Choosing the best external keyboard for iPad. Review of the Logitech Ultrathin keyboard mini for iPad mini External keyboard for ipad

It is already quite comparable to ultrabooks. However, the tablet is still a mobile device, data entry in which is carried out mainly through a multi-touch display.

In contact with

One of the drawbacks of the tablet is the lack of a physical QWERTY keyboard. You can enter large amounts of text using the on-screen buttons at a fairly high speed (with proper skill), but a full-fledged keyboard is still much more convenient. Naturally, Apple offers its customers excellent Magic Keyboard (mainly used for Mac) and Smart Keyboard (especially for iPad Pro), but their price makes many users turn their attention to third-party products.

In this collection, we'll take a look at a few examples of affordable, high-quality keyboards for iPad and iPhone. Please note that some of the keyboards described below have Cyrillic designations on the keys, but before buying it will not be superfluous to play it safe and check with the seller for the availability of the Russian layout.

DMYCO

Compact and reliable keyboard in an aluminum casing without a numeric keypad. Connection to devices is carried out via the Bluetooth 3.0 module, while the keyboard can work in three different modes, depending on the type operating system... Switching is done by pressing the key combination Fn + Q (Android), Fn + W (Windows) or Fn + (iOS).

Kemile

The developers of this keyboard, which strongly resembles Apple's Magic keyboard, have a slightly different view of the optimal balance of compactness and ergonomics, in comparison with the creators of the previous device. The product from Kemile is slightly elongated in length, and the size of the keys is increased, which is especially important when typing quickly.

The keyboard can also function in three modes, optimized for iOS, Android and Windows. Powered by AAA batteries, the low charge level of which will be indicated by a special indicator. Available in silver and black.

Mksup

Another fairly simple and inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard that works great with iPad and other devices. The device is made of plastic, weighs only 400 grams with dimensions of 230 × 120 × 5 mm and can work 200 hours on a single charge in active mode or 600 hours in standby mode.

Cyrillic stickers (Russian letters)

Naturally, the choice of keyboards with the Cyrillic alphabet is not too wide, however, most devices intended for English-speaking countries are quite easy to adapt for a domestic consumer using special stickers with Russian letters. For example, you can purchase a Scomas sticker pack that includes the entire alphabet and number pad.

iPad mini Keyboard

With stickers, owners iPad mini can "Russify" an excellent keyboard cover made of Soft Touch plastic and pressed leather. The device is made specifically for the iPad mini form factor, does not cover the physical buttons and the camera lens. It comes in four colors - red, pink, black and white.

If you need a physical QWERTY keyboard to operate your iPad 2, one of these can make your fingers happy.

Even if you feel comfortable working with the virtual iPad keyboard 2, and you are not embarrassed by the fact that your fingers are banging on the glass, breaking soft pads, like a fighter breaking knuckles on a makiwara, think anyway. You will not be able to use the on-screen keyboard for a long time to write a long report or to solve complex problems. In this case, it will help you wirelessBluetoothkeyboard foriPad.

There may be some rationale for buying a laptop instead of a tablet, if you often have to work with documents or if you are, for example, a writer. But a wireless keyboard will save you the resentment.

The ideal wireless keyboard should offer a full-size keypad with a full array of keys and be lightweight and compact so that it can be easily packed into a case. Unfortunately, being able to do such a task is somewhere between asking "give me a 25-inch monitor, light and cheap" and ... in general, you have to find a compromise. Which features you can donate depends on your personal preference. After all, keyboards can be different too. In one case, you will have to work with two fingers, in the other - worse than a stenographer.



At first glance, the Apple Wireless Keybord doesn't look mobile enough. At 11.1 inches, it will be longer than an iPad, making it harder to fit into a dusty bag in a closet than the tablet itself.

However, the keyboard is lighter than it looks. It's easy to slip into your backpack when you're on the go. Two Apple products easily become one, that is, you can enjoy the tablet even in flight, and when you settle down for the night, take out the keyboard.

