I am continuously testing totally different iPad instances. Once I’m carried out, I all the time return to the Logitech Combo Contact. With an adjustable kickstand and a removable keyboard, it has every part I want. The Zagg Professional Keys 2 mimics lots of the capabilities of the Logitech accent however at a cheaper price, so I used to be excited to strive it, considering I could have discovered a brand new favourite. Sadly, it falls brief.
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 isn’t any trackpad—that means I’ve to pack a mouse or continuously elevate my finger to the display screen—and the whole 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 cheaper price 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 you can too 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 utilize the iPad Professional like a laptop computer. The setup seems extra fashionable than the first-generation Professional Keys, with sq. as a substitute of spherical keycaps (which I favor) and backlit—with the choice to cycle between colours like inexperienced, blue, and purple. There are lightbulbs beneath 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.
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{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar
It’s snug to kind on for lengthy durations (I used it to kind this overview), although a trackpad would have been the cherry on high, 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 couple 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 must pair it with the iPad (you’ll be able to 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 continuously 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, nevertheless it received’t get in the best way of wi-fi charging.
This case feels tremendous protecting, a lot in order that it looks like lots of the rugged instances I’ve examined. Along with the rubber edges, the remainder of the case is made from plastic with a gentle, matte really feel. The folio cowl will be folded again right into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was tremendous 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 provide as many angles as a kickstand does.
