As reported on LifeHacker.
by Alan Henry
The iPad is a great tablet for many things, but not all of us consider it a solid productivity tool. Nothing is further from the truth: you can get some real work done with the right tools, and a decent wireless keyboard or keyboard case can help. This week, we’re going to take a look at five of the best iPad keyboards, based on your nominations.
Earlier in the week, we asked you to nominate the best iPad keyboards out there, whether they connect directly to the iPad, form a case around the iPad that can be used while the tablet is still inside, or an external dock and case that charges your device while you use it. You gave us a ton of great nominees, but we only have room for the top five.
Zagg Folio ($99)
The Zagg Folio is a combination keyboard, cover, and case that’s slim, trim, and fits the iPad perfectly. Slide your iPad into the Folio, and anytime you need to get some work done you can set it up in moments. You can adjust the screen’s angle to fit your position thanks to the built-in stand, and the built-in keyboard isn’t so thick and heavy that it’s a pain to carry around. The built-in battery offers months of use between charges. The keys have solid give and are comfortable to use, and there are iPad specific keys to make searching, music playback, and getting back to the home screen even easier. The keyboard is even detachable if you know you won’t need it, giving you an even slimmer case.
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($99)
Perhaps the thinnest external keyboard for the iPad, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is a combination cover, stand, and keyboard. It only protects the front of your iPad when the cover is attached, but it connects like a Smart Cover and when you’re ready to use, you can take it off, prop your iPad up in it, and work on the Bluetooth keyboard without adding much thickness to the base at all. It boasts six month battery life (2 hours/day use.) Honestly, with this on your tablet, you won’t notice it’s there. The keyboard features iPad-specific keys for search, copy/paste, and music playback, and is even available in a few colors (white/black/red) to suit your tastes. One thing is for sure, it certainly earns its name.
Logitech Tablet Keyboard ($69)
The Logitech Tablet Keyboard is just that—a keyboard with a protective case that doubles as an iPad stand so you can prop up your tablet while you work on the keyboard. The Tablet Keyboard has all the features the cases do: iPad-specific keys for common functions, Bluetooth connectivity, and support for landscape and portrait mode. It’s a little thicker than some of the others, and eschews a rechargeable battery for four AAAs. It’s just the keyboard though—no fancy case or cover with this one, and if you already have a case but want a keyboard to work with, it’s a great—and more affordable—option.
The Brydge ($130-$210)
The Brydge isn’t your typical plastic or pleather iPad case. Even their entry-level case, the Brydge, is made of solid black polycarbonate, but the original product, now called the Brydge+, is made of anodized aluminum and offers serious, sturdy protection. The Brydge’s clamp completely secures your iPad to the cover without damaging it. Another thing that makes the Brydge+ stand out is the fact that the case features Bluetooth speakers that pair along with the keyboard, letting you listen to music aloud. The rechargable battery will last months, but using the speakers will drain it faster. All three models feature full hinges and double as covers, and when you’re ready to work you can set them up and adjust the screen angle to your liking. The polycarbonate Brydge will set you back $130, while the aluminum Brydge+ without speakers will cost $170. The full Brydge+ with speakers weighs in at a pricier $210 USD.
ClamCase ($149-$169)
The ClamCase was announced shortly after the iPad itself was launched, and since then it’s earned a real following. The ClamCase is a full-body iPad case, stand, and cover, and includes a Bluetooth keyboard with a rechargeable battery. Your iPad nestles inside the top of the ClamCase for full protection, and the polycarbonate body keeps it safe from scratches while you walk around with it. It sets up in seconds, and the hinge is completely adjustable to the way you work. The keyboard has full scissor keys, and packs 14 special function keys for common functions. Even if you don’t want to use the keyboard, the hinge folds all the way back into a stand, or works in portrait mode (or hand-held) as well. The ClamCase will set you back $149 for any iPad model, but the new brushed aluminum ClamCase Pro will cost you $169 if you’re interested. If you have an iPad Mini, stay tuned, there’s a ClamCase model on the way for you too.
Now that you’ve seen the top five, it’s time to put them to a final vote to determine the winner!
This week’s Honorable Mention goes out to the Apple Wireless Keyboard, not because it didn’t get a bunch of nominations, but because it really wasn’t the type of contender we were looking for. It can definitely make a great pair with an iPad, and works via Bluetooth. It works—but it works in that way that any Bluetooth keyboard can technically work with the iPad. Still, we want to mention it because many of you noted you already had one for your computer, and just toss that keyboard in a bag or iPad case and use it with your tablet as well.
Have something to say about one of the contenders? Want to make the case for your personal favorite, even if it wasn’t included in the list? Remember, the top five are based on your most popular nominations from the call for contenders thread from earlier in the week. Make your case for your favorite—or alternative—in the discussions below.