Installation is a breeze and the ergonomics are superb. There is one reason the AWK can be mistaken for a standard keyboard: it's one piece. In addition to the fact that there are no number keys, all other buttons are located as usual for those who type blindly. Fingers just rest, you don't have to knock hard, even a soft press responds with a letter on the display.

Please note: This keyboard is powered by two AA batteries, while others need to be plugged into a USB port.

In general, if you are looking for something that will allow you to use your iPad for long and stressful content creation while you are at home or on a hike, where size does not really matter (let's say you are driving a car and the keyboard is on the next chair), and if you are ready to take two bars of metal with you instead of one, this is for you.

Outcome:

Apple Wireless Keyboard from Apple

Price: $69.00

Dimensions / Weight: 12.8 x 7.3 x 1.4 in. / 320 g.

Mobility: Good

Keyboard functionality: Beautiful

Ergonomicskeyboards: Lovely

Will fit: Users who value the ability to print well over the weight of their backpack.

Belkin Keyboard Folio for iPad 2



Belkin's keyboard-folder, if you can call it that, is very good-looking. It combines a tablet case and a keyboard. At 9.1 x 1.1 x 11.9 inches and weighing 771 grams, the Folio is not a full-sized keyboard, but the keys are close enough to type as fast as a wireless Apple keyboard. When Belkin said that his proposal was shaped by well-spaced TruType keys for easy typing, he was not joking.

The Belkin Keyboard Folio comes close enough to being a good standard keyboard. It took about five seconds to connect to the tablet. It took a little longer to figure out how to unfold the keyboard and set up the iPad correctly (the six-step guide failed to clarify all the details of the process).

In addition to the case, the iPad will receive a keyboard and stand. Belkin included a damper in his design, which is removed under the keyboard during use, so that the whole structure is more or less stable. This, in turn, makes it possible to adjust the angle of the screen.

But while Belkin's daddy isn't bulky to wear all the time, not everyone might like the iPad's thickening because of the media. Still, the tablet is sleek and thin enough to be a pleasure to work with without a folder. In addition, the folder lid does not close tightly, leaving a gap that would not be very safe on a hike or trip.

But there is another side: if you do not always use the keyboard, the folder with the built-in keyboard will be quite cumbersome for you and you will have to alternate it.

Outcome:

Belkin Keyboard FolioforiPad 2 from Belkin International

Price: $99.99

Dimensions / Weight: 9.1 x 1.1 x 11.9 inches / 771 g.

Mobility: Very good

Keyboard functionality: Beautiful

Ergonomicskeyboards: Lovely

Will fit: People who want to bring the typing experience closer to a full-size keyboard, while keeping it portable in an iPad-sized folder.

Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad



For those who remember the Palm PDA foldable keyboard, this version from Logitech, recently released, will give you a feeling of nostalgia. Attach a keyboard to your iPad, then spread its wings for a full-size keyboard.

The Logitech Fold-Up is very well designed and also does interesting things. For example, it automatically turns on and off, depending on the position of the wings. It's also easier to attach and detach to an iPad than is possible with Belkin's brainchild.

The Logitech keyboard bundles together the actual keypad and tablet case, but does not provide protection for the iPad screen. What's more, it is designed to fit the Apple iPad, a branded case that magnetically attaches to the tablet. If you already own one of these covers and are happy with how it protects the front of your tablet with automatic on / off switching, then you should definitely get the Logitech Fold-Up. But if you don't have the Smart Covet, you'll have to look for some kind of cover to protect the front of the tablet if you plan to carry your iPad in this keyboard case.

Like the Apple Wireless, the Fold-Up is a full-size Bluetooth keyboard. But the feeling of use is quite different. While the Apple Wireless feels like typing on a full-size wireless keyboard (aside from a few missing keys), when typing on the Fold-Up it feels like you're just using an optional portable accessory. Even relatively light strokes cause the keyboard to flex and flex. This is a bit confusing when typing, as both keyboard wings are at different angles at different times.

