The IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile Keyboard and Mouse Adapter is a compact device designed to take the precision controls of PC gaming and bring them to your mobile device. Plugging in the device should allow you to use your favorite desktop mouse and keyboard – both wireless or wired as long as it has a USB – to get that desktop experience on your phone.
Our review goes over the growth of mobile gaming, an overview of the KeyMander 2 device capabilities, and if it is worth the price. So let’s dive right in.
Mobile gaming has become the driving force behind the rapid growth of the global video gaming market. In 2020, smartphone games accounted for almost 50 percent of video gaming revenue worldwide. Mobile penetration rates, new products releases, and smartphone usage accelerate globally. According to Statista, mobile games revenue is on track to surpass the 100 billion dollar mark by 2023.
Unsurprisingly, this mobile revolution is also significantly transforming the gaming landscape in the United States, one of the largest video game markets worldwide. In 2020, mobile games revenue in the U.S. reached a record 10.73 billion U.S. dollars. Furthermore, thanks to a wave of technological advances, digital innovation, and nationwide lockdowns amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of U.S. mobile video game users is now higher than ever.
New products, like the KeyMander 2 we got our hands on, are changing the way mobile games are consumed and re-defining what it is to be a gamer. Peripherals have always played a big role in your performance, and we are about to see if this device rises up to the challenge.
The keyboard and mouse adapter for mobile devices comes at a reasonably compact size, measuring just 3.6 inches long by 3.1 inches wide by 2.6 inches tall. The unit is also ultra-lightweight, weighing just 7.1 oz.
When you order the device, it comes with an adapter for mobile devices and a USB micro to Type A cord. Along with the standard gear, it also comes with an automatic 2-year warranty. Users do not have to pay extra for the warranty; it comes with a $99.95 price.
The requirements for the device are not too outlandish. First, you will need a controller of some sort, regardless if it’s a PS, Xbox, or Stadia controller. Second, the games you are trying to play must have controller compatibility, which can be tricky as some mobile games don’t allow it. Lastly, users will need to download the KeyMander 2 Mobile App before setting up. The app is free to download on android and IOS.
Some of the main features of the KeyMander are:
KeyMander 2 Mobile can be used with all Apple and select Android devices. This offers mobile gamers the ability to use a keyboard and mouse while gaming on any iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV device. Of course, that also goes for all the latest Apple Arcade games, Google Stadia games, and supported Google Play games.
In addition to bringing you basic keyboard and mouse functionalities, the IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming KeyMander 2 Mobile also features support to iOS Remote Play for Playstation and Xbox games.
The answer would be yes. The KeyMander 2 Mobile would be great for competitive play. Using a keyboard and mouse already gives PC players an advantage over console users. The main difference between playing competitively on PC and the KeyMander is just the screen size and hardware.
With Android tablets and iPads getting more powerful year after year, it would not be a surprise if they could eventually keep up with standard PCs. Of course, adding a mouse and keyboard to that would make them that much better. The only downside would be the battery life, depending on the competitive event.
Do keep in mind that it also depends on the mobile games played. Some tournament organizer will only allow pure setups with no external peripherals allowed, except for headphones.
The KeyMander 2 Mobile is one of the few solutions that will allow players to use a keyboard and mouse with iOS mobile gaming. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of having one.
PROS
- Connecting a keyboard and mouse to mobile games.
- Play mobile games that would benefit from a keyboard and mouse.
- Control your iPad like a computer in Office Mode.
- Great Value
CONS
- You want something slightly more intuitive
- You quickly get frustrated by technology.
Considering how much the KeyMander 2 Mobile costs, it’s definitely worth the investment to improve your gaming experience. We went from Platinum to Ace in PUBG Mobile within two weeks.
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