The KeyFolio Thin X3 for iPad Air 2 ($99.99) from Kensington is a slick keyboard case with a twist: It includes a built-in 1,650mAh battery to charge other devices, or your iPad itself. It fits your Apple iPad Air 2 ($445.00 at eBay) like a glove, and offers durable protection through a combination of plastic and premium-quality fabric. However, the keys themselves have a rigid, stiff feel, and there's only one viewing angle when using the magnetic hinge. If those are deal breakers then you may want to check out our Editors' Choice keyboard case, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air . But if you like the idea of a keyboard case that doubles as a backup battery, the KeyFolio Thin X3 is a good choice.
Design and Features
The KeyFolio Thin X3 ( at Amazon) comes in a black, textured plastic fabric shell that feels premium to the touch. It measures 11.2 by 8.1 by 1.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.5 pounds, so it's a good deal heavier than many other keyboard cases. It offers a lot of grip, and it lends a solid level of protection that covers the entire chassis of your tablet while leaving openings for the headphone and Lightning ports, the microphone, speakers, and all of the side buttons.
There is no Power button. Instead, the keyboard only switches on when the iPad is resting on the magnetic hinge, which holds it at a 55-degree angle—and only at a 55-degree angle. You can't make any viewing angle adjustments with the Kensington KeyFolio Thin X3. In contrast, the ClamCase Pro ($39.95 at Amazon) can adjust to any degree with its versatile hinge, and the Belkin QODE ($79.99 at Amazon) has a number of options for its magnetic stand. The magnetic connection here is strong, though; the keyboard stayed attached to the tablet even after shaking and shuffling it around on a flat surface. And it shuts off automatically when you close the case.
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You'll find a micro USB charging port on the right side of the case. Besides charging the keyboard with the included micro USB cable, you can use the included micro USB-to-USB adapter to charge your iPhone (659.00 64GB; Silver at Groupon) or any other device in need of a battery boost using the KeyFolio's 1,650mAh lithium-ion battery. It's extremely convenient if you're out and about and in need of a charge—just make sure not to lose the cable.
Besides that, you'll find a Bluetooth pairing key at the upper right edge of the keyboard. Pairing is easy: Just press and hold the Bluetooth key for a few seconds, and pair it with your iPad Air 2 through the Bluetooth menu under Settings.
Keyboard and Conclusions
Smaller keyboards take some getting used to. In the case of the Kensington KeyFolio Thin X3, it's the stiff, somewhat rigid keys that require a bit of practice. Typing lightly resulted in a number of typos that had me hitting the tiny Backspace key far too often. But when typing deliberately and carefully, I was able to draft a few quick "Quick brown foxes" with ease. There are no rearranged keys or strange misplacements—every key is where you expect it to be. But there's lots of space between the keys, and I'd rather see less space and bigger keys.
For the price, the Kensington KeyFolio Thin X3 goes right up against our favorite keyboard case, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, which has a sleek and strong aluminum feel, a powerful magnetic hinge, and large, well-spaced keys that make for a better typing experience. There's also the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case ($49.99 at Amazon) , which offers multiple viewing angles. But if all of these cases sound expensive, you might want to consider the $30 Anker TC930 Ultra-Thin Keyboard Cover ($29.99 at Amazon) , which offers just as much form and function as more expensive covers, but suffers a bit from small, cramped keys. The Kensington KeyFolio Thin X3 can charge your iPhone for you, though, which none of these other cases can do. So if you want a keyboard case that doubles as a backup battery, the Thin X3 is a solid option.
Kensington's KeyFolio Thin X3 keyboard case will protect your iPad Air 2 and charge your mobile devices, but the typing experience isn't the best.
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