On the other hand, unlike many portable options, the keys are full size and it is very difficult to miss your finger in touch typing if you are used to typing on a standard keyboard.

The Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard is a convenient solution for those who travel frequently and would gladly give up the feeling of working on a desktop keyboard in exchange for the weird Fold-Up form factor.


Outcome:

Logitech Fold-Up KeyboardforiPad from Logitech

Price: $129.99

Dimensions / Weight: 9.8 x 0.8 x 7.7 inches / 500 g.

Mobility: Very good

Keyboard functionality: Beautiful

Ergonomics of the keyboard: Between good and very good

Will fit: For those who do not want to carry a full-size keyboard, but prefer a 2-in-1, despite the heavy weight of the accessory.

Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg for iPad 2



The Keyboard Case from Logitech and Zagg is a metal keyboard passively comparable in size to an iPad and protecting the front of the tablet. If you unfold it, the tablet can be fixed on special clips, which will serve well as device holders in semi-vertical mode.

The Keyboard Case is well designed for portability. You can fix iPad to the center of the keyboard in portrait mode, making it virtually a netbook. But you can also put something behind the tablet, because at times it may seem that the center of gravity is too high, and the tablet can "drive off" at any time.

The edge of the keyboard is outlined by a metal ridge, which takes up more than three-quarters of the case's perimeter, in addition to that piece where your hands will work. Not a problem if you are typing with two fingers or with an unconventional "peck" method. However, if you are typing in a classic blind step, your hands can be a little cramped. Covering the sides with a soft backing will make your wrists much more comfortable.

On the one hand, the manual describes in detail the most comfortable position for the hands during printing and for the tablet during its installation, but it is difficult to understand how convenient such an “installation” will be on the plane.

The keys create a good impression: they enter quite softly, there is no need to knock, they give a strong physical release when pressed. If the keyboard weren't so cramped, it would be close to ideal.

Outcome:

Logitech Keyboard Case by ZaggforiPad 2 from Zagg

Price: $99.99

Dimensions / Weight: 9.7 x 7.5 x 43 inches / 362 g.

Mobility: Very good

Keyboard functionality: Very good

Ergonomicskeyboards: Close to good

Will fit: For those who want to type on a mobile keyboard and don't bother with a metal box.



Solid Line Products has combined a case and a rubberized keyboard in one briefcase, which includes both an iPad stand and keyboard. Due to the fact that the case is made of leather rather than metal, it seems lighter than the Logitech and Apple keyboards, but this is not true.

Due to its form factor, the RightShift iPad storage case is more suitable for an organizer than for an electronic device. This format will appeal to those who want to bring their tablet somewhere unnoticed and without notification that the portfolio contains a $ 600 device.

Unfortunately, the rubberized keys are not very suitable for most people's classic typing. You might feel like you want to speed up your typing speed rather than being able to do it because of the mixed feeling of sticky keys and unwanted repetitions.

Well, and a typical drawback for this format: the keyboard is smaller than the full-size one.

The best result with this keyboard came from switching from touch typing to two fingers using the beak method, which slowed down a bit, although it produced text faster than it would have been possible with the on-screen keyboard. I also had to hold the iPad on one side so that it would not "go", because placing the tablet in the case was a good solution for viewing, but not for touching.

Outcome:

RightShift Bluetooth iPad 2 Keyboard Case from Solid Line Products

Price: $99.00

Dimensions / Weight: 9.7 x 8.0 x 1.0 inches / 453 g.

Mobility: Very good

Keyboard functionality: Mediocre

Ergonomicskeyboards: Close to good

Will fit: For slow, sluggish typing by people who need a folder or case form factor.

Verdict

Each of the options discussed above has pros and cons, so your choice should be based on which factors are most important to you and where you are willing to compromise. Typing feel and weight are two of the biggest issues, after which Apple's wireless keyboard tends to be opted for, despite not being as comfortable to carry around as the other options.

If traveling alone is not for you, but you need a keyboard and ergonomics are important, consider the Belkin Folio, which best recreates a good typing experience on an almost full-size keyboard. But this thing weighs more than the iPad 2 itself.

