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Three of the best iPad keyboard covers around
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Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 may be the most fully fledged way to mesh a tablet and laptop, but if you own an iPad there are ways to at least work on the go with a keyboard and feel somewhat productive. I’d recommend a larger-screened iPad over a smaller one if you’re doing serious typing, because larger, better keyboard accessories match well with them.
Suddenly there are a lot of new keyboard options for iPad Air owners, but my recent three favorites are all keyboard covers: the new Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air , the Belkin Qode Thin Type Keyboard , and a low-cost newcomer: the Anker TC930 Ultra-Thin Keyboard Cover .
Sarah Tew/CNET
All three latch on the side of the iPad Air and act as a thick cover when not in use, then lie flat and act as a dockable Bluetooth keyboard when put on a table. There are standalone and keyboard cases, too, but I prefer keyboard covers…although, be forewarned: they’re not very lap-friendly.
Here’s what I loved and wasn’t so hot about for each.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($100, £90)
Why it’s good: The name’s the same, but the newest Ultrathin has an adjustable angle, letting you push the iPad back just a little bit more. The keyboard feels great to type on: it’s my favorite for writing on an iPad.Why it’s not: Some people may not love how plastic-feeling a lot of the new Ultrathin feels. The bend-back mechanism feels a little flimsy and hard to adjust, too.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Belkin Qode Thin Type Keyboard Case ($100, £80, $110 AU)
Why it’s good: Belkin has a very worthy Ultrathin competitor in the Qode Thin Type. It’s almost all metal, very sturdy, and automatically pairs with the iPad once it’s popped in the groove. A lot of iOS-specific keys make multitasking easier.Why it’s not: Typing doesn’t feel as good, for me, as on Logitech’s crisper, flatter keys. It’s close, though.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Anker TC930 Ultra-Thin Keyboard Cover ($80, £70)
Why it’s good: Though it retails for $80, Anker’s case can be bought online for a third of what Logitech’s or Belkin’s does (at least as of this writing). It feels as sturdy as Logitech’s keyboard, and has the same type of on switch.Why it’s not: Key responsiveness isn’t as good: I found I got some repeating keys. iOS-specific keys require pressing the Fn key at the same time.
Check out the video above for some cross comparisons. Happy typing!
