What is the best external keyboard for the iPhone and iPod touch? Is it even possible to use an external keyboard with these devices?

All modern iPhone and iPod touch models support an external keyboard.

More precisely, all iPhone models starting with the iPhone 3GS and all iPod touch models starting with the iPod touch 3rd Gen -- both released in 2009 -- can support external Bluetooth keyboards.

Although effectively any Bluetooth keyboard will work, including Apple's own Magic Keyboard (available from site sponsor Adorama and elsewhere), and this keyboard is not particularly large.

However, for the iPhone and iPod touch devices, a smaller external keyboard designed to fold is ideal to save space while on the go.

Best External iPhone & iPod touch Keyboards

iPhone and iPod touch compatible keyboards of potential interest include the very compact iClever Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard -- one version of which EveryMac.com has used with a variety of iPhone models for years -- and the larger Plugable Full-Size Folding Bluetooth Keyboard.

Neither iClever nor Plugable sponsor EveryMac.com, but they really should.

iClever Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

Photo Credit: iClever (Portable Folding Keyboard)

The iClever Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard is a tri-fold design so it is particularly compact and it does not have gaps between the keys. Keys are of uniform size, roughly 90% the size of the keys on a MacBook keyboard, and the device is made of high quality aluminum, which gives it a relatively sturdy feel for a folding keyboard.

iClever also has a newer model with a touchpad.

If you don't want to just reach up and touch the iPhone screen, a foldable keyboard with a touchpad could be worth considering.

Plugable Full-Size Folding Bluetooth Keyboard

Photo Credit: Plugable (Full-Size Folding Bluetooth Keyboard)

This Plugable Full-Size Folding Bluetooth Keyboard is physically larger than earlier iClever options, but because it has essentially full size tab, caps lock, and shift keys on both sides, it likely will make it a bit faster for you to type.

Although the super compact size is ideal, we always have found that it requires a bit of adjustment going from a standard notebook computer to using an iClever keyboard, and the Plugable could be more seamless of an experience for you if you don't mind the still modest extra bulk. The Plugable cover also doubles as a stand for the iPhone, which is convenient.

iPhone & iPod touch External Keyboard Experiences

The only real downside to typing on this kind of external keyboard paired with your iPhone is that it requires a separate stand. Otherwise, you will have to place the iPhone flat on a desk or table and stare down at it, which we always found awkward.

These days, foldable keyboards just about all tend to be bundled with an external stand. Based on personal experience, though, after carrying an external stand alongside the foldable keyboard -- as well as other keyboards that were larger and had a built-in stand or case -- we switched to using an iPhone case with a small flip-out "leg" to keep the mobile upright when placed in landscape position.

This arrangement can provide the best of both worlds, an external keyboard for faster typing and very little to carry. The iPhone and any of these external keyboards should slip into just about any bag or even the interior pocket of many coats.

iPhone & iPod touch External Keyboard Summary

Regardless of which keyboard you choose, if you haven't used your iPhone or iPod touch with an external keyboard, give it a try. For those who still value the written word, an external keyboard definitely can make you more productive while on the go than just typing with the onscreen keyboard.