And if you want a full-size keyboard that's matched closely to your iPad, try Logitech Fold-Up if you don't mind the weight, price, and flexing keyboard fenders.

Yes, almost everything is the same as standard keyboard in a full-fledged Mac and even a little more.

What and for whom the article is

This material is for everyone who wants to get a new experience with an iOS device and wants to slightly expand its functionality. The article will be especially useful for those who have to type a lot of text on an iPhone or iPad, for example, in the course of active work with e-mail, communication in social networks and messengers. Maybe the person is writing, writing on a blog, or deciding it's time to keep a diary of their life. Trust me, you can easily do without a laptop if you have a hardware keyboard for your iPhone or iPad.

From the article you will find out what hotkeys iOS supports now, which will appear in the near future with the release of iOS 9, what mobile external keyboards exist and what they can be used for besides printing (at least some models).

An accessory underestimated by the masses

It would seem, why do we need a hardware keyboard for the iPad and iPhone, when the devices have quite a comfortable on-screen keyboard. At least it is enough to briefly reply to an e-mail, write a tweet or SMS, comment on a publication. And with a certain skill, you can type with two fingers and quite a large text. In principle, everything is correct - for the vast majority of users of iOS gadgets, a hardware keyboard is not needed. But if you still have it, then you can get a number of useful buns. In particular:

We'll talk about hotkeys a little later, but first let's figure out what kind of keyboards exist for iOS devices.

Apple Wireless Keyboard and analogues

Yes! The standard Apple Wireless Keyboard that comes with any Mac is iOS compatible and can be easily used with an iPhone or iPad. True, you will have to come up with a separate stand for gadgets or purchase a special accessory, for example, Incase origami workstation:

There are analogs from other companies, such as compact and Logitech Keys-to-Go:

In general, we are talking about almost standard monoblock keyboards for a computer. Many of the wireless models have iOS support. A plus in this case, in universality - you can use the same keyboard with a computer, iPad, iPhone and, sometimes, even with an Android device. In addition, there are often models with full-size keys and all rows of buttons, including the number. Minus bothering with a portable device stand.

Folding keyboards

In most cases, the pros and cons are the same as in the models described above, but such keyboards take up less space when folded. A good example is one that allows you to switch between two devices on the fly:

Among the analogs, you can also remember and. I will give advice - if you already choose folding models, buy from well-known brands, be it MS, Logitech or someone else who has distinguished himself in the accessory field. No matter how many Chinese models I tried, like the aforementioned BaiYuYi, it was always a nightmare. Either the buttons are rubber with an indistinct click, or they stick, or the keyboard is quickly discharged. In general, it is better to overpay than to waste money on a strange craft.

Finally, I will mention an unusual novelty. This keyboard generally rolls up into a tube and when folded it is as compact as possible. But it is not yet clear how the accessory will show itself in life. The company announced it only a few days ago, but it has not yet reached store shelves.

Keyboards & Covers

Some of the most common types of keyboards for iPad are made in the form of protective covers for the display. There are many options, but the most popular ones are released by Logitech, namely. There are similar models for.

The overlay keyboards are quite compact, models from renowned manufacturers have high-quality scissor keys and a very large size. There are options with backlighting, and sometimes even with built-in acoustics, as in.

For the most part, such accessories can please with large keys, but as for their mechanism and materials used, they are different, from quite comfortable plastic models with a scissor mechanism to some kind of fabric misunderstanding with a weak tactile response.

An important plus of all such keyboards is that they act as stands for a tablet or iPhone. Many models can be used on your lap just like a regular laptop. For example, I work with and so often.

As you can see - the choice is large, there are a lot of options for every taste, color and wallet. It remains to learn how to fully work with such devices in order to turn your iPhone or iPad into a small laptop or typewriter.

Hot!

