I am continually testing completely different iPad instances. Once I’m carried out, I at all times return to the Logitech Combo Contact. With an adjustable kickstand and a removable keyboard, it has all the things I want. The Zagg Professional Keys 2 mimics most of the capabilities of the Logitech accent however at a lower cost, so I used to be excited to attempt it, considering I could have discovered a brand new favourite. Sadly, it falls quick.
It isn’t utterly 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 isn’t any trackpad—which means I’ve to pack a mouse or continually elevate my finger to the display screen—and the complete setup is heavy and clunky. At $150, it is one of many extra reasonably priced iPad Professional keyboard instances. However its flaws are annoying sufficient that the lower cost won’t matter.
Protecting however Chonky
The Professional Keys 2 I am testing is particularly constructed for the 13-inch iPad Professional (M4, 2024), although it’s also possible to purchase it for the 11-inch iPad Professional (M4) in addition to each 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 should use the iPad Professional like a laptop computer. The setup appears to be like extra fashionable than the first-generation Professional Keys, with sq. as an alternative of spherical keycaps (which I favor) and backlit—with the choice to cycle between colours like inexperienced, blue, and crimson. There are lightbulbs underneath 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.
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{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar
It’s comfy to kind on for lengthy durations (I used it to kind this overview), although a trackpad would have been the cherry on prime, particularly since there’s loads of room (the first-gen mannequin has a trackpad model). Despite the fact 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 may join as much as two gadgets) and cost it. Zagg claims as much as one 12 months of battery life, so that you don’t have to fret about continually plugging it in.
The second-generation model has a slot on the aspect for the Apple Pencil relatively 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, nevertheless it received’t get in the way in which of wi-fi charging.
This case feels tremendous protecting, a lot in order that it appears 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 comfortable, matte really feel. The folio cowl might be folded again right into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was wonderful 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 would not supply as many angles as a kickstand does.
