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Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 Review

editors choice horizontal
4.0
Excellent
January 30, 2015

The Bottom Line

The Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 is an excellent, feature-rich productivity companion to your iPad Air 2.

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Pros

  • Multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Excellent keyboard.
  • Backlit keys.
  • Can configure iPad in Portrait mode.
  • Long battery life.
  • Solid, premium construction.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Weak magnetic connection between case and keyboard sections.

The Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 ($149.99) is packed with features, including backlit keys, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, and detachable sections. As a result, it shares our Editors' Choice award with the Zagg Slim Book for iPad Air 2. If you don't think you'll need to prop your iPad in Portrait mode or the multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, however, you could save yourself $20 by going with the Zagg Slim Book.

Design and Features
Belkin's Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 measures 9.72 by 6.9 by 0.75 inches (HWD), which is on par with other keyboard cases like ClamCase Pro for iPad Air 2. Weighing in at 17.12 ounces (1.07 pounds), it's about the same weight as other keyboard cases, if slightly lighter.

Like the Zagg Slim Book , the Qode Ultimate Pro comes in two sections, which is great for shedding the keyboard's weight when you don't need it. It's not quite as versatile when it comes to different iPad configurations, as you only get the laptop and tablet modes. However, you do get the choice to orient your iPad in either landscape or portrait mode. The Slim Book, on the other hand, allows you to reverse the case section so your iPad's screen is facing away from the keyboard, which is good for general hands-free iPad use and offers more viewing angles for watching videos. The Qode Ultimate Pro comes in black and white variations, with the case section's back adorned in faux-leather and the keyboard section dressed in aluminum. It feels positively solid and premium.

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The keyboard section has a flap protruding from its top edge with a built-in magnetic strip, which connects to the case section's magnetic strip found in the middle. The case section will easily disconnect from the magnetic flap if you happen to tilt the iPad towards you, as the connection between the two sections is extremely weak.

Similar Products

Zagg Slim Book for iPad Air 2
editors choice horizontal
4.5
Outstanding

Zagg Slim Book for iPad Air 2

Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2

Two strong magnetic strips directly above the keyboard use your iPad's magnetic left edge to keep it securely propped up in a laptop configuration. You're only offered two viewing angles compared with the Slim Book and ClamCase Pro, which allow you to prop your iPad at almost any angle with their 135 to 360-degree hinges, respectively.

An LED on the keyboard section's right edge indicates charge level and connection status. On the keyboard section's top edge is a micro USB port for charging the keyboard with the included micro USB cable. Belkin claims the battery will last a full year of continuous use with the backlit keys off. Pairing the Qode Ultimate Pro is a simple and one-time affair, and it senses your iPad's weight on the keyboard's magnetic strips to turn itself on and off.

Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2

The Qode Ultimate Pro makes up for its lack of iPad configurations with the ability to connect to two different Bluetooth devices at one time. We've seen this kind of multi-device Bluetooth connectivity with the Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard ($32.98 at Amazon) , which allows you to type on the your iPad and switch Bluetooth connections to, say, your mobile phone for replying to a text message. Switching connections simply requires pressing Fn and the "+=" key, which has a Bluetooth symbol and the number "2" next to it.

Performance and Conclusions
The Qode Ultimate Pro has an excellent backlit keyboard (with three brightness levels) that almost rivals the ClamCase Pro's in comfort. The keys are slightly wider, and they're well spaced, too. Key travel isn't quite as deep, and feedback isn't as springy, but it's still satisfying and comfortable to type on. I never experienced any key bouncing (or key repetition), which can be an issue with Bluetooth keyboards. The Delete key works smoothly and without a hitch, which was an issue I experienced with the Zagg Slim Book.

It may lack the iPad viewing configurations that help define its two main rivals, the ClamCase Pro and Zagg Slim Book. But we highly recommend Belkin's Qode Ultimate Pro for iPad Air 2 for its premium build quality, detachable sections, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, and excellent backlit keyboard. If all you prize is multiple viewing modes and a good, backlit keyboard, the Slim Book is for you; it's $20 less expensive. The ClamCase Pro has the best iPad keyboard we've tested, but the keys are unlit, its build quality is questionable, and it costs $20 more than the Qode Ultimate Pro.

Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2
4.0
Editors' Choice
Pros
  • Multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Excellent keyboard.
  • Backlit keys.
  • Can configure iPad in Portrait mode.
  • Long battery life.
  • Solid, premium construction.
View More
Cons
  • Expensive.
  • Weak magnetic connection between case and keyboard sections.
The Bottom Line

The Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 is an excellent, feature-rich productivity companion to your iPad Air 2.

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About Antonio Villas-Boas

Junior Analyst, Consumer Electronics

Before becoming PCMag’s Junior Consumer Electronics Analyst, Antonio graduated from Colgate University with a BA in History where he, upon writing his nine millionth essay, never thought he would ever write ever again, especially for a living. After working in PR and sales, Antonio realized his knowledge and passion for technology far exceeded normal levels, and, ironically, writing about it was one of his few outlets. He decided to take a risk and go on his own. He started his blog, TonyVsTech.com, and was freelancing tech related articles for major tech outlets, namely producing how-to tutorial videos for TheUnlockr.com. After making his own way to CES in 2014, he heard PCMag’s call for a new Junior Consumer Electronics Analyst, and answered it with gusto. He still can’t believe his job is to review cool tech and gadgets at an awesome tech publication.

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Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 $39.99 at Amazon
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