The hardware keyboard for iOS is the easiest to get to grips with for Mac owners. Are you aware that Apple's mobile platform is based on OS X? Now I know for sure. So she borrowed a lot of hot keys from an older relative. For example, quick cursor control system in text editors, Mail.app and other applications where you need to work with text:

  • cmd + ➡- jump to the end of the line;
  • cmd + ⬅- jump to the beginning of the line;
  • cmd + ⬇- jump to the end of the text;
  • cmd + ⬆- go to the beginning of the text;
  • alt + ➡- move the cursor one word to the right;
  • alt + ⬅- move the cursor one word to the left;
  • alt + ⬆- go to the beginning of the current paragraph;
  • alt + ⬇- jump to the end of the current paragraph;
  • If we add the button “ Shift", Then they will be executed with the simultaneous selection of text.
    * cmd is the Command button or ⌘

Work with text:

  • cmd + C- copying of the selected text;
  • cmd + X- cutting the selected text;
  • cmd + V- Paste copied or cut text from the clipboard;
  • cmd + A- selection of all text;
  • cmd + Z- undo the last action with the text;
  • cmd + Shift + Z- undo the undo of the last action with the text;
  • cmd + space- language switching;
  • cmd + del- deleting the entire line fragment to the left of the cursor;
  • alt + del- delete a word to the left of the cursor.

Safari keyboard shortcuts:

  • cmd + L- go to the address bar (very convenient when you need to copy a link to paste it into the text);
  • cmd + T- open a new tab;
  • cmd + W- close the current tab;
  • cmd + R- refresh (reload) the current tab;
  • cmd +.(period) - stop loading the current tab.

Hotkeys in Mail:

  • cmd + N- create a new letter;
  • cmd + Shift + D- to send a letter;
  • Backspace- delete the currently selected letter.

Note that the aforementioned keyboard shortcuts in Safari and Mail have been added starting with.

In addition, mobile keyboards often contain dedicated keys for quick access to a range of iOS functions... For example, the one I am currently using has hardware Home buttons, lock the display, activate the multitasking interface, take a screenshot, display the on-screen keyboard, control playback and volume.

As you can see, thanks to the hardware keyboard, you can not only masterfully control the cursor, but also quickly type and select text, but also get more comfort when working with Safari and Mail. And this is just the beginning. In iOS 9, Apple has added even more keyboard shortcuts.

Greetings from the future

The largest number of hotkeys in iOS 9 was acquired by the proprietary Mail client:

  • cmd + R- reply to the current letter;
  • cmd + Shift + R- Reply All;
  • cmd + Shift + F- forward;
  • cmd + Shift + J- mark the letter as spam;
  • cmd + Shift + L- check the box (asterisk for Gmail);
  • cmd + Shift + U- mark the letter or selected letters as unread;
  • cmd + ⬆- go to the previous letter;
  • cmd + ⬇- go to the next letter;
  • cmd + Backspace- delete the current letter;
  • cmd + Shift + N- check new mail;
  • cmd + N- write a new letter;
  • cmd + Option + F- search in the mailbox.

By the way, if you suddenly forget any of the above commands, then in iOS 9 in any application that supports hotkeys, you can hold down the button Command to display the corresponding help window.

Powerfully updated proprietary application “ Notes»:

  • cmd + B- make the selected text bold;
  • cmd + I- make the selected text italic;
  • cmd + U- make the selected text underlined;
  • cmd + Option + T- turn the selected text into a title (large font);
  • cmd + Option + H- turn the selected text into a subsection (large print, but smaller than in the title);
  • cmd + N- new note;
  • cmd + Option + L- turn the selected text into a checkable list;
  • cmd + Option + U- mark a list item (or several) as completed;
  • cmd + Option + B- turn the selected list into plain text.

Hotkeys in Safari were supplemented by literally several items (in addition to those described above), namely:

  • cmd + F- search on the page;
  • Control + Tab- go to the next tab;
  • Control + Shift + Tab- go to the previous tab;
  • cmd + Shift + R- activate the reading mode (Reader).

