1. BoxWave Keyboard Buddy
image copyright BoxWave Corp.
BoxWave's Keyboard Buddy case demonstrates one of the most common form factors for these cases: a slab that the iPhone clips into which includes a slide-out keyboard on the bottom. The keyboard, which connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, works with any app where the onscreen keyboard would appear and can be hidden when not in use. It adds 0.75 inches to the thickness of the iPhone, which isn't terrible.
BoxWave offers versions of the case for the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, and with and without backlighting on the keys (which is helpful for typing in low-light situations).
List Price: US$89.95
Weight: Unknown
Backlight: Yes (though there's also a non-backlight version)
iPhone 4S support: Yes
iPhone 4 support: Yes
2. BoxWave Keyboard Buddy - Vertical Edition
image copyright BoxWave Corp.
This version of BoxWave's Keyboard Buddy case takes the same basic idea--a slide-out keyboard that is attached to the back of the iPhone--and re-orients it. Instead of sliding out from the side of the iPhone so that it can be used in landscape mode, this keyboard slides out from the bottom, letting you type with the iPhone in portrait mode. Which version you'll prefer depends on how you like to type on your iPhone, but BoxWave is the only company I'm aware of that offers these options.
Because BoxWave makes these keyboards specifically for the iPhone, they include buttons that control iPhone features like screen brightness, media playback, hiding the keyboard, and more.
List Price: $79.95
Weight: Unknown
Backlight: No
iPhone 4S support: Yes
iPhone 4 support: Yes
3. Concord Keystone Swivel Keyboard
image copyright Concord Keystone Trading LLC
Concord Keystone's Swivel Keyboard takes a different approach to accessing the keyboard. Instead of sliding out from behind the way other portable Bluetooth keyboards for iPhone do, it swivels out, rotating into position.
The Swivel Keyboard is designed for use with a number of devices, so you won't find any iPhone-specific keys on it.
List Price: $39.99
Weight: 2.35 oz
Backlight: No
iPhone 4S support: Yes
iPhone 4 support: Yes
4. Dobi Design Bluetooth Keyboard Case
image copyright Dobi Design
Dobi Design's Bluetooth Keyboard Case is an interesting situation. It appears to use the same keyboard as the Concord Keystone Swivel, but is attached to a different case. ThiS situation--The same part being used by multiple companies--will pop up again later in the list.
The difference here is that rather than swivel out from behind the iPhone, Dobi Design's option is a wallet-style case, where the keyboard faces the iPhone when the case is closed and unfolds for use. Getting the fuller case--and, when closed, screen protection--may be appealing, but I wonder how hard it is to type on this case, since it doesn't appear to have any way to keep the iPhone propped in place in your hand.
List Price: $49.99
Weight: Unknown
Backlight: No
iPhone 4S support: No
iPhone 4 support: Yes
5. inature Kiano
image copyright inature Hong Kong Ltd.
inature's Kiano keyboard takes a similar approach to BoxWave's: it's attached to the back of the iPhone and then slides out in landscape mode for use. It hides on the back of the iPhone when not in use. The big--or, rather, small--difference here is that the Kiano isn't the full width of the iPhone. Instead, it looks to be about 85% of that width, meaning that the keys are smaller than on alternatives from competitors like BoxWave and NUU. If you're looking for a keyboard because the onscreen keys are too small for your fingers, the Kiano may not help.
List Price: $99.00
Weight: 2.75 oz
Backlight: Yes
iPhone 4S support: Yes
iPhone 4 support: Yes
6. NUU MiniKey
image copyright NUU Ltd.
NUU's MiniKey is a lot like the BoxWave and Kiano models: it clips onto the back of the iPhone and offers a keyboard that slides out when in use and can be hidden when not. Like those models, it also requires that you use the iPhone in landscape mode. It offers backlighting, but doesn't have any iPhone-specific keys.
One nice feature of the MiniKey is that it's one model that works for both the iPhone 4S and 4, rather than having a different model keyboard for each phone.
List Price: $59.00
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Backlight: Yes
iPhone 4S support: Yes
iPhone 4 support: Yes
7. OEM Slider Keyboard
This one is a little tricky, since you'll see a keyboard that looks a lot like this for sale under many brand names. As far as I can tell, that's because this is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Bluetooth keyboard that companies buy and import, then put their own names on and sell. If I'm wrong about this, I'd appreciate it if any of the companies listed here contacted me.
This keyboard is another model that clips onto the iPhone and slides in and out for use. It doesn't have a backlight, but does offer a single accessory that works with both the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. It has shortcut keys for home and Spotlight.
Sold under the following brands: Concord Keystone, EStand, iMounTek, Ion, Hipstreet, Naztech
List Price: $49.99-$79.99
Weight: 2.8 oz
Backlight: No
iPhone 4S support: Yes
iPhone 4 support: Yes
