Macally Small Bluetooth Keyboard for Tablet and Phone - Univ

The Verdict

Most compact keyboards make you choose between portability and usability. The Macally Small Bluetooth Keyboard tries to sidestep that tradeoff by shrinking the chassis while keeping the keys full-size. For the most part, it works — with a few compromises you should know about before buying.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the keyboard itself, a Micro-USB charging cable, and a thin quick-start guide. That’s it. No carrying case, no USB dongle — this is strictly Bluetooth (5.1, for the spec-minded). At roughly 10.9 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches and 7.2 ounces, it slides into a bag sleeve without adding noticeable bulk. The rounded corners and matte black finish look more expensive than the price suggests, though the plastic shell does pick up fingerprints quickly.

Real-World Performance

Pairing is straightforward: flip the power switch, hold the Bluetooth button for three seconds, and it shows up as “Macally” on your device. The standout feature here is three-device pairing with dedicated keys (Bluetooth 1, 2, 3 on the top row). Tap once to switch from your iPad to your iPhone to your Windows laptop — it takes about two seconds and doesn’t drop the connection on the other devices. This is the reason to buy this over a cheaper single-device keyboard.

The typing feel is genuinely good for a sub-$40 keyboard. Scissor-switch mechanisms with 1.5mm of travel give you tactile feedback without the mushy dead zone you get on many foldable keyboards. The key pitch — the distance between key centers — is 18mm, which matches full-size desktop keyboards. I typed a 2,000-word document on it without the cramped-hand fatigue I expected from a keyboard this small. The layout does require a learning curve, though: the right Shift key is narrower than standard, and the arrow keys are compressed into an inverted-T that takes some getting used to.

Battery life is solid — Macally claims 90 hours per charge, and real-world usage backs that up. I charged it once every three weeks with daily use of a few hours. The auto-sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity is aggressive but predictable, and waking it requires a key press that occasionally registers as a stray character.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The 4.4-star rating across 220 reviews reflects genuine enthusiasm for the multi-device switching. One reviewer noted, “I switch between my iPad and Android phone constantly, and this keyboard handles it flawlessly — no re-pairing, no frustration.” Another praised the portability: “Fits in my purse’s side pocket and I barely notice it’s there. The keys are surprisingly comfortable for a keyboard this size.” The battery life also gets consistent shout-outs, with multiple reviewers reporting several weeks between charges.

Where It Falls Short

The lack of backlighting is the biggest practical limitation. If you work in dim environments — a dark office, a hotel room, an evening flight — you’ll be hunting for keys. This is a deliberate cost-saving choice, but it’s worth knowing before you buy.

The Micro-USB port is another dated decision. In 2026, most of your devices charge via USB-C, so you’ll need to keep a legacy cable around. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an unnecessary inconvenience.

Finally, the plastic build flexes noticeably when you type hard. It won’t break — the chassis is sturdy enough for daily use — but it feels less premium than aluminum alternatives that cost twice as much.

Who Should Buy This

• iPad/tablet users who also own a phone and want one keyboard to rule them all
• Travelers who need a lightweight, packable keyboard for occasional typing bursts
• Students who jot notes on a tablet but don’t want to carry a full laptop

Skip it if you’re a heavy night-owl typist who needs backlighting, or if you prefer the solid feel of an aluminum keyboard and don’t mind paying double.

FAQ

Does this work with iPhones and Android phones? Yes. It pairs with iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices. The function row maps correctly to each OS — volume keys work on both iPhone and Android, though some media keys are OS-dependent.

Can I use it while charging? Technically yes, but it’s awkward — the Micro-USB port is on the front edge, so a cable juts out and interferes with your wrist position. Better to charge overnight.

How do I switch between devices? Press the Bluetooth 1, 2, or 3 key on the top row. Each corresponds to a previously paired device. There’s no visual indicator of which device is active, so you’ll need to look at your screen to confirm.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You juggle multiple devices and want one compact keyboard that handles all of them without re-pairing hassle. The typing feel and battery life punch well above the price.

Skip it if: You need backlighting for nighttime work, or you’re a heavy typist who needs a rigid, premium-feeling chassis.

Rating: 4.2/5 — The Macally Small Bluetooth Keyboard nails its core promise of multi-device convenience at a budget price, with a few dated choices that keep it from being great.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.