Zagg Professional Keys 2 for iPad Professional: A Thick Keyboard Case

I am always testing totally different iPad circumstances. Once I’m achieved, I all the time 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 lots of the capabilities of the Logitech accent however at a cheaper price, so I used to be excited to strive it, considering I’ll have discovered a brand new favourite. Sadly, it falls brief.

It isn’t fully equivalent 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 always elevate my finger to the display screen—and the whole setup is heavy and clunky. At $150, it is one of many extra inexpensive iPad Professional keyboard circumstances. 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 Professional (M4, 2024), although you too can 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 need to use the iPad Professional like a laptop computer. The setup appears to be like extra trendy than the first-generation Professional Keys, with sq. as a substitute of spherical keycaps (which I want) and backlit—with the choice to cycle between colours like inexperienced, blue, and purple. There are lightbulbs beneath every key, so it is vivid sufficient for typing in darker environments. However elements of the keyboard (just like the facet 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 comfy to sort on for lengthy durations (I used it to sort 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). Although 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 yr of battery life, so that you don’t have to fret about always plugging it in.

The second-generation model has a slot on the facet for the Apple Pencil somewhat 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 a substitute, 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 gained’t get in the best way of wi-fi charging.

This case feels tremendous protecting, a lot in order that it appears like lots of the rugged circumstances 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 could be folded again right into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was superb 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. But it surely does not provide as many angles as a kickstand does.