How to Choose an iPad Keyboard Case

Apple ushered in the era of the tablet with the introduction of the iPad. But not all users like the on-screen keyboard, and that's where a keyboard case comes in handy.
Image courtesy of Apple

It seems like Apple is always promising to revolutionize technology with the "next big thing." With the iPad, Apple ushered in the era of the tablet computer. Who knows, in five to 10 years, maybe traditional laptops and PCs will be a thing of the past, largely replaced by the tablet. But until then, there will always be some who would rather use a traditional keyboard -- even with that shiny new iPad. Luckily for them, a number of third-party accessories have been released to help iPad owners who prefer that familiar clack of keys when typing on their devices.

That's where the iPad keyboard case comes in -- they combine the versatility of an iPad with the utility of a traditional laptop. There are plenty of cases and stands to protect the iPad and let you position it upright on a table so you don't have to hold it in your lap. But what makes keyboard cases different is they include a wireless Bluetooth keyboard that syncs up with the iPad.

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Keyboard cases bridge some of the gap between tablet and laptop, making it easier to use the iPad for e-mails, word processing and other less casual tasks that can be made difficult by the iPad's on-screen keyboard. Instead of taking your iPad and your laptop with you everywhere you go, keyboard cases can allow you to leave the laptop at home and get that much closer to the dream of having one do-it-all electronic device.

Keyboard cases are reasonably affordable. When they first hit the market, list prices were in the $100 to $150 range [source: Sheehan]. These days, it's not difficult to find one discounted online for $50 to $75. Some of the more expensive models have more features like high-quality aluminum construction, while less expensive models can be made of leather, faux leather or plastic. Exactly which keyboard case you buy is going to depend on your personal preferences. Read on to find out what to look for in an iPad keyboard case.

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Tips for Choosing an iPad Keyboard Case

Keyboard cases, like this Crux360, bridge some of the gap between tablet and laptop, making it easier to use the iPad for e-mails, word processing and other tasks that can be difficult on the iPad's on-screen keyboard.
Image courtesy of Crux

The first thing you need to consider when shopping for a keyboard case is whether it is compatible with your iPad. The first generation iPad and the iPad 2 have different dimensions, and many cases are built with one of those form factors in mind. Most cases won't fit both models, although some will.

Consider what size you want the keyboard case to be. The majority of cases don't add much size or bulk to the iPad, but there are size variations among models. Some of the very compact, lightweight cases have less typing room because the keyboards are very compact and small. Meanwhile, the heavier cases add protection, but can be so heavy that you might lose the portability advantage over your laptop [source: Stein]. Extremely light cases can sometimes slide down and not hold the iPad sturdily, especially if you have it in your lap, or on an uneven surface like a bed or couch [source: Patel].

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The purpose of any case, keyboard included or not, is to protect your electronic device from the sharp edges, hard surfaces and dangerous liquids of the outside world. So, pay attention to the design of iPad cases when making a choice. Some models stay light by leaving large portions of the iPad exposed. That may not be ideal if you want more heavy-duty protection. There's also versatility to consider. Some cases use a prop stand to hold up the iPad (usually the leather models). Others have a solid hinged panel attached to the keyboard, similar to a normal laptop. Models with prop stands don't provide as many viewing angles as you might like, especially when you're adjusting the screen to get the best vantage point for movies or TV. On the other hand, the leather prop models can be easily folded back on themselves to make handheld use easier. Not all of the hinged models can do that.

The most important feature of any keyboard case is the keyboard itself. The keyboard designs vary widely. Since typing is a matter of personal preference and comfort, think about what you want out of a keyboard in terms of size, arrangement and the feel of the key presses [source: Sheehan]. In any keyboard case, the keys will be slightly closer together, since the cases are almost always around the same width of the iPad. Some cases make small alterations to keyboard layout that might be a deal breaker for finicky typers, like removing the right Shift key, or shrinking down the spacebar.

Many keyboards are made of a continuous rubber sheet, with no spaces between the keys. On the plus side, these reduce the weight of the case, and make them spill-resistant. On the down side, they don't have that familiar clicking noise, and the key presses can be more subtle, leaving you second-guessing whether you hit the right key [source: Patel]. Keyboard cases with separate keys may be the only choice for some. They still won't have as much clickety-clacking as a normal keyboard, but they can provide a more laptop-like experience.

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More Great Links

  • Frakes, Dan. "Zaggmate iPad Case with Keyboard." Macworld.com. Feb. 27, 2011. (Aug. 2, 2011) http://www.macworld.com/article/157918/2011/02/zaggmate_ipad_case_with_keyboard.html
  • Horwitz, Jeremy. "Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard + Case for iPad/iPad2." iLounge. May 27, 2011. (Aug. 2, 2011) http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/kensington-keyfolio-keyboard-case-for-ipad/
  • Miller, Matthew. "Review: ZAGG Logitech Keyboard Case for Apple iPad 2." ZDNet. May 9, 2011. (Aug. 2, 2011) http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-gadgeteer/review-zagg-logitech-keyboard-case-for-apple-ipad-2/4693
  • Murph, Darren. "Adonit Writer Adds One More Option to the iPad folio + Keyboard Barrage." engadget. Oct. 27, 2010. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/adonit-writer-adds-one-more-option-to-the-ipad-folio-keyboard/
  • Murph, Darren. "Crux 360 Case Converts Your iPad Into a Netbook for $149." engadget. Nov. 5, 2010. (Aug. 2, 2011) http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/crux-360-case-converts-your-ipad-into-a-netbook-for-149-video/
  • Murph, Darren. "Zaggmate iPad Keyboard Case Saturates a Market In Record Time." engadget. Nov. 9, 2010. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/zaggmate-ipad-keyboard-case-saturates-a-market-in-record-time/
  • Panzarino, Matthew. "Review: ThinkGeek iPad Keyboard Case is Meg Ryan of Keyboard Cases." The iPhone Guru.net. March 14, 2011. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://www.theiphoneguru.net/2011/03/14/review-thinkgeek-ipad-keyboard-case/
  • Patel, Nilay" AIDACASE KeyCase Folio Deluxe for iPad Bluetooth Keyboard Case Review." engadget. Sept. 18, 2010. (Aug. 2, 2011) http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/18/aidacase-keycase-folio-deluxe-for-ipad-bluetooth-keyboard-case-r/
  • Schulman, Jacob. "Clamcase iPad Keyboard Case Review." engadget. Feb. 14, 2011. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/clamcase-ipad-keyboard-case-review/
  • Sheehan, Michael. "4-Way iPad Keyboard Case Review: Sena Keyboard Folio, Kensington KeyFolio, ZAGGmate & tyPad." High Tech Dad. Feb. 13, 2011. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://www.hightechdad.com/2011/02/13/4-way-ipad-keyboard-case-review-sena-keyboard-folio-kensington-keyfolio-zaggmate-typad/
  • Sorrel, Charlie. "ThinkGeek Joins iPad Keyboard Case Cavalcade." Wired.com. Nov. 10, 2010. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/11/thinkgeek-joins-ipad-keyboard-case-cavalcade/
  • Stein, Scott. "Kensington KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard and Case for iPad." CNet.com. Sept. 24, 2010. (Aug. 3, 2011) http://reviews.cnet.com/keyboards/kensington-keyfolio-bluetooth-keyboard/4505-3134_7-34184840.html?tag=contentBody;similarProds
  • Stein, Scott. "Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad2." CNet.com. April 22, 2011. (Aug. 3, 2011)

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