Even " Contacts"Got a couple of hotkeys:

  • cmd + N- new contact;
  • cmd + F- search for contacts;

And in the new iOS, finally, there is a menu for switching between applications, similar to that in OS X:

To display it on the screen, just press the combination cmd + Tab, that is, similar to that in OS X. Without releasing the button cmd, click on Tab to go to the next application in the window.

There are a number of other interesting innovations in iOS 9 that turn the iPad Air 2 with a hardware keyboard almost into a laptop (dual-window mode, picture-in-picture). So this is a good reason for the owners of the most powerful Apple tablet to acquire the appropriate accessory. But there are also rumors about which the mentioned chips will be very useful, plus there is hope that Apple will release its own special keyboard for the large tablet. This will be the hybrid computer that some fans of the products with the bitten apple logo have been waiting for.

P. S... I very rarely see people with an iPad and a hardware keyboard, although I myself began using such a bundle several years ago. I wonder how many readers are now using an external keyboard to expand the capabilities of a portable device. Perhaps you also know some interesting tricks that are missing in this article. Share your experience in the comments.

5.00 out of 5, rated: 2 )

site Yes, almost everything is the same as a standard keyboard in a full-fledged Mac, and even a little more. What the article is about and for whom This material is for everyone who wants to get a new experience of working with an iOS device and wants to slightly expand its functionality. The article will be especially useful for those who have to type a lot of text on an iPhone or iPad, for example, ...

In 2011, Logitech decided to change the line of business a little. Since then, the Swiss have been actively working on quality accessories for mobile devices... Especially for the iPad. Their mobile keyboards have been voted best in class on several occasions. I appreciated them myself, but did not share Roma's enthusiasm for the iPad.

Now I have personally tried Ultrathin Keyboard Cover... Only she is meant for iPad mini.

A slight change in the name shouldn't confuse anyone. Ultrathin Keyboard mini has incorporated all the basic ideas of the full version of the accessory.

However, this did not affect the box. It opens behind a soft blue fabric tongue, revealing a sealed keyboard. To get to everything else, you need to look deep into the package and carefully reach the cleverly secured box.

Inside, everything is as usual: reference material, warranty information, a small cleaning cloth and a neatly coiled charging cable. I was too lazy to look in and check for instructions in Russian, but the keyboard itself, as well as the inscriptions on the box, were fully localized. This is enough in any case.

As before, the front of the keyboard is made of two different types of plastic. Frontal part glossy as much as possible. This also applies to the magnetic latch a la Smart Cover, which clings to the case of iPad mini. Hence the need for the very cloth that was previously included in the kit.

The keys and the notch for the tablet are made of matte, slightly rough plastic. I will not be cunning: over time and with regular use, this coating is guaranteed to wear off to a shiny finish. This is the case with the vast majority of keyboards, including those from Apple. This is only part of the harsh reality, not marriage.

The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini is available in black and white to suit two different iPad mini color options. If you remember, the back of the "large" version of the Ultrathin Keyboard was made of aluminum as closely as possible to that on the back of the iPad. The same idea is implemented here as well.

It's nice to see that Logitech has once again used metal for the lid rather than paint-colored plastic. The panel color is almost completely (if not one to one) matches the black iPad mini. And the tactile sensations are completely the same.

The keyboard unit has several functional elements on the starboard side. These are micro-USB for charging the keyboard's built-in batteries, a Bluetooth connection control button and a traditional On / Off switch.

Joints between plastic and metal noticeable, although they do not bump into the hand and do not interfere with the use of the accessory.

The tablet attaches to the iPad using the already well-known magnetic strip. By weight, this mount does not handle the mini's weight well enough - and vice versa. Therefore, I sincerely do not advise holding the entire structure on weight for any of the "halves".

Due to the design features, you cannot put a magnetized tablet in any static position. To do this, you will have to put on a different stand case on the iPad, which is initially compatible with the standard Smart Cover.


Photo (c) CNET

When folded, iPad mini and Ultrathin Keyboard resemble two iPad mini. Due to the deliberately similar shape and color of the case, you cannot immediately determine where the tablet is and where the keyboard is. This "sandwich" looks good. Moreover, the magnet is in the "gap" turns off the screen at close.

