KeyMander 2 Mobile Review

Mobile gaming has never been easier. Whether you’re into native Android and iOS gaming or emulation, there are tons of games to play on the go. Playing on your phone or tablet is a breeze thanks to ultra-powerful gaming phones and tablets. But typically, you’re relegated to using touchscreen controls or a gamepad. Many PC players prefer using a keyboard and mouse. Enter the KeyMander 2 Mobile, a neat little device that lets you play mobile games with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen or game controller. But should you get one? Find out in our hands-on IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile review!

IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile Keyboard/Mouse Adapter for Mobile Devices Overview

The IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile is a neat little device. It’s a keyboard/mouse adapter for iOS, Android, and Apple TV that provides a means of playing games optimized for a game controller with a keyboard and mouse instead. IOGEAR’s KeyMander 2 Mobile is effectively a docking station with USB ports for a keyboard, mouse, and game controller.

There’s a mobile app for iOS, Android, and tvOS. Once installed, it syncs with the KeyMander 2, letting you access different game profiles or customize your own. Popular mobile titles such as Fortnite and Call of Duty Mobile get their own profiles. The KeyMander 2 Mobile requires a compatible iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Android device. Additionally, you’ll need a keyboard, mouse, and a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller.

KeyMander 2 Mobile Specs

• Docking station for Android, iOS, and tvOS (compatible with iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Android)
• 3x USB ports: 1x for keyboard, 1x for mouse, 1x for game controller
• Supports thousands of mobile games and cloud gaming services
• Connects with K2 Mobile app for iOS and Android
• Compatible with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers

KeyMander 2 Mobile Review Verdict

The KeyMander 2 Mobile is a unique little gadget. The keyboard/mouse adapter lets you plug in a keyboard, mouse, and game controller. Then, by wirelessly interfacing with the K2 Mobile companion app, the KeyMander Mobile maps gamepad controls to a mouse and keyboard. You can download different profiles for select games like Fortnite or Call of Duty Mobile. But generic control mapping works great too.

Set up is fairly straightforward. Simply download the K2 Mobile Game Dock App (IOGEAR also offers the K2 App for KeyMander 2 and the IOGEAR KeyMander App for Android, so make sure to download the correct app). Then, walk through the setup process which includes plugging in your peripherals, syncing the dock, and connecting to the gamepad.

While I regularly enjoy mobile gaming with my Flydigi Apex 2 controller, it was a real treat to be able to play mobile games using a keyboard and mouse for a more traditional PC-like experience. Especially in first-person shooters (FPSes), I appreciated the increased accuracy afforded by a keyboard/mouse configuration.

In my testing, both native Android games and cloud gaming services worked flawlessly. I fired up some Max Payne mobile and the KeyMander offered seamless keyboard/mouse control. Similarly, Grand Theft Auto III worked like a champ with the KeyMander docking station. Aside from native Android games, I tested the KeyMander 2 Mobile with cloud game streaming services. Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud with Game Pass all worked perfectly out-of-the-box. Although I wasn’t able to test with iOS or tvOS, Android performance was great, and I’d imagine using the KeyMander 2 Mobile with an iPhone or Apple TV would work just fine.

Although there are game profiles, there aren’t a ton, at least for Android. I was able to download profiles for Call of Duty Mobile and Fortnite, but that was it. On iOS, you’ve got a lot more options including Modern Combat 5, Dead Trigger 2, and Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. Selecting different operating systems (OSes) and controllers (PS4 and Xbox One) gives you various profiles. A few more Android profiles would have been nice, but the generic control mapping works well and is easy to customize.

While the KeyMander 2 requires a PS4 or Xbox One controller, you’ll need a specific version, the Xbox One controller model 1708. Microsoft launched the 1708 in 2016 alongside the Xbox One S console, and the 1708 added Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, the newer 1797 and 1914 controllers, despite having Bluetooth connectivity, won’t work. My understanding is that it’s an issue with the 1797 and 1904 firmware. Theoretically, this could be patched by IOGEAR, but you’re better off just using a 1708 or Sony PlayStation DualShock 4.

Despite the lack of Android game profiles and controller limitations, the KeyMander 2 Mobile is a fantastic device that fulfills a great niche. It lets hardcore gamers play mobile video games with increased accuracy and a PC-esque experience. Since my Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone even sports video output capabilities via USB-C, I was able to play mobile games on my TV and projector with a keyboard and mouse.

