M: I have an infrared folding keyboard from Belkin, at LEAST 12 years old, I used it with a pocket PC, it has a hard case and I think also had palm pilot interface capability. … I finally found the model number, F 8U 1500 – E . That was going to be my first question. The second question, which is now the first question, is: I like the key set up and action on this keyboard. What would you call that style, and are there any similar models out there, in terms of the tactile feel of the keys. I did a five minute scan of Amazon, and while I can find quite a few similar items for modern equipment, the only things I can certainly define our keyboards which are more of a button feel, without the physical resistance that I liked in the old keyboard.
G: TLDR: The Belkin F8U1500-E uses a laptop-style scissor switch mechanism, likely with moderate key travel and tactile feedback, designed for ultra-portables. Modern keyboards with a similar feel are rare in foldable designs, but some compact scissor-switch or low-profile mechanical keyboards come close.
What to call that style:
The Belkin F8U1500-E likely used scissor-switch keys
(also called chiclet or island-style
keys in some contexts). These are shallow but have a defined
tactile bump and are quieter and softer than mechanical
switches. The key feel was common in older laptop keyboards and high-end
PDA accessories from that era.
Modern alternatives with similar key feel:
If you want something close in feel but more compatible with modern devices:
Keychron K3 / K7 (low-profile mechanical) – These are compact Bluetooth keyboards with low-profile tactile mechanical switches. They have a more distinct press than today's mushy buttons but are still compact.
Logitech K380 – A compact scissor-switch keyboard, very portable. Not foldable, but has a soft but clear key response, closer to your Belkin than most rubber-dome models.
iClever BK06 / BK08 – These are modern folding Bluetooth keyboards. Still more on the "buttony" side, but slightly better than the ultra-cheap ones. They’re probably the closest form factor match.
Tips to filter Amazon/Ebay:
If you want, I can recommend a model based on what you care about more—feel, foldability, Bluetooth, etc.
M: I’m seeing possible items from Samsers, Protable, and Protoarc. However, I’ve never heard of them, or iclever for that matter. Can you tell me how… Reliable? These companies are? Like, have they been around long, are they just Chinese fronts for cheap merchandise, or…? Because I noticed at least one of them did not have a very professional (or even spellchecked) description.
G: You're right to be skeptical—many of these brands (Samsers, Protoarc, Protable, iClever) fall into a common category: off-brand Chinese OEMs that repackage and rebadge generic products for Amazon and similar sites. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Brand | Reputation | Longevity | Worth Risking? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iClever | Decent budget | 8+ years | Yes (with caution) | Best of this group |
| Protoarc | Mid-tier new player | ~3–5 years | Maybe | Slightly better build than Samsers |
| Samsers | Budget import-tier | 3–5 years | Only if cheap | Inconsistent quality |
| Protable | No real footprint | Unknown | No | Probably re-badged junk |
If you're looking for reliability and key feel over portability, you might be better off skipping folding designs and going for a solid compact scissor or low-profile mechanical model from Keychron, Logitech, or even a used Microsoft Wedge or ThinkPad Bluetooth keyboard.
Want me to recommend something that feels good but still travels reasonably well, even if it’s not folding?
M: The folding is a concern because it fits well in a smaller backpack pocket, where I can charge it up and then have it in case I need it for a week or two. Importantly, although I’m not particularly rough with my items, life is unpredictable;the old keyboard I have survived a couple unexpected leaks or impacts specifically because it had a hard case.
G: Got it—your ideal keyboard is:
This narrows things quite a bit. Here's how your current options stack up, with attention to both key feel and survivability:
If you can’t find a foldable with the right tactile feel, consider getting:
Want me to pick a specific Amazon link or cross-reference models with hard shell case listings for current availability?
M: No, I can do that. Now we’re getting into specifics where asking you is counterproductive to actually making a decision. Although the sleeve idea isn’t a bad one. I’d have to persuade myself though; I grew up with Transformers, I like the idea of self contained single items; and in the same vein, I know that anything that can be removed Has a decent chance to get lost or misplaced. Like I do have a compact keyboard right now. At least two of the peas have fallen off – not in a way that couldn’t be replaced with no harm no foul, but when I tried using it in a hurry, I was sitting there with a gap while trying to type in dim lighting, enough that it threw me off
G: That makes total sense. The Transformers mindset—compact, self-contained, ready-for-anything—actually nails why the Belkin worked so well. It wasn’t just about folding; it was a single reliable object that packed down cleanly and didn’t shed parts like a busted laptop.
Your keyboard losing keycaps in a rush basically disqualifies it. It’s not just about typing feel—it's a tool you can trust under pressure, not something you have to baby.
So yeah, sleeves or cases feel like a compromise only if the keyboard itself isn’t built to handle life. And anything that becomes a two-part system (keyboard + case) starts to drift away from that solid “grab-and-go” reliability.
If you find a modern keyboard that’s “close enough” in feel and folds up into a hard-bodied unit like your old Belkin, that’s your best match. If not, the best fallback is something unibody and rugged, even if it doesn’t fold—just so long as you don’t need to track pieces.
Want me to draft a checklist or short "if-then" guide to help you filter candidates while browsing, or are you good from here?