Zagg’s Professional Keys 2 Is a Cheaper iPad Keyboard Case however It’s Too Thick

I am consistently testing completely 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 all the pieces 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 attempt it, pondering 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 is not any trackpad—which means I’ve to pack a mouse or consistently raise my finger to the display screen—and the complete setup is heavy and clunky. At $150, it is one of many extra inexpensive 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 need to use the iPad Professional like a laptop computer. The setup seems to be extra fashionable 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 underneath every key, so it is vibrant 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.

It’s comfy to sort on for lengthy durations (I used it to sort this evaluation), 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 just a few weeks now, I nonetheless discover myself by chance reaching towards the center to swipe an imaginary trackpad out of behavior. The keyboard is Bluetooth-connected, so that you’ll should pair it with the iPad (you may join as much as two units) and cost it. Zagg claims as much as one yr of battery life, so that you don’t have to fret about consistently 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, but it surely gained’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 smooth, matte really feel. The folio cowl will be folded again right into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was effective 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 would not provide as many angles as a kickstand does.