Zagg Pro Keys 2 for iPad Pro: A Thick Keyboard Case Leave a comment

I am always testing completely different iPad circumstances. After I’m performed, I all the time return to the Logitech Combo Contact. With an adjustable kickstand and a removable keyboard, it has every part I want. The Zagg Professional Keys 2 mimics lots of the capabilities of the Logitech accent however at a lower cost, so I used to be excited to attempt it, considering I’ll have discovered a brand new favourite. Sadly, it falls brief.

It is not fully equivalent to the Logitech case—it is much more protecting, with a folio cowl that doubles as a kickstand (with adjustable angles) and a removable keyboard that sits in between. There is no trackpad—which means I’ve to pack a mouse or always raise my finger to the display—and all the setup is heavy and clunky. At $150, it is one of many extra reasonably priced iPad Professional keyboard circumstances. However its flaws are annoying sufficient that the lower cost may not matter.

Protecting however Chonky

The Professional Keys 2 I am testing is particularly constructed for the 13-inch iPad Professional (M4, 2024), although you can too purchase it for the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) in addition to both the 13- and 11-inch iPad Air (M2). It consists of two items: the case and the keyboard.

Click on the keyboard into place utilizing the magnets and you need to use the iPad Professional like a laptop computer. The setup seems to be extra trendy than the first-generation Professional Keys, with sq. as an alternative of spherical keycaps (which I want) and backlit—with the choice to cycle between colours like inexperienced, blue, and crimson. There are lightbulbs below every key, so it is brilliant sufficient for typing in darker environments. However elements of the keyboard (just like the aspect keys and performance row keys) shine brighter than the QWERTY keys, so the lighting feels uneven. Adjusting the brightness with the backlight key did not appear to make a lot of a distinction. Zagg additionally added extra floor space beneath the keyboard to relaxation your palms whereas typing.

It’s snug to sort on for lengthy intervals (I used it to sort this evaluate), although a trackpad would have been the cherry on high, particularly since there’s loads of room (the first-gen mannequin has a trackpad version). Regardless that I’ve been utilizing the case for a number of weeks now, I nonetheless discover myself by accident reaching towards the center to swipe an imaginary trackpad out of behavior. The keyboard is Bluetooth-connected, so that you’ll should pair it with the iPad (you possibly can join as much as two gadgets) and cost it. Zagg claims as much as one yr of battery life, so that you don’t have to fret about always plugging it in.

The second-generation model has a slot on the aspect for the Apple Pencil reasonably than a flap to maintain it in place. It’s much more aesthetically pleasing, however I want Zagg would’ve color-matched it to the case. As an alternative, it’s manufactured from the identical clear rubber because the bumpers across the iPad and appears low-cost. The bumper runs beneath the slot too, however it gained’t get in the way in which of wi-fi charging.

This case feels tremendous protecting, a lot in order that it seems like lots of the rugged circumstances I’ve examined. Along with the rubber edges, the remainder of the case is manufactured from plastic with a comfortable, matte really feel. The folio cowl might be folded again right into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was fantastic for watching TV (it was sturdy sufficient to remain upright on the sofa with out toppling over) and to be used as a laptop computer. Nevertheless it would not provide as many angles as a kickstand does.