Thanko USB Folding Keyboard Can Compact Into Your Pocket

Having a full-size keyboard is always convenient. Carrying one, however, is far from it. Not if you have the Thanko USB Folding Keyboard, a full-sized PC peripheral that folds into a case that can fit in your pocket.

Perfect for netbook users who find the compact keyboard a bit too cramped for comfort, the accessory closes up into a 3.6 x 5.1 x 0.8 inch slab. Lightweight at only 8 ounces, you don’t even need extra space in the bag. Just slip it into an empty pocket in either your jeans or jacket, and you’re good to go, typing up your documents in comfort, while everyone slaves at tiny keys on the road.

The Thanko USB Folding Keyboard measures 13.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches when unfolded. It has a complete set of keys, with full-sized travel between each (19mm from the middle of one key to the next). Both Windows and Mac operating systems are supported. Given recent news that the iPad supports USB keyboards (with one of those USB add-ons), it should work with Apple’s latest gizmo too.

Speaking of tablets, this peripheral is likely to come very handy when the army of upcoming Windows, Android and whatever other tablets rain down upon us in the coming months. No matter how much you love multi-touch, after all, an onscreen keyboard is still way worse than a netbook’s keyboard.  Bar none.

Unfortunately, it appears the Thanko USB Folding Keyboard is currently available only in Japan. Expect your favorite online importers to have it in their roster soon, though.

[Thanko via Gizmag]