ZAGG Pro Keys Case & Wireless Keyboard For iPad 10.2

I’ll start off by saying two things. The first is that I love zagg products. The durability truly has impressed me since splurging on a screen protector for my iPhone and the company stands behind everything they make with an excellent warranty. The second thing is more of a disclaimer in that I am very used to using the Apple Magic Keyboard (AMK).

Everything about installation of the case and keyboard is intuitive. Everything snaps together as it should and the keyboard lighting is excellent. I really do feel this is a much more protective option than the AMK alone.

My main issue with the case most likely comes from the fact, as mentioned above, that I have exclusively used AMKs and am used to their rigidity when folded open at whatever angle you choose. This case, when open, felt flimsy on any surface besides a table top. I typically have my iPad in my lap or on a soft surface like a couch or bed when using it so this was a deal breaker for me. That said, if you can live with that only drawback, this is a much more protective case than the AMK. Ultimately I decided to return mine and buy an AMK compatible case to retain the functionality to which I am accustomed.

I also own the Apple Magic Keyboard but prefer the Zagg keyboard for so many different reasons.

The main thing I really didn’t like about the Apple keyboard is it didn’t provide wrap-around protection to my iPad. Unfortunately I dropped the Apple Keyboard (in the closed position with my iPad inside) a couple of times, and each time the iPad fell out or got damaged around its edges. On the other hand, this Zagg keyboard is PERFECT! It provides great wrap-around protection with a shock-absorbing rubber bumper. I also love that the keyboard and bumper are two separate pieces, allowing me to remove the iPad from the keyboard without having to remove it from the bumper.

Other great things about the Zagg:
• Keyboard feels good (9/10). For comparison, I would rate the Magic Keyboard as a 10/10.
• Has hot keys that the Magic Keyboard doesn’t have.
• I personally like that it has a separate battery and doesn’t cause parasitic drain on the iPad’s battery (with the Apple keyboard, my iPad seemed to run out of juice too quickly.)
• Unlike the Apple keyboard, the Zagg has a built-in holder for the Apple pen! And when you close up the keyboard, it securely holds the pen in place so you don’t lose it. The holder is also positioned along the side of the iPad, allowing the pen to continue charging. (With the Apple keyboard, I frequently didn’t bring the pen with me for fear of losing it).
• It can be paired with two different Bluetooth devices and quickly switched between the devices just by pressing an assigned hot key button. This is a FANTASTIC feature that more Bluetooth devices should incorporate (in fact, I would prefer if it had THREE hot keys to pair it with three different devices). I use the keyboard to switch between my iPad and iPhone.
• The Apple keyboard has an advantage in terms of the joint connecting the keyboard to the iPad is really strong and stays in whatever position you place it. That’s not true of the Zagg, which has two different slots that the bottom of the iPad must be placed into in order to keep it open. But (and again, this is a GREAT design feature), the two slots have a very strong magnet so when you place the iPad into it, it essentially locks into place.

I’ve never owned a Zagg product before but am really impressed by the quality and excellent design features of this keyboard.

First off, let me preface this by saying this is a long review, but PLEASE read! I don’t review products often at all, but this keyboard case deserves more than 5 stars in my opinion. THIS CASE IS AMAZING, and I’m writing this review on it right now.

I received the new 4th generation iPad Air for Christmas (2020), and ever since I’ve been searching high and low for a functional, high-quality keyboard case. I have high expectations for laptop/electronics protection, and needed a case that protected, had a removable backlit keyboard, a space for the Apple Pencil, and was relatively lightweight. Of course I looked at the Apple Magic Keyboard first and was appalled at the price. Even more so, the lower-end model did not have a removeable backlit keyboard, so that was out.

I went in search on Amazon and looked every night for over a week. There are the cheaper models that average ~$40-60, and I was tempted to buy one of those, until this case. Let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed here…

PROS:
– VERY easy to “install” – simply clip the base case on and attach the keyboard via the magnetic backing, pair with your iPad and you’re good to go.
– Keyboard automatically turns on once paired and iPad is set on one of the magnetic strips to prop it up.
– The first stock photo is somewhat misleading on what the case actually looks like – it is not propped up and tilt-able like the Magic keyboard, but rather the back of the keyboard case is magnetic so it will detach from the part of the case surrounding the iPad itself (that is what is pictured, making it look like it’s floating).
– Unlike other cases that claim to fit the iPad Air 4 10.9” but are really made for the iPad Pro, this case is specifically fitted for the Air such that the cutout for the camera fits exactly, charging port hole and Touch ID cutout fit well (other cases I looked at were made for the Pro, so Touch ID was covered by the case)
– Keyboard is responsive and feels like laptop keys; They are very easy and natural to type on, unlike some after-market keyboards.
– Keyboard is backlit and can change color (see last photo of blue backlight in the dark). Colors are: white, yellow, purple, light blue, dark blue, red, and green. There are 3 brightness settings on the back light as well, and the option to turn it off.
– Keyboard attaches to the back of the case, so if/when you don’t need it, you can easily remove it and your iPad is still protected on the back and sides.
– Reattaching the keyboard is smooth – the back of the case is magnetic and goes exactly where it’s supposed to; you don’t have to fidget with the iPad to adjust it into place.
– There is a slot to hold the Apple Pencil on the side, and it will charge via the iPad’s mag strip while on the case. The flap that folds over also holds the Pencil in place when the case is closed. NOTE: I do not have my Apple Pencil yet, so I can’t comment on ease of removal or how well it stays put on the case during travel/use.

CONS (very few):
– This case does not have a Sleep/Wake functionality, so if your iPad is on when you close the case, it remains on until it’s shut off manually or goes to sleep.
– I’m a girl who was looking for a stylish case as well as functional, and I wish this case came in other colors. The description says this case is black, but it’s more of a medium gray in my opinion. Kind of an ugly color, but I”m definitely willing to overlook that with how functional this is.
– When the iPad is set on it’s most upright dock on the case, it doesn’t hold well on your lap. On the second, more tilted setting, it functions perfectly as a laptop (which is how I have it right now as I’m typing this). If you want it set nicely on the most upright setting, you’ll have to have it on a hard flat surface.
– Obviously the keyboard is going to add some weight to the iPad. Being an Air, it’s very lightweight, so in comparison, having the keyboard attached adds a bit of heft to it. Not necessarily a con, but just know your Air won’t feel as “Air-y” with this case.

OVERALL OPINION:
– A MUST BUY if you’re looking for a great keyboard case, especially as an alternative to Apple’s models that cost an arm and a leg.
– I LOVE IT.

The perfect way to up your productivity on iPad. Great keystroke action and well made. A bit bulkier than the apple keypad folio… but actually stable enough to type on. Would highly recommend.