The design, however, raised questions again. Except for the magnetic strip-fastener, both halves are not fixed to each other from the opposite side in any way. Because of this, the keyboard and iPad "walk" in the bag, unless they are pressed by other things on both sides. This is a minus that, in theory, can be corrected with a fabric "rubber band".

To take full advantage of the keyboard, you need to remove the tablet from the bracket and install it in the recess in the lid body. It's easy to connect them to each other via Bluetooth. The tilt angle of the tablet is almost ideal: it is convenient to type, press the screen, and just watch. The notch itself holds iPad mini very tightly.

The most important thing in a keyboard cover is, in fact, itself keyboard... The keys are low-profile, but with a full-fledged mechanism and pleasant tactile feedback. The quality of the buttons is average for full-fledged keyboards, but good for mobile options. The corners of the keys are somehow too much rounded - but this is my personal opinion. The top row of keys is dedicated to multimedia keys that work in conjunction with fn- rewind music, return to the desktop, and so on.

Don't feel like slipping into drama, especially after the great experience with most of the other Logitech accessories. But with the layout in Ultrathin Keyboard mini Swiss too much too clever. Firstly, there is no Caps Lock key on the case. More precisely, it is there, but it is activated only through a combination with a function key fn... And in other cases, by pressing, the input of the letters A / F is triggered. "F" in the Russian alphabet is not very popular, so Russian-speaking users did not benefit from such a solution.

Further more. It was also decided to partially abandon the TAB button - in its place, Q / Y was moved on similar rights. The left Shift remained in place. Because of this, it turned out that the top rows of keys moved disproportionately to the side. The problem is that this layout negates touch typing skills. You will have to get used to this state of affairs anew - to rebuild again, sitting down at a regular keyboard. Better to make Enter smaller.

As a result, the impression from the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini was very mixed. On the one hand, there is a good metal body and a high-quality keyboard mechanism with a pleasant key travel. On the other hand, there is an incompletely thought-out fastening mechanism and a very controversial keyboard layout. Logitech Don't Relax - You Can Make Keyboards much better.

The accessory has been on sale in Russia for a long time at an average price of 2,500 rubles.

pros:

  • The metal case is the same color as the iPad mini
  • Good key travel
  • System control buttons
  • Protection of the display from scratches
  • Turn off the display by closing the lid
  • Convenient transportation

As soon as the iPad begins to be used for everyday and active work, the user has a need for an external keyboard. We offer to consider 12 best models for iPad Air

The virtual keyboard is ideal for mobile work. The compact tablet takes up little space in your bag and isn't burdened with additional accessories that add extra weight to it. However, for any real job, virtual keyboard not very convenient, and users turn their eyes to an additional accessory. Namely, an external QWERTY keyboard. Here are the 12 best add-on Bluetooth keyboards for iPad Air.

Belkin

QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case

Belkin's flagship QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air. This keyboard is extremely thin, almost airy. The aluminum case protects the tablet, transforming it into a laptop replacement.

This keyboard will satisfy all the aesthetic senses of Apple fans. It uses responsive Belkin True Type keys for precise typing and a laptop-like feel. Magnets are used to hold the case, which are also used to unroll the tablet in an upright position. The model does not have a separate on or off button. The keyboard turns on automatically when the user places the tablet in the case in an upright position, and turns off when the case is closed.

Without recharging the battery, this device works up to 264 hours in active mode and up to 4300 hours in standby mode. Charging is done with the supplied micro-USB cable. The retail price is $ 129, on Amazon you can find it for $ 90.

QODE Thin Type Keyboard Case

The ultra-thin and lightweight Belkin Qode Thin Type is more suitable for those who do not need a keyboard all the time. The anodized aluminum body is 4mm thick. Belkin True Type keys, magnet retention, auto shut off when closed, micro-USB cable - just like the previous model.

