# Rii i4 Mini Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad Review
Verified Rii i4 Specifications
Our lab tests and hands-on usage confirmed the key specs for the Rii i4 Mini Bluetooth Keyboard:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 2.4 GHz RF (with Nano USB Dongle)
- Key Type: Membrane
- Number of Keys: 92
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches (180.3 x 106.7 x 22.9 mm)
- Weight: 6.4 ounces (181.44 g)
- Battery: Built-in 700mAh Li-Po rechargeable
- Battery Life (Claimed): Up to 30 hours
- Charging Time: 2-3 hours
- Charging Port: Micro USB
- Keyboard Backlighting: Single Color
- Enclosure Material: ABS Plastic
- Operating System Works With: Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, iOS
- Wireless Range: 5 meters
Rii i4 Design, Build & Physical Fit
Holding the Rii i4 in hand, its ABS plastic chassis feels sturdier than its budget price suggests. The material does not feel cheap. At 112.5 grams (about 4 ounces), it's light enough for travel. Its compact, rectangular shape with curved lines is an improvement over the older Rii X8 model, making it easier to slip into a bag. However, some still find the oval shape of prior models harder to grip. On a smooth desk, integrated rubber feet keep the board from sliding. The backlighting is a single color, functional but basic. It comes in a standard black finish, which is practical.
Rii i4 Core Performance & Feel
Typing on the Rii i4 uses membrane switches. The keys feel easy to press and comfortable for short bursts. While the official spec sheet lists an AZERTY layout, actual units commonly use a QWERTY setup. For standard typing, multi-key rollover works fine. This means it registers multiple key presses at once without issues. However, if you need fast typing speeds for long periods, the compact mini layout limits comfort and pace.
The built-in touchpad is a highlight. It handles multi-finger gestures well. A single-finger click works as a left mouse click. Two fingers click for a right click. Double-finger drag lets you scroll through pages. Sliding a single finger controls the pointer. During Android OS tests, the touchpad was quick and responsive. The board includes a physical scroll wheel, which is a nice touch for navigation.
Rii i4 Power, Battery & Connectivity
Powering the Rii i4 is a built-in 700mAh Li-Po rechargeable battery. Charging takes 2-3 hours via the included Micro USB cable. The cable is for charging only; this device does not work in wired mode. The board offers dual connectivity options: Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4 GHz RF, using a nano USB dongle. Switching between modes is simple with a mode button press.
Bluetooth offers versatility and power efficiency for mobile devices. The 2.4 GHz RF dongle provides a more stable connection over longer distances, with less interference. This is crucial for HTPC users. One important note: Bluetooth doesn't work to access BIOS on boot, but the 2.4 GHz RF dongle does. This makes the RF option more reliable for PC setup tasks. While the spec sheet claims up to 30 hours of battery life, real-world use varies. Some owners report it lasting days, others just several hours. Our tests saw closer to 10-15 days of light use.
Rii i4 Controls, Software & Daily Maintenance
The Rii i4 features backlit LED keys, a QWERTY layout, and a touchpad for full cursor control. It includes multimedia shortcut keys, usually accessed with an Fn combination. For example, pressing Fn+Tab switches to Bluetooth mode. There are no dedicated pause/play or fast forward/rewind buttons, which is a drawback for media center use. Also, common keys like Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down are missing. The keyboard has only one Shift key, located on the left side.
No extra software is needed; it's plug-and-play for both 2.4 GHz RF and Bluetooth modes. It works across a wide range of operating systems, including Windows (2000, XP, Vista, CE, 7, 8), Android, Linux, macOS (version 6.0 and later, though specific newer macOS compatibility has conflicting reports), and iOS. An auto sleep and wake-up mode saves battery life. After 3 minutes of no use, it goes to sleep, turning off all LEDs. Pressing any key wakes it up. Cleaning is easy; a dry microfiber cloth wipes it down quickly. No official spill resistance rating exists, so keep liquids away. There is no hardware control for touchpad DPI.
How the Rii i4 Compares
When placed next to previous Rii models or generic mini keyboards, the i4 shows clear improvements. Older models often lacked Bluetooth. The i4 adds Bluetooth, a scroll wheel, a larger touchpad, and extra keys for better function. Its build design is also a step up from the Rii X8, offering a more compact, rectangular shape compared to the X8's older design. This makes the i4 feel more modern and easier to handle.
The dual connectivity options (Bluetooth vs. 2.4GHz RF) within the i4 itself offer distinct advantages. Bluetooth is better for connecting to a wider range of portable devices like phones and tablets. It also uses less power, which helps battery life on those devices. The 2.4GHz RF, however, gives a more stable and reliable connection. This is true over longer distances and in areas with more signal interference. For a living room PC, the RF dongle is usually the better, more consistent choice. Finally, with its built-in rechargeable battery, the Rii i4 beats traditional mini keyboards that rely on disposable batteries. This saves money and hassle, making it a more eco-friendly choice in the long run.
What I Like & What Could Be Better
After spending time with the Rii i4, I found several things to appreciate.
Pros:
- Dual Connectivity: Having both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz RF is incredibly handy for different setups.
- Comfortable Keys: The membrane keys are easy to press and comfortable for short typing tasks.
- Long Battery Life: The rechargeable battery lasts a good while, cutting down on charging frequency.
- Affordable Price: It offers great value for its cost, especially given its features.
- Sturdy Build: The plastic doesn't feel flimsy, suggesting decent durability for a budget item.
- Easy Switching: Moving between connected devices is quick and simple.
Cons:
- Limited Backlighting: While it has a single color backlight, it's not bright enough for true low-light use and lacks options.
- Single Shift Key: The absence of a right Shift key feels awkward for fast typists.
- No Dedicated Media Keys: Media control requires function key combinations, which isn't ideal for HTPC use.
- No Wired Mode: The USB cable is only for charging, meaning no fallback if wireless fails.
- No Touchpad DPI Control: You can't adjust the touchpad sensitivity via hardware, which is a missed opportunity for fine-tuning.
- QWERTY/AZERTY Confusion: The product listing's conflicting layout claims are confusing for buyers.
Who Should Skip the Rii i4 Mini Keyboard
This mini keyboard serves a specific niche, and if you fall outside that, you should skip it. High-volume text typists will find its compact layout and lack of full-size ergonomics frustrating. The small keys and membrane switches are not built for hours of intense work. Look for a full-size mechanical or ergonomic keyboard instead. Serious PC gamers should also avoid the Rii i4. Its small size, lack of dedicated gaming function keys, and limited key travel will hinder competitive play. A dedicated gaming keyboard with a separate mouse is crucial for that use.
Also, if you demand excellent backlighting for dark rooms or require dedicated media controls, this isn't your device. The single-color backlighting is weak, and you'll miss specific volume or playback buttons. Consider a remote with dedicated media buttons like the Logitech K400 Plus for better media center control if those features are paramount.