Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air 2
Price: $139
Weight: 327g
Unlike other keyboards in this round-up, the Logitech
Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air 2 protects only the tablet's
screen but not its back.
As I have got into the habit of layering a protective skin
on my iPad's back, this Bluetooth keyboard cover should be perfect for
keeping the weight down.
The keyboard cover attaches to your tablet via a magnetic hinge like Apple's Smart Cover.
It automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed.
The magnetic hinge has been redesigned. Now, the hinge rests hidden on the cover when not in use.
You slide in the iPad at an angle of about 30 degrees and
the hinge pops up. While this does work, I find the new magnetic hinge
not as secure as the older hinges.
It managed to detach itself from my iPad while in the iPad sleeve of my backpack.
On the inside of the cover is a full-sized keyboard with a magnetic groove behind it.
Older versions had a fixed groove, but the new one can be adjusted to change the viewing angle from 60 degrees to 70 degrees.
The iPad Air 2 can be magnetically secured in the groove,
but only in landscape orientation. But I find that the connection is
not really stable, especially when you sit it on your lap to type.
I prefer the fixed groove of earlier models as I think the
fixed 60-degree viewing angle is perfect for typing with the keyboard.
Also, the connection was more secure.
Thankfully, the full-sized keyboard remains easy to use.
The layout is familiar to frequent users of Apple keyboards. The keys
are well spaced, responsive and have a nice tactile feel. It is almost
as good as typing on a conventional keyboard.
On the downside, the keys are not backlit and the numbers
and characters on the keys seem flimsy, as if they might peel off after
prolonged use.
Weighing only 327g and measuring just 6.4mm thick, the Logitech is about 110g lighter but 0.3mm thicker than the iPad Air 2.
The aluminium cover comes in space grey (with black
keyboard) and silver (with white keyboard, version tested). Both
colours complement the look of the tablet.
However, there is no gold version.
The keyboard cover is powered by two lithium coin
batteries. The battery is supposed to last two years - if you use it
for no more than two hours a day.
I would prefer a built-in battery that can be recharged via a micro-USB cable, though.
