compatible
- Foldable

CONS

- Not Ideal For Long Periods Of Use
- Price (EU)