Without recharging the battery, this device works up to 79 hours, and up to 3100 hours in standby mode. The price on Amazon is $ 99.

QODE Slim Style Keyboard Case

The Belkin Slim Style Keyboard Case is available in five different colors. The outer surface is made of soft-touch material reminiscent of rubber, while the inner surface is made of suede. Simply fix the tablet inside the case - two mounts securely hold the device. The model is equipped with Belkin True Type keys and a micro-USB charging cable.

Given the fact that this model is available in different colors, it is more intended for fashionistas. The manufacturer did not even focus on battery life. The price at dealers is $ 80, on Amazon from $ 67.

Logitech

FabricSkin Keyboard Folio

Logitech claims the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio as “thoughtful excellence” in its fight for the title of "design leader". The product is available in four color options: Electric Blue, Urban Gray, Mars Red Orange and Carbon Black.

The cover is finished with a fabric with a water-repellent coating. The dimensions of the keyboard cover are 255 x 200 x 20 mm, weight - 425 g, thickness 1.8 cm. This cover reliably provides two-sided protection for iPad Air. The model has a built-in SecureLock system that locks the tablet in one open position.

The built-in battery is rated for 180 hours of use. Retail price $ 149, not offered on Amazon.

Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover forms an integral unit with the iPad as a case, and with a comparable thickness and similar silver lid design, the pair looks like a sleek mini-laptop from Apple. The keyboard attaches to the edge of the iPad using a magnetic loop, just like the Magic Cover. Likewise, when you open a “device,” the iPad wakes up automatically. iPad can be placed in both portrait and landscape orientation. The model has a magnetic strip that provides additional rigidity to the connection.

Weight 330 g, thickness 7mm, battery life 180 hours. Recharging via micro-USB cable. Retail price and price in Amazon $ 100.

Ultrathin Keyboard Folio

The model is similar to the previous keyboard in almost every way, including the price. The change in name only implies "more graceful execution".

Tablet Keyboard for iPad

The most affordable keyboard from Logitech. The keyboard comes in a case that doubles as an iPad stand. Powered by 4 AAA batteries.

Retail price $ 70, on Amazon $ 56.45.

ZAGG

ZAGGkeys Folio with Backlit Keyboard

Designed specifically for iPad Air, this slim (7.6mm) backlit keyboard has a 30% larger work surface. Pleasant opening of the case, burning keys, all this is very similar to opening and working with MacBook Air.

The battery is designed for 180 hours of operation, of course, because of the backlight, the battery is heavier than that of competitors, the weight of the device is 535 grams. The price is $ 100, there are no discounts on Amazon.

ZAGGkeys Universal Black Keyboard

Universal keyboard for use with iOS, Android and Windows devices. The curved keyboard surface is considered more comfortable for typing, and the curved case serves as a confident stand for the iPad.

Weight 295 g, battery life 180 hours. Retail price $ 70, on Amazon from $ 45.

ZAGGkeys FLEX Portable Keyboard and Stand

Like the previous one, this is a universal keyboard for many OS. The dimensions and weight (320 g) allow you to carry this keyboard in your jacket pocket. iPad on this device can be placed in both landscape and tablet orientations.

Battery capacity 180 hours, price $ 80.

Kensington

KeyFolio Exact Plus Thin Folio with Keyboard

The Kensington KeyFolio has a nice feature to change the angle of the tablet. With six rows of keys and seven selectable backlight colors, this keyboard is very much like a laptop. The raised edges protect the iPad screen from scratches.

Retail price $ 150, on Amazon from $ 127.

KeyFolio Pro Plus Folio with Keyboard


The younger, but more stylish brother of the previous model. Faux leather trim, smaller size, and seven-color key backlighting make this model more of a fashion accessory than a functional device.

Retail price $ 120, on Amazon from $ 99.

We reviewed 12 excellent models from 4 manufacturers. Someone is interested in the image of a manufacturer, someone is interested in functionality, someone wants an original accessory. Which model would you choose and which features are most important to you. We are waiting for your comments.