Flexible keyboard
A flexible keyboard is a type of computer keyboard capable of being folded or rolled up for easier storage and transportation. Roll-up keyboards are often made from soft, bendable material like silicone, allowing them to be rolled up and be waterproof but also give the keys a squishy feel. Roll-up keyboards are great for those needing a portable keyboard, environments like a kitchen with liquids, and places like a school where the keyboard needs more efficient cleaning. The picture shows a Sungwoo roll-up keyboard that's mostly rolled up to help illustrate how much it can be rolled and its flexibility.
A second type of flexible keyboard is the foldable keyboard, which consists of multiple rigid sections that can be folded for compact storage. Unlike roll-up keyboards, foldable keyboard keys maintain a more traditional feel and can become more flat.
Flexible keyboards are available in both wired (USB (Universal Serial Bus)) and wireless (Bluetooth) and work with Android devices, Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads.
Flexible keyboards are also compatible with gaming consoles and smart TVs that support external keyboard input.
Foldable vs roll-up keyboard comparison
Below is a comparison table to help make understanding the differences between roll-up and foldable keyboards easier.
| Feature | Foldable keyboard | Roll-up keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Rigid plastic sections with hinges | Soft silicone |
| Typing feel | Quiet and soft | More tactile |
| Durability | Dust-resistant and waterproof | More longevity |
| Ideal use | Kitchen, medical, school, and travel | Travel and phone and tablet users |
What are the disadvantages of flexible keyboards?
Flexible keyboards are a great portable keyboard solution and also have other advantages, but they also have the following disadvantages.
- Poor typing experience: All foldable, roll-up, and other flexible keyboards cannot offer the same typing experience as a mechanical keyboard.
- Durability: Well-made flexible keyboards are made to be durable. However, any device that's frequently transported is going to experience more wear and tear over time, and poorly made flexible keyboards can fail early.
- Missing keys: All flexible keyboards are designed to be more compact than a traditional keyboard. Although this is great for portability, it also reduces the size and the number of keys on the keyboard. Features like a missing numeric keypad can make it more difficult to use the keyboard.
Are flexible keyboards good for gaming?
Casual gamers may enjoy using this keyboard during their gaming experience or as a way to type messages to others. However, other gamers may not find these keyboards ideal for gaming because of their lack of tactile feedback and slower response times. For more serious gamers, we always recommend a mechanical keyboard if the keyboard is used as an input device to control a character and not only to type messages.
Where can I buy a flexible keyboard?
Below is an affiliate link with Amazon to get a foldable, roll-up, and other flexible keyboards and support Computer Hope. If Amazon isn't available in your area, we also have a link to other places to buy computer parts.