With tablets taking the world by storm and allowing users to surf the Net and use various apps on the go, it’s no wonder that many now prefer to bring a tablet out with them instead of a bulky laptop.
As an iPad 2 owner, I’m no different. My iPad is now my trusty companion instead of my bulky Toshiba Satellite laptop. Despite the convenience and advantage in weight a tablet has, one of its biggest disadvantages would be the lack of a physical keyboard.
I’m often on the go and prefer having the ability to work wherever I am. This, however, is almost impossible with the iPad as I personally find typing on an on-screen keyboard a pain in the neck.
Over a month ago, I decided on getting a portable keyboard and after some research, decided on getting the Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, which happened to be on offer at the time at S$69.
Usually priced at S$99, this lightweight device works both as a Bluetooth keyboard and a case to store the iPad in.
Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2
With the iPad screen face-down against the keys, you can attach the iPad like a glove. This makes for a very sleek look. The back of the keyboard case is a matte silver, which goes very well with the aluminium backing of the iPad.
Matte silver finish as an iPad case
Pairing the keyboard with the iPad is simple. The keyboard comes with an on/off switch and a connect button. With Bluetooth enabled on the iPad, the keyboard is quickly discovered and paired.
On/off switch and a connect button
A simple groove on the keyboard case allows the iPad to be propped up in either landscape or portrait mode, depending on your preference. Although the iPad is held up by only a simple piece of plastic, it was rather sturdy and at no point in time was i worried that the iPad might fall over, even when I set it up in portrait.
iPad propped up in landscape.
iPad propped up in portrait.
My first impression of the keys were that they looked plasticky and cheap. However, once I began typing, these disadvantages paled in comparison to how simple and comfortable it was to type on this keyboard.
Keyboard: Decently spaced keys which are a pleasure to type on
Needless to say, the keyboard is more compact than a usual full-size keyboard. Yet, after just a minute or two, I was able to type rather quickly.
The keys did not feel compressed despite being a portable keyboard – I was able to press the keys down fully and this contributed to the overall pleasant typing experience.
Although the keyboard cannot compare with full-sized wireless keyboards such as the Microsoft Wedge Keyboard or Apple’s famous wireless keyboard, Logitech’s offering holds its own with keys that are decently spaced and a joy to type on.
What I had issue with was the edges of the keyboard case, which kept digging into the sides of my palms when I rested my wrists on the desk. This can get especially annoying if you spend a lot of time firing away on the keyboard.
If you’re concerned, do consider its pricier counterpart, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. The Ultrathin cover does not have edges that jut out from the sides of the case, and may eliminate this problem.
Side view when used as a case
However, one of my major gripes is that it does not protect the back of the iPad. Seeing as it’s aluminium and can be dented/scratched easily, you may want to further protect the case and iPad with an iPad sleeve if you’re particular about wear and tear on the device.
This makes the Logitech Keyboard Case a better keyboard than a case, in my opinion. I personally prefer keeping both the iPad and keyboard case in a 10-inch laptop cover when I’m on the go.
Be warned: The case leaves the back of the iPad unprotected.
Another point to note is that the keyboard-case is not very “travel-friendly”. To set it up in landscape or portrait mode, you would have to pry out the iPad from the case and then set it up manually.
If you are planning to work while commuting, say, on a bus, this might be a bit of a hassle as there is no mechanism to set up the iPad together with keyboard in one fluid motion.
Still, on the whole, I’m rather fond of the the Logitech Keyboard Case as it is easy to pair with the iPad and generally comfortable to type on. Plus, the keyboard/case dual function can be convenient at times.
If you’re looking for a functional and relatively affordable keyboard case for your iPad, I think this keyboard case will do the job decently. Priced at S$99 now, this keyboard case is also cheaper than the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, which costs S$139.
