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Typo Keyboard for iPad Air Review

3.0
Average

The Bottom Line

While sturdy and built with premium materials, the Typo Keyboard for iPad Air is significantly pricier than comparable cases that do just as good a job.

MSRP $189.95
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Pros

  • Detachable magnetic hinge.
  • Adjustable stand.
  • Large keys allow for fast typing.
  • Durable.

Cons

  • Very expensive.
  • Bulky.
  • Somewhat stiff key feel.
  • Magnetic hinge is weak.

If you want to wrap your Apple iPad Air ($389.99 at eBay)  or iPad Air 2 ($445.00 at eBay)  in a sturdy case that doubles as a Bluetooth keyboard, you might want to consider the Typo Keyboard—but only if you've got some dough to spend. $189.95 is a lot to ask for what's essentially an optional accessory, especially when there are much cheaper counterparts to consider, like our Editors' Choice, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover , or the far less expensive Anker TC930 Ultra-Thin Keyboard Cover ($29.99 at Amazon) . But if you're willing to part with some serious cash, the Typo delivers a high-quality typing experience on keys as large as a standard keyboard, paired with the convenience of a detachable magnetic hinge, an adjustable stand, and a hard protective shell. I just wish the magnetic hinger was a little stronger.

Design and Features
Let's get this out of the way: Unlike its infamous iPhone keyboard case, no one is going to sue Typo over the design of its iPad keyboard, which is relatively generic. The keyboard comes covered in a black, rubbery protective shell, with the same material surrounding the keyboard. The thick outer shell has an adjustable aluminum stand embedded near the bottom that can bend anywhere from 10 to 90 degrees for a laptop-like feel. The shell itself feels very durable, but bulks up the iPad Air considerably. When placed on a desk the difference is negligible, but when holding the iPad-keyboard combo, it becomes rather noticeable.

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Typo Keyboard for iPad AirThe case measures 9.73 by 7.26 by 0.67 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.14 pounds. Like most keyboard covers, you'll find a Power switch, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a micro USB charging port on the right side. Typo claims a battery life of up to a year on a single charge, but that will obviously vary depending on use.

The keyboard attaches and reattaches to the shell via magnets in the shell's hinge, which is simultaneously the best thing and worst thing about the case. I disconnected the keyboard from my shell-encased iPad, and was able to type comfortably with it five or so feet away. It's a great feature if you want to control how close you view the tablet screen while it's situated in its upright, laptop mode. However, the magnetic connection is fairly week, and I was able to pull the shell covering and the keyboard apart easily with just a little bit of pressure. It's also worth noting that if you flip the keyboard portion behind the iPad and hold the tablet like a book, the magnetic connection almost disappears entirely. I also found the iPad a little difficult to pop out of the case, but that's a minor inconvenience; otherwise it feels very secure.

Keyboard and Conclusions
The Typo's keys have a nice, brushed, rubbery feel to them, though I had to pound on them a little more than I'd have liked to make presses register. The keys feel stiff at first, so it took some getting used to before I was able to type up a storm. The keys are spaced very closely together, but at 0.23 inches wide they're quite large, which makes typing quickly and efficiently easy to do—although the "P" key felt a little too far to the right, even with my wide reach. There is not much of a wrist rest on the Typo, at least for my spindly hands, but a tiny foot print is expected for iPad keyboards.

Typo Keyboard for iPad AirA number of iPad-specific keys are included in the top row of the keyboard, like a Spotlight key for search functions, a Battery Indicator key, a key for Siri, music playback controls, and a key that hides or shows your on-screen keyboard. Unfortunately, there are no brightness controls, which is something that the Anker TC930 has. There are also Contacts and Calendar keys that are supposed to launch those respective apps, but they weren't yet functional at the time of testing.

Ultimately, the Typo Keyboard for iPad Air is a fine keyboard cover, but its price betrays it. You can find a similar premium look and feel in the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for less than half the price of the Typo. That goes for the Zagg Folio Keyboard, too, which includes a customizable backlit keyboard and a faux-leather inlay. However, if it's protection you're looking for, and a way to easily turn your iPad into a magnetized laptop, the Typo may be just what you need.

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About Timothy Torres

Timothy Torres is a Junior Analyst on PCMag's consumer electronics team. He covers wearables, digital home, and various cool gadgets including the occasional video game. He has written all manner of copy for Computer Shopper, The Jersey Journal, Radio One, Random House, and 2D-X. Before entering the tech world, he attended New York University and worked in education as an art instructor. In his spare time he dabbles in theater, sketches comics, eats a lot of sushi and watches too many movies. Twitter: @pleasedtomeetya

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Typo Keyboard for iPad Air