Tech21 Evo Type Adds a Keyboard to Your Pixel 3 XL

The Tech21 Evo Type is a protective case that includes a wireless keyboard so that you can more easily type longer documents on your or Pixel 3 XL.

Tech21 makes some of our favorite protective cases, and this new option is an exciting one for mobile professionals that need to squeeze out more productivity from their phone.

The keyboard is built into the folio cover and it wirelessly connects to the Pixel 3 XL so that you can start typing longer documents and emails on the go without resorting to a tablet or laptop. It pairs with an NFC connection and the case includes a stand that will help you find the right typing position. The case and the keyboard are made from soft touch fabric.

For now this is only available on the Pixel 3 XL, but there is a chance that we could see it come to the iPhone with a Bluetooth connection in the future if it proves successful enough for Tech21.

We had a chance to test out the Evo Type with the Pixel 3 XL and found that while it can be challenging to type on a smaller keyboard, it did help speed up our typing on the Pixel 3 XL. We’ve been using keyboards of all sizes with phones and with small tablets like the iPad Mini for years, so adapting to this size isn’t hard, and with bigger and bigger phones it makes sense.

The keys are touch sensitive, but they aren’t tactile, so there is no movement to them. This makes for a learning curve, but it’s faster than typing on the screen with a traditional keyboard.

Tech21 also announced the Charge Pod alongside this keyboard. The Charge Pod is a portable wireless charger with a 5,000mAh battery that charges with a USB C connection. LEDs show you how much power is left and it is made with a textured surface so that it is easy to hold and rubberized grips so it stays in place on a table. It automatically detects the right amount of power to send to your device. Tech21 will offer the Charge Pod with sleeve and wallet options. Your phone slides inside the Charge Pod and stays in place in a bag, or you can use the wallet option as a wireless charger clutch.