A micro keyboard is a keyboard that is often used with a personal digital assistant (PDA) and may be used with some smartphones. The advantage of the unit is its portability. The micro keyboard, in most cases, is also capable of being folded for transport in a pocket. They usually cost approximately $30 US Dollars (USD).
The keys of a micro keyboard are very small, but ultimately more accessible than some "full" keyboards on smartphones. It looks very similar to a smaller version of a normal-sized keyboard, with the keys being in the normal positions. To help prevent typographical errors, these mini keyboards space the keys a little apart from each other, with no key touching its neighbor. Thus, even those with large fingers should find accidental touching of other keys is kept to a minimum.
While many may tend to shy away from a micro keyboard simply because of its ability to fold up, this feature is actually a big benefit. Though it may seem easier to break with the crease in the middle, the micro keyboard is made to be folded and take a certain level of abuse. While no keyboard can take intentional abuse or repeated abuse, the micro keyboard is very durable, many reviewers have noted.
Due to their use with PDAs, micro keyboards may sometimes be referred to as PDA keyboards. Many PDA users may prefer to type information on such a keyboard, rather than using the PDA to enter words and letters. Often, writing on a PDA device requires a certain amount of practice, as the letters are formed somewhat differently than many are used to.
Also, because of the traditional layout of the micro keyboard, there is no reason to worry about learning a new system of data entry. It is completely user friendly for those who have already learned to touch type. Even if touch typing is not practical on the keyboard, the keys are where a user who does touch type would expect them to be.
While the keyboard provides a number of advantages over other types of data entry methods for PDAs, there are some complaints about it as well. First, despite the spacing, many feel it is still too small for true touch typing. Second, hitting the middle keys may cause the keyboard to fold in on itself. Therefore, they should be used on flat surfaces as much as possible.