While gaming is the highlight, the KeyMander 2 Mobile boasts an office mode. Using the office mode, you can effectively use your phone or tablet as a laptop. It’s a neat concept that works well, although it’s not quite as refined as, say Samsung’s DeX desktop experience mode. Still, it’s a nice touch making the KeyMander 2 versatile.

IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile Design and Build

The KeyMander 2 Mobile is a small docking station. It comes in light gray with green accents. Though the KeyMander 2 syncs wirelessly with Android and iOS devices, it features a translucent plastic stand that juts out at an angle to hold phones or tablets.

On the right-hand side of the unit, you’ll find a USB Type-A port labeled with a game controller icon. This lets you plug in a PS4 or Xbox One controller using the supplied micro USB cable.

Around back, you’ll find a pair of USB Type-A hosts. One is labeled with a keyboard icon, the other with a mouse graphic. There’s also a hardwired USB cord running out from the back of the device which you’ll use for powering on the KeyMander 2.

KeyMander 2 Mobile Set Up and Installation

Set up and installation is fairly straightforward. To get started with the KeyMander 2 Mobile:

1. Download the K2 Mobile app
2. Plug your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, gamepad) into the appropriately labeled USB ports
3. Connect the KeyMander 2 Mobile’s USB cable to a USB power brick
4. Pair your mobile device with the KeyMander dock
5. Connect with your PS4 or Xbox controller
6. Fire up the K2 Mobile app
7. Follow the on-screen setup instructions
8. Start gaming!

I did run into a few issues. First, I downloaded the wrong app because I wasn’t paying attention (user error, I know). Second, I tried to use a third-party Xbox One game controller. In theory, a generic Xbox One-compatible gamepad should work just fine. However, since the KeyMander Mobile relies on a controller for keyboard/mouse mapping, you’ll need to connect properly. Luckily, I did have a spare Xbox One model 1708 gamepad lying around which worked flawlessly when plugged in.

IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile App Experience

The K2 Mobile app is incredibly intuitive, yet offers robust customization options. Selecting the generic Android/Xbox profile, I was able to toggle on various settings such as turbo, macro, and even set the mouse DPI.

Additionally, I could easily set the X and Y axis sensitivity, activate turn assist, and map keyboard/mouse buttons to corresponding gamepad buttons. If you just want to fire up a game and start playing quickly, that’s totally possible. Or, you can dig into the controls and completely tailor your experience from button mapping to mouse DPI and X/Y axis sensitivity.

Should You Get the KeyMander 2 Mobile – Who is the IOGEAR KeyMander for?

The KeyMander 2 Mobile is a great choice for any mobile gamers. However, it’s ideal for hardcore gamers. Because the KeyMander 2 lets you play Android and iOS titles with a keyboard and mouse, it lends a PC-type experience with mobile games. Most casual gamers will be content with playing Fortnite or Call of Duty Mobile using a gamepad such as the Flydigi Apex 2, Razer Kishi, or GameSir X2.

Therefore, the IOGEAR KeyMander Mobile is best for intermediate and hardcore players. It’s especially immersive if your phone or tablet sports a video output. I was able to play mobile games on my TV and projector using my Samsung Galaxy S9+’s USB-C to HDMI video out capabilities. This produced a console or desktop/laptop sort of experience. If you want to game with improved accuracy and enjoy a PC feel with Android or iOS games, the KeyMander 2 Mobile is a fantastic choice.

Who should get the KeyMander 2 Mobile: Anyone looking for a PC experience with mobile games (and especially hardcore gamers)

IOGEAR KeyMander 2 Mobile Keyboard/Mouse Adapter for Android and iOS Review – Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to like about the KeyMander 2 Mobile. It’s a pretty unique little device that lets you bring your A-game for mobile titles. Even Android and iOS games have become more competitive, and the KeyMander 2 Mobile affords you better accuracy in FPS games, plus a PC vibe with mobile titles. Set up is simple, good compatibility with an array of different games and cloud gaming services, plus loads of customization options for button mappint, mouse sensitivity, and more. The required Xbox One model 1708 or PlayStation 4 controller is a bit of a challente – not only do you need a gamepad connected, but you’ll require a specific version of one. Android users may be a bit disappointed by the lack of pre-set game profiles. Nevertheless, the KeyMander 2 Mobile is an awesome gadget that lets you transform your phone or tablet into a PC for serious gaming.