Calling the Lenovo Legion Go a hand-held gaming device (even though that's literally what it is) undermines its full capacity and potential. A more accurate description would be a hand-held computer designed specifically for gaming, and while most of what you will do with a Legion Go is gaming, you can do so much more with it. Many people have (and are still) using it as a viable PC replacement to perform a variety of tasks like preparing a document, editing videos, and even writing code. You can even use it for graphics design, but the hardware may struggle with complex, demanding renders. One accessory that can enhance your Legion Go experience from gaming to a full-fledged, hand-held PC (to an extent) is a Legion Go Controller Keyboard Legion Go Controller Keyboard Connector, which allows you to connect a keyboard to it.
The Accessory
The first thing to understand about this accessory is that the Legion Go Keyboard Connector itself is just a rectangular plastic frame that you can attach your Lenovo Go controllers to, turning them into a classic gamepad with no control elements in the middle. But this accessory is designed to seamlessly fit a Rii Mini Keyboard in between the controllers. The keyboard can be connected to the hand-held via Bluetooth, and while the dimensions are not comfortable compared to a full-scale keyboard, it's far more robust than the on-screen keyboard.
The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful
Apart from the robustness of a physical keyboard, there are other benefits of the controller and keyboard (that can slide into it) combo:
It allows you to type in and control the device from a distance and far more comprehensively than the default controllers allow you to do. This is an improvement from a gaming perspective, but even more so when you are using a hand-held computer.
The dimensions of the connector and the keyboard make it easy to use with just your thumbs. The keyboard is 4.2 inches by 2.3 inches in size. There is also the size. The connector, keyboard, and controller combined weigh far less than Legion Go (with or without controllers), making the experience more comfortable.
The build of the keyboard is quite decent. The way the keys feel when you press (the so-called tactical feedback) them and their responsiveness are amazing, and there is no noticeable latency, which can be an issue when gaming. The battery life is good as well, and with moderate use, you can go for several days between two charges (especially if you turn it off when you are not using it).
The physical arrangement of the keyboard and the controller (via the connector) allows for a relatively easy transition between typing/using the keyboard and the trackpad on the right-side controller. This makes the experience of using the hand-held computer quite cozy.
Another great thing about this accessory collectively is that both the connector and the keyboard are likely to cost you less than $50 (based on the current prices - without shipment costs included).
One not-so-flattering thing about it:
If the keyboard is placed dead-center over the controller (there is very little room to push it on either side anyway), the chances of your hand slipping from the right analog trigger to the keyboard and hitting some keys are quite high. Since the controller came first, the onus of resolving this issue falls on the manufacturers of the connector, but if Lenovo ends up changing the placement (farther away from the edge) of the trigger on the controller (for any reason), the problem will be resolved or at least mitigated.
As for the looks, it actually looks quite beautiful. When the controllers are attached, they give off strong Batarang vibes, particularly the ones from Batman Beyond and Batman Forever. But that beauty mostly comes from the controllers themselves, and the connector (and keyboard) completes the look. However, you can significantly undermine this aesthetic by going for a color other than black.
Gaming Experience
The accessory enhances the gaming experience in two significant ways. The first is that it may allow you to play a wider range of computer games, i.e., the ones that may require a keyboard for a more comprehensive/convenient gaming experience. It’s not the only way to connect a keyboard to a Legion Go, but it's one of the least power-draining and compact options available. The second way this enhances your gaming experience is by turning your hand-held controllers into a classic gamepad. For gamers who grew up with classic consoles and wired controllers, this is both nostalgic and something familiar/comfortable from a biomechanical perspective.
PC-Alternative
The accessory is a "game-changer" when it comes to the usability/use cases of Legion Go because even though it's not the only accessory (or set of accessories) that allows you to use the hand-held as a computer, it allows you to do so without compromising its mobility and compactness. You need minimal space to store (and minimal effort to carry) the connectors and keyboard along with your Legion Go, and it will allow you to not just game but also get some work done if you are on the move. A Legion Go is far more compact than a laptop, adequately powerful for most computing tasks (since it's originally designed for gaming), and will likely last longer than a laptop on a single charge. So, with this accessory, you can easily use Legion Go as a PC and even as a laptop alternative.
Final Words
Whether you use your Legion Go exclusively for gaming or as a PC alternative, the accessory is worth considering. But it's also important to take its limitations, gaming style and uses into account. Some coders might prefer larger keyboards, while many gamers interested in turning their controllers into gamepads may look for an accessory with a smaller length (less space between left and right controllers) that may help them achieve better results. However, we believe that this accessory offers a compelling blend of quality, convenience, usability, and cost, making it a viable choice for a wide range of users.
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