I found the most portable keyboard and mouse combo for traveling – and the battery life is fantastic

There is no shortage of wireless keyboards, portable monitors, and laptop mounts on the market. Remote work demands new use cases from tech to get our work done, and like anything else, customization is key. 

To that end, what sets one product apart from another are the small details that make them not only valuable, but integral to your workflow. I’ve been using ProtoArc’s CaseUp keyboard, mouse, and laptop stand combo for the past month or so, and it’s become a standard for my remote work setup for a few reasons.

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First and foremost is the ease in use. Every time I’ve used this wireless keyboard, it connects instantly to my laptop with no re-pairing or fiddling with settings. Same for the mouse. Because both devices have a clear “1” and “2” channel Bluetooth designation, there haven’t been any issues in connecting quickly and efficiently each time I bust them out. 

Second is the ease in transport. The CaseUp combo includes its wireless portable keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a laptop stand in one carrying case for $99, and it’s one of the best bundles to commute with that I’ve used. 

Personally, I’m a full keyboard kind of guy, so any chance to connect to a larger board is a welcome upgrade. ProtoArc’s Bluetooth keyboard is full-sized at 15.2 inches long, but has a tri-fold design that folds up for easy transport. For comparison, Apple’s full-sized Magic Keyboard is 16.48 inches. 

When it’s on the desk, it lays completely flat, doesn’t move around, and feels great to type on. We’re not talking premium mechanical board key travel here, but the 0.63-inch key travel feels better for a portable keyboard than you might expect. The scissor switches are responsive and snappy, and the keys are spacious. 

Similarly, the mouse is a simple, practical shape similar to Incase’s Modern Mobile Mouse with an utterly silent click and a grooved metal scroll wheel. 

Both the mouse and keyboard are rechargeable, with 300 mAh and 210 mAh lithium polymer batteries that have good enough capacity to where you only need to worry about it once in a while. ProtoArc cites up to six months of battery life in the mouse, for example. 

Neither of them have yet to die on me, I just plug them into the included USB-C port every once in a while when convenient. Regarding connectivity, the first time I used the keyboard, it connected automatically to my laptop. The mouse comes with a USB-A dongle or can also connect via Bluetooth. 

I’ve been using this trio of products for about a month now, and it makes the most sense when I need to maximize productivity but have a little bit of extra space for the full-sized keyboard and mouse. For example, a hotel or Airbnb, or if you’re just working from the kitchen table. 

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Elevating your laptop with the stand goes a long way toward a more ergonomic work setup, as there’s no reason to be huddled over a trackpad and display for the full workday in 2025.

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re looking for a wireless keyboard, ProtoArc’s tri-fold design fully extends into a full-sized keyboard, and has comfortable key travel that lasts for months on a full charge. The CaseUp Combo bundles the mouse, laptop stand, and extra cable in a sleek carrying case that makes the most sense for commuting, as it takes up hardly any room in your bag but contributes greatly toward a portable, ergonomic work station.