I am consistently testing different iPad cases. After I’m carried out, I all the time return to the Logitech Combo Touch. With an adjustable kickstand and a removable keyboard, it has every little thing I want. The Zagg Professional Keys 2 mimics most of the capabilities of the Logitech accent however at a cheaper price, so I used to be excited to attempt it, considering I’ll have discovered a brand new favourite. Sadly, it falls quick.
It isn’t fully similar 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 not any trackpad—which means I’ve to pack a mouse or consistently elevate my finger to the display screen—and your entire setup is heavy and clunky. At $150, it is one of many extra inexpensive iPad Professional keyboard instances. However its flaws are annoying sufficient that the cheaper price may not matter.
Protecting however Chonky
The Professional Keys 2 I am testing is particularly constructed for the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4, 2024), although you may also 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. The setup appears to be like extra trendy than the first-generation Professional Keys, with sq. as a substitute of spherical keycaps (which I choose) and backlit—with the choice to cycle between colours like inexperienced, blue, and pink. There are lightbulbs underneath every key, so it is vibrant sufficient for typing in darker environments. However components 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.
{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar
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). Despite the fact that I’ve been utilizing the case for just a few weeks now, I nonetheless discover myself by chance reaching towards the center to swipe an imaginary trackpad out of behavior. The keyboard is Bluetooth-connected, so that you’ll need to pair it with the iPad (you may join as much as two units) and cost it. Zagg claims as much as one yr of battery life, so that you don’t have to fret about consistently plugging it in.
The second-generation model has a slot on the aspect for the Apple Pencil slightly 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 made 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 most of the rugged instances I’ve examined. Along with the rubber edges, the remainder of the case is made from plastic with a tender, matte really feel. The folio cowl will be folded again right into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was advantageous 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. However it does not provide as many angles as a kickstand does.
