Last week I had my daughter tell me my new computer was great, but it really needed a mouse. I couldn’t help but chuckle out loud, my “new computer” was my iPad connected to a keyboard case. I couldn’t pick on her too badly though. A quick looked and an untrained eye might be fooled by this iPad case from Brydge.
I’ve been using and testing the Brydge 9.7in Bluetooth case and I love it. I’ve never used a keyboard case before on an iPad so I was not sure how I would use it and if I would even like the idea of having a keyboard attached to my iPad. To get used to the idea I forced myself to abandon my MacBook Air in the evenings and exclusively used my iPad with this keyboard case. Ultimately I found it very functional. While I am a huge fan of this iPad case, like with many cases there are a few drawbacks to it. However, for me, the advantages to this kind of case outweighed the few negatives I’ve found while using it.
Features that make this case a winner for me
There are several features about this iPad keyboard case that I really enjoy. Unlike many iPad keyboard cases, this is just the keyboard. Your iPad slides into the hinge system with rubber covers to tightly grip your iPad. Whether you pick up the iPad itself or just grab it by the keyboard and carry it around like a laptop your iPad will not go anywhere. Linking the Keyboard via Bluetooth was fast, a quick launch of Settings, Bluetooth and hitting the power button on the keyboard was all it took. A little detail that you don’t always see on keyboards for iPad is that the power button illuminates when you hit it so you know the keyboard is on. That was it, about two minutes of my time and I was up and running. I immediately liked the feel of the keyboard. It feels very similar to the Apple Bluetooth keyboard and while it’s not a full size keyboard it does not feel restrictive when I type. Specialty keys worked flawlessly. I can quickly lock my iPad screen, launch Siri and adjust brightness from the keyboard. Lastly, the look! This is a very professional and eye-catching setup. My daughter thinking it was a new computer is a perfect example. This keyboard case comes in coordinating colors to match your iPad and because it’s designed to use without a case your iPad remains a focal point.
Some drawbacks to this iPad keyboard case
The nature of the design and function of a keyboard case does lead to a few drawbacks, but these drawbacks are typical of just about all keyboard cases on the market. The first thing I noticed was my lightweight iPad now gained some weight. You’re also stuck in landscape view. There’s not much to be done about these two drawbacks, but your iPad easily separates from the keyboard. It did take a little adjustment on my part to be comfortable reading my digital books in landscape view. I’ll admit it’s still not that comfortable and feels a little unnatural and I’m still adjusting to it. A final draw back that I see is that your iPad isn’t fully protected. The screen is protected when the iPad is closed against the keyboard but the corners and backside are exposed. There’s good news however because this particular keyboard case can accommodate and fits with the Otterbox Universe case for iPad! I thought this was an error when I read it, but it’s true. The keyboard has rubber inserts that help to hold the iPad securely to the keyboard, you simply remove these and your iPad easily and securely fits again to the keyboard with the added protection and convenience of this case.
If you’re in the market for a new keyboard case for your iPad I strongly recommend this keyboard case!