The VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard is a futuristic device that projects a keyboard onto any flat surface, letting you type away as normal. Find out everything you need to know about it today in our review.
What is the VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard?
The VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard is a virtual keyboard made by CTX Technologies. Described as “the future of inputting”, the device projects a keyboard onto any flat surface. You can then type on that flat surface as you would normally type on a keyboard. The VK200 will even give you simulated keyboard sounds as you type.
The device itself is about the size of a matchbox. It contains a laser projector. You place the device on a flat surface, turn it on, and get ready to start typing.
After turning on the VK200, you’ll have access to a 78 key keyboard with full QWERTY layout. The keyboard is projected from a laser at the top of the device. When stood vertically, the device projects the keyboard onto the surface in front of it.
The appeal of the VK200 (aside from the futuristic novelty factor) is that you don’t have to take a clunky keyboard with you wherever you go. You can just take this little device and enjoy full typing functionality. The makers of the VK200 claim that typing speeds approach that of a standard keyboard. A digital display on the projector lets you know which keys you’re pressing.
The VK200 will connect via Bluetooth to any Bluetooth-enabled device – like your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard Features
-Projects a full-sized keyboard onto virtually any flat surface
-Rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 3 hours of continuous typing
-Charges via USB
-No drivers are required to install the keyboard
-Mouse mode lets you use your finger as a mouse while dragging it around the flat surface
-Built-in display screen on the projector shows the last three keys you pressed
-Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to all Bluetooth-enabled electronics, including your iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, laptops, and more
VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard Tech Specs
The unique virtual keyboard has all of the following tech specs:
-Works on most flat opaque surfaces
-700mAh lithium ion rechargeable battery that lasts for 180 minutes of continuous operation
-Detection rate of up to 400 characters per minute
-QWERTY keyboard layout
-Compatible with iPhone 3GS/4 and higher, iPad (iOS4) and higher, Blackberry, Playbook, Android 2.0 and higher, Windows Phone 7 and higher, Windows XP/Vista,7,8, Mac OS
-Bluetooth 2.1 HID connectivity
-USB 2.0
-16mm (depth) x 42mm (width) x 62mm (height)
Who Makes the VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard?
The VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard is made by a company named CTX Technologies, Inc. That company maintains headquarters in Hong Kong, Boca Raton, and Shenzhen.
The company released the keyboard back in 2015, but working models have appeared at tech shows and conventions since 2013.
VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard Pricing
The CTX Technologies website directs you towards the Brookstone.com or Henrys.com website to purchase the VK200 virtual keyboard. It’s also available from Amazon.com.
On Amazon, the keyboard is priced at $247.09 USD. However, it’s sold through a third party vendor. Neither Brookstone nor Henry’s have the keyboard listed on their site at the time of writing (the Brookstone link on the CTX Technologies website directs you to a Transparent Wireless Glass Keyboard for $99.99).
What Do Customers Have to Say About the VK200?
Since the VK200 is sold on Amazon, we have access to dozens of reviews from real customers. Here are some of the pros and cons customers reported in their reviews:
Pros
-Better than typing on cramped mobile keyboards
-Not as awkward as you might think, and it’s sensitive to touch (“just like having a laptop keyboard front of me [sic]”, writes one reviewer
-Bluetooth-enabled makes it easy to connect to any device
-Works really well when paired with mobile typing keyboards like SwiftKey that can correct your typing mistakes
-The sound of the keyboard clicks is a cool touch
-Easy to carry around (it’s about the size of a matchbox)
-A great way to improve the functionality and usability of your tablets and smartphones, especially if they’re the primary devices you use for writing emails, doing banking, and performing other tasks that benefit from a keyboard
-When you take it out at a café or office, you’re guaranteed to get a lot of curious stares
Cons
-Has a bit of a learning curve
-Tough to see the keyboard in direct sunlight
-Laggy until you update the firmware (The CTX Technologies website has a firmware upgrade that you need to install)
At the time of writing, the VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard had an average rating of 3.8 stars out of 5 on Amazon with a total of 91 customer reviews.
Should You Buy the VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard?
Overall, the VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard is well-reviewed on Amazon. Many customers purchased the keyboard for the novelty factor – not because they needed it for productivity. Aside from some minor complaints about response times, sensitivity (the keyboard is very sensitive to touch), and the difficulty of using the keyboard in light, the VK200 KEYFOB Virtual Keyboard appears to be a great addition to your collection of tech gadgets.
