If you follow my blog, you’re probably already familiar with Bigme. They specialize in e-ink devices, including tablets, readers, computers, and phones. However, they also produce accessories, and today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on two of their latest products: wireless microphones and a foldable Bluetooth keyboard.
Let’s start with the wireless microphones. Right now, I’m actually using one of them to record this very video. You may notice that the audio quality differs from my usual videos. That’s because these microphones offer a unique experience, and I want to share my impressions.
This particular set includes two clip-on microphones and one receiver. Each microphone runs on its own battery and connects to the receiver via a proprietary wireless protocol, not Bluetooth. This is a significant advantage because Bluetooth often degrades audio quality. The downside? These microphones won’t work without the receiver, but that receiver ensures stable, high-quality sound transmission.
The mics have an impressive range of up to 50 meters with only 25 milliseconds of latency—more than enough for most uses. But why two microphones, you might wonder? The second mic acts as a backup in case the first one runs out of power. Speaking of battery life, you can expect around 6 hours of use on a full charge.
While these microphones have a USB-C port for charging, there’s a catch: they stop working while charging. So, if you need to continue using them, you’ll have to wait until they’re charged. Another interesting feature is the three-point connector, which I assume is for charging cradles—although I don’t have one of those for testing.
Dual microphones are especially useful for recording two audio sources, such as during an interview. You can easily clip the microphones to yourself and your interviewee. They are lightweight and compact, and each mic has a single button for control, with different LED indicators: red means charging, green means working, and blue means the noise reduction feature is off.
Speaking of noise reduction, I tested the feature in this recording. Let me show you the difference. I’ll switch it on now and continue speaking. [The audio changes.] As you can hear, noise cancellation does affect the sound quality, but personally, I prefer the microphone without it. The main issue I encountered was some electronic noise from the microphones, which seems to come from either the receiver or the mics themselves.
While these mics have a USB-C charging port, they can’t be used as wired microphones. Also, they record in mono, which means both mics feed the same audio track—this limits flexibility in editing. If the mics recorded separately (one to the left track and one to the right), you could adjust individual volumes more easily in post-production.
On the positive side, the wireless microphones are perfect for content creators, especially when recording interviews or podcasts. The sound quality is much better than a typical headset, and the noise reduction (when used properly) does improve the recording in noisy environments.
Bigme Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard: The Travel-Friendly Option
Now, let’s talk about the second item in this bundle—the foldable Bluetooth keyboard. I already own a few portable keyboards, and I was curious to see how Bigme’s offering stacks up against the competition.
Comparing it to a similar foldable Bluetooth keyboard I own, the Bigme model is very compact and sleek. Unlike my old keyboard, which folds into three parts, the Bigme one folds into two halves. The foldable design makes it more space-efficient, perfect for travel or when you’re working on the go. However, unlike my older model, this keyboard doesn’t include a touchpad, which means you’ll need to rely on your device’s touchscreen for navigation.
One of the highlights of the Bigme keyboard is its use of USB-C for charging, a much more modern connection compared to the older micro-USB standard. On a full charge, you can expect around 40 hours of use, and you can continue using the keyboard while charging. It’s not wired, so you’ll need to rely on Bluetooth, which works well as long as the device you’re using supports it.
The keyboard itself features low-profile keys, similar to what you’d find on many laptops. While I do miss a dedicated function key row (since I use those keys frequently), this keyboard is designed mainly for tablets and phones, where space is at a premium. One important note: these keyboards need to be used on a flat surface. They’re not the most comfortable to use on your lap, but on a desk or table, the key travel is quite nice.
A downside I’ve experienced with other portable keyboards is that some of the keys, particularly in the center, don’t always register. Thankfully, this isn’t an issue with the Bigme keyboard.
However, there is one problem I encountered that might affect users who frequently use multiple input languages or keyboard layouts. When using the Gboard app on Android, I found that the default shortcut for switching languages was different from what I expected. The Gboard cheat sheet suggests using the “Looking Glass” button with the space bar, but this keyboard doesn’t have that button. To switch languages, you’ll need to press “FN” and then one of the other buttons. It’s a small issue, but something to be aware of.
One of my biggest complaints, though, is the lack of a wired mode. When troubleshooting or using a keyboard before the operating system has fully loaded, a wired connection is usually essential. Unfortunately, the Bigme keyboard only works via Bluetooth.
Final Thoughts: A Solid, Budget-Friendly Bundle
In conclusion, both the Bigme wireless microphones and the foldable Bluetooth keyboard are solid, budget-friendly options for content creators and travelers. The microphones are especially useful for recording interviews, podcasts, or any situation where you need quality wireless sound. They’re not without their drawbacks—mainly the charging limitations and electronic noise—but overall, they offer great value.
The foldable Bluetooth keyboard is a fantastic portable option for tablet users who want a physical keyboard. It’s compact, comfortable to use, and charges via USB-C. However, if you often need a wired connection or use function keys regularly, this might not be the ideal keyboard for you.
Both products deliver quality at an affordable price, making them worth considering if you’re in the market for wireless microphones or a portable keyboard.